mmm BX 3963 . A4 1923 Presbyterian Church in the U.S. General Assembly. A digest of the acts and proceedings of the Genera, Ml * i Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2019 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library https://archive.org/details/digestofactsprocOOpres I *. I » A DIGEST OF THE ACTS AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE UNI T E D S T A T E S, REVISED DOWN TO AND INCLUDING ACTS OE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF 1922. BY G. F. NICOLASSEN. RICHMOND, VA. Presbyterian Committee of Publication. 1923. Copyright, 1923 Presbyterian Committee of Publication Richmond, Va. WILLIAMS PRINTING CO., PRINTER RICHMOND, VA. Printed in the United States of America. PREFACE The last decade has seen a very remarkable growth in our Church. The Systematic Beneficence Committee, with its Every Member Canvass and Progressive Program, has brought our people to a point of giving which they themselves would have considered impossible a few years ago, and has developed a recognition of Stewardship that we have never known be¬ fore. It is thrilling to read the story of this spiritual ad¬ vancement ; and it has been thought advisable to make the record complete so far as it is shown in documents. Hence, the reports of the Systematic Beneficence Committee have been included, as well as the acts of the Assembly itself, al¬ though this procedure has caused some repetition. The remarkable expansion of the Woman's Auxiliary has been a large factor in the forward movement. Their thorough organization and hearty co-operation have contributed very greatly to the success of the new plans. As a matter of historical interest, two pages have been added, containing fac-similes of the signatures of Commis¬ sioners to the first General Assembty of 1861, to the Address to the Churches. In the preparation of this edition of the Digest, valuable aid has been received from several sources. Rev. J. G. Hern¬ don, formerly Stated Clerk of the Synod of Georgia, sent a correction in regard to that Synod. Rev. Dr. Thos. H. Law, while he held the office of Stated Clerk of the Assembly, gave information on a matter that was referred to him. The pres¬ ent Stated Clerk, Rev. Dr. J. D. Leslie, analyzed many of the judicial cases and stated the essential point of each in a way that rendered it very easy to incorporate this material in the Index, and made other helpful suggestions. The Secretaries of the several Executive Committees and of the Woman’s Auxiliary, have prepared the greater part of the statistics found at the end of the volume. Mr. R. E. Magill and Mr. J. E. Pleasants, of the Publication Office, furnished the needed supplies, and superintended the Avork as it passed through the hands of the printers. A feAv words from the supplement published in 1898, may not be out of place : “A wider use of the Digest would check the duplication of identical overtures year after year, give greater unity to the deliverances of the highest court of the Church, and so command for them greater respect and more general observance. It would also aid in crystallizing the methods and unifying the constructions of law in different parts of the church. A large portion of the overtures that go up annually ask for constructions on points already de¬ cided and are sent up in ignorance of that fact.” G. F. Nlcolassen. 4 Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 1, 1923. CONTENTS The references are to the number of the page. Book I. The Constitution _ 1 Book II. The Congregation _ 18 1. Its members _ 18 2. Ministers _ 36 3. Elders _ 68 4. Deacons _ 77 Book III. Church Courts _ 81 1. The Session _ 81 2. The Presbytery _ 96 3. The Synod _ * _ 110 4. The General Assembly _ 127 5. General Powers of Church Courts _ 164 Book IV. The Agencies of the Church _ 169 1. Foreign Missions _ 169 2. Home Missions _ 238 a. Evangelism _ 260 b. Church Erection _ 282 c. Pastoral Support, ( Sustentation ) _ 286 d. Mission Schools _ 292 e. Mountaineers _ 297 f. Foreign Speaking Peoples _ 299 g. Colored Evangelization 301 h. The Frontier _ 339 3. Christian Education and Ministerial Relief _ 343 a. Education for the Min¬ istry and Missionary Service _ 346 b. Ministerial Relief _ 373 c. Endowment Fund _ 392 d. Schools and Colleges- _ 397 e. Student Loan Fund _ 456 f. Home and School _ 458 4. Theological Seminaries.. 475 5. Publication and Sunday School Work _ 500 a. Publication _ 500 b. Sunday Schools _ 527 c. Young People’s Socie¬ ties _ 566 6. Systematic Beneficence _ 580 7. General Regulations _ 764 8. Trustees and the Charter 793 9. Voluntary Agencies _ 799 Book V. Ordinances _ 816 Sabbath _ 816 Family Worship _ 831 Lord’s Supper _ 834 Baptism _ 835 Book VI. Topics Moral and Secular. 850 Worldly Amusements _ 850 Intemperance _ 856 Gambling _ 862 Divorce _ 867 Book VII. v Relations with other Bodies _ 858 1. Non -Secular Character of the Church _ 885 2. Organic Union with other Bodies _ 909 3. Fraternal Correspondence with other Bodies _ 923 Book VIII. Judicial Cases _ 1097 Book IX. Statistics _ 1119 Index _ 1129 CORRECTIONS P. 75, §154,, change §38 to 60. P. 606, 11 lines from bottom, change 1922 to 1912. P. 693, §1142, substitute the following: Richmond (1918) Synod Durant J. S. Foster __ _ .Alabama _ . — J. S. Foster. E. W. King _ . . _ Appalachia Arkansas T. C. McRae. Florida . . A. A. Little . — Georgia A. A. Little. J. T. Thomas _ _ Kentucky _ -T. T. Thomas. J. A. Lyon Louisiana . _ - J. B. Hutton .Mississippi C. It. Nisbet Missouri R. A. Brand North Carolina A. F. Davidson .Oklahoma A. H. Ferguson. A. D. P. Gilmour .South Carolina W. H. Raymond Tennessee - W. H. Raymond. Texas . _ J. W. Friend Vira-inia, Ernest Thompson .West Virginia - Ernest Thompson P. 793, §1226, change Securities to Secretaries. A DIGEST OF THE ACTS AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES Revised down to and including Acts of the General Assembly of 1922 BOOK I THE CONSTITUTION 1. I Title of the Church. — The Constitution declared 1861, p. 7. Resolved , 1. That the style and title of this Church shall be The Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States of America. 12. That this Assembly declare, in conformity with the unani¬ mous decision of our Presbyteries, that the Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, the Form of Government, the Book of Discipline, amd the Directory of Worship, which together make up the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, are the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States of America, only substituting the term “Confederate States” for “United States.” 2. Title of the Church changed 1865, p. 357. The Committee on Bills and Overtures made a report, recommending that the name of the Church shall be The Presbyterian Church in tfie United States; after which various other names were proposed by members of the Assembly. After considerable discussion on the merits of the names proposed, the vote was taken with the following result : F or the name proposed by the Committee, 42 ; Presbyterian Church in the South, 7 ; Amer ican Presbyterian Church, 2 ; Protestant Presbyterian Church in the United States, 2. The vote was then made unanimous. The Constitution 2 [Book I 3. How the Confession of Faith and Catechisms may be amended. 1883, p .50. The following paper was adopted: Resolved, That inasmuch as the provisions for amending the Confession of Faith and Catechisms, which the Synod of 1788 in¬ corporated in the act by which it adopted said formularies, are nowhere printed in our Standards, this Assembly hereby requests all the Presbyterians under its care to send up to the next Assembly a distinct answer to the following question: Shall Chapter VII. of the Form of Government be amended by adding a third section to read as follows: III. Amendments to the Confession of Faith and the Catechisms of this Church may be made only upon the recommendation of one Assembly, the concurrence of at least three-fourths of the Presbyteries, and the enactment of the same by a subsequent Assembly. 1884, p>. 250. To this Overture, forty-nine Presbyteries answer in the affirmative, ten in the negative, and two give modified answers, claiming that the provision of the Synod of 1788 is the law of the Church on this subject, and must be complied with in this case. 1884, p. 248. Resolved, That this amendment be, and is here¬ by enacted as Par. 3, Chap. VII., Form of Government. 1885, p. 401. An overture asking the Assembly to annul as unconstitutional the act of the Assembly of 1884, providing for the amendment of the doctrinal standards of the Church. The following answer was adopted: The Assembly declines to take the action proposed, as in its judgment the act complained of was strictly constitutional and lawful. 1885, p. 411. An overture from the Presbytery of St. Johns, asking the amendment of the Book of Church Order, defining and limiting the method of altering the doctrinal symbols of the Church. Answer : The Assembly recommends that the Form of Government, Chapter VII., Paragraph 3., be amended by adding to the said paragraph the following words, viz. : “The provision con¬ tained in the preceding paragraph for the amendment of the Book of Church Order shall not apply to this paragraph; but this para¬ graph shall be amended or altered only in the way which itself provides for the amendment of the Confession of Faith and; Cate¬ chisms of the Church.” And the Assembly sends down to the Presbyteries this amendment for their advice and consent thereunto.” 188b, p. 56. 'On this the vote was — Ayes, 51; noes, 6. It was thereupon enacted. 4. Marriage with a deceased wife’s sister. The discussion of the subject began in 1881 ; in 1886 the following action was taken: Inasmuch as more than three-fourths of the entire number of the Presbyteries, in response to an overture from the Assembly, have given their advice and consent to the proposed amendment (i. e.). to strike out from the Confession of Faith the clause in Sec. IV. of Chap. XXIV.; therefore this Assembly does hereby enact, that said Secs. 3-5] The Constitution clause be stricken out of the Confession of Faith of our Church. Adopted. To the action of the Assembly enacting this amendment, a protest, signed by Rev. C. W. Humphreys and three others, was admitted to record without answer. This protest is found on page 49 of the Minutes. 1887, p. 215. Overtures asking the Assembly to define the mar¬ riage law of the Church, and to put a particular construction on the amendment to the Confession of Faith enacted by the last Assembly as only referring to the deceased wife’s sister. Answer. 1. The Assembly cannot give a more definite expres¬ sion to the marriage law than that found in the Confession of Faith. 2. The Assembly has no power to put any restrictions upon the constitutional amendment enacted by the last Assembly on the mar¬ riage question. 5. Elect Infants 1900, p. 614. An overture from W. E. Shive and W. M. Kilpat¬ rick asking that the Confession of Faith, Chap. X., Sec. 3, be amended so as to read: “All dying in infancy are elect infants, and are regenerated,” etc., was declined, inasmuch as the present lan¬ guage of the Confession cannot, by any fair interpretation, be con¬ strued to teach that any of those who die in infancy are lost. P. 643. Resolved, That in every edition of the Confession of Faith published hereafter the Committee of Publication be instructed to insert as an explanatory foot-note the action of this Assembly regarding infants dying in infancy. 1901, p. 58. To overtures from six Synods and twenty-nine Presbyteries, asking in various terms that this action be rescinded, the Assembly made response granting the request, but declaring that this action is in no way to be taken to modify the answer made to the overture of W. E. Shive and W. M. Kilpatrick by the Assembly of 1900. Concerning the overture from the Presbytery of Norfolk, asking that the Assembly send down to Presbyteries the following overture, “Shall Chap. X., 3, of the Confession be changed to read, ‘Infants dying in infancy, being elect, are regenerated,’ and concerning the overture from the Synod of South Carolina that this be not done; and concerning the overture from the Presbytery of Fort Worth, asking that the Assembly take such action as will leave no doubt of the true position of our church upon this subject; and concerning the overture from the Presbytery of Chesapeake, asking that the Assembly send down to Presbyteries the following overture, viz.: “Shall the word ‘elect’ in Chap. X., 3, in the first line, of the Confession of Faith be stricken out?” and concerning an overture from F. H. Johnston and eight others, asking the same thing, or, failing this, asking that the word “infants” in the section in question be changed to “persons” — Your committee recommends that no action be taken, for the fol¬ lowing reasons: 4 The Constitution [Book I •1. Because it is unwise to initiate at this time the agitation of this question among our people. 2. Because no modification that does not eliminate scriptural Calvinism from this section of the Confession will obviate the ob¬ jection which comes from Arminian sources. !3. Because the Westminster Confession of Faith is the first Great Creed which taught the salvation of infants dying in infancy, on truly scriptural grounds. 4. Because the Confession of Faith in this section does not teach the damnation of any infants dying in infancy, for the reason that the contrast made in it is not between elect and non-elect infants dying in infancy, but between elect persons who die in infancy, and elect persons who do not die in infancy. 5. Because, while we have a well grounded hope, founded on Scripture, that all infants dying in infancy are saved, yet the Con¬ fession of Faith goes as far as the Scriptures justify a positive credal statement upon this subject. In addition, your committee recommends that this entire report be published by our Executive Committee of Publication in a con¬ venient form for distribution, and that it be kept on sale at the Depository. 1902, pp. 259, 294. The Assembly declined an overture asking the addition of a foot-note to Chap. III., Sec. 7, and to Chap. X., Sec. 3, of the Confession of Faith. 1902, p. 264. The Assembly on a yea and nay vote, declined to recommend and send down to the Presbyteries, for their concurrence, the following amendment to Chap. X., of our Confession of Faith, namely, that in place of the language now contained in the first sentence of Sec. 3, of said Chap. X., the following be inserted: “All infants, dying in infancy, are included in the election of grace, and are regenerated and saved by Christ, through the Spirit, who worketh where and when and how he pleaseth.” P. 265. The following was adopted: Eleven overtures have been placed in the hands of your committee relating to the subject of infant salvation. All of them reveal more or less dissatisfaction with some parts of the action taken by our last Assembly touching the question of infant salvation, and express a desire to see our Church authorize some positive statement as to the certainty of the salvation of all infants dying in infancy. The majority of said overtures ask this Assembly to rescind some parts of the action of the last Assembly. (See Minutes of 1901, page 59.) Others call for a declarative or explanatory statement which shall clear our Church of the false charge that we teach or hold that at least some infants who die in infancy are eternally lost; and yet others ask that this Assembly shall take the proper constitutional steps to have our Confession so amended as to make it affirm, in unmistakable terms, the salvation of all infants who die in infancy. In response to these overtures your committee asks the Assembly to make answer as follows: 1. In answer to the overtures, asking for the rescinding of the one or the other part of the whole action of the General Assembly Sec. 5] The Constitution 5 at Little Rock in 1901, concerning Chap. X., Sec. 3, of the Confession, the Assembly does hereby rescind the fifth reason of the last Gen¬ eral Assembly for declining to amend the Confession, which is in terms following: “Because, while we have a well-grounded hope, founded on Scripture, that all infants dying in infancy are saved, yet the Confession of Faith goes as far as the Scriptures justify a positive credal statement upon this subject. 2. This Assembly is fully persuaded that the language employed in Chap. X., Sec, 3, of our Confession of Faith, touching infants dying in infancy, does not teach that there are any infants dying in infancy who are damned, but is only meant to show that those who die in infancy are saved in a different manner from adult persons, who are capable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word. Furthermore, we are persuaded that the Holy Scriptures, when fairly interpreted, amply warrant us in believing that all infants who die in infancy are included in the election of grace, and are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit. Adopted. (Note. — Item 1, above, was substituted in the report, and then adopted as part of the report; in lieu of the following, which was a part of the committee’s recommendations: “1. That the request to rescind the action of the last Assembly (Minutes of 1901, page 59) in regard to the foot-note, which was adopted by the Assembly of 1900, be respectfully declined, because the relief desired can be secured as effectively by. other forms of action.” By accident, this amendment was not inserted in the report, when made a part of it, nor did it come into the hands of the Permanent Clerk. In consequence the action appeared in the printed Minutes as it came from the committee, and not with the substitute which by amendment took the place of item 1. The clerks called attention to the inaccuracy through the press, also called the matter to the notice of the next Assembly, which took no action in the way of recognizing or rectifying the inaccurate minute. Fidelity requires that this note be appended. — A.) P. 288. Resolved, That the order given to our Executive Com¬ mittee of Publication by the last Assembly (as printed in the Minutes of 1910, page 59) for publishing the report adopted by that Assembly, touching the subject of infant salvation, be hereby countermanded, inasmuch as a vital part of said report has been rescinded by this Assembly; and that the Committee of Publication is hereby instructed to print, in leaflet form, the second recommendation of the Standing Committee of Bills and Overtures, which was adopted by this As¬ sembly (see report), and to send the same to the ministers of our church. 1903, p. 489. In response to an overture, that the Assembly send down to the Presbyteries an amendment to our Confession of Faith, Chap. X., Sec. 3, so that it shall read, “Infants dying in infancy’' etc., instead of “elect infants,” etc., the following was adopted: That this request be answered in the negative, for the reason that the section as thus amended would not fully state and properly cor¬ relate the doctrines of grace as held by our Church in relation to the salvation of infants. 6 The Constitution [Book I By a yea and nay vote, the Assembly declined to send down to the Presbyteries for their advice and consent the following two ex¬ planatory foot-notes to the Confession, Chap. X., Sec. 3, to-wit: “This language is not properly construed as teaching that any infants dying in infancy are not saved,” and “The Holy Scriptures, when fairly interpreted, warrant us in believing that all infants who die in infancy are included in the election of grace and are re¬ generated and saved by Christ through the Holy Spirit.” 1904, p. 20. The Assembly was asked to appoint a committee to inquire into the meaning of Chap. X., Sec. 3, of the Confession of Faith, and into the Scriptural grounds for our credal statement, and to make such changes in the Confession as may conform its lan¬ guage to the Word of God. The Assembly declined this request, stating that the deliverenees of the Assemblies of 1901, p. 59; 1902, pp. 264, 265, and 1903, p. 489, are a sufficient statement of the Church’s position on this subject. 1907, p. 54. The Assembly declined to add a declaratory state¬ ment on Chapters III. and X. 1908, p. 62. Four overtures were received, one asking for a foot¬ note to the Confession of Faith, Chap. III., Sec. 7, and to Chap. X., Sec. 3; one that the Assembly refrain from adding explanatory foot-notes to the Confession; one asking for an amendment to Chap. X., Sec. 3; and one asking for the adoption of the substitute sub¬ mitted in said overture. Answer : In view of the widespread difference of opinion as to the necessity of changes of some sort to Confession of Faith, Chap. III., Sec. 7, and Chap. X., Sec. 3, this Assembly sends down to the Presbyteries this question, answers to be returned to the next Assembly, to-wit: Shall any change be made to Confession of Faith, Chap. X., Sec. 3 ? 1909, p. 49. Answers have been received from sixty-eight Pres¬ byteries, that twenty-four answered in the negative and forty-four in the affirmative. A number of those which answer in the affirma¬ tive, send up overtures as to what the change shall be; and these suggestions are varied and diverse. Thereupon an ad interim com¬ mittee was appointed to digest these overtures and report to the next Assembly as to what change shall be made, and all the Pres¬ byteries are requested to communicate to this committee their views on this subject. Committee: A. M. Fraser, W. W. Moon, G. L. Petrie, H. E. Kirk and W. L. Lingle. P. 70. 1910, pp. 46, 127. The second recommendation of the committee was adopted: That the following language as a substitute for Chapter X., Sec¬ tion 3, be sent down to the Presbyteries for their advice and consent: “Of those whom God hath given to the Lord Jesus to be His seed, such as are incapable of being outwardly called by the min¬ istry of the Word, are regenerated and saved by Christ, through the Spirit, who worketh when and where and how he pleaseth.” 1911, p. 28. In view of the whole situation the Committee re¬ commends the sending down to the Presbyteries of the following Secs. 5-8] The Constitution 7 overture to amend Sec. 3, Chap. X., of the Confession to read as follows: “Infants dying in infancy are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit who worketh when and where and how He pleaseth. So also are all others who are included in the election of grace and who are incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word.” 1912, p. 35. Touching the Elect Infant Clause, Chap. X., Sec. 3, of the 76 Presbyteries answering the overtures either wholly or in part: 38 consent to the change; 34 decline to consent to the change; 4 return no answer. As less than half of the total number of Presbyteries (86) agreed to the change, the overture was not enacted. 6. Other amendments to the Confession refused 1907, p. 54. Overture asking for amendments to the Confession of Faith by adding chapters on the Holy Spirit, the Love of God and Missions, was answered in the negative. P. 21. An overture that the Assembly approve amendments to the Confession of Faith, as made by the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., was answered in the negative. 7. Declines to define “ Necessity and Mercy,” and to publish the Confession in different form 1909, p. 35. In regard to the request of your Standing Commit¬ tee that the Assembly should define what is meant by “Works of Necessity and Mercy,” your committee is of the opinion that it would be unwise for this Assembly to undertake to specify the in¬ dividual acts that would fall under these terms, and as a general statement of the principle, the words are as simple and plain as any that could be used. We are sure that a conscience alive to God, and heart in love with Him, to which the Sabbath is a delight, and eager to reduce all work to be done on that day to the smallest minimum, will never have any difficulty in understanding these terms. 1910, p. 37. The Assembly declined to publish the Confession of Faith in different form and style on account of the expense. 8. Brief Statement of Belief 1913, p. 44. We recommend to the General Assembly that the Brief Statement of Belief submitted by the Ad Interim Committee be approved by this Assembly, as amended by this special Committee, for general information and distribution as a tract, and that it be ordered published by our Executive Committee of Publication, with the explanatory note of the Ad Interim Committee. A brief Statement of Belief, Drawn from the Standards of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. Prepared by a Com¬ mittee appointed by the General Assembly at Bristol, May, 1912, and submitted to the General Assembly at Atlanta, May, 1913. 8 The Constitution [Book I Explanatory Note. — Inasmuch as there is some difference of opin¬ ion concerning the status and use of any report which it may make, this Committee desires to state that it does not understand that the Assembly instructed it to provide a statement of doctrine which shall be a substitute for, or an addition or an amendment to, any of the documents contained in the Constitution of the Church, or any part thereof. I. God. — God is a spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable; all powerful, holy, wise, good, true, and just, hating all sin. He is merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. This truth is summed up in the Bible state¬ ment, “God is love.” He exists in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. II. The Bible. — The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit, are the Word of God. They are the revelation of God’s will for man and of man’s duty to God, and are the only infallible and authoritative rule of faith and life. III. God’s Purpose. — The eternal purpose of God includes all events; it is holy and wise, and does not deprive man of freedom, nor make God the author of sin. IV. Creation. — For the manifestation of His own glory, God created the world and1 all things therein, whether visible or invisible, and all very good. He made man after His own image; male and female created He them, with immortal souls, endowed with know¬ ledge, righteousness and holiness, having the law of God in their own hearts, and power to fulfill it; and yet under a possibility of transgression, being left to the freedom of their own will. V. Sin and the Fall. — Sin is the violation of God’s law, either by omission or commission. Our first parents, being tempted by Satan, disobeyed God’s command, and so by their own choice fell from their original state of innocence and communion with God, and came under the power of sin, the penalty of which is eternal death. All men, by reason of their relationship to Adam as their representative head and common ancestor, are born with a sinful nature from which all actual transgressions proceed; and out of this condition no one is able to deliver himself. VI. Salvation. — God, who is rich in mercy, so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to be the Saviour of sinners. The salvation thus provided is freely offered to all men, and is sufficient for all, but becomes efficacious only in those who believe in Jesus Christ unto eternal life. VII. Election. — Before the foundation of the world, God the Father chose unto Himself in Christ a people whom He gave to His Son, that they should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Those who come to years of discretion receive this sal¬ vation only through faith in Christ, being regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Those who die in infancy, and others wTho are incapable of Sec. 8] The Constitution 9 exercising choice, are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit who works when and where and how He pleases. We thus declare that God’s electing grace has peopled heaven with a mul¬ titude that no man can number and has never sent one soul to hell. VIII. Christ the Redeemer. — The Lord Jesus Christ, being the eternal Son of God, became truly man, being conceived by the Holy Ghost and bom of the Virgin Mary, yet without sin; so that he is both God and man, ahd the only perfect mediator between God and man, by whom alone we can come unto the Father. By a life of perfect obedience and by His sacrificial death, He satis¬ fied divine justice, made a perfect atonement for sin, and recon¬ ciles us to God. He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, where He makes continual intercession for us; and He sits at the right hand of God, clothed with honor and power, subduing His people unto Himself, mling and defending them, and restraining and conquering all His and their enemies. He will come again to receive and reward His people, and to judge the world. IX. The Holy Spirit. — The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, applies the redemption purchased by Christ. He per¬ suades and enables men to obey the call of the gospel, and dwells continually in every believer as the Spirit of tmth, of holiness, of power and of comfort, and is thereby the author of all Christian experience. X. Justification by Faith. — Everyone who humbly relies upon Christ alone foi salvation and in repentance confesses and forsakes his sins, is pardoned and accepted as righteous in God’s sight, solely on the ground of the perfect obedience and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Everyone thus pardoned and accepted is adopted into God’s family, and becomes an heir of God and a joint heir with Jesus Christ. XI. The Christian Life. — The Holy Spirit imparts spiritual life by the direct operation of His power; so that, being born from above, we are the children of God, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which are not the ground but the fruits of salvation. Dwelling in Christ’s people, He purifies them more and more from sin, enables them to render a cheerful and loving obedience to God’s commandments, and1 perseveres in His sanctifying work in theiir hearts until at last they stand perfect in the presence of Christ in glory. Believers may at times backslide, growing indifferent and cold, and even falling into grievous sins; yet God does not cast them off, but chastens them, and restores them through repentance to fellowship with Him. XII. The Church. — We acknowledge one universal Church, the same in all ages, of which Christ is the head. The Church invisible consists of all the redeemed. The Church visible is composed of all those throughout the world who profess faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, together with their children, and it is the duty of all believers openly to profess their faith by uniting with the Church. The Church exists to bring to Christ those whom the Father has given Him, and to establish the Redeemer’s kingdom. The mission of the Church 10 The Constitution [Book I is spiritual, and its work is to witness to the truth of God to the ends of the earth, and to preach the gospel to all men in every generation. We believe in the separation of Church and State. The Scriptural form of Church government is by elders or presbyters, chosen by the members of the Church; but we do not regard the form of government of a Church as essential to its existence. We recognize the validity of the ministry and sacraments of all evan¬ gelical churches, and seek the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. Ministers, elders and deacons, at their ordination, are re¬ quired to subscribe to the system of doctrine contained in our stand¬ ards, but the sole condition for membership in the Church is a credible confession of Christ as Saviour. XIII. The Sacraments. — There are two sacraments, baptism, which symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit, and the Lord’s Supper, which symbolizes the sacrificial death of Christ. Sprinkling or pouring is the Scriptural mode^rf baptism, but the mode is not es¬ sential to the validity of the sacrament. Children of believers, be¬ fore reaching the age of personal accountability, are to be baptized on the faith of their parents, who in the sacramental act enter into formal covenant relations with God. We invite to the Lord’s table all who love Him in sincerity and truth and who are in good and regular standing in evangelical churches. XIV. Death and Resurrection. — The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in the grave till the resurrection. At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God to all eternity; but the wicked shall go away into everlasting punish¬ ment. XV. The Final State. — There are but two states of future ex¬ istence, heaven, the home of the redeemed, and hell, the abode of the finally impenitent. There is no purgatory, nor is there any proba¬ tion after death. Man retains his identity after death, and there will be recognition in the future life. We believe, in the ultimate and complete triumph of the Saviour’s kingdom, and with all His fol¬ lowers in all ages we toil and pray for the speedy coming of the day when our glorious Lord shall see of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied. 9. Simplified form of Shorter Catechism declined ♦1911, p. 65. In answer to the overture from Rev. J. B. Converse for a simplified form of the Shorter Catechism, we reply in the negative, for the reason that the Publication Committee has on hand the plates of fourteen different catechisms, and it is deemed unwise to change or modify in any way the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Secs. 8-13] The Constitution 11 10. New Book of Church Order The discussion was begun in 1861. (See Alexander’s Digest of 1910, pp. 11-18.) 1879, p. 17. According to testimony, nearly all of which is of¬ ficial, it appears that one Presbytery, namely, Muhlenburg, declines to vote; in one Presbytery, namely, Fayetteville, there is a tie vote; eight Presbyteries, namely, Columbia, Knoxville, Maryland, Meck¬ lenburg, Nashville, North Alabama, Western District and Western Texas, vote to reject; and the remaining fifty-six Presbyteries to adopt, some sixteen of them nearly unanimously. Resolved, That the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, sitting in Louisville, Ky., May 19, 1879, hereby declares that the new Book of Church Order has been adopted by a large majority of the Presbyteries, as shown in their official reports to this body; and that the said new Book of Church Order is, therefore, hereby declared to be the law of the Church. The Assembly declined to incorporate the old Book’s chapter on Preliminary Principles into the New Book as a preface. 11. Revision of the Directory for Worship The discussion was carried on at intervals from 1864 to 1894. In this year the final form was adopted. 12. Sketch of Westminster Assembly as Preface to the Confession 1879, p. 55. The committee on the revision of the Book of Church Order was directed, in a preface thereto, or elsewhere as in their discretion may seem best, to add a short sketch of the West¬ minster Assembly of Divines. This direction was never complied with. In 1904, p. 50, a request that a committee be appointed to prepare such an account to be printed in future editions of the Con¬ fession, simply for information, was declined. This request was repeated in 1906, p. 24, whereupon the Committee of Publication was authorized to prepare and publish the brief historic statement con¬ templated in the overture, when a new edition shall be issued. 13. The Apostles' Creed 1904, p. 20. The Assembly declined to enjoin its Committee of Publication from printing in Catechisms and other Sunday School literature what is commonly called “The Apostles’ Creed.” 1878, p. 652. The Assembly does not regard it as necessary to omit in the future publications of our Church the phrase in the Creed, “He descended into hell,” since the phrase objected to as liable to misinterpretation is satisfactorily explained, as published by us, in a foot-note, by a quotation from the answer to the 50th question of the Larger Catechism. 1910, p. 66. Same action. 12 The Constitution [Book I 14. Revision of Proof -Texts to the Doctrinal Standards 1902, pp. 259, 294. The Assembly returned a negative answer to an overture asking for a revision of the proof-texts to the Confession of Faith. 1903, p. 507. The Assembly granted an overture of Lafayette Presbytery asking for a committee ad interim to revise the proof- texts in the editions of our doctrinal Standards now published under the authority of the General Assembly with a view to their approval and publication. A Committee of five was appointed with Dr. W. T. Hall as chair¬ man. 1904, p. 16. The committee reported progress and asked to be continued until the meeting of the next Assembly. 1905, p. 13. The committee presented a report which was referred to a select committee to examine and report to this Assembly concern¬ ing approval and method of publication. This ad interim report is found on p. 99. It says that an inspection of the list of changes thought by the committee to be advisable will show that passages of doubtful genuineness or interpretation, to¬ gether with such as are irrelevant, have been rejected, and that additional proof has been supplied where required. It suggests that all proof-texts be printed in full in the Standards, except when whole chapters are cited — this rule to apply to what is not altered, as well as to what is added. P. 41. The select committee made a report, which was adopted, and is, in part, as follows: As far as time and opportunity at our disposal would allow, we have carefully examined the work assigned to us by the General Assembly. It is obviously impracticable, under the circumstances in which we have been placed, to examine in detail and with critical care all this work. The utmost we could do was to note rules adopted by the ad interim committee, and to ascertain as far as practicable in a general way how these rules have been observed. These rules, so far as the rejection or selection of proof passages is concerned, are four — viz. : 1. Reject passages of doubtful genuineness. 2. Reject passages of doubtful interpretation. 3. Reject irrelevant passages. 4. Add other texts where required. So far as we have been able to judge, the added texts are generally, if not universally, apt, and are neither of doubtful genuineness nor of doubtful interpretation. In some instances we have noted f that texts which seem to be of doubtful interpretation or which are ir¬ relevant have not been rejected. We also find instances in which passages cited have been retained about which it may be said that their truth, as a part of God’s Word, is not vouched for by the inspired authors of the books in which these passages occur. At the same time it is evident that the ad interim committee have faith- Sec. 14.] The Constitution 13 fully and diligently executed the work assigned them, and for this they are justly entitled to the thanks of the Church. In view of the fact that it is possible, in our judgment, still further to improve the work so far admirably begun, we recommend the following action: 1. That the revision so far accomplished be now assigned to a new committee ad interim, with instructions to examine carefully the work already done, to make further changes as they may deem desirable, with a view to bring the work still nearer to perfection. (Item 2 thanks the former committee. Item 3 gives new committee of sixteen, Rev. E. C. Gordon, D. D., as chairman, the other members being grouped in threes about the five Schools of Theology in our bounds.) 4. That the report of the former committee ad interim be printed in the Appendix to these Minutes, and otherwise as the new com¬ mittee shall determine. 5. That our officers and courts be requested to examine the work already done, and to make to the new committee any suggestions which they may deem desirable to secure further improvement in the citation of proof-texts. 6. That the new committee be directed to give due regard to such suggestions, and to report their further revision to the next General Assembly. 1906, p. 44. The committee was granted further time and vacan¬ cies in the committee were filled. 1907, p. 65. The committee made a partial report of work done, and was continued. Four members of the committee resigned, their places were not filled, the remaining members being deemed sufficient to complete the work devolved upon it by the Assembly. The partial report of the committee was filed with the Stated Clerk. 1908, p. 54. The committee to which was referred the report of the ad interim committee on the Revision of the Citation of Proof- texts to our Doctrinal Standards would respectfully report that the ad interim committee submits to this Assembly a complete revision of the texts for the Confession of Faith, the Larger Catechism and the Shorter Catechism. The time occupied in the revision, counting the work of the first committee, appointed in 1903, covers a period of five years. Although the texts are merely cited, and not written out, the report covers sii.ty-two large pages, closely written, and represents a prodigious amount of work for which the Church should be duly grateful. The names attached to this revision are a sufficient guaranty of orthodoxy, thoroughness and loyalty to truth, and we should have no hesitation in recommending the immediate adoption of the report, if the revisers were unanimous, or nearly so. They are unanimous as to most of the changes proposed, but in two sets of cases they report serious difference of opinion. ^t has been suggested to us by some members of the ad interim committee that their failure to agree was probably due to the fact that they conducted their work largely by correspondence, and that, The Constitution 14 [Book I if a conference of the whole committee could be held, they would probably be able to reach practical unanimity on all points. On account of the expense involved in holding a meeting of the whole committee, we recommend that the report be sent back to the committee, with instruction that they try by further correspondence to reach substantial agreement, and report to the next Assembly. Adopted. 1909, p. 28. The Select Committee on the report of the ad interim Committee on Proof Texts to the Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms respectfully report that they find that the ad interim committee has done its work with commendable care and at the expense of great labor; and recommend that the report be approved with a single change which will be indicated below. The additional recommendations which your committee makes to the Assembly are these: 1. That the note on the mode of establishing the Canon of Scripture be changed by the insertion, after the word “Apostles,” of the words “of ancient manuscripts and versions,” so that the note will read, “The Canon of Scripture is not established by explicit passages; but by the testimony of Jesus and His Apostles, of ancient manuscripts and versions, of ancient Christian writers and Church councils, and by the internal evidence exhibited in the separate books.” 2. That the Committee of Publication be directed to print a sufficient number of copies of the report, thus amended, for distri¬ bution among the Presbyteries, adopting the recommendations of the ad interim Committee as to arranging a uniform system of reference in printing the proof-texts of the Shorter Catechism. 3. That the report be sent down to the Presbyteries for their answers as to its adoption. Adopted. 1910, pp. 47, 48. Fifty- five Presbyteries answered in the affirma¬ tive, eight in the negative; other Presbyteries make various sugges¬ tions. As a majority of the Presbyteries have given their approval the Assembly enacted the report and directed the Committee of Publication to print the Standards with proof-texts as revised. 15. A Chapter in the Form of Government on Church Property 1907, p. 57. 'An ad interim Committee was authorized to prepare a form of law as to Church Property and report upon same to the next Assembly. By oversight the committee was not appointed. 1908, p. 31. This matter having been taken up and considered by a select committee, the Assembly appointed an ad interim Com¬ mittee to prepare such a law and report to next Assembly. The next year, not having completed its work, it was granted further time. See “Church and College Property,” under Christian Edu¬ cation and Ministerial Relief. 16. Pending Question 1915, p. 49. It was ordered that the “pending question” in our Parliamentary Rules shall mean the “immediately pending question.” 15 Secs. 14-21] The Constitution 17. Phraseology of the Baptismal Formula restored to its original form 1898, p. 220. The Assembly was overtured to take steps to have the Baptismal Formula, found in Chap. IX., Sec. 6, of the Directory for Worship, restored to its original form — “I baptize thee in the name” — instead of into the name,” etc., that this formula may be in harmony with all other parts of our Standards in which the sen¬ tence occurs. This petition was granted and the Presbyteries were overtured to give their advice and consent to the restoration of the original form as found in the old Directory. 1899, p. 434. Answers from seventy out of a total of seventy- seven Presbyteries were received. Of these fifty-five voted for the amendment, fourteen voted against, and one did not vote. There¬ upon it was Resolved, That the Directory be now amended by enacting the above change. 18. Declines to insert in the Directory a Chapter on Christian Giving 1898, p. 220. The Assembly declined an overture that it take steps to change Sec. 6 of the Directory, on the subject of Christian Giving, which is part of Chap. VI., entitled “Of the Preaching of the Word,” by enlarging said paragraph, with a view to magnifying the duty of worshiping the Lord with our substance, and by erecting the enlarged paragraph into a distinct Chapter on Christian Giving. 19. When shall vote be taken in Judicial Cases 1904, p. 19. Interpreting Paragraph 261, Book of Order, as to whether the members shall vote immediately after they have expressed an opinion, or after all the members have expressed their opinion, the Assembly said: After all the members have expressed their opinion. 20. Fatalism in the Confession 1909, p. 48. The Assembly was asked to make such change in Chap. IIP, Sec. 3, of our Confession of Faith as will eliminate the appearances of fatalism, and thus enable us the more successfully to commend our doctrine to the favorable consideration of our fellow- men. This the Assembly declined, for the reason that this Section, when read in connection with the other parts of the Confession furnishes no ground for the charge that it has even the appearance of fatalism. 1910, p. 67. Similar action. 21. Informality in sending down overtures 1884, p. 239. The Presbytery of Ouachita calls the attention of the 16 The Constitution [Book I Assembly to a want of compliance on the part of the last Assembly with the constitutional forms in the manner of sending down the proposed amendments to the Constitution, and overtures this As¬ sembly to reconsider the matter and send the amendments down in the form required by the rule. Answer, Whereas, the General Assembly at Lexington did send down to the Presbyteries certain overtures concerning constitutional amendments couched in such language as does not in itself decide whether it intended to “recommend” that the Presbyteries “advise and consent thereto,” or not; therefore, Resolved, That this Assembly regards it as the intention of that Assembly to comply with the principle of the Constitution provided for such a case, and will act accordingly; and therefore recommend that the overture be answered in the negative. 22. Interpretation of the phrase “ System of Doctrine ” 1898, p. 223. The Assembly was asked to give a deliverance upon Paragraph 119, Section 2, Book of Church Order, relative to the meaning of the words, “system of doctrine.” Can a minister or officer accept the Standards as a whole without subscribing to each particular doctrine therein? The Assembly answered as follows: First, The words “system of doctrine” as applied to the whole body of truth contained in the Confession of Faith, being not ambiguous, but sufficiently definite and plain, the Assembly considers it unnecessary, and therefore declines to give any further definition. Second, The use of the words “system of doctrine” in the terms of subscription precludes the idea of the necessary acceptance of every statement in the Standards by the subscribers, but involves the acceptance of so much as is vital to the system as a whole. Differences of opinion as to whether an> divergences are or are not vital to the system, when of sufficient importance, should be determined judicially by the proper ecclesi¬ astical courts. 23. Amendments to Book of Church Order 1921, p. 65. On transfer of Church membership (See page of this Digest). Oversight of members who have removed from the bounds of their church. (See page 32 of this Digest.) Church membership of divested or deposed ministers. (See page 51 of this Digest.) 24. Proposed amendments 1921, p. 70. We (Committee on Bills and Overtures) recommend that an ad interim committee of five members be appointed by the Moderator and that the following matters be referred to this Com¬ mittee for their consideration with instructions to report to the next General Assembly: Secs. 21-24] The Constitution 17 a. Overture from the Synod of South Carolina, asking that the Book of Church Order, paragraph 64, be so changed or interpreted, that a member of the Session may be chosen to preside at a meeting of the Session in the absence of the pastor. b. Overture from the Session of the First Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, Tenn., asking that our Constitution be so amended or interpreted as to allow a church to call a co-pastor whose term of service shall be limited to that of the pastor. c. Overture from the Presbytery of Durant, overture from the Presbytery of East Hanover, overture from the Presbytery of Tygart’s Valley, and an overture from the Presbytery of Lexington, all asking that steps be taken to make the Assembly a continuous body. d. We recommend further that this ad interim committee make a study of paragraph 63 of the Book of Church Order with a view to stating in clear and unambiguous terms what constitutes a quorum of a Session. e. We also recommend that the Committee call the attention of the next Assembly to any other ambiguities in the Book of Church Order, and suggest to the Assembly such revisions as might make the Book clearer. 1921, p. 71. The Moderator appointed the following committee: W. L. Lingle, I. S. McElroy, R. C. Reed, C. R. Hemphill, Ai. G. Jones. 1922, p. 33. The report, of the Ad-Interim Committee on the amendments to the Book of Church Order was taken from the docket, considered, and the Committee, with the addition of Rev. G. H. Gil¬ mer, D. D., was continued, with the request to make a careful revision of the Book of Church Order and report to the next assembly. BOOK II THE CONGREGATION IT’S MEMBERS CHAPTER I 25. When a member is in good and regular standing 1861, p. 11. Is a member of a church in good and regular standing, and entitled to a dismission in due form when about to remove to another church, who has, for some time prior to his appli¬ cation for such dismission, absented himself from the ministrations of the Word and the ordinances of the Church on account of personal prejudices? P. 37. Answer : In the judgment of this Assembly, every member of our Church is entitled to a dismission in good standing, unless process be commenced against him, it being left to the sound discre¬ tion of the Session to determine from the circumstances of each particular case as to the propriety of tabling charges against him or not. See also the decision in the first Turner case, 1881, p. 378. See Book VIII, Judicial Cases. 26. Letter of dismission necessary before receiving a member from a neighboring church 1896, p. 590. Does Section 1, Chapter IV, of the Rules of Discipline require that a Session, having “other satisfactory reasons of information” in regard to the good and regular standing in a neighboring church of a member who resides in their bounds, shall notwithstanding, prior to receiving him as a member on his appli¬ cation for transfer, require him to procure a letter of dismission from the church with which he has been connected, provided such letter can be obtained? Answer: Yes. 27. Received by certificate unless examined before the Session 1915, p. 29. Overture from the Presbytery of Suwanee, on recep¬ tion of members not presenting certificates of dismission. Secs. 25-30] Its Members 19 Answer: Only those who come before the Session and are ex¬ amined as to their faith in Christ should be recorded as received on examination; all others should be recorded as received by certificate. 28. Members received on restatement 1921, p. 69. Overture from the Presbytery of Athens, asks the Assembly to advise whether members received upon “restatement” from churches which do not grant letter should be reported as received by certificate or upon profession of faith. We recommend the following answer: Paragraph 276 of the Book of Church Order, as amended, allows a Session to receive members “upon other satisfactory testimonials” when it is not possible to get a regular certificate of dismission. If such “other testimonials,” including the candidate’s statement, are satisfactory to the Session, the member should be reported as received upon certificate. If the testimonials are not satisfactory to the Session, the candidate should be examined and received upon profession, and so reported. 29. When transfer of membership under the twelve months’ rule shall apply 1896, p. 590. Does a member’s removal of residence from the country to a town in which there is a regularly organized church of our denomination, and his ceasing for reasons of convenience to attend regularly upon the services of the church whose vicinity he has left, bring him after twelve months under the purview of the rule (Sec. 2, Chap. XV.) requiring the transfer of his membership? Answer: Not necessarily. 30. A member neglecting transfer for twelve months to be retired on separate roll 1914, p. 70. Amendment to Rules of Discipline. — (1) Combine Paragraphs 277 and 279 so that Paragraph 277 shall read: “When a Church member shall remove his residence beyond the bounds of his congregation into the bounds of another, if he shall neglect for twelve months, after due admonition and without satisfactory reasons given to the Session of his church, to have his membership trans¬ ferred, his name shall be retired upon a separate roll until he shall appear and give satisfaction; of which due record shall be made. The foregoing provision shall also apply to a member whose residence is unknown for three years.” (2) Re-number the last two sections of this chapter, IV and V, respectively. 1914, p. 34. Overture from the Presbytery of New Orleans, asking a change in the Book of Church Order, paragraph 279, by the following addition: “Also the same action may be taken at the discretion of the Session when a communicating member shall neglect his obligation to his church for three years, though his residence be known.” The Assembly answers in the negative. 20 The Congregation [Book II 31. Meaning of the word “Church” in Book of Discipline, and how members may be received from other denominations Overture from Palmyra Presbytery to the Synod of Missouri in 1883: 1. Does the word “church” in Chap. XV., Sec. 1., Rules of Discipline, refer to Presbyterian churches only, or to churches of other denominations as well as Presbyterian? 2. Will the Synod interpret the last clause of the section above mentioned? Does it authorize the reception of members from Presbyterian churches only, or from other evangelical churches also, simply on the recognition of the fact that they have been members of the Church? \ Answer of the Synod: 1. The word “church” in Chap. XV., Sec. 1, Rules of Discipline, refers to churches of other denominations as well as to Presbyterian churches. See Form of Government, Chap. I., Secs. III. and VII. 2. The last clause of the section referred to in the overture is to be understood as meaning “other satisfactory means of information” as to membership in other churches as well as Presbyterian. 1884, p. 253. (The Assembly approved the records of the Synod of Missouri with two exceptions. The second of these had refer¬ ence to the answer which Synod gives to the overture from the Presbytery of Palmyra, touching the definition of the word church , as it is found in Chap. IV., Sec. I., Book of Discipline. 32. Dismissing members to and receiving them from churches not connected with this Assembly 1881, p. 378. The usage of the Church is to grant a letter of dismission to members in good and regular standing, to churches not connected with this Assembly, but such a letter cannot be demanded as a matter of legal right. — Extract from the decision in the first Turner case. See Book VIII., Judicial Cases. Reaffirmed, 1893, p. 17. 1882, p. 572. The uniform usage of the Church has been to grant certificates of good and regular standing to those entitled to them, to unite with any evangelical church, and to receive persons to membership upon like certificates from other evangelical churches. 33. Not required to notify the Church to which a member is dismissed 1882, p. 572. The Assembly declined taking steps to amend Chap. XV. of the Rules of Discipline by adding: “And in all cases where a member is dismissed to a particular church, the Session dismissing shall inform the Session to which said member is dis¬ missed of the fact,” because the matter is not of sufficient importance to justify an amendment to the Rules of Discipline; but it added: “Presbyteries may, however, in their discretion, request Session to give the information asked for in this overture.” Secs. 31-36] Its Members 21 1898, p. 222; 1899, p. 406. Similar overtures, embodying the further feature that the Session receiving the member shall notify the Session dismissing of such reception, were declined. 1885, pp. 416, 425. To a similar overture, the answer was made: Whilst it is very desirable that such certificates, notifying the court issuing the letter of the fact of reception, should be given and whilst the Assembly would urge upon Presbyteries and Church Sessions the importance of issuing them, it is not deemed best to incorporate this provision as a part of the organic law of the church. (The overture had reference to dismission of ministers as well as members. — A.) 34. Dismissing a member in blank irregular 1906, p. 24. 'Is it irregular or unconstitutional for a Church Session to issue a letter of dismission in the following form (to a member who has permanently removed beyond its bound) : “This is to certify that A. B. is a member in good and regular standing in the C. D. church, and at his own request is hereby dis¬ missed and affectionately commended to any Presbyterian church in our communion, where God, in his providence, may cast his lot, and when so received, and not before, his special relation to this church will cease.” Reply : In the judgment of this Assembly such a letter is irregu¬ lar, and no provision is made for it in the Constitution. 1908, p. 34. Must the name of the church be given to which any member is dismissed? Answer : The name of the church to which a member is dismissed should ordinarily be given in the certificate of dismission. 35. By whom may certificates of dismission be granted? 1908, p. 34. Can a Session empower a committee or commissioner to grant certificates of dismission? Answer : The Assembly regards the granting of certificates of dismission to members, under our Constitution, as a Sessional act. (Par. 67.) 36. Session may not decline to grant certificate to a member in good and regular standing 1918, p. 54. We would recommend this answer to the overture from the Presbytery at Muhlenburg, asking whether “it is prerogative of a Church Session to decline to grant a certificate upon request of a communicant of that church who is in good and regular standing, dismissing him to another church of our communion into whose bounds he has removed his residence.” It is not the prerogative of a Church Session to decline to grant a certificate under the conditions mentioned. - (See Case of W. S. Turner vs. The Synod of Georgia, Alexander’s Digest, par. 1150.) 22 The Congregation Book [II 37. Baptized non-communicants — their relation to the Church 1890, p. 24. Overtures respecting the relation of adult baptized non-communicants to the Church. Answer : While such persons fail to avail themselves of their privileges their relationship to the Church is not thereby severed, but they are still under its care. (See Book of Discipline, Chap II., Pars. 3, 4, 5.) 38. Who are baptized non- communicants? 1892, p. 434. To interpret the meaning of the words “baptized non-communicants,” in the statistical tables. 1. Should a church under these words report all baptized children not yet come to the age of discretion only? 2. Should non-communicants of all ages, baptized in its folds and living in its bounds, be included? •3. Should those living in the bounds of a church, recognized as belonging to a congregation, known to have been baptized in other Presbyterian churches, be included ? The Assembly made answer to the first question, No. To second question, Yes. To third question, Yes. 39. Letters dismissing members must include their children 1866, p. 13. The Assembly was asked to make it obligatory on Church Sessions, in granting dismissions to heads of families, to include therein the baptized children under their care. Reply : This has been fully provided for in Chap. II., Art. VII., of the “Canons of Discipline” adopted by this body. (The Canons of Discipline submitted by the Assembly of 1866 were not adopted by the Presbyteries. They are valid, however, as showing the Assembly’s answer to the above request. — A.) 1873, p. 312. The General Assembly enjoins it on Presbyteries to require Church Sessions, in dismissing members, to bring their practice into conformity with the Standards of the Church. 40. Specific instructions concerning the registry of dismission of non-communing members 1874, p. 504. 1. Baptized children being, according to our Discipline, “members of the Church, and subject to Church govern¬ ment and Constitution,” there should be kept by the Sessions a register of the names of such persons. (1873, p. 312.) 2. Whenever a parent or parents, in full communion with a church, remove from such church to another, the Session, in giving the usual certificate of dismission to such parent or parents, shall also, on the face of such certificate, state the names of all their children resident in their families being baptized members of the Church; and such names shall then be removed from the register of that church; and on the presentation of the certificate by the dismissed communi- Secs. 37-44] Its Members 23 cants, shall be entered on the register of the church to which said communicants may be dismissed. 3. Whenever any baptized child, not a communicant, shall remove from the bounds of any church, to become, prospectively a resident within the bounds of another, such child, having reached the years of discretion, shall be furnished by the Session, at his or her request, with a certificate of such relationship, to be transferred to the Session of the church within whose bounds the proposed residence is to be made. 41. Sessions to report number of non-communing members in their annual statistics It was so ordered, 1873, p. 312. In 1874 (p. 510), a column foil such was ordered added to the statistical tables. Sessions were urged 1907, p. 55, to report baptized non-communicants by actual count, instead of approximately. 1901, p. 36. Your committee believes that it would be better to omit the column for baptized non-communicants from our statistics than to give such defective and misleading reports as are usually given as matters now are. But your committee also believes that an effort should first be made to secure uniform and accurate reports as to the number of baptized non-communicants. To this end we recommend that the Assembly instruct its Presbyteries to call the attention of pastors and Clerks of Session to the defective nature of these statistics, and to the use made of them against our church by others, and to urge pastors and Clerks of Session to make accurate reports as to the number of baptized non-communicants under their care. Adopted. 42. Column for baptized non- communicants to be hereafter omitted 1875, p. 14. The Assembly declined to order the column for baptized non-communicants to be stricken out of the blanks for Sessional reports, though overtured to do so, because the action directing the insertion of such a column had been so recently taken, and had not been sufficiently tested by experience. 1909, p. 61. This column was ordered stricken out. 1910, p. 37.. It was decided not to replace baptized non-commu¬ nicants in the statistical report. 43. Added by certificate from other denominations 1891, p. 243. The Assembly declined to order a change in the heading of a column in the statistical report, so as to read, “Added by certificate from other denominations.” 44. Number of names on the side-rolls 1890, p. 41. The Assembly declined to order a column in the 24 The Congregation Book II statistical report for the number of names on the side-rolls for which the Book provides, upon the ground that the change would not subserve a purpose commensurate with the expense. 1904, p. 20. The Assembly declined a similar request as to reserved roll of non-resident and suspended members. The same in 1896, p. 575, where the attention of Sessions is directed to the requirements of Chap. XV. of the Rules of Discipline. 45. Losses in membership by deaths, removals and discipline 1875, p. 14. The Assembly declined to direct Sessions to report the losses of their churches by death and removal into other denomi¬ nations. In 1905, p. 54 and 1896, p. 574, declined to order such changes as shall indicate dismissions as well as additions to the churches. Similar action in 1893, p. 36. Refused request for three additional columns, one each for members lost by death, dismissal and discipline, 1903, p. 503. Similar action as to retired and absentee members, 1903, p. 503; and as to a column for deaths and removals in 1890, p. 41; and in 1894, p. 206; and one for deaths, of members, 1893, p. 36; and for losses in membership, 1907, p. 55. In 1904, p. 20, the Assembly declined to require report of either accessions or losses to be reported on in the narrative or to enlarge the narrative blank for that purpose. 46. Loss in membership by removals 1907, pp. 59, 108, With references to defections in Church mem¬ bership, incident to removals and consequent lack of pastoral care, the Executive Commission of the Alliance of the Reformed Churches made the following suggestions as to Church guidance and oversight, which were adopted by the Assembly: 1. Care should be taken to exhort those who are changing their location that they be faithful in attendance on Gospel ordinances, and especially that they be prompt in joining another congregation of Christ’s people. 2. Members leaving a congregation should be furnished in every case with certificates of standing and dismission. Where there is neglect in applying for these, Church officers should take the initiative by urging the application. 3. Each congregation should have a Committee charged to be on the lookout for visiting Church members, to extend to them a fraternal greeting, and to assure them of a cordial welcome to the place of worship and to all the privileges of the congregation. 4. Might not a bureau be established at some central point by the Evangelical Churches, and given as its sole business the super¬ vision of Church members in process of removal to new places? 47. The return of an unused letter of dismission reinstates the party to full communion in the church from which it was taken So the Assembly of 1875 decided. (Omitted by oversight from Secs. 44-50] Its Members 25 Minutes, See Alexanders Digest, p. 37.) An elder returning his letters resumes his functions. See §145. 48. Members who do not attend or support their own church 1874, p. 487. What action should Church Sessions take in regard to members who habitually refuse to contribute anything for the support of the gospel? Answer. — Every professing Christian ought to contribute, according as God has prospered him, for the support of the gospel, and should any one habitually fail in this duty and privilege, it is the duty of Session to counsel him, and, if need be, faithfully admonish him of his sinful neglect. 1911, p. 29. In answer to overtures from Presbyteries of Atlanta, St. Louis, Piedmont, and Memphis, asking for amendment to Para¬ graph 235 of Book of Church Order, it is recommended that the following be sent down to the Presbyteries for their advice and consent. iWhen a communicating member shall confess before the Church Session an unregenerate heart, or shall wilfully and habitually neglect the worship and ordinances of the Church, and there is evidence of other offence, the court may, with his consent, transfer his name to the roll of non-communicating members, and he shall be faithfully warned of his guilt in disobeying the Gospel, and encouraged to seek the redemption freely offered in Christ; and a statement of the case shall always be made to the Church. But this action shall not be taken until the Church Session has ascertained, after mature urging and due delay, that this confession or failure of duty does not result from satanic temptation or transient darkening of spirit. 1912, p. 25. (Declined. 1916, p. 72. In answer to the overture of the Presbytery of Missouri, touching the status of resident members who do not attend or support their own church: We recommend that the Assembly answer that the members of the Presbyterian Church are members of that Church and subject to the jurisdiction of the Session to which they belong until dismissed to another church or disciplined by it. 49. Separate list for resident absentees from services not allowed 1899, p. 406. May a Session place in a separate list, and not report to Presbytery as active members, the names of resident members who habitually absent themselves from the services and ordinances of the Church for years? Answered in the negative. 50. Members not attending upon the ordinances of the church 1897, p. 42. The Assembly was overtured to interpret the first clause of Sec. 152, in Book of Discipline, as to the following points: 26 The Congregation Book [II 1. Is dislike for ministers or officers, non-accord with the man¬ agement of the Church, or dislike for any of its officers and members, a justifiable reason for a member to urge for non-attendance upon services of the sanctuary? 2. Where such reason is given, and where such members persist in continued absence from all Church services on such reasons, would a Church Session be justified in dropping the name of offender from the Church roll after due warning had been given that if su'h conduct, based upon such reason, continued for one year, the name of the party would be dropped from Church roll without trial or process ? The Assembly answers the first question in the negative, and the second question as follows: Wilful absence from the Lord’s table is always an offense. (Book of Discipline, Chap. XII., Sec. 2, Par. 235). In such a case the Session should proceed according to the requirements of the Book of Discipline. « 51. Interpretation of the phrase “ Beyond the bounds of his 1 congregation, etc. 1917, p. 69. The expression “Beyond the bounds of his congre¬ gation into the bounds of another” refers exclusively to congregations of our own Assembly. i 52. N on-resident and non-attending members 1917, p. 70. In answer to the overture from Highland University Church, Austin, Texas, asking for a change in the Book of Church Order, Chap. 12, Paragraph 235, so that resident members who neglect for twelve months the worship and ordinances of the Church may be placed on the roll of non-communicating members : We recommend that it be sent down to Presbyteries for their approval. 1918, p. 53. In answer to the overture from East Hanover Pres¬ bytery, asking for the appointment of an Ad-Interim Committee, “To study the whole subject of non-resident membership in our churches,” we recommend that the request be granted; and that the committee shall consist of Rev. W. L. Lingle, D. D., Rev. Russell Cecil, D. D., and Ruling Elder R. E. Magill; and we further recommend that the committee consider and suggest some plan by which the value and work, not only of our non-resident members, but also our non-attending members, may be conserved to the Church. 1919, p. 18. The report of the Ad- Interim Committee on Non- Resident Members was presented. The report was adopted and the Committee continued. It is as follows: The problem which has been assigned to this Committee for its consideration is a universal problem. It is as old as the Church, and is found in all lands and in all denominations. We cannot hope to solve it by passing a few resolutions, or even by amending the Book of Church Order. The trouble lies deeper than that. Secs. 50-52] Its Members 27 The Minutes of our last Assembly reported 53,490 non-resident members, which is one-seventh of the entire membership of our Church. These non-resident members are distributed pretty evenly through the Synods and Presbyteries of the Church. As we face these figures, they are really alarming, and yet these non-resident members do not constitute the most discouraging part of our problem. We have the hope that a large number of them are living good, Christian lives, wherever they are, and that some of them are active in the work of the churches within whose bounds they live. Non-attending Church members no doubt constitute a larger number and a larger problem than non-resident church members. Even a caual observer can see at a glance in many of our larger churches that not over hfty per cent, of the members attend any given service, and that many members seldom, if ever, attend the services of the church. Even the most optimistic observer is compelled to admit that many resident members are only nominal Church members. Non-resident members and non-attending members constitute one of the largest problems before the Church today. We have no panacea to offer. In fact, the question is such a large one that we do not feel prepared to make a complete and final report, and suggest that this Committee be continued, or another appointed, to keep this whole problem before the Assembly and before the Church until something practical has been accomplished. It may be that the section in the Book of Church Order dealing with the subject of non-resident members should be amended, but it was so thoroughly amended as ^te as 1914 (See this Digest, p. 19) that we hesitate to suggest further amendment without fuller consideration on the part of the Com¬ mittee and of the whole Church. We will, therefore, confine our¬ selves at present to making some practical recommendations which we believe will be of service in the solution of this problem. We make the following recommendations: (1) That pastors be urged to speak to their people from time to time of the duty of taking their Church letters with them in case of their removal to some other place, explaining to them that this is the teaching of our Book of Church Order and the expressed wish of the General Assembly, the highest court of the Church. In this way pastors can educate their people on this important subject. It also gives them a good opportunity to invite those who are living in their midst, and have not already done so, to place their letters in the local church. (2) That when a member of a church removes to another placv the pastor or Session of the church to which the members belongs be urged to promptly notify the pastor or Session of the church in the place to which the member has removed. (3) That when a member removes to another place, the pastor or Session of the church to which he belongs write him a tactful letter, advising him to continue to take an active part in Christian work and suggesting that it would be best for him to identify himself with the church in his new home as soon as possible. In this connection, we suggest that the General Assembly have a committee 28 The Congregation [Book II prepare a kind of pastoral letter in the form of a leaflet, which the pastor could enclose in his letter to the non-resident member. In this leaflet the position of our Church on this subject should be stated and the reasons given in a persuasive way as to why the non¬ resident member should identify himself at once with the church in his new home by placing his letter in that church. Such a leaflet could be printed by the Publication Committee in an inexpensive form. (4) That ministers and Sessions exercise all diligence in visiting in a pastoral way families who move within their bounds and invite them to unite with the local church. Such a leaflet as was spoken of in the preceding paragraph could be used to advantage in issuing such invitations. In the event that the new-comer is willing to move his membership, it would be well for the minister himself, with the consent of the member, to promptly write for the necessary Church letter, so that there might be no delay. (5) That the General Assembly urge all members of the Church who move beyond the bounds of the church to which they belong to promptly secure their Church letters and place them in the church within whose bounds they have removed, so that there may be no break in the continuity of their Church life. (6) That pastors and Sessions everywhere give themselves to the most diligent pastoral oversight and visitation of non-attending Church members, remembering the words of the great Scotch divine who said that a house-going preacher makes a church-going people. It has occurred to us in this connection that as we now have the “every-member canvass,” we might in the same way have a quiet campaign in our churches once or twice each year in which every member would be visited in a pastoral way by the pastor, a member of the Session or some Christian worker. In our large churches, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the minister to do all the visiting which ought to be done, and his visiting should be supple¬ mented by volunteer workers or by assistants who are employed fir their whole time for that purpose. (7) That pastors and Sessions seriously consider ways and means of assigning some definite Christian service to every member of the Church. It is our observation that those members of the Church who have something definite to do are the members who are the most faithful in their attendance upon the service of the Church. In this connection, we might suggest the possibility of giving the people a larger part in the mid-week prayer meeting service, and the possi¬ bility of giving more variety to our Church services, so as to win some who are not now drawn to them. (8) That all our pastors be requested to preach at least one sermon on the Church and Church attendance during the coming year. (9) That every Presbytery be requested to set apart a definite time within the next year, preferably at the fall meeting, for the serious discussion of the problem of non-resident and non-attending members. It would be of value in such a discussion if each Presby¬ tery would ascertain from the Minutes of the Assembly how many non-resident members are reported by the churches within its bounds. Secs. 52-53] Its Members 29 (10) That this Ad-Interim Committee be continued for another year, or another appointed, and that the Stated Clerk of each Presby¬ tery be requested to report to the Chairman of the Committee any helpful suggestions which are made in the discussion of the subject in his Presbytery, or any overture which the Presbytery may make on the subject, and that ministers, Sessions and members be requested to forward to the Chairman helpful suggestions which may come to them. (We are impressed with the magnitude of this question, and are fully persuaded that it cannot be solved by a committee, or even by the Assembly, or by resolutions. It can be solved only by the co¬ operation of the whole ministry and membership of the Church as they work together under the blessing of God. 53. Report of the Ad-Interim, Committee on non-resident members 1920, p. 173. The report was approved. First of all we wish to call the attention of the General Assembly to the rather full report of this Committee which was adopted by the last Assembly. (.See this Digest, p. 26ff.) It would make this report too long to reiterate the action of the last Assembly on this subject, but we do confidently believe that if ministers and Sessions would follow the directions given by the last Assembly in regard to non- resident members, it would go a long way towards the solution of the problem. It is rather discouraging to see how little interest the Church has shown in the subject of the non-resident member since the last As¬ sembly. The last Assembly requested all the Presbyteries to set apart a definite time for the discussion of this subject and directed Stated Clerks of the Presbyteries to send to this Committee any prac¬ tical suggestions which might come out of these discussions Pastors and Sessions were also requested by the Assembly to send suggestions to this Committee. We have received just one letter concerning non¬ resident members since the last Assembly. This indicates either that no one has a solution to offer or that the Church is not as deeply concerned over the problem of the non-resident member as the situ¬ ation would seem to require. The statistical reports of the last Assembly show 48,356 non-resident members out of a total member¬ ship of 364,230. In other words, nearly one-seventh of the Church’s entire membership is reported as non-resident. These figures are startling and ought to arouse ministers and Sessions to do all in their power to remedy the matter. As we have studied the Book of Church Order, especially para¬ graph 277, it has seemed to us that our Church has perhaps been more concerned in finding some method of getting non-resident members off of the active rolls of our churches than it has been in finding some method of conserving them for the Church. The res¬ ponsibility of moving his membership is placed largely upon the member, and too little responsibility in the matter is placed upon the pastors and Sessions. If we would remember that there is a good deal of turmoil and demoralization connected with moving from one 30 The Congregation Book [II home to another and from one community to another, we would realize more fully the necessity of the Church’s taking careful and sympa¬ thetic pastoral oversight of members in such times of stress and loneliness and turmoil. With a view of placing more responsibility upon pastors and Sessions, we are suggesting below some changes in paragraphs 276 and 277 of the Book of Church Order. The last Assembly directed this Committee to prepare a pastoral letter to non-residents members, to be used by the pastors and Session of the church in the community to which the member moves, in their efforts to induce the member to transfer his membership. We submit such a letter as a part of this report. Your Committee would make the following recommendations: 1. That pastors and Sessions be urged to carry out the directions of the last Assembly in regard to non-resident members, 2. That the Assembly approve of the following paragraph as a substitute for paragraph 276 of the Book of Church Order and send it down to the Presbyteries for their action: “When a Church member shall remove his residence beyond the bounds of the congregation of which he is a member, so that he can no longer regularly attend its services, it shall be his duty to transfer his membership by presenting a certificate of dismission from the Session of the church of which he is a member to the church with which he wishes to unite. When the church of which he is a member has no Session, or for other good reasons it seems impossible for the member to secure a certificate of dismission, he may be received by the Session upon other satisfactory testimonials, in which case the church of which he was a member shall be duly notified.” 3. That the Assembly approve the following paragraph as a substitute for paragraph 277 of the Book of Church Order and send it down to the Presbyteries for their action: “When a Church member shall remove his residence beyond the bounds of the church of which he is a member into the bounds of another, it shall be the duty of the pastor and elders of the church of which he is a member, as far as possible, to continue pastoral oversight of him and to inform him that according to the teaching of our Book of Church Order it is his duty to transfer his membership as soon as practicable to the church in whose bounds he is living. It shall also be the duty of the pastor and elders of the church from whose bounds the member moved to notify the pastor and elders of the church into whose bounds he has moved and request them to take pastoral oversight of the member, with a view to having him transfer his membership. If a member, after having been thus advised, shall neglect for twelve months to have his membership transferred, his name shall be retired by the Session, to a separate roll for non-resident members and he shall be so notified. The name of any member whose residence has been unknown for three years shall also be retired by the Session to this roll for non-resident members.” 4. That the Assembly approves the Pastoral Letter to non¬ resident members which is attached to this report, and that pastors Secs. 53-54] Its Members 31 and Sessions be urged to send copies of it to members who remove beyond their bounds, advising them to transfer their membership as soon as practicable. We also recommend that the Assembly direct the Executive Committee of Publhaiion to print or type as many copies of this pastoral letter as pastors and Sessions may need. 54. Pastoral Letter from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church to non-resident Church members Dear . We are addressing this letter to you because you have moved beyond the bounds of the church of which you are a member. In moving you left behind many things which were dear to you, and among these was your Church. It is going to be hard for you to say the word that will sever your relationship with the Church which you left behind. Many hallowed memories center there. Never¬ theless we are writing to urge you as strongly as we know how to transfer your membership as soon as possible from the church beyond whose bounds you have moved to the church in whose bounds you are now living. There are several good reasons why you should do this. First of all, loyalty to the Church demands it. The Presbyterian Church through its highest court has distinctly expressed the desire that you should transfer your membership. In fact it is not putting it too strongly to say that it is the law of the Church that when a member moves from the bounds of one congregation into another he should also move his membership. We are sure that you want to be loyal to the expressed wishes of your Church. From year to year nearly one-seventh of the entire membership of our whole Church is reported as non-resident. You can readily see that this is not good for the Church as a whole. In fact we have come to the point where the large number of non-resident members constitutes one of the real problems of our Church. You can help solve this problem in conforming to the expressed wish of the highest court of the Church by moving your membership. A second reason for moving your membership promptly is loyalty to Christ your Saviour. You ought, without ostentation, take your first opportunity to confess Christ in the community to which you have moved. You can best do this by transferring your membership promptly and becoming a faithful and loyal member of the Church in whose bounds you are now living. The Master needs you there. If you neglect identifying yourself with His people and His Church, you are not as loyal and true to Him as you should be. Your own Spiritual well-being is still another reason. You will grow more rapidly in grace by associating yourself intimately with God’s people and by doing your share of the Church’s work in your new community. Those who fail to connect themselves with the Church in the place to which they move generally become cold in their spiritual lives and often neglect their plain religious duties. For the sake of your own spiritual life we urge you to move your member- 32 The Congregation Book II ship and identify yourself in the closest possible way with the church in the community in which you now live. The last reason we shall mention is your influence on others. If you fail to connect yourself with the Church and neglect your reli¬ gious duties, it will greatly lessen your Christian influence on those around you. Instead of helping them, you will be hindering them. You can help them most by connecting yourself with the local church and living as a faithful, loyal member of that church. Therefore, for your own sake, for the sake of others, for the sake of the Church, and for Christ’s sake the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church urges you to transfer your membership as soon as possible to the church in whose bounds you are now living. You can make this transfer by writing to the pastor or Session of your old home church for a letter of dismission. Or ask the pastor of your local church to write for your letter and he will gladly do it. This letter was written by order of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States and approved by the General Assembly. 1921, p. 65. \The Assembly approved and enacted the following paragraph as a substitute for paragraph 276 of the Book of Church Order : “When a Church member shall remove his residence beyond the bounds of the: congregation of which he is a member, so that he can no longer regularly attend its services, it shall be his duty to transfer his membership by presenting a certificate of dismission from the Session of the church of which he is a member to the church with which he wishes to unite. When the church of which he is a member has no Session, or for other good reasons it seems impossible for the member to secure a certificate of dismission, he may be received by the Session upon other satisfactory testimonials, in which case the church of which he was a member shall be duly notified.” For duty of Session in such a case, see page 87 of this Digest. 55. “N on-resident” and “retired” members not the same 1915, p. 41. Overture from the Presbytery of Winchester, touching the classification of Church members. Answer: 1. “Non-resident” and “Retired” are not the same. 2. “Retired members” are not to be counted in reporting the total membership. 3. The “total membership” is the basis on which to determine the number of Commissioners to the General Assembly. 1921, p. 69. Overture from the Presbytery of Muhlenburg, asks the Assembly to define the difference between the “Retired Roll” and the “Non-Resident Roll of Communicants.” We recommend the following reply: The substitute for paragraph 277 of the Book of Church Order, which was approved by the Presbyteries and enacted into law by this Assembly, knows of only two rolls of Communicants, the “Resident Roll” and the “Non-Resident Roll.” Secs. 54-58] Its Members 33 56. Affiliate membership 1913, p. 70-1. We have received overtures from the Presbyteries of Piedmont, Central Texas, Knoxville, North Mississippi, and Montgomery, asking that the Book of Church Order, Chapter 15, Paragraph 276, be amended by adding the following words at the close of the paragraph : “In cases where the bona fide letter of dismission is not or cannot be procured, Sessions are authorized to issue affiliate letters of membership to students only; such affiliate letters shall in no wise affect the validity of the membership in the home church or confer any voting power in the church with which it is deposited.” We recommend that the above overtures be answered in the negative , but that the Publication Committee be directed to prepare blanks for letters of affiliation for those who are temporarily out of the bounds of the congregation, and that pastors be especially urged to use these forms for students who are away from home at school. 1919, p. 52. From East Alabama Presbytery, asking that young people away from home attending school be urged to place their membership in the local church where the school is located, the affiliated plan of membership having proved unsatisfactory. 'Answer. — The Assembly reaffirms its conviction as to the practical working of the student affiliate membership, and hereby urges the home pastor and the pastor in college towns to co-operate in making this plan a success. 57. Reception of soldiers 1918, p. 54. There has been submitted to your Committee the matter of securing for our soldiers in service away from home the privilege of uniting with their home church. We recommend this course: That any soldier desiring to make profession of faith in Christ and unite with his home church, may do so in this way: lie may make profession of faith in Christ, and be baptized, if not already baptized, by any chaplain or ordained minister of 'jny fvn- gelical Church. Such minister shall certify to the Session of his home church, the fact that he has so received the profession of faith and baptized the applicant. And our Sessions are authorized to receive such soldiers on thes*e certificates, just as now they receive: them upon letters from other Evangelical Churches. 58. Dismissing a church to another denomination 1907, p. 56. If a church is to be dismissed to the care of a Presbytery, in the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, shall proceedings be had as set forth in Chapter 15, in our Rules of Discipline, as applicable in dismissing a member of a church or a minister of the Gospel? It is recommended that this be answered in the affirmative. Adopted. 1909, p. 50. dn the judgment in the complaint of Sory and Long, it was held that a Presbytery has the constitutional right to dismiss 34 The Congregation [Book II a church to another Presbytery (i. e. to a Presbytery in another denomination.) See Book VIII, Judicial Cases. 59. For what purposes may a congregational meeting be called? 1876, p. 240. Is it competent to a Church Session to call a congregational meeting for other objects than those specified in our Book? Answer. — As the purposes of congregational meetings, in all cases, must be presumed to relate, more or less directly, to the spiritual interests of the congregation ; and as the power is vested in the Session (Form of Government, Chap. IX., 6). “to concert the best measures for promoting the spiritual interests of the congregation,” it seems to follow that it is competent for the Session to call congregational meetings for any proper purpose. 60. Who may preside at a congregational meeting? 1876, p. 240. In case the subject to be considered at the congre¬ gational meeting be such as to prevent the pastor, from motives of delicacy, to preside, it is competent to the meeting to choose its presiding officer. 1903, p. 465. To overture asking who may preside over a congre¬ gational meeting called to elect officers, we recommend that the answer be that the congregation may choose any male member of that church to preside, when it is not practicable to secure the attendance of a minister. Chapter VI., Section 3, Paragraph 103, Form of Government. Adopted. <1890, p. 46. Nothing in the Form of Government prohibits the congregation from inviting an elder outside of their own Session to moderate a congregational meeting, but this is inexpedient, except in extraordinary cases. 61. Voting by proxy not allowed 1900, p. 613. The Assembly being asked to interpret Paragraph 154, last sentence, with Paragraph 128, as to whether or not members of a church may vote by proxy, it made answer that voting by proxy is not allowed. 1906, p. 24. (1) Does the Book of Church Order forbid, a member of a church from voting in a congregational meeting for a pastor, or officer or any other matter by proxy? (2) Can a person entitled to vote in a congregational meeting be “present” in the person of his proxy? The former question was answered in the affirmative, and the latter in the negative. 62. Election by ballot not required 1900, p. 614. A request for an amendment to the Book of Secs. 59-65] Its Members 35 Church Order, Paragraph 104, so as to require election by ballot under given conditions, was answered in the negative. 63. Masonry and Church Membership 1904, p. 42. The Assembly records its hearty commendation of the brave stand taken by the majority in the Synod of Brazil in refusing to make membership in the Order of Free Masons a bar to communion in the Church. 64. The use of laymen 1914, p. 79. Many churches are doing fine work at outposts and mission Sabbath schools, but not enough work of this character is being done. Our growing cities and country villages constantly offer opportunities for advance that our churches are far too slow to accept. We know of no more speedy, economical or efficient way by which the membership of our Southern Church could be increased than by the wise establishment of mission stations. We call the attention of the Assembly to the fact that many Presby¬ teries make effective use of laymen for such mission work. Also the new Presbytery at Tygart’s Valley reports that almost every church maintains outposts. We urge all pastors and Sessions to consider this method of enlarging the bounds of Presbyterianism and the bounds of the Kingdom. 65. Men and Religion Forward Movement 1911, p. 22. In reference to the overture from the Presbytery of Nashville, touching the “Men and Religion Forward Movement,” the Assembly rejoices in any forward movement which will make use of the men in our Churches under the direction and control of the Session. Adopted. MINISTERS CHAPTER II 66. Reception of Ministers without letters of dismission 1862, p. 9. The Presbyteries in connection with this Assembly are authorized to receive ministers coming from the Presbyterian Church in the United States (of America) on their giving satisfactory evidence of their good standing, and after the usual examination upon experimental religion, didactic and polemic theology, and Church government, without requiring a certificate of dismission. (This action was due to the exceptional nature of the times, which made it difficult, and in many cases, impossible to obtain letters. — A.) 67. The reception of ministers from foreign countries 1871, p. 25. The Presbytery of Augusta was cordially encouraged to employ the Rev. Robert Irvine, D. D., of the Presbytery of Montreal, and the Presbytery of Roanoke was authorized, 1873, p. 307, to employ the Rev. Thomas Drew, of the Somerset Association of the Independents of Great Britain, in preaching and administering the Sacraments within their bounds during the time of their probation. In each instance the following additional resolution was adopted: That if the Presbytery shall continue to be, at their next meeting, well satisfied with his probation, they be then authorized to receive him to full membership, and, if the way be clear, install him into the pastoral work; this being the earliest date for such action per¬ mitted by the ordinances of the Assembly. This action was taken under the rule of the Assembly ordained for the probation and reception of foreign ministers. See Baird’s Digest, pp. 258-260. To the request of these two Presbyteries for a relaxing of this rule, the above answer was made. 68. A majority vote sufficient to receive a minister from another denomination 1907, p. 57. To overtures from five Presbyteries asking for a change in the Book of Church Order, Paragraph 75, so as to require a two-thirds or a three-fourths vote to receive into a Presbytery a. minister coming from another denomination, the Assembly made answer in the negative. 69. Dismissing or receiving a minister by the Stated Clerk between Presbyterial meetings not allowed 1896, p. 569. The Assembly declined to take steps to amend the Book of Church Order so as to provide that, when, in the intervals Secs. 66-73] Ministers 37 of the regular meetings of the Presbyteries, the transfer of a minister, probationer or candidate is urgent but impracticable, without calling a special meeting of the Presbytery to which the applicant belongs or to which he asks to be dismissed, the Stated Clerk of the dis¬ missing Presbytery may, with the concurrence of three ministers and a ruling elder, issue the desired certificate of dismission, and report the same to Presbytery at its ensuing regular meeting. 1919, p. 51. From certain members of Ouachita Presbytery, asking whether it was an error to receive Rev. J. L. McAdams upon a letter of the Stated Clerk only, and whether an examination which consisted of asking him whether he had changed his views since leaving the Presbytery was sufficient. Answer. — Such reception was an error, and under the circum¬ stances any examination was insufficient. 70. Transfer of a minister to jurisdiction of another Presbytery 1893, p. 27. The Assembly held that the provisions of the Book of Church Order, Chap. XV., Sec. 2, Paragraph 277, apply to a teaching elder who shall remove his residence beyond the bounds of the Presbytery to whose jurisdiction he belongs into the bounds of another Presbytery. 71. Receiving ministers from other denominations 1918, p. 53. In answer to the overture from Lexington Phesbyr tery, asking as to whether “a minister received from the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., is to be recorded as having been received from “another denomination,” we recommend the following answer: Min¬ isters received from any other evangelical ecclesiastical bodies, except the Presbyteries of our own Church, are to be so recorded. (Book of Church Order, par 75; Alexander’s Digest, pars. 75 and 61). 72. How a minister may be dismissed to other ecclesiastical bodies 1876, p. 238. The Presbytery of Atlanta dismissed a minister at his own request to the M. E. Church, South. The Synod of Georgia pronounced this action irregular. The judgment of the General Assembly thereto was asked by the Presbytery: Reply : The General Assembly judges it to be sufficient and proper in all such cases to give a certificate of character and good standing; and in this there is no intention to reflect on the minister withdrawing, or on the body to which he goes. 73. The examination rule as to ministers applying for admission into a Presbytery. The Assembly declines to make it optional This rule is found in Baird’s Digest, Book 4, Section 46. The Assembly of 1835 decided that every Presbytery had the constitu¬ tional right to examine all seeking connection with it. The Assembly 38 The Congregation [Book II of 1837 made it imperative on Presbyteries to examine such applicants, at least on experimental religion, theology and Church government. This requirement was reaffirmed by the Old School Assemblies of 1838, 1841, 1843 and 1848. The Assembly of 1849 was asked to repeal that resolution, or change it from its imperative form to one of recommendation, or to take steps to have it added as a section to the Form of Government. The Assembly, claiming that it had power to enjoin upon Presbyteries the performance of any duty which, under the provisions of the Constitution, they are competent to do; and inasmuch as the utility of the rule was not called in question bv the memorialists, declined acceding to the request at present. The New School Assembly of 1838 declared the above rule making examinations imperative upon the Presbyteries null and void , because it was the inherent right of Presbyteries to expound and apply consti¬ tutional rules touching the qualification of their own members. — Minutes, 1838, p. 660. — A 1865, p. 359. ,The Assembly was asked to amend this rule so as to make it optional. Answer: As there is no evidence that the rule has not worked well, the Assembly declines to make the change requested. 1871, p. 14. The same request to rescind the rule from another Presbytery. Not granted. 74. The examination rule not to he incorporated in the Constitution The Presbytery of West Hanover overtured the Assembly, in 1872, to reconsider the action of the Assembly of 1837 adopting the rule known as the examination rule, and refer it to the Presbyteries for their action, with a recommendation for its adoption. The Presby¬ tery declared its belief in the right of Presbyteries to judge of the qualifications of its members, also its conviction that there was a necessity for some such provision as that contained in this rule. The object of this Presbytery was not the abolition of the rule, but to secure its perpetuity by regular incorporation into the Constitution. Among the reasons assigned for asking the Assembly to take this action was this, that many Presbyteries hold that the rule in its present form, while virtually a constitutional rule, has never been adopted in a constitutional manner. See Minutes of West Hanover, Vol. V., pp. 350-352. 1872, p. 157. The Committee on Bills and Overtures reported on this request as follows: As none deny the right of every Presbytery to be satisfied of the doctrinal opinions of all persons seeking its care, or membership in it, as the injunction is highly promotive of peace and harmony, and has wrought much good and no evil, and as no one claims that the rule is constitutional, but only of the nature of a strong and urgent recommendation, your committee advise that no change be made respecting it. After discussion the whole subject was laid on the table. Secs. 73-77] Ministers 39 (This rule was however incorporated in the Form of Government adopted in 1879 and is found in Chap. V., Sec. IV., Art. IV.) 75. The subscribing of ministers admitted to membership in a Presbytery 1880, p. 187. The Presbytery of Memphis does hereby overture the General Assembly to interpret the phrase, “which shall be sub¬ scribed by all admitted to membership.” Does it mean all of other denominations, or all admitted to membership at their ordination, or all in the widest sense, including those coming from other Presby¬ teries to our own Church, and those who are already members? Answer : In the judgment of this Assembly, the provision of Chap. V., Sec. IV., Art. V., Form of Government, is intended as an additional safeguard to the purity and efficiency of the ministry, and the phrase “all admitted to membership,” is to be interpreted in its most comprehensive sense as regards the ministry, and applied, not only to those admitted by ordination and those received from other denominations, but also to those received by letters of dis¬ mission from one Presbytery to another of our own Church. 1882, p. 572. The Assembly was asked for such an amendment to the Form of Government as would relieve ministers passing from one Presbytery to another from signing the obligation required of ministers at their ordination. Answer : The end to be gained by such a change is not of sufficient importance to justify an amendment to the Constitution. 1883, p. 25 and 1900, 604. Similar overtures were answered in the negative. 76. A minister may not be a member of two ecclesiastical courts of the same grade 1915, p. 48. Overture from the Home Mission Committee of the Presbytery of Ebenezer, touching membership of a minister in two Presbyteries. Answer: The form of government of the Presbyterian Church in the United States makes it impossible that a minister, officer, or church be under the jurisdiction of more than one ecclesiastical court of the same grade. 77. Rights and privileges of a minister in transit 1894, p. 234. The Presbytery of Augusta respectfully overtures the General Assembly for instruction in the following case: The Rev. James Woodrow, D. D., being a member of this Presby¬ tery, but residing in the bounds of Charleston Presbytery, obtained a letter of dismission from the former to the latter; he presented this letter of dismission to Charleston Presbytery, and his application for membership was rejected. He remains, of course, after Char¬ leston Presbytery rejected his application for membership, under 40 The Congregation [Book II the jurisdiction, of Augusta Presbytery: but, until he has formally returned the letter of dismission to this Presbytery, is he entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership? If it is necessary that he should return his letter of dismission to A.ugusta Presbytery in order to be entitled to all the rights and privileges of active membership, is he prevented from doing so by the law of our Church, Paragraph 277, requiring that a minister shall be a member of the Presbytery in the bounds of which he resides? Reply : Inasmuch as a minister who has a letter of dismission from his own Presbytery to another Presbytery remains under the jurisdiction of the Presbytery from which he was dismissed until he has been formally received by the Presbytery to which he was dismissed (Book of Church Order, Rules of Discipline, Chap. XV., Sec. 5, Par. 280), he is entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership in the Presbytery from which he was dismissed; and it is the judgment of your committee that Paragraph 277 does not forbid him to return his letter. P. 241. To this action a protest by W. W. Mills was admitted to record without answer. He protested, 1. Because, under existing circumstances, it is contrary to both the letter and spirit of our law as expressed in Paragraph 277, Book of Church Order, and renders said law of no binding force. 2. As being inconsistent with the action of the last Assembly 1893) in its answer to an overture from Rev. D. O. Davies. (As¬ sembly’s Minutes for 1893, p. 27.) 3. As being inconsistent with the action of the Assembly of 1876 (and of 1875), which clearly held that a dismissed member is not entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership in the Church or Presbytery from which he has been dismissed until his letter of dismission has been reutmed. (Assembly’s Minutes for 1876, pp. 238-’39.) 7 8. A minister indefinitely suspended should be so reported 1894, p. 201. The Presbytery of Atlanta asks whether a minister indefinitely suspended from the ministry should be so reported to the Assembly? The Assembly answers: Yes. 79. Who may vote in calling a pastor 1864, p. 261. The Synod of Mississippi asks if the right of voting in the election of a pastor is granted by the Form of Government to any but Church members, who submit to discipline and contribute their just proportion according to their engagements? Answer: The Form of Government is liable to misconstruction as to the persons entitled to vote in calling a pastor; consequently different and conflicting interpretations are constantly given to that portion of Chap. XV., which treats of the election of a pastor; there¬ fore, the General Assembly refers this subject to the Committee on Secs. 77-84] Ministers 41 Revision, with instruction so to frame this portion of Chap. XV. as that it will admit of no ambiguity or misconstruction. (A similar request in 1862 was similarly referred. By the new Book (Par. 105) the right of voting is limited to communicant members in good standing. — A.) 80. Amending form of call for pastor 1902, pp. 259-288. The Assembly declined to omit from the form of call for a pastor the words, “free from worldly cares and avo¬ cations.” 81. Course to be taken by a call for a pastor's services 1920, p. 80-a. The call for the pastoral services of a minister is to be presented to the Presbytery, through whose hands alone the minister may receive it; but as a matter of courtesy, and as infor¬ mation, a copy of the call may properly be sent to the minister.. 82. Call for a pastor without promise of adequate support 1869, p. 376. Can a call for a pastor be considered regular by a Presbytery which does not pledge the congregation calling to pro¬ vide an adequate support for the pastor? Answer: Such calls as the overture contemplates are not strictly regular; but in cases in which churches are not able to pledge the competent support of pastors, the expediency of constituting the pastoral relation should be left to the judgment of Presbyteries. 83. Salaries of ministers 1918, p. 34. The overture from Mr. Rutherford Lapsley, “Where¬ as the salaries of our ministers are, as a rule, inadequate for their support, on account of the great increase in the cost of the necessaries of life, bringing on a condition which threatens the increased efficiency and future supply of ministers, we recommend that all of the Presby¬ teries be directed to consider at once practical means of increasing the salaries of the ministers; that the Presbyterial Committees of Minis¬ terial Education and Relief arrange before the next meeting of Presbytery, if possible, for deputations of laymen to visit the churches in the Presbytery, and confer with, advise and assist the church officers in the matter of increase of salaries. That the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief, which has already done so much in this direction, be directed to supervise and further the adoption and putting into operation plans in all the Presbyteries, to remedy the acute situation facing the whole Church relative to the adequate support of the ministry.” This overture we answer in the affirmative. 84. Term Pastorates 1889, p. 622. The Assembly declined to send down to the Presby¬ teries for their action an elaborate overture from the Presbytery of 42 The Congregation [Book II North Alabama proposing to amend the Form of Government so as to limit the call for a pastor to a period of five years. 1902, pp. 259-289. On overtures from the Presbytery of Mis¬ souri and the Synod of Missouri, asking that the Book of Church Order be so amended as to authorize the installation of a pastor for a definite period, the committee recommend that an amendment to Chap. V., Par. 4, Sec. 6, be sent down to the Presbyteries, author¬ izing the employment of stated supplies by vacant churches until next stated meeting of the Presbytery, in cases where the formation of the pastoral relation is not practicable. Referred to the next As¬ sembly. 1903, p. 507. Resolved, 1. ;That the Assembly declines to take any step looking to the establishment of the pastoral relation for a definite period. 2. That the Assembly sees no necessity for any further legislation in regard to the supply of vacant churches, inasmuch as our Form of Government in Paragraph 77 already provides that the Presbytery shall take especial oversight of vacant churches, and order whatever pertains to their spiritual welfare. i 85. Installation services may not be dispensed with ,1894, p. 201. Overture asking that the Book of Church Order be amended (Chap. VI., Sec. 5, Par. 4) by the addition of these words: “The installation of pastors may be omitted when not desired by the congregation or pastor; or the Presbytery may dispense with such installation services when it is inconvenient to carry them out; but all ministers shall be pastors when called by the Church, and such call is approved by the Presbytery.” Answered in the nega¬ tive. 86. By whom may a pastor be installed 1896, p. 610. An overture asked: Should Presbytery install a pastor by a committee? The Assembly made reply: A pastor should be installed by the Presbytery or by a Commission appointed by the Presbytery. P. 610. In answer to an overture asking whether a committee is competent to install a pastor, or does it require a Commission? Reply : In the judgment of the Assembly, the Form of Government (Chap. V., Sec. 7, Pars. 92 and 93) requires that a pastor should be installed only by the Presbytery, or by a Commission of the Presby¬ tery. 1905, p. 49. 'In view of the action given above, the Assembly declined to make any further deliverance on installation by Com¬ missions. ‘1909, p. 47. The Form of Government requires (Chap. V., Sec. VII., Pars. 92 and 93) that a pastor should be installed only by the Presbytery or a Commission of the Presbytery, but such commission need not consist of a quorum of the court. Secs. 84-89] Ministers 43 87. Ruling Elder may deliver the charge to the people in instal¬ lation service 1894, p. 198. The Assembly held that the language of Par. 121 of the Book restricted to ministers the giving of the charge. 1895, p. 408. The Assembly declined to submit an overture looking to the amendment of Chap. VI., Sec. V., Par. 6, so as to make it competent for an elder as well as a minister to deliver the charge. 1898, p. 222. The Assembly was asked, (1) whether a ruling elder can constitutionally charge a pastor or the people in the instal¬ lation service of a pastor, and (2) if not, what is the duty of a ruling elder as appointed on such commission? Answer: An elder may deliver the charge. P. 238. This action was reconsidered, and in lieu thereof, the Assembly recommended for adoption, and sent down to the Presby¬ teries for their advice and consent, the following amendment to Chapter VI., SectionV., Par. 6, of Form of Government: Instead of the words, “after which the minister presiding, or some other ap¬ pointed for the purpose, shall give a solemn charge,” read, “after which the minister presiding, or some other minister appointed for the purpose, shall give a solemn charge.” Then at the end of the paragraph add the sentence: “If, in the judgment of the Presbytery, it be deemed advisable, a ruling elder may be appointed to deliver the charge to the people.” 1899, p. 434. ,Eorty-four Presbyteries voted for, and twenty-six voted against. This change in the Book was thereupon enacted by the Assembly. The vote, taken by yeas and nays, was 78 to 43. 1899, p. 421. The Assembly declined to send down an overture further amending the Book, so as to empower a ruling elder, to deliver the charge to the pastor at an installation. 88. May an elder deliver the charge to the pastor ? 1921, p. 68. Overture from Wilmington Presbytery, asks that the Book of Church Order be so amended as to allow a Ruling Elder to deliver the charge to- the pastor at his installation as well as to the people. In reply to this overture, we recommend that the As¬ sembly approve of the following amendments to paragraph 121 of the Book of Church Order and send them down to the Presbyteries for their action. After the phrase “other minister” insert “or ruling elder,” making the sentence read, “After which the minister presiding, or some other minister or ruling elder appointed for the purpose, shall give a solemn charge to the pastor and to the congregation, etc.5' strike out the last three lines of paragraph 121, beginning, “If in the judgment of the Presbytery, etc.” 1922, p. 73. Adopted — 50 Presbyteries, out of 88, voting “yes”. 89. The prayer in an installation service 1901, p. 23. While we hold that the installation service should 44 The Congregation [Book II be conducted by the proper Commissioners of our own church, yet we do not consider it an infraction of our law to call upon a minister of another denomination to lead in the prayer. 90. Citation of church when a pastor tenders his resignation 1892, p. 460. Defining Paragraphs 126 and 128 of the Book the Assembly said: If the parties are ready, that is, present and agreeing to have the matter issued at the meeting then in progress, citation is not needed; but if the parties are not thus ready, citation is always neces- sary. 1898, p. 222. The Assembly declined to take steps to bring the law into conformity with custom by sanctioning prior notice to his charge of his intention to resign by the pastor, as equivalent to the citation by the Presbytery. 1905, p. 43. The Assembly sent down to the Presbyteries with its recommendation the following amendment to the Form of Govern¬ ment: That for the first sentence of Paragraph 128 these words be sub¬ stituted: “When a minister shall tender the resignation of his pastoral charge to his Presbytery, the Presbytery shall cite the Church to appear by its commissioner, or the Church may so appear upon its own motion, to show cause, if any it has, why the Presbytery should not accept the resignation.” 1906, p. 52. Fifty-eight Presbyteries voted for and three against The amendment was thereupon enacted by the Assembly. 91. The pastoral relation not to he lightly broken 1868, p. 272. Whereas, The permanent relationship of the pastor to his people is one of the distinctive and most cherished features of the Presbyterian Church; and whereas, the frequent removal to other fields of labor by regularly installed ministers without complying with the rules laid down by our Book of Church Government, or obtaining the consent of their respective charges, demands the serious consideration of this body; therefore, be it Resolved, By the General Assembly, that the Synods and Presby¬ teries within its jurisdiction be enjoined to require in future a more rigid adherence to the rules and decrees of the Church regulating the pastoral relationship and the mode of its dissolution. 92. Presbytery has absolute power to dissolve the pastoral relation 1880, p. 196. Can a Presbytery, by simple vote of the majority, displace a pastor against the will of both pastor and congregation? See Form of Government, Chap. V., Sec. IV., Art. VI.: “The Presbytery has power * * * * to establish the pastoral relation, and to dissolve it at the request of one or both of the parties, or where the interests of religion imperatively demand it. While the Presbytery clearly has such power, the Assembly decides Secs. 89.-95] Ministers 45 that a Presbytery taking such action should be thoroughly convinced that “the interests of religion imperatively demand it.” 1902, p. 259. On an overture touching the dissolution of the pastoral relation in order to convenient grouping of churches, the committee recommends that the Assembly declare such dissolution to be within the prerogative of Presbytery. Adopted. 93. What relation may a minister sustain to a church not in our connection 1869, p. 376. Is it contrary to our Standards for one of our ministers to remain the permanent supply of a church of another denomination; for example, a Congregational church? Answered in the affirmative. 1880, p. 196. Is it unlawful for a minister in our connection to be pastor of an Independent church? Reply. There is nothing in our Book of Church Order to prevent a minister in our connection from preaching the gospel at any church where he has the consent of his own Presbytery. 94. Candidate of Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah 1914, p. 25. Overture from the Presbytery of Savannah, as to licensing and ordaining a candidate for the ministry who is a member of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah, without the previous transfer of his membership to one of our churches. Answer: Inasmuch as the relation between the Independent Presby¬ terian Church and this Assembly is of the cordial and intimate character indicated by Minutes of Assembly, 1909, p. 64, and 1910, p. 12, the Assembly answers the Overture in the affirmative. 95. Ministers not engaged in their sacred calling 1866, p. 37. With reference to ministers not now engaged in their sacred calling, the Assembly exhorts them, if they do not find fields of labor in their present localities, to seek other places of abode and fields of labor where they may be useful in their appropriate work. It also enjoins the Presbyteries to examine their rolls, and require all ministers who are not thus employed to give an account of themselves and to proceed against those who are found to De habit¬ ual neglecters of their vows of ordination. 1906, p. 23. The Assembly declined to entertain a proposed amendment to the Book of Order which looked to further definition of the powers of the Presbytery by adding to Paragraph 77 the clause: “To appoint ministers not already engaged in work by the approval of Presbytery to definite ministerial work in the bounds of the Presbytery, or to lend them to other Presbyteries temporarily for such appointment by them; also, to group churches, and require them to act together as one pastorate under directions ordained by 46 The Congregation [Book II Presbytery; also to provide for the appointing of acting pastors over vacant groups, who shall exercise all the functions of regular pastors, but shall serve no more than one year;” and to Paragraph 93 : “The assignment of unengaged ministers to definite work.” 1907, p. 31. In answer to an overture asking that the Assembly recommend that Presbyteries be more careful in releasing its ministers in their bounds from the obligations of pastoral and pulpit work for secular callings, your committee recommends that the overture be granted. 1908, p. 33. We recommend: (1) That Presbyteries exert their influence as far as possible to retain men in the active ministry and prevent their entrance into other lines of work as far as may be wise. (2) That as far as possible the men in other lines of work be urged to return to the active work of the ministry as God may open the way. (3) That the Assembly in the future try, as far as may be consistent with wisdom, to secure competent laymen for the various causes of the Church, and uce such pious men, officers and members of the Church as may be available. Adopted. 1914, p. 71. Same action. 1920, p. 48. Mr. A. C. Todd, a commissioner to this Assembly, has presented to the Assembly a preamble and resolution, which has [>een referred to your standing Committee on Christian Education and Ministerial Relief. This paper states that there is an increasing number of vacancies in our pastorates; that an increasing number of our ministers are being called by our Executive Committees to fill positions as secre¬ taries, clerks, financial agents, teachers, superintendents, executives, and for other purposes; and requests the Assembly to instruct its Executive Committees “to make prompt and diligent effort to release the ministers so employed,” and to instruct the Presbyteries to “exercise their authority and best endeavor to recall the ministers so engaged, to the end that these vacant churches be supplied.” In reply to this paper the Assembly adopted the following minute : The General Assembly believes that, owing to the nature of the work done by the Executive Committees and other agencies of th Church, it is essential that much of it be done by ministers. But in view of the serious lack of ministers in our pastorates, the Assembly urges upon its Executive Committees and other agencies the great importance of exhausting every means for the employment of com¬ petent elders, deacons, or laymen, when any of the work in any of these committees or agencies can be done efficiently by these; and thus stop as far as possible any unnecessary drain upon our pastorates. 96. Vacant churches should be assigned to the care of some minister 1889, p. 612. The Assembly recommends that its constituent Presbyteries take steps to assign each vacant congregation within their respective bounds to the care of some minister, whose duty it shall be to take charge of such congregation, supply them with week¬ day preaching, moderate the Session, and take spiritual oversight of Secs. 95-99] Ministers 47 the congregation until a minister can be regularly employed, due care being exercised with reference to expediency. 97. Manner of calling pastor by a group 1896, p. 575. The Assembly declines to send down to the Presby¬ teries an amendment to the Constitution by which two or more weak churches shall be organized by Presbytery into one pastoral charge, which pastoral charge shall act as a unit in the call of a pastor, through a body or commission representative of all the churches in the pastorate, and shall be recognized by the Constitution as a unit in all matters pertaining to the making and dissolving of the pastoral relation. 98. By what title should the Stated Supply be reported 1877, p. 421. Overture from Ouachita Presbytery, requesting the use of some other letters than S. S. to designate those ministers who have charge of churches, but are not pastors. The Assembly deemed it best not to make any change in the matter referred to. 1878, p. 613. The Committee of Bills and Overtures, to overtures asking for a change in our statistical tables, substituting the title Acting Pastor for “Stated Supply,” recommends the following reply, viz. : That it is not advisable to make the proposed change, because, (1), It would produce confusion, by lessening the distinction of names between these two classes of ministers; and (2), It would have a tendency to encourage the relation of Stated Supply in place of the regular pastoral relation. Adopted. 99. Official status of Stated Supplies 1881, p. 395. 1. The Stated Supply, being unknown to our Standards, has, as such, no official status. As, however, the Stated Supply is not unknown in our practice, it may be well to say that he has all the rights, and should discharge all the duties of the minister of the gospel, such as preaching the Word, administering the Sacra¬ ments, etc.; but he is not a member of the Session by virtue of Stated Supplyship. He can only act as moderator by invitation of the Session, except when his relation as Stated Supply is sanctioned by the Presbytery, under Form of Government, Chap. V., Sec. IIP, Art. III. 2. The whole case of the Stated Supply is anomalous; but the underlying principle of Form of Government, Chap. VI , Sec. I., Art. II., would seem to require scrupulous regard to the wishes of the congregation in employing or dismissing a Stated Supply. 1889, p. 594. Can the Stated Supplyship be entered into without the consent of Presbytery? Answer : The relation of Stated Supply is not recognized in our Form of Government. The Assembly, therefore, recommends that vacant churches be grouped as soon as practicable into pastoral charges, or into fields under the care of evangelists. 48 The Congregation [Book II 1913, p. 29. In answer to an overture asking that a change in the Book of Church Order be made, which will eliminate and correct the evil of the Stated Supply System, your Committee would most respectfully answer said overture in the negative. 100. Stated Supply , Assistant Pastor, Evangelist ^191 8, p. 54. We recommend this answer to the overture from the Presbytery of Brazos, touching the position of an ordained minister laboring in missionary work under the care of, and sustained by a local church ( 1 ) The relation of Stated Supply is not recognized in our Form of Government. (Alexander’s Digest, pars. 94 and 94). (2) The relation of Assistant Pastor, while not directly mentioned in our book, is not forbidden there, and is a possible relation. This relation, in view of the fact that it necessitates the Session of the local church meeting in the mission fields, involving many difficulties, while legal, does not seem the most efficient. (3) The relation of Evangelist seems the more practicable and reasonable. The Evan¬ gelist receives his powers from the Presbytery, and is primarily responsible to the Presbytery. But as the Evangelist of the Synod, when he passes into the dif¬ ferent bounds of the Presbyteries, passes under their immediate juris¬ diction, so the Evangelist who works for a local church, in that work should be under the direction of the Session of that church. 101. Ordination to the ministry is only as pastor or evangelist 1893, p. 28. Is it competent for a Presbytery to ordain a licentiate as a teacher; as a teacher or professor of a Bible course in a Presbyterian College by control and instruction; as a teacher, tutor, .associate professor, or professor in one of our theological seminaries ? Answer : A Presbytery is constitutionally incompetent to ordain any man to the gospel ministry except as pastor or evangelist. 102. Ordination sine titulo 1865, p. 362. Whether a Presbytery has a right to ordain a licentiate to the work of the gospel ministry, simply because he desires it, although neither one nor more churches have requested that he should be ordained. Answer : Every office in the Church of God, according the Scrip¬ tures and the Standards of our Church, is a definite charge; and hence no man can lawfully be ordained to the gospel ministry unless it be to the performance of some work appropriate to that office according to the Constitution. And so one great evidence of a divine vocation is a call from a particular church, no man ought to be ordained, except in cases extraordinary, without such a call. More¬ over, as persons are liable to mistake their calling, and as the office of the ministry is a permanent one, by divine institution, Presbyteries ought to exercise great caution, in ordaining evangelists, lest the Secs. 99-106] Ministers 49 ministry be filled with intruders, and the Church be afflicted with a vagrant and secularized clergy. Nor ought they ever to do so, until full proof has been made of the licentiate, by the Presbytery which ordains him, and it has received such a favorable report concerning him from the churches, as gives the promise of wide usefulness. The case mentioned in the memorial seems to violate all these principles. If the licentiate be not called to a particular church, and if he be not looking to the work of the evangelist in frontier and destitute settlements, his ordination sine titulo would be not only irregular and unconstitutional, but manifestly unscriptural. 103. A licentiate may not be ordained in order to qualify him for appointment as a chaplain 1918, p. 53. The following answer was made to the overture asking whether it is right to ordain a licentiate, in order to qualify him to apply for appointment as a Chaplain in the United States Army or Navy: “As every ecclesiastical office, according to the Scriptures, is a special charge, no man should be ordained unless it be to the performance of a definite work.” Applying for an ap¬ pointment is not the performance of a definite work. It is not right to so ordain. (Par. 101, Book of Church Order; Alexander’s Digest, Pars. 96 and 97.) 3 04. Extraordinary clause applies to ordination as well as licensure (1896, p. 580. Overture asking whether the provision for extra¬ ordinary cases, under the head of licensure, Chapter VI., Section VI., Paragraph 134, Book of Church Order, applies to ordination. If not, is there any provision for the ordination of a man who has been licensed as an extraordinary case? The Assembly replies in the affirmative to the first question; this answer serves as a sufficient reply to the second inquiry. \To an overture asking whether there is authority in our Standards to ordain a licentiate as an extraordinary case, without requiring of him a satisfactory examination on all points prescribed for ordination, the Assembly made an affirmative reply, referring to the action of 1883, pp. 18, 21, 89ff. 105. How far may the extraordinary clause be pressed ,1896, p. 580. Overture asking to what extent the requirements for licensure and ordination may be waived under the provision for extraordinary cases. Answer: In the nature of the case, and according to the Book of Church Order, the Presbytery must act in each instance according to its discretion subject to the review of the Synod. 106. Declines to prescribe a course of study for persons licensed under the extraordinary clause 1896, p. 570. A proposed amendment to Chap. VI., Sec. 6, Form 50 The Congregation [Book II of Government, requiring Presbyteries to institute a four years’ course of study for all licensed under the extraordinary clause, was declined by the Assembly. 1906, p. 56. An overture making a request similar to the above, and prohibiting by constitutional amendment the ordination of such until they shall have attained satisfactory proficiency in the required studies, was declined by the Assembly. 107. No change on the subject of Licensure and Ordination 1913, p. 70-m. In answer to the overture from Dr. A. W. Pitzer, asking the Assembly to amend Chapter II of the Book of Church Order on the subject of Licensure and Ordination, and asking that the following paragraph be placed at the end of the chapter: “Pro¬ vided, however, that Presbyteries may set apart to the gospel ministry by licensure or ordination godly and experienced men, well versed in the sacred Scriptures, acquainted with theology, Church history and the standards of the Church, apt to teach, and called to this work by the Spirit, providence and people of God.” We recommend that it be answered in the negative. 108. When may an ordination not regular yet be valid ? 1901, p. 62. In response to an overture as to the validity of an ordination of a probationer by two ministers and one elder, we recommend the following answer: An ordination so made is not strictly regular, yet when ratified by the Presbytery, is valid. Adopted. 109. Reinstatement of a divested minister 1909, p. 49. When a minister, after being divested of his office without censure, as provided in Par 205, Book of Church Order, asks to be reinstated in the ministerial office, is it necessary that he be re-examined and ordained as thouvh he had never been a minister, or may he be reinstated by a simple resolution of the Presbytery? Answer: In the judgment of the Assembly, it is necessary that such a person be re-examined and ordained. 1912, p. 26. Overture from the Presbytery of Abingdon, asking for direction for the reinvestment of a minister with his office who has previously demitted it in accordance with our lawo Answer: The Presbytery which divested him of his office, without censure, may reinstate him in the same upon his application, when he satisfies the Presbytery of the wisdom and desirability of his restoration, according to the spirit of paragraph 203 of the Book of Church Order. 110. Restoration of a deposed minister 1880, p. 202. The records of the Synod of Mississippi were approved, with the following exception: That the Synod, pp. 297, Secs. 106- 113] Ministers 51 298, directed the Presbytery of Louisiana to restore the Rev. S. P. Linn to the exercise of the functions of the ministry in a manner at variance with the rules of discipline provided in such cases. See Book of Discipline, Chap. XI., Sec. VII. The Synod had directed the Presbytery to restore Mr. Linn at once to the full office of the ministry, disregarding the steps as pointed out in the Book for such cases. — A. 1881, p. 394. Records of the Synod of Mississippi approved, with this exception: On page 324 of the records it appears that a former action of Synod, in directing a Presbytery to restore a deposed minister, had met with the disapproval of the General Assembly, and Synod justifies its former action in this case by saying that it regards the language of the Book of Discipline, Chap. XI., Sec. II., as ad¬ visory, whereas it is mandatory, and requires that a Presbytery act with caution, and restore a deposed minister only by degrees. 111. A deposed minister is not necessarily excommunicated 1919, p. 51. From the Presbytery of Piedmont, asking whether a deposed minister retains a communicant membership in the Church, or does deposition carry with it excommunication. ' Answer : Not necessarily. If the sentence of deposition is not accom¬ panied by excommunication, the deposed minister is not debarred from securing membership in a particular church. 112. A deposed or divested minister 1920, p. 80. (The Assembly recommends to the Presbyteries that they advise and consent to the following amendment to the Rules of Discipline: 1. »Add to Chapter XV the following paragraph: “281. V. When a Presbytery shall divest a minister of his office without censure, or depose him without excommunication, it shall assign him to membership in some particular church, subject to the approval of the Session of that church. ” 2. .Strike out the clause, “and shall assign him to membership in some particular church” from paragraph 236 of the Rules of Discipline. This was done in 1921, page 66. 113. Ordination to the ministry in the foreign field 1893, p. 43. In response to the request of the Executive Com¬ mittee, that some way be devised by which an unordained mission¬ ary in a foreign field, who desires to be ordained to the work of the ministry and yet retain his connection with the Church in the United States, may receive such ordination, if the way be clear, without returning to the home Presbytery, the Assembly made the following deliverance : It is unlawful for the Presbytery from whose bounds such a mission¬ ary has gone to the foreign field, after having complied as nearly as 52 The Congregation [Book II possible with Paragraph 118, Form of Government, through cor¬ respondence to authorize a sufficient number of ordained mission¬ aries (ministers and ruling elders) in the same field, to constitute themselves a Commission to complete the examination of the candidate and ordain him, if the way be clear. Such ordination should be reported to the home Presbytery and the name of the ordained man entered upon its roll. \When this has been done the Commission is dissolved. 1894, p. 198. An overture from the Presbytery of Lexington asking that the action of the last Assembly touching the ordination of evangelists in the foreign field be declared unconstitutional, and that steps be taken to amend the Constitution so as to relieve this matter of present difficulties; and another overture from the Presby¬ tery of Roanoke asking the Assembly to rescind said action of the last Assembly. Answer : The only lawful method of ordination to the ministry is prescribed in Paragraphs 6, 77 and 93, Book of Church Order; and it is recommended that the Assembly send down to the Presby¬ teries an overture recommending that Paragraph 40 be amended by adding thereto the following words: “And to ordain ministers in the foreign field, when ordination in the usual way is impracticable, said newly ordained ministers to be reported to and enrolled in the Presbytery of the ordaining minister.” 1895, p. 402. Forty-five Presbyteries have answered this over¬ ture in the negative, ten in the affirmative, and five in the affirmative conditionally. The proposed change is, therefore, declined by the Presbyteries. P. 390. In response to overtures from the Presbyteries of Abing¬ don and West Hanover, the Assembly declined, at this time to attempt any further legislation on the subject of the ordination by evangelists in the foreign field. 114. Preaching by irresponsible evangelists, etc. 1894, p. 239. Whereas, in many parts of our Church, irrespon¬ sible evangelists and unlicensed persons are preaching the Gospel within our bounds, therefore, Resolved , That the General Assembly enjoins upon our Presby¬ teries, pastors and Church Sessions to prevent the unscriptural and unconstitutional practice of permitting unlicensed persons to preach in our churches. Same action in 1904 (p. 28). 115. Lay Evangelists 1878, p. 624. The General Assembly, whilst recognizing the fact that there are spheres of Christian labor which private Christians, as well as ruling elders, may profitably and lawfully occupy, yet feels called upon to give its solemn protest against the practice, now becoming general, of men who have never been ordained nor licensed Secs. 113-116] Ministers 53 to preach the Gospel, engaging in that peculiar function of the Christian ministry; and earnestly urges all our ministers and people to avoid encouraging the same, whether by active co-operation or otherwise. The plain teaching of our Standards is that “the Word of God is to be preached only by such as are sufficiently gifted, and also duly approved and called to that office.” — Larger Catechism, Q. 158. Indeed, the whole doctrine of our Church as to the ministry, and the regulations under which men are inducted into it, show that, in addition to the call of God, the authority of the Church is neces¬ sary to call and appoint them to this work, whether as pastors or evangelists, and no amount of apparent or even real good which may be connected with the labors of unauthorized preachers or evangelists can justify us in dishonoring the ordinance of Christ, and by this means undermining his Church. 1878, p. 563. Extract from the Minute adopted by the Assembly expressing its judgment in the case of the complaint of Rev. R. K. Smoot and others, against the action of the Synod of Texas upon the records of the Presbytery of Western Texas, in the matter of H. F. Williams. The General Assembly sustains the complaint of Rev. R. K. Smoot and others against the Synod of Texas on these grounds, viz. : By refusing to condemn the proceedings of the Presbytery of Western Texas in the matter of H. F. Williams, the Synod did endorse and encourage what is known as “Lay Evangelism” — a system which is irregular and contrary to the order of the Church with reference to the Christian ministry, and calculated to produce confusion and many other evils, sooner or later. 116. Lay preachers and exhorters G 869, p. 391. An overture from ministers of the South Alabama Presbytery, requesting the Assembly “to adopt some plan whereby Presbyteries may be authorized to license as lay preachers or exhorters such persons as may be found qualified in mind and heart to instruct and edify the churches, without requiring of them that course of literary and theological education which is required for our regular ministry,” etc. The following answer was made: That the Assembly expresses its approbation of Presbyteries granting permission to persons of suitable gifts to hold meetings and speak the word of exhortation in churches, in their respective bounds, with the consent of the Sessions where such exist, and also in destitute neighborhoods; such persons being required to abstain from assuming the proper functions of the ministry, and being held subject to the control of Presbytery. 1870, p. 522. Three Presbyteries prayed the Assembly to rescind this action. The Assembly, after saying that these overtures were directed rather against the action requested by the South Alabama ministers than against the action really taken by the Assembly, which 54 The Congregation [Book II action was manifestly different from that proposed, explained the above action in the following reply: It ’will be perceived that, under this deliverance, no issues arise concerning the propriety of confining the ministry exclusively to educated men, or of admitting a new class of authoritative teachers as prophets of the Church, to expound and enforce officially the word of Christ. But the Assembly, in the most guarded manner, simply expresses approbation of Presbyteries granting special permission to particular persons, by way of incitement and encouragement, to the exercise of their gifts in doing what, within the limits of Christian prudence, every Christian man has inherently a right to do under the broad commission of the great Head: “Let him that heareth, say Come.” Even had the deliverance of the last Assembly gone further than this, without involving palpable violation of the order or imminent danger to the interests of religion, an immediate rescinding of the act of the previous Assembly would consist neither with courtesy to the Assembly, nor with that reverence which the Assembly, by its example, should inculcate upon the people for “decrees and deter¬ minations of Synods and councils, not contrary to the Word of God, not only for their agreement with the Word, but for the power whereby they are made.” (Conf., Chap. XXXI., 2.) And this the more especially when not time has been allowed to test, by experience, whether the measure is liable to work injuriously or not. The Assembly, therefore, declines to take the action suggested by these overtures. A879, p. 39. In answer to requests from the Synod of Texas and the Presbytery of Western Texas, the following was adopted: Resolved, That the action of the Assembly in 1869, authorizing the appointment of exhorters under the control of Presbytery, be, and the same is, hereby repealed. 117. Public teaching by the unordained 1895, p. 394. The Presbytery of Concord, “in view of perplexing questions which confront the Church at the present time,” overtures the General Assembly “to appoint an ad interim committee to consider and report to the General Assembly of 1896 what action, if any, ought to be taken on the following subjects, viz.: To define the relation of elders, deacons, and unofficial persons, such as candidates; lay evangelists, and other workers to public teaching; and to define the limits of Christian liberty and duty in the use of this talent and especially to ascertain if these questions may not be settled on the principles already recognized and applied to Sunday School workers and to societies within the Church; and whether all this may not be done by the Assembly in a declarative way without con¬ stitutional enactment.” (The Assembly declined to appoint such committee. 1895, p. 433. The Presbytery of Norfolk overtures the General Secs. 116-119] Ministers 55 Assembly to add to Chapter V., Section IV., Form of Government, the following paragraph, viz.: “Paragraph 10. Ministers in good standing in other evangelical churches, unlicensed evangelists, ruling elders, candidates for the gospel ministry, or other competent brethren, may be invited to do special work in our churches when Presbytery shall be satisfied, after due examination or inquiry, of their Christian character, sound¬ ness in the faith, and ability to edify the Church.” The Assembly declined to grant the overture. 118. Ministers who dissent from the doctrines of the Church , or who doubt their having a call to preach 1870, p. 519. Overture of a member of the Presbytery of Cherokee, referring to the records of that Presbytery, and asking what should be done, first, in the case of a minister who declares his dissent from the doctrines of our Church, and yet does not desire to unite with another denomination : and what should be done in the case of a minister who regards himself as having been mistaken in supposing himself called of God to preach the Gospel. Answer: In view of the general inexpediency of making in thesi deliverances upon such questions, and of the fact that the records of the Presby¬ tery of Cherokee are not before the house, the judgment of this Assembly is, that such cases as they arise should be left to the decision of the several Presbyteries under the provisions of the Con¬ stitution, and the deliverances heretofore made by the supreme court of the Church, subject to the review of the higher courts under the forms provided by the Book. 119. May women preach in our churches 1880, p. 186. Overture from the Synod of Texas: Do our Standards forbid the introduction of women into our pulpits? and if not, is it an offence, according to the definition in the Rules of Discipline, Chap. III., Art. 1., for a minister or Church Session to permit a woman to preach in one of our churches ? The following answer was returned : Inasmuch as the public preaching of the Gospel is a branch of the ministerial office, to the authorization of which ordination or licensure is essential, and inasmuch as inspired Scripture, as interpreted by our Standards, nowhere, in the case of women, sanctions such a solemnity, but, on the contrary, does clearly prohibit it, this Assembly does therefore declare the assumption of this sacred office by women to be opposed to the advancement of true piety and to the promotion of the peace of the Church, and this to such an extent as to make the introduction of women into our pulpits for the purpose of publicly expounding God’s Word an irregularity not to be tolerated. •P. 187. The Assembly declined taking steps toward incorporating in the organic law a provision that all persons elected to office in the Church must be male members in full communion, on the ground 56 The Congregation [Book II that the Book is sufficiently plain on the subject, and does thus limit eligibility to office to males. This was in response to an overture from the Presbytery of Roanoke. 120. Women preaching and women’s sphere of work It is the settled doctrine of our Church that women are excluded from licensure and ordination by the plain teaching of the Scriptures, and, therefore, cannot be admitted to our pulpits as authorized preachers of the world; and, also, that they are prohibited from speaking by way of exhortation, or leading in prayer, or discussing any question publicly in the meetings of the Church or congregation as a mixed assembly. This is according to the mind of the Spirit as expressed by Paul in 1 Cor. xiv. 34, 35, and 1 Tim. ii. 11, 12. But we do not hold that Christian women are forbidden to hold meetings among themselves for mutual edification and comfort by pious conversation and prayer, or to devise ways and means to aid the general branches of Church work, such as Home and Foregin Missions, etc., or to teach a class in the Sabbath School. Work of this kind we approve and commend, but public speaking in the promiscuous assembly of the congregation or Church is contrary to the Holy Oracles, and, therefore, should be prohibited and condemned by the Presbyteries and Church Sessions. 1879, p. 16. In reply to an overture from West Lexington Presby¬ tery, the Assembly refers the Presbytery to the clear deliverances of former Assemblies which settle the principles involved in its over¬ ture, and should guide all our Church Sessions in their procedure. Thus the Old School Assembly of 1832, and the General Assembly, U. S. A., 1872, “Meetings of pious women by themselves for conver¬ sation and prayer, whenever they can conveniently be held, we entirely approve; but let not the inspired prohibitions of the great apostle of the Gentiles, as found in his Epistles to the Corinthians and to Timothy, be violated. To teach and exhort, or lead in prayer in public and promiscuous assemblies, is clearly forbidden to women in the Holy Oracles.” 1910, p. 67. Same doctrine reaffirmed. 1915, p. 30. Overture from the Presbytery of West Hanover, touching the speaking or praying of women in public in mixed assemblies. Answer: The Assembly appoints an Ad-Interim Committee of five to make a careful study of the teaching of the Scripture on the whole subject of woman’s position in the Church and report to the next Assembly. 1915, p. 42. The Moderator announced the following Ad-Interim Committee on the subject of Woman’s Position in the Church: Rev. J. F. Cannon, D. D., Rev. James I. Vance, D. D., Rev. A. M. Fraser, D. D., Rev. R. F. Campbell, D. D., Wm. Dinwiddie, LL. D. 1916, p. 19. \The Ad-Interim Committee on Woman’s Position in the Church, through Rev. J. F. Cannon, D. D., Chairman, presented a majority report, signed by Rev. J. F. Cannon, D. D., and others. Secs. 119-120] Ministers 57 A minority report, signed by William Dinwiddie and Rev. A. M. Fraser, D. D., was presented. A recommendation of an amendment to the Book of Church Order, paragraph 51, was presented by Rev. J. F. Cannon, D. D. Rev. J. I. Vance, D. D., a member of this Committee, presented on behalf of himself another minority report. The Stated Clerk was directed to have these papers printed for the convenience of the Assembly. 1916, p. 27. The Assembly was led in prayer for divine guidance. The Select Committee appointed to recommend an order of pro¬ cedure in the consideration of the report of the Ad- Interim Committee made the following report, which was adopted: We recommend: (1) That the paper of Dr. Cannon, on pages 1 and 2 down to the second paragraph beginning with “But — ” be regarded as a majority report. (2) That the paper of Dr. Vance be regarded as a minority report. (3) That after disposing of these two reports, the Assembly act upon the questions involved in the function of the deaconess, treating in this consideration the latter part of Dr. Cannon’s report as a majority report, and the portion of the paper of Dr. Fraser bearing on this question as a minority report. (4) That in the event the Assembly adopt the majority report, referred to in Section No. 3 of this report above, that the proposed amendment to the Book of Church Order, page 4, be referred to the Committee of Bills and Overtures. For these papers see Minutes 1916, pp. 171-179. 1917, p. 67. The report of the Committee on Bills and Overtures was taken up, considered seriatim, and adopted, with the exception that the answer to the overtures relating to “Woman’s Position in the Church” was placed on the docket to be considered at the next Assembly. From the same report. 1917, p. 68. We recommend that we reaffirm the action of the Assembly of 1880 as follows: “Inasmuch as the public preaching of the Gospel is a branch of the ministerial office, to the authorization of which ordination or licensure is essential, and inasmuch as the inspired Scripture, as interpreted by our Standards, nowhere, in the case of women, sanctions such a solemnity, but, on the contrary, does clearly prohibit it, this Assembly does therefore declare the assumption of this sacred office by women to be opposed to the advancement of true piety and to the promotion of the peace of the Church, and this to such an extent as to make the introduction of women into our pulpits for the purpose of publicly expounding God’s Word an irregularity not to be tolerated. It is the settled doctrine of our Church that women are excluded from licensure and ordination by the plain teaching of the Scriptures, and therefore cannot be admitted to our pulpits as authorized preachers of the Word; and also that they are prohibited from speaking by way of exhortation, or leading in prayer, or discussing any question 58 The Congregation [Book II publicly in the meetings of the Church or congregation as a mixed assembly. This is according to the mind of the Spirit as expressed by Paul in I Corinthians 14:34, 36, and I Timothy 2: 11, 12. But we do not hold that Christian women are forbidden to hold meetings among themselves for mutual edification and comfort by pious conver¬ sation and prayer, or to devise ways and means to aid the general branches of Church work, such as Home and Foreign Missions, etc., or to teach a class in the Sabbath School. Work of this kind we approve and commend, but public speaking in the promiscuous as¬ sembly of the congregation or Church is contrary to the Holy Oracles, and therefore should be prohibited and condemned by the Presby¬ teries and Church Session.” 1918, p. 52. The paper on Woman’s Position in the Church, docketed by the last Assembly for consideration by this Assembly, was taken from the docket and laid on the table. 121. Amendment touching candidates 1919, p. 56. The Select Committee appointed to tabulate the answers to the overture sent down to the Presbyteries by the last Assembly made a report, which was adopted, and is as follows: Seventy-one Presbyteries considered the overture; sixty-seven voted in the affirmative, three in the negative, and one declined to express itself. The amendment is therefore adopted, as follows: Section VII — Of Candidates for the Ministry. — I. A candidate for the ministry is a member of the Church in full communion who, believing himself to be called to preach the Gospel, enters on a course of study and of practical training to prepare himself for this office. II. It is recommended that every candidate for the ministry should put himself under the care of a Presbytery, which should ordinarily be the Presbytery that has jurisdiction of the church of which he is a member. He should be encouraged by the Session to do this; and upon his request, the Session should furnish him with a certificate of his membership, and with testimonials of its judgment regarding his Christian character and promise of usefulness in the ministry, to be laid before the Presbytery. ‘III. In making application to be taken under the care of the Presbytery, the candidate for the ministry, in addition to presenting testimonials from his Church Session, shall be examined by the Presbytery on experimental religion and on his motives for seeking the ministry. Should the testimonials and the examination be satisfactory, the Presbytery should receive him under its care after the following manner: The Moderator shall propose to the candidate these questions: 1. Do you promise in reliance upon the grace of God to maintain a becoming Christian character, and to be diligent and faithful in making full preparation for the sacred ministry? Secs. 120-122] Ministers 59 2. Do you promise to submit yourself to the proper supervision of the Presbytery in matters that concern your preparation for the ministry? If these question be answered in the affirmative, the Moderator, or some one appointed by him, shall give the candidate a brief charge; and the proceedings shall close with prayer. The name of the candidate is then to be recorded on the Presbytery’s Roll of Candidates for the Ministry. IV. The candidate continues to be a private member of the church and subject to the jurisdiction of the Session, but as respects his preparatory training for fhe ministry, he is under the oversight of the Presbytery. It shall be the duty of the Presbytery to show a kindly and sympathetic interest in him, and to give him counsel and guidance in regard to his studies, his practical training, and the institutions of learning he should attend. In no case must a candi¬ date omit any of the subjects prescribed in the Form of Government as tests for licensure and ordination without obtaining the consent of Presbytery; and where such consent is given the Presbytery shall record the fact and its reasons. V. For the development of his Christian character, for the service he can render, and for his more effective training, the candidate, when entering on his theological studies, should be authorized and en¬ couraged by the Presbytery to conduct public worship, to expound the Scriptures to the people, and to engage in other forms of Christian work. These forms of service should be rendered under the direction of Presbytery, and also with the sanction and under the guidance of the candidate’s instructors during the time of his being under their instruction. A candidate should not undertake to serve statedly a church which is without a pastor unless he has the approval of the Presbytery having jurisdiction of the church. VI. The Presbytery shall require every candidate for the ministry under its care to make a report to it at least once a year; and it shall secure from his instructors an annual report upon his deportment, diligence and progress in study. VII. The Presbytery may, upon application of the candidate, give him a certificate of dismission to another Presbytery; and a candidate may, at his request, be allowed to withdraw from the care of the Presbytery. The Presbytery may also, for sufficient reasons, remove the name of a candidate from its roll of candidates; but in such a case it shall report its action and the reasons therefor to the candidate and to the Session of his church. 122. Lowering the standard for licensure 1884, p. 244. The General Assembly was asked to take the neces¬ sary constitutional steps for adding the following amendment at the close of Chap. VI., Form of Government: “Provided, however, that Presbyteries shall have liberty, at their discretion, to set apart to the work of the Gospel ministry godly and experienced men, well versed in the English Bible and in the Standards of the Presbyterian 60 The Congregation [Book II Church in the United States, apt to teach, and evidently called to the ministry of the Lord through his Spirit and Providence.” In connection with this was submitted an overture from thuty- nine ministers and ruling elders of the Presbyterian Church, from twelve States, that the Assembly recommend to the Presbyteries, for their advice and consent, certain amendments to the Form of Govern¬ ment. The main object of these amendments was to remove from the Book the requirement for a classical examination of candidates for licensure, and to make the Constitution call only for an examination in the English branches of learning and in the English Bible. Answer : The 'General Assembly deems it unnecessary and inex¬ pedient that any change be made in those provisions of our Consti¬ tution which refer to the licensure or ordination of candidates for the Gospel ministry. 123. Licensure a necessary prerequisite to ordination 1889, p. 587. Is the formal licensure of a candidate for the ministry an indispensable prerequisite to ordination? Answer: Our law plainly supposes that licensure should precede ordination. 124. Irregular to license and ordain at the same meeting of Presbytery 1917, p. 69. In answer to the overture from Brazos Presbytery, touching licensure and ordination: We recommend that the Assembly declare it irregular to license and ordain a candidate at the same meeting of Presbytery; see Para¬ graphs 129, 139, 140, Book of Church Order. 125. Not right to ordain a licentiate as a private in the United States Army 1918, p. 53. In answer to the Overture from Pee Dee Presby¬ tery, asking whether it is right to ordain a Licentiate who purposes to enter the United States Army as a private, and hopes to do better work in the ranks because of his ordination, we would make the following answer: Such ordination is not in accordance with our law. (See Book of Church Order, par 101; Alexander’s Digest, Pars. 96 and 97.) 126. Steps looking to a change in requirements for licensure and ordination 1889, p. 587. A committee was appointed to consider the whole subject and report to the next Assembly. 1890, p. 15. (This committee submitted a majority report and a minority report, both of which were referred to a special committee (p. 23). This special committee made a report, which was considered, but not adopted (pp. 29, 53). Secs. 122-127] Ministers 61 1891, p. 250. In response to several overtures, the matter was again taken up. The Committee on Bills and Overtures brought in two papers, each signed by one-half of the members of the committee (p. 247). In lieu of both of these a substitute was adopted, by which the Assembly declined to send down to the Presbyteries any overture on the subject (p. 255). 1892, p. 453. The Assembly again declined to present the matter to the Presbyteries. 1893, p. 28. An ad interim committee was appointed to report on the subject to the next Assembly. 1894, p. 263. The report of this ad interim committee was referred to a special committee (p. 190). The majority report of this special committee was adopted, and certain changes were proposed to the Presbyteries. The result was as follows: 1895, p.402. As to the overture touching licensure of candidates, fifty-three Presbyteries answered in the negative, thirteen in the affr- mative, and three in the affirmative conditionally. To the overture touching the ordination of ministers, forty-three have answered in the negative, eleven in the affirmative, and three in the affirmative conditionally. The Presbyteries have declined, there¬ fore, to make the proposed changes. (For fuller details, see Supplement to Alexander’s Digest, pp. 14-28.) 1904, p. 28. ‘Overture from the Presbytery of Greenbrier so to change the Book of Order that licensure be had earlier in the course of preparation, after examination for sufficient safety; that the preaching be a part of the probation, and then when the study is finished and the probation sufficient, a full and thorough examination be made for ordination. Your committee recommends the following answer: In view of the definite provisions of our Book of Church Order, in reference to licensure and ordination, and the careful consideration of previous General Assemblies touching this whole matter, resulting in decisions adverse to any change in the provisions of our Book, your committee deems it unwise to impose upon the Church any new amendments of the same for the consideration of the Presbyteries. Our Presbyteries are earnestly admonished to carry out the spirit of our Book in all matters pertaining to the licensure of candidates, as far as possible, and should permission ever be granted to the unlicensed to try their gifts in public meetings, such permission should be exercised under the direction of pastor, or Session, or Presbytery. Presbyteries are urged to avoid the toleration of any practices which may encourage “unlicensed evangelists.” 127. Changes in regard to candidates, licensure and ordination 1920, p. 80-a. Since a majority of the Presbyteries advised and consented to the overture touching candidates, and to the one con- 62 The Congregation [Book II cerning licensure and ordination, the Assembly enacted these over¬ tures, which are as follows: 1. In Chapter V., Section IV., Paragraph VI, immediately after the word “jurisdiction,” insert the following: “To receive under its care candidates for the ministry.” 2. Touching the licensure and ordination of ministers, as follows: (a) Paragraph 118 (III), strike out the word “Especially” in the first line. Add after the sentence requiring the sermon this provision, “Trials for ordination in the same Presbytery in which the candidate was licensed may be omitted when the examination for licensure has satisfied the Presbytery that he is ready for ordination.” This change would make the amended paragraph read as follows: “Trials for ordination in a different Presbytery from that in which the candidate was licensed shall consist of a careful examination as to his acquaint¬ ance with experimental religion, as to his knowledge of philosophy, theology and ecclesiastical history, the Greek and Hebrew languages, and such other branches of learning as to the Presbytery shall appear requisite, and as to his knowledge of the doctrine of the sacraments and the principles and rules of the government and discipline of the Church. Or, in lieu of the examination in philosophy, ecclesiastical history, the Greek and Hebrew languages, it may accept certificates of approved institutions of learning. He shall further be required to preach a sermon before the Presbytery. Trials for ordination in the same Presbytery in which the candidate was licensed may be omitted when the examination for licensure has satisfied the Presbv- * tery that he is ready for ordination, which ought, if practicable, to be in that church of which he is to be the pastor.” (b) Paragraph 129. <1. Add the word “ordinarily” to the first line, making the first line read, “Presbytery shall ordinarily license probationers,” etc. Then, after the last word of the paragraph, the following: “But where there is a call to a definite work, and the Presbytery is satisfied by the examination for licensure that the candidate is ready and prepared for ordination, the licensure may be omitted.” This change would make the amended paragraph read as follows: “Presbyteries shall ordinarily license probationers to preach the Gospel in order that, after sufficiently trying their gifts and receiving from the Church a good report, they may, in due time, ordain them to the sacred office. But where there is a call for a definite work, and the Presbytery is satisfied by the examination for licensure that the candidate is ready and prepared for ordination, the licensure may be omitted.” 128. Licensure after one year at Theological Seminary declined / jl908, p. 33. To an overture asking that candidates be licensed after the first session at the Theological Seminary, a negative reply was made. Form of Government, Par. 134. 1914, p. 34. Overtures from the Synod of South Carolina and the Presbytery of Piedmont, asking that our Book of Church Order be Secs. 127-130] Ministers 63 so changed as to require the licensure of candidates before the com¬ mencement of their second year of study in the seminary. Answer : The Assembly declines the overture, but expresses its judgment that trial for licensure should take place as early in a candidate’s theological course as practicable. 129. Licentiates in itinerant service 1869, p. 378. In answer to an overture in reference to requiring every licentiate to spend two years in itinerant missionary labor before settlement, the Assembly adopted the following: Resolved, That whilst the Assembly believes that the employment of competent evangelists is the most effectual means of supplying the destitutions in our bounds, yet, in view of the fact that so few of that class can now be secured, it recommends to Presbyteries to throw their licentiates, as far as practicable, into the destitute fields around them. 1871, p. 15. Toa similar request the following reply was made: The Form of Government, Chap. XV., Secs. I. and IX., gives to any congregation the right to extend their pastoral call to any proba¬ tioner, “when he shall have preached so much to their satisfaction that the people appear prepared to elect a pastor,” and authorizes the Presbytery having jurisdiction of the case “if they think it expedient, to present the call to him.” While this Assembly highly commends these missionary labors, as means for testing and training the gifts of probationers and spreading the Gospel, it does not deem itself competent to take away the above right from the churches, nor the discretion of the Presbyteries in the case. 1872, p. 156. (In many cases settled pastors are more needed than itinerant missionaries. Besides, our young men are licensed to preach the Gospel wherever God in his providence may call them, at home or abroad. The whole frame of our system would be set aside by an attempt to retard the settlement of pastors wherever churches are or can be formed strong enough to sustain them. 1873, p. 313. Overtures looking to the adoption of this same rule, were rejected. 130. Additional requirements for licensure •1898, p. 201. Overture to add to Chap. V., Sec. IV., 75, of the Form of Government, the following words: “And shall subject them to such other particular examinations as shall fully satisfy the Presby¬ tery of their fitness for the ministry of the Presbyterian Church.” This overture was answered in the negative. 1899, p. 433. Overture that the following amendments be sent down to the Presbyteries: (1) , Chapter VI., Section 5, Paragraph 118, Article 3, to-wit: After the words “the Greek and Hebrew language” add “the English Bible.” (2) , Also, Chapter VI., Section 6, Paragraph 132, Article 4: 64 The Congregation [Book II After “Natural and Revealed Theology” add “On the English Bible.” (3), Also, Chapter VI., Section 6, Paragraph 134, Article 6, add to this article the following : Provided, that in every extraordinary case the candidate shall be required to stand a searching examination on the English Bible. The committee recommended the following answer, which was adopted : The Assembly declines to recommend the changes in the Form of Government asked for in these overtures, but would enjoin upon the Presbyteries to subject every candidate for the ministry to a thorough examination as to his knowledge of the English Bible. 131. Legal sanction for work by candidates 1895, p. 432. .'Overtures have been received from several Presby¬ teries asking for such amendments to the Book of Church Order as will define more clearly the status of the candidate for the ministry, and the right and duty of the Presbytery to supervise and direct all that pertains to his training for the sacred office. Columbia and Savannah each ask that Paragraph 134 be amended by prefixing the following words, viz. : “Candidates of one year’s approved standing in divinity studies or Theological Seminary, may be allowed, at the discretion of Presbytery, to exercise their gifts for a specific time and duty; but” no candidate, except in extraordinary cases, shall, etc. Fayetteville and Orange and Albemarle ask that Paragraph 77 be amended by inserting after the words “original jurisdiction,” these words: “shall have power to receive candidates and to direct them in their literary and theological education, and in such practical training in the exercise of their gifts, as in the judgment of Presbytery, may be necessary to their efficiency in the work of the ministry.” The Presbytery of Louisville asks for such an amendment to the Book of Church Order as will secure to the candidate the explicit permission of his Presbytery to exercise his gifts in the churches during the period of his preparation for licensure; but that such permission shall be granted to those only who have completed one year’s course of study in divinity, and after a suitable examination in the Standards and the English Bible. The Assembly declined to propose any of these amendments to our Presbyteries. ) 1896, p. 574. Overtures from the Presbyteries of Enoree and South Carolina, asking that the General Assembly recommend to the Presbyteries that they advise and consent to the following amend¬ ments to the Book of Church Order, viz. : “In Chapter V., Section IV., Paragraph 6, after the words ‘shall have power to assume original jurisdiction,’ and before the words ‘to examine and license candidates for the holy ministry,’ insert the following: ‘To receive candidates for the ministry under its care, and to direct them in their literary and theological education, and in such Secs. 130-133] Ministers 65 practical training in the exercise of their gifts as may, in the judgment of Presbytery, be necessary to their efficiency in the work of the ministry.’ “Also that to Chapter VI., Section VI., Paragraph 1, be added the following: ‘Before his licensure, a Presbytery may grant to the Session of a church authority to appoint a candidate for a limited time in such work as will aid his practical training for the ministry; pro¬ vided, that if the candidate be under the care of a different Presby¬ tery from that to which the church belongs, the consent of both Presbyteries shall be first obtained.’ ” The Assembly declined to recommend to the Presbyteries these amendments. 132. Certificates of approved institutions may be accepted in lieu of examination on certain subjects 1913, p. 70-k. Overture from Bethel Presbytery, asking for ad¬ ditional amendment to Chapter VI., Section 5, as follows: In Chapter VI., Section 5, Paragraph 118, after the words “government and discipline of the Church,” insert the words “or in lieu of the exami¬ nation in Philosophy, Ecclesiastical History, the Greek and Hebrew languages,” it may accept certificates of approved institutions of learning. We recommend that this overture be sent down to the Presbyteries for their consent and advice. 1914, p. 70. Amendment to Form of Government. — In Chapter VI., Section 5, Paragraph 118, after the words “government and discipline of the Church,” insert the words “or in lieu of the exami¬ nation in Philosophy, Ecclesiastical History, the Greek and Hebrew languages, it may accept certificates of approved institutions of learn- mg.” 133. The Latin thesis as a part of trial for licensure 1870, p. 510. The Standing Committee on Education, to whom was referred the overture touching “the propriety of dispensing with a Latin thesis as a part of trial of our candidates for licensure to preach the Gospel,” would recommend the following answer on the part of this Assembly, to-wit: That it is inexpedient to make any changes in the requirements of the Book on this subject. Adopted. 1902, p. 288. In response to overtures asking that the Latin thesis be removed from the list of parts of trial for licensure the following was adopted: This Assembly does hereby recommend and send down to the Presbyteries for their advice and consent the following amendment to the Form of Government, Chap. VI., Sec. 6, Sub-sec. 4, other¬ wise designated as General Par. 132, to-wit: from the sentence marked 1, and reading, “A discussing in Latin of a thesis on some common head of divinity,” strike out the two words “in Latin,” so 66 The Congregation [Book II that the sentence will read, “A discussion of a thesis on some common head of divinity.” 1903, p. 481. Forty-seven Presbyteries answered in the negative, twenty-eight in the affirmative, and three did not vote. 1912, p. 24. Overture from the Presbytery of Bethel, asking certain constitutional changes in the rule for examining candidates for licensure. Answer : The Assembly answers the overture in the affirmative and sends it down to the Presbyteries for their advice and consent. 1913, p. 30. (1) Amendment to Paragraphs 132-134 (Form of Government, Chapter VI., Section 6,: 1. Strike out Paragraph 4 as far as the words “ head in divinity” and substitute the following, viz. : “The Presbytery shall examine each candidate on theology, natural and revealed, the Sacraments and Church government. It shall also examine him as to his knowledge of the Latin language, mental philosophy, logic, rhetoric, ethics, the natural sciences and similar subjects, and upon the original languages of the Holy Scriptures and ecclesiastical history; or, in lieu of the examination on any of these academic studies, it may accept a certificate from an approved college ; and in lieu of the examination on the original languages of Scripture and ecclesiastical history, it may accept a certificate from an approved theological seminary. Moreover, the Presbytery shall require a dis¬ cussion in Latin or in English of a thesis on some common head in divinity.” (2) Strike out the opening words of Paragraph 6 as far as the words “teacher of theology” and substitute for the same the following, viz.: “No Presbytery shall omit any of these parts of trial except in extraordinary cases.” (3) At the end of Paragraph 6 the following words be added, viz. : “That the foregoing provision, mutatis mutandis, shall apply to the examination for ordination of extraordinary cases.” 134. Licensure of candidates who are deficient 1896, p. 614. The Synod of South Carolina in its records of 1895, p. 13, recommended to its Presbyteries, that when students fail to pass any of their examinations at the seminaries, the Presby¬ teries require of them a satisfactory explanation of the failure, and in case such an explanation is not forthcoming, either refuse to license them until they make good their deficiency, or license them as extraordinary cases. '(The Assembly took exception to this action as unwise and injurious in its effects, inasmuch as it recommends for licensure students who have failed to reach the minimum standard of scholarship. 135. Licentiates may he sent to declare a church vacant 1877, p. 443. The records of the Synod of Nashville were ap¬ proved, with the exception that, on page 274, the Synod seems to Secs. 133-137] Ministers 67 teach that a Presbytery has no power to send a licentiate to declare a church vacant. 136. The office of catechist proposed 1895, p. 395. Overtures to the General Assembly to send down to our Presbyteries for their approval a proposition to engraft into our present system the office and functions of the catechist. Declined by the Assembly. The proposition as elaborated by the proposing Presbytery contem¬ plated the licensure as catechists of such candidates for the ministry as wish to conduct services prior to licensure, and prescribed conditions as to attainments, supervision of work, etc. Its aim was to give sanction to a practice conceded to be without authority by provision of law. — A. 137. Statistical column for pastor’s salaries 1909, p. 27. The Assembly directed that the column in the blanks and Assembly Minutes for pastor’s salary be abolished, and that this item be merged in the column for congregational expenses. 1910, p. 37. The Assembly declined to restore the column for pastor’s salary. 1907, p. 56. The Assembly declined to order an additional column in the statistical blank, headed: “Ministers otherwise paid.” 1911, p. 22. Overture from the Presbytery of Sherman asking that the column of pastors’ salaries be restored to the statistical columns in the reports of the Sessions. We recommend that it be answered in the affirmative. Adopted. 1912, p. 41. Overture asking that in the Statistical Blank the amount of Pastor’s Salary be included in Congregational Expenses. Answered in the negative. 1917, p. 42. In answer to overture from Lexington Presbytery touching record of salaries of pastors of Home Mission churches in column of “Pastor’s Salary” in Assembly’s Minutes, we recommend that in such cases — following the name and postoffice of the minister — a dotted line be run across the page to the “Pastor’s Salary” column, where the amount of supplemental salary be entered, and then in following lines the names of churches which he serves be given their postoffices and regular statistics. We recommend that salaries of all other ministers serving as evangelists, secretaries, and teachers in Church colleges be noted in column of “Pastor’s Salary,” and that the Stated Clerk of each Presbytery secure the information. CHAPTER III ELDERS 138. An elder’s membership in Presbytery continues until the next stated meeting |1872, p. 164. When an elder is appointed to attend a stated meeting of the Presbytery, he may, without any new appointment, meet and act with the Presbytery until its next stated meeting, unless the Session shall appoint some other member of its bench of elders to attend in his place. See § 224. 139. Each church, in a group served by one minister, is entitled to a separate elder as representative in Presbytery and Synod 1862, p. 17. An overture to change the Form of Government so as to allow each of two or more churches associated together in one pastorate, a representative in Synod and Presbytery, was referred to the Committee on Revision. 1868, p. 275. To a similar overture the answer was made: It is not advisable at present to legislate on this subject, but it is commended to the consideration of the Presbyteries. 1869, p. 377, and 1870, p. 531. Responses were received in 1869 from only ten Presbyteries, and the matter was re-submitted, when responses were had from twenty-eight Presbyteries, ninteen in the affirmative and nine in the negative. The overture failed, being not supported by a majority of the Presbyteries, there being fifty-five Presbyteries. Inasmuch as this overture has in two successive years, been sent to the Presbyteries, and in both instances has failed from default of action on the part of Presbyteries, the Assembly does now dismiss the matter. 1871, p. 15. The Assembly declined to renew the above proposals. The same in 1874, p. 484. In 1876, p. 241, the matter, being revised, was referred to the Committee on the Revision of the Standards. By the Form of Government adopted in 1879, each church is entitled to its separate representative in Presbytery and Synod. See Paragraphs 72 and 81. 140. Elders to be appointed by the Presbyteries to conduct services in neighboring congregations 1866, p. 37. Eesolved, That every Presbytery be enjoined to require the Sessions of the vacant congregations to come up to the discharge of the duties devolved upon them in the twenty-first chapter of the Form of Government, in the assembling of their respective Secs. 138-144] Elders 69 congregations for the worship of God, to which it may be proper to add exhortation. And in order that this duty may be performed to the greater acceptance of the worshippers, it is further required that the Presbyteries do seek out those eleders who have the best gifts, and do especially appoint them to the performance of these duties. 1867, p. 148. Resolved, That the action of the last Assembly, on pp. 36 and 37 of the Minutes, is hereby reaffirmed, and the parts relating to the services of elders explained to mean, substantially, that, in accordance with our Constitution, when a vacant congre¬ gation does not enjoy the services of any elder, who, for any proper reason, is competent to perform the duties contemplated, it shall be the duty of the Presbytery to appoint an elder or elders from some neighboring congregation; provided nothing herein contained shall be regarded as justifying a Presbytery in extending its jurisdiction within the bounds of another. 1919, p. 51. From the Presbytery of Central Texas, asking that active steps be taken to use more fully capable ruling elders in con¬ ducting services in our vacant churches, in view of the absence of so many ministers engaged in war work. Answer. — The law of the Church already gives to churches and elders full opportunity in this matter. In view of the present need, the Assembly urges a fuller use of this opportunity. 141. Distinction between teaching and ruling elders not removed 1900, pp. 604, 644. The Assembly declined an overture asking the removal from the Book of Church Order of all Presbyterial distinctions between teaching and ruling elders. 142. Presbyterial courtesies to ruling elders 1883, p. 20. As to extending certain Presbyterial courtesies to ruling elders. Recommended that no change is deemed necessary. Adopted. This overture contemplated Presbytery’s inviting visiting elders to seats as corresponding or visiting brethren. — A. 143. An elder who has moved from the bounds of his church 1865, p. 363. The provision of the Constitution, that no man is eligible to the office of elder unless he is a member of the church in which he is to serve, was evidently designed to prevent the existence of a non-resident eldership. And since the rights of office and the discharge of its duties go together in the ordination engagements, this Assembly judges that when an elder voluntarily and premanently removes beyond the bounds of a congregation, he is therefore dis¬ qualified from discharging the functions of his office, and is no longer to be considered as an acting elder. 144. Dissolving relation of elder when unacceptable 1901, p. 68. The Assembly is asked to define the word ‘£com- 70 The Congregation [Book II petent” in Par. 113 of the Book of Church Order; also to answer the question: “When the officer described in this paragraph is unac¬ ceptable in his official capacity to a majority of the congregation, is his removal by the Session essential or merely optional?” The Assembly gives as a fair paraphrase of the word “competent” the phrase “ within the authority of;” but it is a matter within the discretion of the Session, to be exercised wisely in view of the facts in each particular case. 145. An elder returning a letter of dismission, resumes his functions 1876, p. 238. As the Constitution (Form of Government, Chap. IV., Sec. III.,) requires that the ruling elder must be a male member, in full communion in the church in which he is to exercise his office, a ruling elder obtaining a letter of dismission from his church does not thereby sever his connection with the church, nor until he is received as a member of the church to which he is dismissed; and when he returns his letter he may resume his office again as a ruling elder in that church. For otherwise, he must cease to be an acting elder for another cause, and in another mode, than one of the two only modes provided for in Chap. VI., Secs. III. and IV.; since only when unacceptable to the congregation, and then only either by his own voluntary act, or by act of the Session under advice of the Presbytery, can he cease to be an acting elder in the church. The receiving a letter of dismission, while it may suspend the full communion of the member, does not terminate his connection with the church. The General Assembly of 1875 decided (though by some oversight the decision is omitted in the printed Minutes) that the return of an unused letter of dismission reinstated the party to full communion in the church from which it was taken. 146. Demission of elders and deacons 1880, p. 190. In answer to an overture asking: “Can the office of a ruling elder or deacon, as of a minister, be demitted?” the Assembly adopted the following: 1. The word “demit” does not occur in our Standards, and its use produces confusion. A minister of the Gospel cannot demit his office; he can be divested of his office only by act of Presbytery. 2. The rules for divesting a minister of his office without censure do not, in all cases, apply to the ruling elder and deacon. For instance: The provision of Rules of Discipline, Chap. XII., Sec. III., has application only to a minister of the Gospel, and the provisions of Form of Government, Chap. VI., Secs. IIP, IV., and VI., and Rules of Discipline, Chap. VIII., Secs. VI. and X., while applying to the ruling elder and deacon, are expressly restricted to the case where the officer is unacceptable to the church. 1881, p. 396. Overtures touching a change of Chap. XII., Sec. III., Book of Discipline, so as to read thus: “This provision shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the case of ruling elders and deacons.” Secs. 144^147] Elders 71 It was ordered that the proposed change be submitted to the Presby¬ teries for their action. 1882, p. 568. The vote of the Presbyteries on this amendment was: Yea, 38; nay, 2. It was therefore enacted in the following form: “This provision shall in like manner apply, mutatis mutandis, to the case of ruling elders and deacons; but in all such cases the Session of the church to which the elder or deacon who seeks demission belongs, shall act as the Presbytery acts in similar cases where a minister is concerned.” 1883, p. 20. Overture in regard to the above enactment of the General Assembly, as being irregular. Ordered: That the action of 1882 complained of be sent down to the Presbyteries. The substance of the complaint was that the above amendment was enacted in different terms from those voted on and adopted by the Presbyteries. 1884, p. 250. Result — Ayes, 56; noes, 3. P. 427. The following was adopted: Resolved, That the following be, and hereby is enacted as a part of the Constitution (Rules of Discipline, Chap. XII., Par. 3): “But in all such cases the Session of the church to which the elder or the deacon who seeks demission belongs, shall act as the Presbytery acts in similar cases where a minister is concerned.” 147. Rotary eldership and deaconship 1907, p. 57. An overture asking the Assembly to send down to the Presbyteries, for their consent and approval, an overture recom¬ mending the rotary method of electing Elders and Deacons. Answered in the negative. 1909, p. 48. Overtures asking the Assembly to take such action as will allow each and every congregation throughout its bounds by their own vote to adopt the rotary system of Church officers; a communication from the Presbytery of Paris, reporting its refusal to join in said overtures; and an overture asking the Assembly not to favor such overtures, should they be sent. Answer. — The Assembly declines to take any action looking to the adoption of the rotary system of Church officers. Same action in 1912, p. 118; in 1915, p. 80-d and e; in 1917, p. 69; 1920, p. 80-a. 1921, p. 68. Overture from Mecklenburg Presbytery, requests the Assembly to take the proper steps to amend our Book of Church Order so as to allow .a rotation in the offices of Elders and Deacons when a congregation so desires. Inasmuch as 38 Presbyteries voted in favor of this change last year, with 32 Presbyteries voting against it and 17 Presbyteries not voting, we recommend that the Assembly approve of the following paragraph as a substitute for paragraph 115 of the Book of Church Order and send it down to the Presby¬ teries for their action, with the especial request that every Presby¬ tery take action between now and the meeting of the next Assembly: “If any particular church should prefer, this preference being ex¬ pressed by a majority vote in a regular congregational meeting, 72 The Congregation [Book II ruling elders or deacons may be chosen for an active term of service of five years. Upon the expiration of this term of service they shall be eligible for re-election, and in the election of their successors their names may be considered together with the names of any other members of the church who are eligible for these offices. When a ruling elder or deacon whose term of service has expired, or who has been released from active service, is again elected to this office in the same or another church, he shall be installed after the above form, with the omission of ordination.” 1922, p. 73. Lost; 29 Presbyteries out of 88, voted “yes”. I 148. Presbytery may dissolve relation between a ruling elder and a congregation without deposing 1894, p. 196. May a Presbytery, without petition, set aside an elder without deposing him; that is, may the Presbytery dissolve the eldership relation, as they may the pastoral relation, without prejudice? Answer. — Presbytery m^y dissolve the relation between ruling elder and a particular congregation without prejudice and without petition. See Book of Church Order, Paragraph 205, which, mat at is mutandis, applies to elders and deacons; and also Paragraph 77 r which provides that “Presbytery shall have power to assume original jurisdiction in cases in which the Session cannot exercise its author¬ ity.” 149. No examination of elders and deacons on the Standards of the Church before their ordination 1883, p. 56. Rev. S. B. Campbell, D. D., offered the following: Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed, to report to the next General Assembly as to the expediency of the Assembly’s taking action looking to the more thorough qualification of the ruling elders for the duties of their office; and particularly as to the expe¬ diency of requiring them, in ordinary cases, to stand an examination on the Standards of our Church before their ordination. Referred to the Committee on education. That committee recommended, and the Assembly adopted the following action: The General Assembly declines to take action in the direction indi¬ cated for the following reasons: 1. To carry into effect the action proposed there would be neces¬ sary a change in our Form of Government and the time is inopportune for further changes where there is no urgent necessity. 2. The action called for is not necessary, as the Form of Govern¬ ment already requires vows at ordination which cannot be conscien¬ tiously taken without previous careful examination of and intelligent acquaintance with the doctrinal Standards of the Church. 3. The effect of this action would be to transfer the responsibility of such doctrinal study and acquaintance from the conscience of the Secs. 147-150] Elders 73 ■candidate, where it ought to rest, to that of the person or persons whose duty it should be to examine him. 4. Many excellent brethren of diffidence, but of real merit, would be deterred from accepting the office of ruling elder from fear of the -ordeal of examination to which they would be subjected. 1890, p. 45. The Presbytery of Greenbrier respectfully overtures the General Assembly to recommend the amendment of Paragraph 1, Section IV., Chapter VI., Book of Church Order, so as to read: ^‘When any person has been elected to either of these offices, and declares his purpose to accept, the Session shall proceed, at some convenient time, carefully to examine him as to his acquaintance with experimental religion, as to his knowledge of the Word of God and the Constitution of the Church, and as to his ability to instruct the ignorant in the way of life. If the church is without a pastor at the time, the Session shall procure the attendance of some neighboring minister, belonging to the same Presbytery with the church, who shall preside and conduct the examination, every member of the Session having, of course, the right to participate therein. If, after a reasonable inquiry, the Session is well satisfied of the person’s qualifications for the office to which he has been elected, it >hall appoint a day for his ordination.” P. 46. Docketed and referred to the next Assembly. 1891, p. 260. The Assembly declines to send down such over¬ ture to the Presbyteries for adoption, but directs all our ministers and churches (through the Presbyteries) to be very careful in the selection of ruling elders and deacons, and endeavor to have them properly instructed before ordination in all the duties of their office, as required by our Book of Church Order, Chapter VI., Section IV. 150. May a ruling elder be the Moderator of a church court? 1876, p. 238. Overture inquiring whether the requirement of the Constitution that the meeting of Church courts shall be opened with a sermon by the last Moderator, implies that only a minister can be moderator. Answer. — The Constitution of the Church, and the very genius of the Presbyterian system of courts, speaking in the name and by the authority of Christ, the King, require that the teaching elder, whose function it is to expound he law of Christ, shall preside in courts which are to be guided wholly by law in their acts and deliver¬ ances. Adopted. 1878, p. 625. Requested to reverse the above decision, the fol¬ lowing answer was made: Whilst the Assembly fully recognizes the perfect equality of ruling elders with ministers in all our Church courts, yet since our Form of Government requires of all the Moderators of all our judiciaries, except the Session, certain duties which can be performed only by ministers, we decline to reverse the decision referred to. 1884, p. 249. Being overtured to take constitutional steps to secure an amendment to the Form of Government that would sanction 74 The Congregation [Book II the choosing of a ruling elder as Moderator of a Presbytery, Synod or General Assembly, the Assembly made the following answer: This Assembly, in view of the unusually large amount of business pressing upon its consideration, and also in view of the fact that the matter of these overtures has not yet undergone the full and general examination demanded by its importance, judges it most suitable that they be referred to the Assembly of next year. 1885, p. 432. The Assembly hereby recommends and sends down to the Presbyteries, for their advice and consent thereunto, the following: That to the clause in the Form of Government, Chap. IV. , Sec. III., Par. 2, stating that ruling elders “possess the same authority in the courts of the Church as the ministers of the Word,” shall be added this sentence: “When, however, a ruling elder is Moderator of a Presbytery, Synod or General Assembly, any official duty devolving upon him, the performance of which requires the exercise of functions pertaining only to the teaching elder, shall be remitted by him for execution to such minister of the Word, being a member of the court, as he may select.” 1886, p. 57. On this, the vote by Presbyteries was — Ayes, 37; Noes, 26. Therefore, it is hereby enacted, that the said addition be made to the Book of Church Order. P. 60. A special committee was appointed to examine the Book and secure consistency in the declarations, regulations, etc., concerning the position, rights, etc., of the ruling elder in the courts of the Church. ,1887, pp. 196, 231. This special committee made a report, which, was received and after reference, its recommendations were approve ! and sent down to the Presbyteries for their advice and consent, as follows : 1. In Chap. IV., Sec. III., Par. 2, after the word authority, insert the words and eligibility to office, so that the paragraph will read as follows: These ruling elders do not labor in word and doctrine, but possess the same authority and eligibility to office in the courts of the Church as the ministers of the Word. '2. In Chap. V., Sec. I., Par. 3, after the word is, in the first line, insert the words for prudential reasons, so as to read : The pastor is, for prudential reasons, Moderator of the Session. 3. In the same paragraph (Chap. V., Sec. I., Par. 3), after the word shall, in the seventh line, insert in parenthesis the following words, except as hereinafter provided, so that the sentence will read: And the Moderator, or, in case of his absence, the last Moderator present, or the oldest minister in attendance, shall (except as here¬ inafter provided) open the meeting with a sermon, etc. 4. Strike out altogether from Chap. IV., Sec. IIP, Par. 2, the amendment incorporated in that paragraph by the last Assembly, and insert that same amendment, slightly modified, at the close of Chap. V. , Sec. I., Par. 3, so as to add to that paragraph the following words: Provided, however, that when the Moderator of one of the higher Secs. 150-156] Elders 75 courts is a ruling elder, the preaching of the opening sermon, or any other official duty, the performance of which requires the exercise of functions pertaining only to the teaching elder, shall be remitted by him for execution to such minister of the Word, being a member of the court, as he may select. 5. In Chap. V., Sec. VI., Par. 6, after the word pronounce , in next to the last line, insert the words or cause to be pronounced, so that the sentence will read: He shall pray and return thanks, and pronounce, or cause to be pronounced, on those present, the apostolic benediction. The Assembly took no action on the committee's discussion of the meaning of the phrase “Authority in the Courts of the Church.” 1888, p. 424. Forty Presbyteries voted aye, four voted nay, and one gave consent in part. A majority having voted for the amend¬ ment, it was thereupon enacted by the Assembly. 151. Licensure of a ruling elder does not debar him from his powers as an elder 1897, p. 43. Does the licensure of a ruling elder debar him from the exercise of the powers of an elder? Answer. — The licensure in no way interferes with his duty as an elder. 152. Ordination of deacon when elected ruling elder, and vice versa 1908, p. 53. As to the reordination of a deacon when elected to the eldership, and of an elder when elected to the diaconate, the Assembly would say: 1. That when a deacon is elected to the office of an elder, he must be ordained to that office, unless previously ordained thereto. 2. That when an elder is elected to the office of a deacon, he must be ordained to that office, unless previously ordained thereto. 153. The functions of a single elder See § 172 of this Digest. 154. Ruling elder of another church moderating a congregational meeting See § 33 of this Digest. 155. Ruling elder may deliver charge to the people or to the pastor in an installation See §§ 87, 88 of this Digest. 156. Shall ruling elders be urged to ordination as evangelists? 1896, p. 570. Overture: That to Paragraph 12, Section VI., Chaper VI., there shall be added the words: “But when an elder of the Presbyterian Church shall become an acceptable expounder of 76 The Congregation [Book II God’s Word to the edification of God’s people, and manifests himself a real winner of souls, it shall be the duty of the Presbytery within w7hose bounds such an elder holds membership to call him and ordain him an evangelist to labor regularly as one ordained, so no encouragement be given to irregular or unordained workers in our churches; and in case any thus called refuse ordination and con¬ tinue, in defiance of our Church custom and authority, to preach, all the churches shall be warned against such men. Answered in the negative. 157. Ruling elders urged to pastoral duties 1889, p. 612. To keep the pastoral arm of the service in its full efficiency, we urge upon the Presbyteries to make diligent effort to induce the elders to take a more prominent part in the pastoral work of the congregation, conducting prayer-meetings, and doing such other pastoral work within their jurisdiction as may be necessary, that the Church suffer nothing from the temporary absence of the minister attending to the duties of the Presbyterial supply work. We would emphasize the importance of requiring the Sessions of vacant churches to assemble the people for public worship on the Sabbath day. 158. Elders’ and Deacons’ Conventions 1914, p. 34. Overture from the Presbytery of Piedmont, asking the Assembly to authorize and instruct the organization of Elders’ and Deacons’ Conventions in all our Presbyteries wherever practi¬ cable. The Assembly answers in the affirmative. CHAPTER IV DEACONS 159. Deacons — for demission of, examination of, rotary system of, and ordination of as elder, see Chapter on Ruling Elders. 160. Relation of deacons to the Session 1877, p. 410. The duties of the deacons, as servants (ministers) of the Church, are to execute the orders of the Session (or parochial Presbytery) as rulers of the Church. Therefore, it is the duty of the deacons to collect and appropriate all funds for Church purposes, whether for local purposes, support of a pastor, aid to the poor, and expenses of the Church, or for objects of Christian benevolence recognized in the action of the courts of the Church, under the direc¬ tion of the Church Session. 161. May the deacons elect a sexton ? 1892, p. 460. Has a board of deacons the right to elect a sexton and fix his salary? or is it necessary for the authority to be specially committed to them? and by whom? Answer. — When the management of the temporal affairs of the church has been committed to deacons by the Session, they have this right. — Chapter IV., Section IV., Paragraph 2, No. 47. 162. Jurisdiction of congregation, officers and trustees over Church property and other secular interests 1890, p. 28. d. As to deacons, this Assembly repeats the enunciation of the Assembly of 1877 (page 410). See above, § 159. (Under Paragraph 49, Section IV., of the Form of Government, an annual report is to be made to the Session.) 2. There is vested in each congregation organized as a church,, or in a number of persons about to be organized as such, the right and power to appoint and remove at will trustees and their successors who may receive donations and purchase, take and hold property,, real and personal, in trust for the congregation; and, if authorized by a majority of the Church members at a congregational meeting constitutionally convened for that purpose, sell, mortgage, trust- deed, or exchange the property so held to aid in the construction or repairing of their Church edifices, or for other purposes. Care should,, however, be had to make the action in each case conform to the law of the State wherein the property is located. 3. In the appointment of trustees a part or all of the deacons, if 78 The Congregation [Book II suitable, should be selected; and wherever property is now held by unincorporated churches it is advisable to have deeds made to the trustees in all cases where it can be done. 163. Relation of deacons to temporal affairs of the church 1896, p. 575. In answer to an overture asking whether the management of the temporal affairs of the church is committed to the deacons by virtue of their ordination or by a special act of the Session, the Assembly replies that the management of the temporal affairs of the church does not belong to deacons by virtue of their ordination. 1899, p. 430. To an overture as to whether the Session or the congregation has the authority to commit to the deacons the temporal affairs of the church, it was answered that the authority lies with the Session. 164. Proposed rotation in office of deacon See p. 71 of this Digest. 165. New plan for beneficence not to interfere with the work of the deacons 1911, p. 22. In response to an overture from the Presbytery of Orange asking an interpretation of action of the Assembly of 1910, concerning the appointment of committees by the Sessions of the Churches as provided for in the new plan for beneficence. The Assembly refers the Presbytery to the Book of Church Order, Chap. IV., Sec. IV., Par. 47, where it is declared that a function of the Diaconate is “the collection and distribution of the offerings of the people for pious uses, under the direction of the Session.” Nothing in the action of the Assembly of 1910 is to be construed as contravening the Constitution. Adopted. 166. Deacons may not change pastor’s salary without consent of congregation 1914, p. 25. Overture from Presbytery of Savannah, asking whether the Board of Deacons of a church has authority to change the contract as to pastor’s salary without consent of congregation. Answer . — The Assembly answers in the negative. 167. Deacons have no right to call congregational meetings 1890, p. 46. It was so answered to an overture from Savannah Presbytery. 168. The Diaconate in its relation to the agencies of the Church 1879, p. 19. Overture asking the Assembly to prepare a paper Secs; -162-170] Deacons 79 upon the doctrine of the Diaconate, with special reference to its relations to the agencies of the Church. Request granted, and com¬ mittee appointed: Rev. J. L. Girardeau, D. D., Rev. R. L. Dabney, D. D., and Rev. Thomas E. Peck, D. D. (P. 47.) This committee reported a lengthy paper on the above subject to the Assembly of 1881. (See p. 355.) The substantive proposition of this paper is: “That the Assembly formally approve the principle, that wherever, in its administrative policy, strictly temporal functions require to be discharged, deacons should be appointed for their performance.” After being referred to the next Assembly for three successive years — 1881, p. 394; 1882, p. 551; 1883, p. 62 — the following paper was adopted: Resolved, 1. That the General Assembly hereby expresses to Drs. Girardeau, Peck and Dabney, its appreciation of their faithful labor in preparing the report on the Diaconate, which is now before this body. 2. That after its authors shall have had the privilege of revising it, so much of said paper as its writers may regard as neces¬ sary to its completeness, be printed in the Appendix to the Minutes of this Assembly. (1884, p. 205.) This report may be found on p. 283 for that year. It is there simply for information, and was never endorsed or adopted. 169. Deacons' Conventions See p. 76 of this Digest. 170. Enlargement of work of Deacons 1916, p. 72. In answer to the overture from the Presbytery of Washburn, touching the use of deacons in our Church for all finan¬ cial positions of Synod, Assembly, etc. : We recommend that it be answered in the negative. 1917, p. 69. In answer to the overture from Congaree Presby¬ tery, asking if Presbytery may appoint deacons on committees, com¬ missions, or boards of trustees of educational institutions: We recommend that the Assembly answer that deacons may be appointed to perform any duty not required to be performed by a presbyter. 1919, p. 51. From the Presbytery of Central Texas, asking for the appointment of an Ad-Interim Committee to consider enlarging the work of the deacon, co-ordinating it with the work of the ministers and elders in the higher courts of the Church, to the end that the deacon may discharge his full duties in the management of the material affairs of the Church; and our courts, freed from these cares, have the opportunity to become educational and inspirational. Answer. — The request is granted, and the Moderator is authorized to appoint an Ad-Interim Committee, for this purpose, of three members. (Minutes of 1919, p. 69-j.) 80 The Congregation [Book II 1920, pp. 32, 54. This Committee was enlarged and continued. See Report of Committee, Minutes of 1920, p. 172. 1921, p. 58. The report of the Committee was adopted and sent • down to the Presbyteries for their advice and consent. (See Minutes, p. 188.) (To be substituted for Chap. IV, Sec. IV, Form of Govern¬ ment.) 1922, p. 73. Adopted. 56 Presbyteries, out of 88, voting “yes”. 171. Deaconess 1904, p. 53. The Assembly declined to consider the advisability of taking steps looking to the institution of the Order of Deaconess in connection with our Church. The attention of Presbyteries was called to Paragraph 51, Book of Church Order, as making ample provision for the appointment of godly women to specific Christian work. 1907, p. 55. An overture asking the appointment of an ad interim committee to consider and report on the advisability of establishing the office of Deaconess in connection with our Church, was answered in the negative. BOOK III CHURCH COURTS CHAPTER I THE SESSION 172. One elder, where there is but one, may constitute a valid Session except in judicial cases 1874, p. 487. Can one ruling elder alone, without any other elder or minister, in any case constitute a Session of a Presbyterian Church, competent to receive and dismiss members, and is the action of such elder, sitting alone, in any case valid ? Answer. — Chap. IX., Sec. II., of the Constitution, Form of Govern¬ ment, defines a quorum of Session, in cases where there is but one elder, to be a minister and an elder. The quorum is not a mere rule of procedure, but respects the wery being of a judicatory. Any number of members less than a constitutional quorum does not make a judicatory, and is not com¬ petent to any organic act. 1881, p. 394. Can one elder constitute a quorum of Session to act in connection with a minister, invited by himself when he is the only elder of that particular church ? This overture was answered in the affirmative. 1882, p. 573. Overture asking “Where there is but a single elder in a church, is he competent, without the presence of a minister, to perform any of the functions of a Session, and if so, what functions?” Reply. — The Form of Government does not authorize him to perform such functions. 1883, p. 49. The Assembly was asked to review and reverse the decision of the Assembly of 1882, wherein it was decided that where a church had but one elder, he cannot, without the presence of a minister, perform any of the functions of a Session. Answer. — Upon a review of the matter, it is the judgment of this Assembly that he may, without the presence of a minister, perform all the functions of a Session other than those of a judicial nature. 1884, p. 246. This decision the Presbytery of Ouachita overtured the Assembly to reconsider and repeal. The Assembly declined to make the change requested. 1896, p. 610. In answer to an overture, asking whether the one ruling elder of a vacant church constitutes a Session, and may 82 Church Courts [Book III receive and dismiss members and perform other Sessional acts, and must hold quarterly meetings and make a record thereof. Reply. — That one elder does not constitute a Session. (1897, p. 39. In answer to overtures touching the powers of one ruling elder, where there is only one in a particular church, the Assembly replies that the Book of Church Order, Chapter V., Section III., Paragraph 63, teaches that one elder, where there is only one in a church, constitutes its Session, and is competent to do the work of the Session, except in judicial cases. 173. One elder, with the minister, may be a quorum when there are but two elders in the Session 1881, p. 358. 'The Presbytery of Orange asks that an amendment of Chap. V., Sec. III., Form of Government, be sent down to the Presbyteries, providing that, in cases where there are but two ruling elders in a Session, one of them, in connection with the minister,, be authorized, under certain conditions, to act as a quorum of the body. Not granted. 1882, p. 571. The following overture was sent down to the Presby¬ teries : Shall Chap. V., Sec. III., Par. 1, (Form of Government) be amended by adding these words: “But the pastor and one elder may constitute a quorum in cases where there are only two elders”? 1883, p. 26. Of the sixty-six Presbyteries answers have been received from fifty. Forty-seven answer affirmatively, three answer negatively, and sixteen make no response. The committee report to the Assembly that the overture has been carried by a majority affirmatively. Adopted. 1884, p. 238. The Presbytery of Florida overtures the Assembly as to whether the amendment in reference to a quorum of Session, as found on page 26, Minutes of Assembly (1883), while amend¬ ment said Assembly did not enact, is now a part of our law. Answer. — The committee recommend that this informality be remedied by the Assembly’s enacting said amendment. And the Assembly does hereby enact that Chap. V., Sec. III., Par. 1, (Form of Government) shall be amended by adding these words: “But the pastor and one ruling elder may constitute a quorum in cases where there are only two ruling elders.” 1884, p. 243. tThe Presbytery of Ouachita overtures the Assembly whether certain defects in the proceedings for the amendment of Chap. V., Sec. III., Par. 1, Form of Government, do not affect the validity of the amendment. The Presbytery makes the following specifications : 1. The Assembly of 1882 did not “recommend” it, but only sent it down. 2. The Presbyteries did not “advise and consent” that the Assembly should make the change in the Constitution, but voted to do it themselves. 3. (The Assembly of 1883 did not enact it, as* the rule requires. (See Minutes of Assembly, pp. 26 and 27.) The Secs. 172-176] The Session 83 following answer was adopted: That the Assembly refer the Presby¬ tery to the action of this Assembly in regard to the overtures sent down by the Assembly of 1883. (This action was that the Assembly must be understood has having intended to recommend and endorse what it send down, the failure alluded to being an oversight and unintentional.) 174. Quorum of Session 1892, p. 437. Overture of W. I. Sinnott prays the Assembly to send down to the Presbyteries for their advice and consent an amend¬ ment of the language of No. 63 of the Book of Church Order (Chap¬ ter V., Section III., Paragraph 1, Form of Govevrnment). The amendment consists in the substitution of the words “if there be more than this number,” for the words “if there be so many,” correcting the amended paragraph so as to read as follows: “Two ruling elders, if there be more than this number, with the pastor, if there be one, shall be necessary to constitute a quorum, but the pastor and one elder may constitute a quorum in cases where there are only two elders.” The committee recommend that the prayer be granted, and the amendment sent down as proposed. Adopted. 1893, p. 23. Forty- two Presbyteries voted to approve and adopt this overture, one disapproved, and from twenty-nine no answers were received. A majority of the Presbyteries have consented to this change. The Assembly did, then, formally enact this amendment to the Form of Government, thereby constituting it a part of our Book of Order. 175. The two elders may constitute a Session if there be no pastor 1913, p. 70-k. In answer to the overture from the Synod of Oklahoma, asking the Assembly to make a deliverance indicating what shall constitute a quorum of a Session where there is r.o pastor, and the Session is composed of two elders, we would answer that the two elders constitute a quorum of the Session. 176. Moderator of the Session when the pastor is absent 1896, p. 580. Is it constitutional and regular that a Session be moderated by other than a minister, the church having a pastor at the time who is absent? The Assembly replied in the affirmative. 1921, p. 66. The Assembly approved the following paragraph as a substitute for paragraph 277 of the Book of Church Order: “When a Church member shall remove his residence beyond the hounds of the church of which he is a member into the bounds of another, it shall be the duty of the pastors and elders of the church of which he is a member, as far as possible, to continue pastoral oversight of him and to inform him that according to the teaching of our Book of Church Order it is his duty to transfer his member¬ ship as soon as practicable to the church in whose bounds he is 84 Church Courts [Book III living. It shall also be the duty of the pastor and elders of the church from whose bounds the member moved to notify the pastor and elders of the church into whose bounds he has moved and request them to take pastoral oversight of the member, with a view to having him transfer his membership. If a member, after having thus been advised, shall neglect for twelve months to have his member¬ ship transferred, his name shall be retired by the Session to a separate roll for non-resident members and he shall be so notified. The name of any member whose residence has been unknown for three years shall also be retired by the Session to this roll for non¬ resident members.” (See Minutes 1920, page 174.) 177. No meeting of Session without sanction of pastor 1919, p. 50. From the Presbytery of Holston, asking “whether the Session of a church having a pastor can hold a legal meeting without the pastor as Moderator, some elder of that church acting as such without the sanction of said minister.” Answer. — It cannot hold such a meeting. 178. Does the pastor of a church which has no elder constitute the Session ? 1896, p. 610. Does the pastor of a church, after death of the only ruling elder, constitute the Session, and has he the right to call a meeting of the congregation for the purpose of electing elders, or must he refer the matter to the Presbytery? Reply. — A pastor does not constitute a Session, and, under the circumstances stated in the second inquiry, the orderly procedure would call for the interposition of the Presbytery. 179. Shall a church organized without elders he enrolled 1897, p. 40. In the event of the report to Presbytery of the or¬ ganization of a church either by a Commission or by an evangelist, without the election of any ruling elders for the present, shall such an organization be enrolled? The Assembly answers that a church without officers is entitled to be enrolled. 180. Provisional Sessions 1887, pp. 204, 210. Exception to the records of the Synod of Mississippi : On page 208-211 an overture from Memorial Church touching the matter of “provisional” or “special” Sessions, and their right to representation in Presbytery, was answered incorrectly. The Assembly declared : ( 1 ) . That the Constitution knows nothing of “provisional” or special” Sessions, though it recognizes the power of Commissions to transact such business as may be com- Secs. 176- 182] The Session 85 mitted to them by the several courts. (2). That no church consti¬ tuted as the Bethel Church has the right of representation in the Presbytery. An elder in one church cannot be an elder in another church at the same time. Form of Government, Chap. V., Sec. III., Par. 1. 181. Powers of the Session 1916, p. 73. In answer to the overture of J. Miller Walker, of the First Presbyterian Church, Augusta, Ga., asking for a deliverance on the powers of the Session, and the duties of an elder: We recommend that the Assembly answer the powers of the Session are twofold. First, a several power which can be exercised by one elder, as in visiting the sick, admonishing the erring, etc.; and, second, a joint power, which must be exercised by the Session as a court of the Lord Jesus Christ, and neither of these powers can be delegated to committees consisting of members of the Church who are not elders. Therefore, the power to receive members into the Church, to appoint representatives to Presbyteries, to ordain officers,, is a joint power, and must be exercised by the Session alone. All power involving ruling or judgment belongs to the Session as a court alone. It cannot be delegated. However, the Session has power to- appoint committees consisting of non-members of the Session to administer things already decided by the Session. Second: The Assembly answers that it is the duty of an elder to make known to the Session current reports affecting the character of an officer or member of the Church, and the Session should receive such report, deliberate upon it, investigate such rumor to see whether charges should be made and discipline administered for the honor and purity of the Church of Christ. 182. Citation of members by the Session, and refusal to obey the same 1881, p. 397. 1. Do the provisions of our Book (Rules of Discipline, Chap. VI., Sec. VI., and Chap. III., Sec. II.,) apply to* the case of a member of the Church who refuses to obey the citation of the Session to appear for conference concerning matters affecting the Christian character, when no formal charge has been preferred? 2. If they do not, by what means must the Session deal with resistance of its authority when it exercises the power conferred in Chap. V., Sec. III., Par. 5, Form of Government, and endeavors to* perform the duty therein devolved on it of inquiring into the know¬ ledge, principles and Christian conduct of the Church members under its care by directing the members to appear before the Session? The following answer was adopted: Chap. VI., Sec. VI., Rules of Discipline, refers only to formal judicial prosecution, and requires that charges be preferred and the offender formally cited to appear before the Session for the purpose of answering the charges. Chap. III., Sec. II., Rules of Discipline, refers to offences which may call for judicial prosecution, or may not, according to the nature of the case;. 86 Church Courts [Book III and of this the Session is to be the judge. The authority of the Session, as defined in Chap. V., See. III., Par. 5, Form of Government, allows the Session to enquire into the “knowledge, principles and Christian conduct of the members under its care,” without formal judicial process. If its authority is resisted when so exercised, the Session may then proceed to cite the offender to appear, as provided in Chap. VI., Rules of Discipline. If, after two citations, its authority is still resisted, the Session may proceed to deal with the offender for contumacy, as provided in Chap. VII., Sec. II., Rules of Discipline. 183. May Sessions instruct their representatives how to vote? 1884, p. 242. When a matter has been sent down by the Assembly for the consideration of the Presbyteries, is it in accordance with the principles of Presbyterianism, and the Constitution of the Church, for Church Sessions to instruct their representatives how they shall vote on the question to be considered by the Presbyteries? The General Assembly answers this question that the Session cannot authoritatively instruct its delegates (representatives, § 222). 1884, p. 253. In reviewing the Minutes of the Synod of Missouri, exception was taken to Synod’s action in the judicial case which came up by complaint of the Session of Grand Avenue Church, St. Louis, against the Presbytery of St. Louis. ' This Session instructed its delegate (representative — § 222) how he should vote on a question sent down by uie Assembly for the decision of the Presbyteries. The Presbytery took exception to this act of the Session. The Session then took a complaint to the Synod against this action of the Presbytery. The Synod sustained the complaint. The Presbytery thereupon took the matter to the Assembly in he above overture. The Assembly, by its answer to the overture and its exception to the records, sustained the Presbytery. — A. 184. Discretion as to what shall go into Sessional records 1901, p. 22. While it is important that a record be made of all the proceedings, this does not necessarily require the copying at length on the record book of all papers adopted by it, unless so directed by the Presbytery. It is largely in the discretion of the Session to direct as to what papers shall be copied. It is important, however, that papers so adopted should be kept on file by the Clerk of Session as in that sense a part of the record. 185. Raising and distribution of funds under control of Session 1915, p. 77. In answer to Overture from the Presbytery of Central Mississippi, asking the Assembly to interpret Paragraph 67 of the Book of Church Order, we make the following answer: According to the Form of Government, Paragraph 67, all organi¬ sations of the local church are under the jurisdiction and control of the Session as to the object for which funds are raised, the method by which they are raised, and the channel through which they are distributed. Whether the said organizations shall be required to Secs. 182-191] The Session 87 Send their offerings through the local treasurer is a matter for the Session to determine. 186. The Session has no power to make new rules of membership 1865, p. 361. It was so decided by the Assembly. See General Powers of Church Courts (p. 164). 187. May a minister of another Presbytery moderate the Session? /1 886 , p. 51. 1. It is competent, except in judicial cases, for a minister belonging to one Presbytery to preside at a meeting of a. Session in another Presbytery, when invited to do so, in accordance with the rules laid down in Chap. V., Sec. III., Par. 3. 2. It is the judgment of this Assembly that the minister so invited to preside is Moderator by courtesy only, and in no sense a member of the court; that his authority is limited to the preservation of order and the convening and adjourning of the court, according to its own ruling; and that he should not vote on any question, even in case of a tie. 188. May a minister of another denomination moderate a Session? 1907, p. 56. Is it constitutional and regular for a minister not a member of the Southern Presbyterian Church, to act as the Moderator of a Session? It is recommended that it be answered that it is not constitutional and regular. 189. Names and postoffices of Clerks of Sessions 1893, p. 36. The Assembly declined request for printing names and postoffices of the Clerks of Sessions in the Minutes of the General Assembly. Similar request refused, 1896, p. 569; 1903r p. 466. 190. May Sessional powers be conferred on unordained male missionaries in the foreign field ? 1896, p. 580. Overture from certain missionaries in Korea, asking whether in a foreign field, where as yet there is neither Presbytery nor native Session regularly organized, it is allowable and proper to confer temporarily Sessional powers on regularly appointed but unordained male missionaries, said powers to be exercised in conjunction with one or more ordained missionaries. The Assembly replies that the procedure stated in the overture is not orderly. 191. When notice of assuming jurisdiction over a member is to be sent to his former church 1896, p. 590. When a Session assumes jurisdiction over a member Church Courts [Book III 88 by authority of Section II., Chapter XV., shall “the due notice,” required to be served upon the court from whose bounds said member has removed, be sent before or after such assumption of jurisdiction? Answer. — After jurisdiction is assumed. 192. Not mandatory to open Session with prayer 1893, p. 17. Does Rule 71 of our Form of Government, Chapter "V., Section III., Paragraph 9, require every meeting of Session to be opened with prayer, as Rule 57, Chapter V., Section I., Para¬ graph 4, requires in the case of Presbyteries, Synods and the General Assembly? Answered in the negative. Does not the introduction into the Rule 71 of the word “ordi¬ narily,” leave all question of the possibility, propriety and necessity of the opening and closing prayer, to the conscientious direction of the Session ? Answer. — It does thus leave the question to the conscientious dis¬ cretion of the Session. 1907, p. 55. To an overture asking that the word “ordinarily” in Par. 71, Form of Government be stricken out, a negative answer was given. 193. Session opened , not constituted, with prayer 1909, p. 49. In the light of our Book of Church Order, Chap. V., Sec. III., Par. 9, when a Church Session convenes and prayer is ►offered, is it correct to say the Session was constituted with prayer? Answer. — It is not correct. The proper expression is that used in the Book (loc. cit.) : The Session was “opened” with prayer. 194. Displaying the national flags in the church, etc., referred to Session 1920, p. 79. Overture No. 6 deals with the propriety of dis¬ playing the national flags in the church, of advertising church services in moving picture theatres, of the use of moving pictures, stereopticon slides, etc., at the mid-week meeting. Your Committee recommends the following reply: The Assembly repeats its previous deliverances regarding the neces¬ sity of preserving the purity and spirituality of its forms of worship. But, inasmuch as the Book of Church Order provides that the Session has control of the services in the particular church, we recom¬ mend that these questions be referred to the Session as the court having original jurisdiction. We refer to the action of previous Assemblies suggesting that overtures to the Assembly come through the regular Church courts, recognizing the right of the individual to complain through these courts successively. S<> Secs. 191-196] The Session 195. Permission to erect church building across the State line — not a precedent 1903, p. 465. To the overture from the Presbytery of Paris that the Assembly permit the Texarkana Church to erect its building just across the State line at Texarkana, Texas, said Presbytery to retain jurisdiction over said church, we recommend the answer that the General Assembly has no power to grant this overture until the Synods concerned shall have taken action. This recommendation was put upon the docket. 1903, p. 506. The report of the Committee on Bills and Over¬ tures on the overture from the Presbytery of Paris, asking the As¬ sembly to permit the Texarkana church to erect its edifice a little way over the State line in Arkansas, the said church do remain under the jurisdiction of the Presbytery of Paris, was taken from the docket,, amended so as to grant the request of the Presbytery, and then adopted. 1904, p. 20. In answer to the overture of the Synod of Arkansas,, in reference to the rights of the Assembly to change the boundary lines of Synods, and asking it to clearly define the same, the following action was taken: That while not intending to disturb any rights acquired by the action of the Assembly of 1903 referred to in the overture, the Assembly hereby declares that there is no jurisdiction in the Assembly to permit a congregation belonging to one Synod to construct and occupy a church building in the territorial limits of another Synod,, and that the action of the Assembly of 1903 shall not be used as an authoritative precedent in such matters. But the Assembly has the authority, with the consent of the Synods, to change the boundary lines. 196. Presbytery may dismiss one of its churches to another denomination 1907, p. 64. Your Committee on the Records of the Synod of Texas, to whom was also referred a communication from the Session of the First Presbyterian Church, of Jacksonville, Texas, touching the action of the Synod of Texas, recorded on pages 44 and 45 of its printed Minutes, Vol. III., No. 1, reversing the action of the Presbytery of Eastern Texas, in dismissing the First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville, to the Presbytery of Trinity, U. S. A,, beg leave to report, that the records of the Synod and also said communi¬ cation have been carefully examined, and that we recommend the approval of the Minutes with the exception: First, that, as recorded on p. 44, the Synod denies the constitutional right of the Presbytery to dismiss one of its churches to another denomination. Second, that, as recorded on the same page, the Synod directs- the Presbytery of Eastern Texas to restore the First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville to its roll after said church having been dismissed by the Presbytery, had been received by another denomi¬ nation. 90 Church Courts [Book III Third , that similar action was taken in case of the Port Arthur Church, as recorded on page 59. Adopted. 1915, p. 28. Overture from the Presbytery of Holston, concerning the proper procedure in the transfer of a church and its property to another denomination. Answer. — The Presbytery should authorize its Stated Clerk to furnish a letter of transfer to the church as a congregation; the transfer of the church property should be in accordance with State, laws. < 197. Property of a dissolved church 1917, p. 68. In answer to overture from Dallas Presbytery, touching the rights to and disposition of the property of a dissolved church : We recommend that the Assembly make the following statement: “When a local church, either with or without its consent, is dis¬ solved by a Presbytery having jurisdiction over such church without making disposition of the property of such dissolved church, all such property shall, upon such dissolution, vest in and become the property of such Presbytery, and such Presbytery shall have full power to sell, convey, and dispose of such property and the proceeds thereof, and to authorize the conveyance thereof to be executed in the name of the Presbytery by such person or persons as it may direct, care being taken, however, that in all such cases conformity be had to the laws applicable, if any, of the States wherein such property may be located, and care also being had that the conditions, if any, of the instruments of conveyance be observed.” 198. Government of missions conducted by local churches 1921, p. 68. Overture from the Presbytery of Brazos, asks the General Assembly to appoint a Committee to prepare regulations for the government of missions which are conducted by local churches. We recommend the following answer: The organization of new churches and the establishment of missions are matters which come under the original jurisdiction of the Presbytery. 199. Sale of Mount Bethel Church 1919, p. 52. From the Presbytery of Washburn, asking that the Trustees of Mount Bethel Church be permitted to sell and give a deed for their house of worship for the sum of $3,000.00, $1,000.00 of which is to be turned over to the Treasurer of the Presbytery’s Home Mission Committee and used by him in paying off a debt of $1,000.00 on the manse at Prairie Grove, and the remainder to be applied towards the erection of a manse for Hazel Glen Church. Answer. — Granted. Secs. 196-202] 91 The Session » 200. Original jurisdiction of Presbyteries in case of ruling elders and members, when the Session cannot act 1884, p. 236. The Presbytery of Winchester overtures the General Assembly to take steps to amend the Form of Government, Chap. V., Sec. IV., Art. VI., and Rules of Discipline, Chaps. V. and VII., so as to invest Presbytery with the power to institute process against a ruling elder, or a private member of the Church, in cases where the Session is unable to exercise its authority. Answr. — The committee recommends that this overture be referred to a special committee, to report to the next General Assembly. Adopted. 1885, p. 406. The report of this ad interim committee was presented and referred to a special committee. 1885, p. 424. This committee presented the following report, which was adopted: Your committee recommends that the request be granted, and that the following amendments be recommended to the Presbyteries for their advice and consent thereunto: 1. That in Form of Government, Chap. V., Sec. IV., Art. VI., after the words of first clause, “in an orderly manner,” shall be inserted these words: “and in cases in which the Session cannot exercise its authority, shall have power to assume original jurisdiction. ” 2. That in Rules of Discipline, Chap. V., Art. I., after the words, “and in relation to other Church members, to the Session,” shall be added the words, “unless the Session shall be unable to try the person or persons accused, in which case the Presbytery shall have the right of jurisdiction.” 3. That in Rules of Discipline, Chap. VII., Art. I., after the words, “to which such members belong,” shall be added the words, “except in cases in which the Session is rendered incapable of exercising jurisdiction, in which case process shall be entered before the Presbytery.” 1886, p. 56. On this overture the vote of the Presbyteries was, 60 approving and 3 disapproving. Whereupon it was enacted that the said additions be made to the Book of Church Order. 201. Session to report on pastor's salary in its Narrative 1888, p. 425. From the Presbytery of Maryland, to add to the questions in the form for Narrative of the churches to Presbytery the following question: “How much is due on the pastor’s salary?” Answered in the affirmative. 202. Sessional Narrative 1890, p. 41. The Assembly was asked to add to topics 9 and 11 of the Narrative for the Session, the words, “Among Church members.” Granted. 1894, p. 206. Does Question 11 in the forms prepared for 92 Church Courts [Book III Sessional Narrative have reference to Church membership, or does it refer to the general moral condition of the community? Answer. — Refers to general moral condition of the community in which the church is located. 1897, p. 25. The Assembly revised the topics for Sessional Narratives so that hereafter they shall be: 1. Attendance on the services of the sanctuary by members and by others. 2. The observance of family worship. 3. The observance of the Lord’s day by members. 4. The training of children and youth in the home and Sabbath School in the Scriptures and Catechisms of the Church. 5. Fidelity of God’s people in worshipping the Lord with their substance, in giving to the support and extension of the Gospel. 6. Has your church paid its minister fully and promptly the amount promised him? 7. Have there been any special evidences of spiritual life, and growth and activity among your people? 8. Does worldly conformity prevail among Church members? 9. Is your church engaged in any evangelistic work outside your own congregation? 203. These topics explained 1883, p. 21. The language used does not require any report from the Session touching the prevalence of intemperance, worldly amuse¬ ments and Sabbath-breaking, outside the membership of the Church. 1887, p. 206. The matter of revising these topics so as to remove all repetitions and ambiguities, was referred to the Executive Com¬ mittee of Publication. 1904, p. 20. The Assembly declined to authorize the enlargement of Narrative blanks so as to show the number added to the churches on profession of faith and on certificate, and also the number dis¬ missed or deceased. The Assembly also declined to add a column to the statistical report for a reserved roll, to consist of all non¬ resident members and suspended members. 1908, p. 64. I. Narratives of Session should embrace the follow¬ ing topics: 1. Attendance upon the services of the sanctuary by members and others. 2. Give proportion of families that observe family worship. 3. The observance of the Lord’s day by members. 4. The home training of the children in the Scriptures and in the Catechisms of the Church. 5. The training of pupils in the Sabbath Schools in the Scriptures and in the Catechisms of the Church. 6. Fidelity of the membership in honoring the Lord with their •substance. 7. Has your congregation paid its minister fully and promptly the amount promised him? Secs. 202-203] The Session 93 .» 8. Has there been any special manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s power in your church, either by conversions or by increased activity in Church work? 9. To what extent does worldly conformity exist in your church? 10. What evangelistic work is done by your church outside of its bounds? (See end of § 241.) 11. What efforts are made by your Session to secure recruits to the Gospel ministry? 1911, p. 28. In response to an overture from the Presbytery of Washburn, the Committee lecommends the following reply: 1. That the terms Worldly Conformity in question No. 9 of the form of the narrative on the State of Religion, includes all those forms of worldly pleasure and selfish indulgence which the world i.*r7al donations only for approved objects 1913, p. 55. While approving of the essumption by individuals, churches or socL.ies of special responsibility for special parts of the work, the Assembly would urge donors giving in this way to select only those objects tha* have been approved and recommended by the Executive Committee The adoption of all new enterprises looking to the enlargement of the work is the function of the Executive Com¬ mittee, and the Committee is advised in planning its work for the coming year to use all possible precaution to preserve the symmetry of our work as a whole, and to give each separate field due consider¬ ation, both as to intrinsic and relative importance and needs. See 1922, p. 63. 445. Definite responsibility for definite parts of the work 1914, p. 39. That the Assembly encourage the assumption by churches, societies, Sunday Schools, Sunday School classes and indi¬ viduals of definite responsibility for definite parts of the foreign work. 1915, p. 66. Same action. 1916, p. 65. In view of the fact that the experiences of our on Executive Committee, as well as that of other agencies conducting Foreign Mission work, show that the undertaking of a definite task, such as the support of a station, the support of an individual mis¬ sionary, or a definite share in some station or missionary, by individ¬ uals, churches, societies, and Sabbath Schools, exerts a steadying influence upon the support of the work as a whole, we recommend that this method be followed by our churches and by the Executive Committee wherever possible. 1917, p. 61. Similar action; also 1918, p. 24 and 1920, p. 41; 1921, p. 53. 446. Special Donation Fund 1906, p. 49. The Special Donation Fund was approved. 1912, p. 50. That this Assembly recognize the Special Donation Fund as a specific trust, all of which sums shall be so secured as to conserve the said amounts so long as the Committee is obligated by annuities thereon, and such steps as may be necessary to attain this end for the $74,743.00 now in hand, and to provide a policy for future action to be devised by the Executive Committee and reported to the next Assembly. 1912, p. 55. That the Assembly direct the Foreign Missions Committee to have its Treasurer prepare a detailed statement showing how the Special Donation Fund amounting to $74,743.00 has been expended. This statement to show the Mission Station, the object and the amount, and that similar statements be made in connection with all future gifts to this fund and these statements shall be care¬ fully kept and constitute a part of the permanent records of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions. 186 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV 1913, p. 54. Your Committee would again call the attention of the General Assembly to the Special Donation Fund. The last Assembly directed that this fund be regarded as a specific trust, and gave other directions, as found in Recommendation 1 of the Standing Committee’s Report, in 1912. We do not feel that the Executive Committee can have understood the direction of the Assembly of 1912. We insist that this fund is a trust fund, in a more special sense . than other contributions to Foreign Missions. The donor, whatever the terms of the contract may be, has a further moral claim to secure payment of the interest during the life of the donor. The Committee’s obligation to pay this does differ from its other expenses of conducting the work, and we fear that the statements as incorporated in the Committee’s report will be a barrier in the way of securing further donations to this fund. We recommend that this Assembly reiterate the recommendation of 1912 touching this fund, and that the interest on said fund shall constitute a first charge against the income of the Committee. 447. Months assigned to Foreign Missions 1914, p. 40. That the Executive Committee be permitted to retain the months of May and October for such special appeals as may not be inconsistent with the plans of the churches or the schedules of the Assembly, and for the seeking of free-will offerings from the churches and people. 1915, p. 68. In view of the perils which threaten our Foreign Mission work through forced retrenchment in order to avoid del t, and in view of the tremendous burden which the Executive Committee is compelled to bear, and in further view of the danger to our present financial plan which lies in making special appeals, we recommend that the first three weeks of the month of February be assigned to the cause of Foreign Missions, in addition to the two months which this Committee has had heretofore; and that in case the receipts this year should threaten another shortage, the Executive Committee be authorized to use, in the assigned months, such special means as may seem to the Committee legitimate and wise to avoid the threatened deficit. 1916, p. 61. That the General Assembly direct all churches that are not using the General Assembly’s Plan of Church Finance to present the cause of Foreign Missions to the congregation, and take special collections for this cause in the months of May and October. 1916, p. 61. That, for this ecclesiastical year only the first three weeks of February, and no longer period, be designated as a time for special self-denial and free-will offerings for Foreign Missions in all the churches which have not adopted the Assembly’s Financial Plan, or which, though having adopted it, are not securing their apportionments; and that all the churches be urged to observe this season as one of special prayer for God’s blessing on this cause. 1917, pp. 59, 62. The Select Committee appointed to make recom- Secs. 446-451] Foreign Missions 187 mendations as to the use of the month of February by the Executive Committees made a report, recommending that the last two weeks in January be given to the Executive Committee on Foreign Missions, as a season of prayer, preaching and self-denial. 1918, p. 24. That the Assembly appoint the days of February 16th to 23rd, inclusive, as a season of special prayer, preaching and self-denial in the interest of its Foreign Mission work, and the Executive Committee prepare special programs or suggestive outlines for use at that time in the Sunday Schools, young people’s societies and prayer meetings. 1920, p. 41. That the Assembly appoint, as heretofore, February 13-20 as the Annual Week of Prayer, Preaching and Self-Denial for Foreign Missions. 1921, p. 54. February 12-19. (same in 1922.) • 448. Special appeals 1915, p. 68. That we continue to operate under the plan of the Assembly for the past two years, which is as follows: “That the Assembly suggest to Church Sessions that they encourage their people in making free-will offerings for the beneficent work of the Church, over and above the every-member canvass, and that no church, in adopting the Assembly’s plan, exclude all appeals for special offerings.” — Assembly’s Minutes 1913, p. 39. “That the General Assembly declare in the most forceful way to all the churches that the results of the evejy-member canvass should not be looked upon as final, but as a means by which to build no an adequate offering for the year.” — x\ssembly’s Minutes 1914, p. 51. 449. Use of annuities 1915, p. 67. That the General Assembly approve the Executive Committee’s new annuity plan, by which they invest all funds placed in their hands which are subject to annuities, using only the surplus income from such investments for the support of the work until such time as the annual charge upon said funds shall cease; and using these funds as they become free from charge as a basis for their reserve funds. 450. Increased appropriations needed 1917, p. 61. The effect of war on international business and the increased cost of living have made necessary increased appropriations. 451. Women’s and Young People’s Missionary Societies 1875, p. 37. This Assembly calls attention to the remarkable fact that the gifts of our Sabbath Schools and the “Women’s Mission¬ ary Associations,” during the year past, amount to one-third, the entire sum furnished by the regular contributions of the churches. The Agencies of the Church 188 [Book IV And in view of this fact, the churches are urged to a large increase of these associations. 1877, p. 419. Resolved, That while the Assembly rejoices in the rapid multiplication of Ladies’ Missionary Societies, and would not by any means discourage their increase, yet a tendency manifested by some churches, to have the ladies contribute alone, or to appear as the only contributors of the church, would seem to be attended with the evil effect of a failure to cultivate that spirit of benevolent liberality in all the members of the Church which is inculcated in the Gospel. 1878, p. 619. Congregations are exhorted to encourage the for¬ mation of Ladies’ Missionary Societies, wherever they do not already exist, for the purpose of raising funds for the cause of Foreign Missions. 1911, p. 59. The work of the women during the past year shows a gratifying increase, both in the number of organizations and in the number of women enlisted in the work. We are especially pleased to note the increasing interest in young people’s work. We have now on our rolls 2,710 societies, 800 of which are children’s and young people’s organizations. Our Presbyterial Unions are planning their meetings consecutively, which has been very helpful to the office in securing returned missionaries to serve them. Many prayer circles have been organized, to which we attribute much of the increased interest in the work. We have gained this year 116 women’s societies, 180 children’s societies and 100 study classes. The cor¬ respondence with our women shows an anxiety on their part to know more of the work, so that they can more intelligently pray and work and give. 1914, p. 38. That the Assembly express its warm appreciation of the work and aid of the Woman’s Auxiliary. The receipts from women’s societies during the year amounted to $73,813. 1916, p. 63. The progress made by the Women’s Auxiliaries in systematizing and unifying the work of the Women’s Societies in the Church is a manifestation of the blessing of God upon this branch of the Church’s activities and sets His seal upon the wisdom of the action of previous Assemblies. We note with gratification the change in the name of the various Synodical, Presbyterial, and local organizations to Auxiliaries as adding new dignity and importance to the organized work of the women and removing such confusion in the use of the adjectives “Presby- terial” and “Synodical” without a substantive which they might define. The Fourth Annual Report of the Women’s Auxiliary sets forth with admirable fullness and clearness the work of the women of the Church, and should be read by every pastor and ruling elder in the Church. The Constitution and the Annual Report present a lucid statement of the relation of this work to the regularly constituted authorities of the Church, and remove any possible interpretation of the organ¬ ized work of the women as other than whole-hearted loyalty to the Sec. 451] Foreign Missions 189 principle of the government and control of every branch of the work of the Church by its various courts. We call special attention to the fact that the women are earnestly pleading for more interest and heartier co-operation in the work on the part of Synods, Presbyteries and Sessions. They have no other desire than to follow the leadership of the Church through its official representatives; they only complain that in some quarters this leadership is lacking. We have here a living, potent force for the advancement of the kingdom of God. Those in charge of this splendid body of Christian women plead for guidance, lest they unwittingly blunder. Move forward they must; if they move not wisely, the fault must lie at the door of the Church, to whose authority they yield loving and loyal obedience, for failing to furnish them the guidance they so earnestly seek. The restiveness of a Deborah in the presence of active enemies and an inactive and timid Israel had upon it the seal of God’s blessing, and if the Church of today is to maintain the Scriptural norm of the relations that should obtain between the sexes in its life, the men, and particularly the authorities of the Church, must themselves be alert and active in their divinely appointed leadership of the service of the kingdom. We recommend: ( 1 ) That the Assembly approve the plan of organization embodied in the Constitution of the Women’s Auxiliaries and the adoption of a uniform name for the various constituent bodies, namely, “Local Women’s Auxiliary,” “Presbyterial Women’s Auxiliary,” “Synodical Women’s Auxiliary,” “Women’s Advisory Committee.” (2) That the Assembly commend the earnest desire of the women for more effective relations btween the Auxiliaries and the constituted authorities of the Church, and urge upon its Synods and Presby¬ teries to select for their Committees on Women’s Work men who will give the sympathetic interest and support it so richly deserves. (3) That the Assembly urge upon pastors and their Sessions to secure the co-operation of the various women’s organizations in their churches with the Auxiliaries. (4) That the Assembly express its appreciation of the self- sacrificing service of the women of the Church as manifested in their large gifts to the causes of the Church, and, since no statistics can even approximately represent the service rendered by the women, that attention be called to the fact that, after all, the highest value of this service is to be found in the educational, inspirational, and spiritual factors of the work, rather than in the funds raised. (5) That the Presbyteries be requested to direct their Sessions to see to it that all the causes of beneficence have their proper pro¬ portion in the work of the local societies. (6) That the financial reports of Auxiliaries and Societies embrace, so far as possible, the work actually done through their organized activities. (7) That wherever especial activities outside the regular bene- 190 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV licences of the Church are undertaken by Presbyterial or Synodical Auxiliaries, or local Auxiliaries, or individual Societies, it should be with the co-operation and approval of the Sessions of the local churches, or the Synodical or Presbyterial Committees on Women’s Work. 452. Men’s and Women’s Missionary Associations 1888, p. 430. This General Assembly commends the formation,, wherever practicable, of Men’s Missionary Associations, as alsa Women’s Missionary Associations (to be under the direction and control of the Sessions) wherever they do not now exist. 1906, p. 37. The Assembly expressed its hearty approval of the work being done by the Women’s Societies and its gratification at the evidence of their increasing members and zeal, and commended to them the plan of mission study as outlined by our Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, and urged the formation of Home and Foreign Mission Study classes in all the Societies and Mission Bands. 453. Presbyterial and Synodical Unions of Women’s Societies 1908, p. 36. Method of organization endorsed as outlined by the Executive Committee. 1910, p. 47. 1. The Assembly approved of the organization of Women’s Synodical Missionary Conferences whose Constitutions accord with the established principles and methods of work of our Church. In accordance with these principles and methods, all such Synodical Unions will be under the supervision and control of the Synods, make annual reports to them, and send their contributions to the various causes through the regular channels of the Church. 2. The Synodical Conference in each Synod shall be composed of two or more delegates from each Presbyterial Union to meet once a year and discuss matters of common Interest in connection with the work of the Presbyterial Unions. 3. The Assembly recommended that each Synod appoint a com¬ mittee on Women’s Work through which the proposed Synodical Conference may report to that body; and which shall act in an advisory capacity, both to the Synodical Conference and the Pre^ by- terial Unions ad interim. 454. Children’s Day 1887, p. 242. In response to an overture, the first Sabbath of June was set apart as Children’s Day — a missionary festival. The Secretary of Foreign Missions was requested to prepare a programme of exercises suited to the day, and the children were invited to con¬ tribute to the cause of Foreign Missions. 1888, p. 430; 1890, p. 32. Similar action. 1891, p. 237. The last Sabbath of May was set apart as the “Children’s Day” and the missionary festival, and the Executive Secs. 451-456] Foreign Missions 191 Committee was directed to make all necessary arrangements for the observance of this day. This action was renewed, 1895, p. 415. 1897, p. 36. In regard to the observance of “Children’s Day,” we believe that its services may be made useful, and we recommend that the last Sabbath in May, or such other day as may be suitable for its observance, be appointed. We also recommend that the Ex¬ ecutive Committee prepare an order or program for these services, and that in preparing this the committee be careful not to introduce anything out of harmony with the Directory of Worship of our Church. Adopted. 1900, p. 622. Similar action was taken. 1906, p. 49. The Assembly approved the action of the Executive Committee in appealing to the Church to contribute at the Children’s Day Service in May, a fund to be used for the Lapsley. 455. Simultaneous meetings 1891, p. 237. The General Assembly learns with pleasure that “simultaneous meetings” have been held during the year with decided success, and the Executive Committee is. directed to make arrange¬ ments for a more general and efficient observance of these meetings during the current year. 456. The Forward Movement 1903, p. 475. The Assembly expressed its profound satisfaction with the work known as “The Forward Movement,” and gratefully acknowledged its indebtedness to Messrs. J. L. Stuart, L. I. Moffet and J. F. Preston for their vigorous and generous labors. The work has hardly a parallel in the modern church for aggressiveness, wisdom, economy and success. 1906, p. 49. The Forward Movement received the continued and cordial endorsement of the Assembly, and Mr. Reavis was commended to all our churches while promoting it ; and the policy of the Executive Committee in using young men under appointment as missionaries, to aid in this movement, was endorsed by the Assembly. 1907, p. 50. The work was reported as being vigorously and successfully prosecuted, the total number of churches co-operating in the plan at the time being 575. In 1908, the number of churches co-operating was 726. 1911, p. 61. The plans of the Executive Committee in carrying on the work of the Forward Movement during the past year are approved and the committee is instructed to continue to press the work along this line in the effort to realize at the earliest possible date the ideals set forth in our Missionary Platform, namely, “A subscription by every member of the Church of a definite amount to be paid during the year, either for the general work or for some special part of it, as an expression of his love of souls and of loyalty to Jesus Christ.” 192 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV Your committee is gratified to learn that the total amount at present pledged by 853 churches and 104 individuals in the Forward Move¬ ment for the present year is over $340,000. It is recommended that the committee use every possible means to increase both the number of churches and individuals who shall take part in this work of the Forward Movement. 1912, p. 50. That this Assembly remind the original Forward ivj.ovement Churches that the present Ever/-Member Canvass Plan in no way necessitates nor contemplates their withdrawal from the forward movement for Foreign Missions, but an advance to the embrace of all other causes in the same scheme of beneficence. 457. Laymen’s Missionary Movement 1907, p. 51. The Assembly learned with pleasure and gratitude to God, of the proposed sending, by the Laymen’s Missionary Move¬ ment, of a Commission of Laymen, of not less than fifty in number, to visit, at their own expense, all the mission fields of the world, for the purpose of investigating the work now being done and the needs of the various fields. The following were appointed as representatives of our Church on this Commission, Mr. Alfred D. Mason, of Memphis, Tenn., Mr. S. L. Foster, of Norfolk, Va., and Dr. Hugh S. McLean, of Richmond, Va. It was also recommended that the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions be authorized to add to this list the names of such others as may be found to be available. 1908, p. 36. The Assembly noted with pleasure the progress of the Laymen’s Missionary Movement, endorsed by the last Assembly, and already, in spite of hindering financial conditions, demonstrating its efficiency as an agency for awakening the interest of men of our churches, and urged them to avail themselves of its help by a thorough organization along the lines suggested by the last Assembly. Appreciation was expressed of the work of Rev. D. Clay Lilly, and the action of the Executive Committee in continuing him in it for the coming year was approved. The Assembly also expressed its thanks to Mr. W. T. Ellis for his able and illuminating address delivered before it, and also to him and his fellow-worker, Mr. J. Campbell White, for the very helpful and instructive campaign of education conducted by them among our churches, which has done so much to disarm prejudice and stimulate interest in mission work. P. 37. The Assembly declined to divide the funds between Foreign and Home Missions. 1909, p. 40. During the year, three state conferences were held, representing the movemnt within our own denomination, and one general conference for the whole Church. Besides these several interdenominational conferences were held in which our own Church took a prominent part. The result of these conferences was to deepen and widen and intensify missionary interest, to develop the grace ■Secs. 456-458] Foreign Missions 193 of Christian liberality, and thus to swell the contributions to the missionary treasury. 1910, p. 53. The following language was used by the Assembly: We believe that the Laymen’s Missionary Movement is the greatest and most significant missionary movement among the men of the Church that the world has ever seen. It has fired the heart of the whole Church with enthusiasm. This movement is growing in enthusiasm and power. During the past year 22 great interdenomi- ‘ national conventions have been held within the bounds of our Church. We rejoice to see our own men leaders in this movement. Our men of the Laymen’s Movement have been instrumental in the past year in raising something like $75,000 for the better equipment of our missionary stations. In the year that lies before us we will see the telling effect of their work as we have never seen it before. The General Assembly requested the Presbyteries to ratify the appointment of a Presbyterial Chairman of the Laymen’s Movement in each Presbytery and to make this Chairman a member of the Presbyterial Committee of Foreign Missions. 1911, p. 60. The Laymen’s Movement has conducted a series of district conferences during the past year, following up the work of the national campaign of the previous year, the purpose of which has been to stimulate the organization of missionary committees in the local churches and to train leaders in this work, and thus prepare the way for the every-member canvass ordered by the General As¬ sembly. The Assembly would express its grateful appreciation for the help given by the Laymen’s Movement in the promotion of our work during the past year. 1915, p. 66. That this Assembly expresses its interest in the plans of the Laymen’s Missionary Movement in co-operation with the Mission Boards of America for a National Missionary Campaign from October, 1915, to May, 1916, with a series of interdenomina¬ tional missionary conventions in about eighty leading cities; that the campaign be commended for support to the lower courts of the Church and to local churches; and that the men and men’s organ¬ izations be urged to participate actively in the campaign, taking part in the organization of conventions, attending conventions as delegates,, and assisting in the work of conservation, with a view to securing for our Church the spiritual, inspirational, educational, and financial benefits which will accrue from the campaign. 458. Missionary Platform 1907, p. 50. 1. It is the judgment of the General Assembly [at Birmingham] that, according to the distribution of territory agreed upon by the different Boards and Committees, the number of human beings in non-Christian countries, for whose evangelization our Church is responsible, is approximately 25,000,000 souls, being distributed as follows: Africa, one million; Brazil, three millions; China, twelve millions; Cuba, five hundred thousand; Japan, four 194 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV millions; Korea, four millions, and Mexico, five hundred thousand. 2. It is the judgment of the General Assembly that the number of foreign missionaries of our Church necessary to accomplish the result of giving the Gospel to these twenty-five millions, within the present generation, is not less than 800, and that the number of trained native workers to be used in the same work, should be not less than 5,000. This would mean for our denomination the increase of our present force about fourfold. 3. It is the judgment of the General Assembly that it will cost not less than $1,000,000 per annum to support the above-named workers and their work, and we, therefore, declare it to be, in our judgment, the duty of our Church to begin at once the effort to bring its foreign mission offerings up to this mark. To this end we earnestly call upon every individual church of our denomination to adopt the following missionary policy, which we believe to be that laid down for us in the Word of God: a. Every true church of Christ is, by virtue of its organization as a church of Christ, a missionary society, each member of which is under solemn covenant to the Head of the church to help in the ful¬ fillment of our commission to give the gospel to every creature. b. It is the duty of those who have the proper gifts and quali¬ fications, and who are not providentially hindered, personally to obey the command of the Head of the Church to “go” on this mission. It is the duty of those who may be lacking in necessary qualification for the work or who are providentially hindered from going, to have a share, by their gifts and prayer, in supporting the work. For this purpose every Christian who does not personally go as a missionary, is Scripturally bound to give systematically, proportionately and cheerfully, to the support of the cause. The following recommendations were made in carrying out this platform. 1. It is urged on Synods and Presbyteries, through their Foreign Mission Committees, that they endeavor to have every church adopt the above missionary policy. 2. The Executive Committee of Foreign Missions is hereby instructed, in consultation with Synodical and Presbyterial Foreign Mission Chairmen, annually to lay before the General Assembly a statement of the amount needed for the ensuing year, and a sug¬ gested apportionment of said amount among the various Synods and Presbyteries, not as an assessment, but as indicating to them a definite share of the great responsibility. 3. In the effort to carry out our missionary policy in individual churches, the Assembly hereby recommends the plan already in operation in our Forward Movement work, which has heretofore been approved by the Assembly, viz.: The plan of a subscription by every member of the Church, of a definite amount to be paid during the year, either for the general work, or for some special part of it, such as the salary of a missionary, or a share 'in the work of a station, as an expression of his love of souls and loyalty to Jesus Christ. Sec. 458] Foreign Missions 195 The contribution of one million dollars from our Church would mean an average of about $4 per member, and the Foreign Mission¬ ary Chairmen of our Synods and Presbyteries are hereby urged to use their best endeavors to bring their churches as rapidly as possible to this standard of giving. The Assembly would also earnestly appeal to men of large means in our Church, to supplement by individual gifts, the regular contribution of the churches in amounts proportioned to the need of the work, and our churches’ responsibility to it, as well as the ability which God has given them. 4. The Assembly hereby calls upon the consecrated young men and women of our Church to give themselves to this work in sufficient numbers to meet the demand that is made upon us to do our part, as a Church of Christ, toward the evangelization of the world in this generation. 1908', p. 38. This platform was reaffirmed. 1914, p. 76. The General Assembly, in session at Kansas City, Missouri, May, 1914, reaffirms the following deliverance of the historic first Assembly of our Church: “The General Assembly desires distinctly and deliberately to inscribe on our Church’s banner, in immediate connection with the Headship of our Lord, His last command: ‘Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature,’ regarding this as the great end of her organization, and obedience to it as the indispensable condition of her Lord’s promised presence.” We reaffirm also the Missionary Platform adopted by the General Assembly at Birmingham in 1907, in which as a Church we cove¬ nanted with God and the other Christian denominations to evangelize 25,000,000 of our fellow men, in seven foreign countries, as our rightful share of the non-Christian world, and called for an offering of $1,000,000 per year as the necessary means of accomplishing this Sacred task. For the remarkable progress which we have been enabled to make toward its accomplishment, we would express our humble gratitude to the Giver of all grace. Most affectionately and earnestly do we now remind our people that, if this progress is to continue, there must be a very large increase in their missionary offerings this year over those of last year; and we herewith call upon all our pastors to use their utmost efforts to this end. As the best means of securing this increase and overtaking our missionary task, the Assembly urges upon all its churches, societies, Sunday Schools and Sunday School classes that each, wherever prac¬ ticable, assume a definite obligation for some definite part of our Foreign Mission work. Reaffirmed in 1916, p. 60. 1917, p. 19. Dr. James I. Vance was appointed to deliver an address on the tenth anniversary of the Assembly’s adopting a forward missionary platform. 196 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV Pastors required to preach on the subject of Missions 1877, p. 418. Resolved, That it be enjoined on all the Presbyteries' to require each pastor and stated supply, at the commencement of •every ecclesiastical year, to preach an instructive faithful sermon on the great duty of sending the Gospel to the unevangelized nations •of the earth. 1884, p. 212. This Assembly urges upon our ministers that at least once a year they preach on Foreign Missions, and that in the conduct of public worship they fail not to remember in the prayers then offered a cause which lies so near the Saviour’s heart, and upon which the Divine blessing is so much and so constantly needed. (See also 1878, p. 619.) 1915, p. 68. The Assembly urges all our ministers to preach frequently on Foreign Missions, and instructs the Executive Committee to supply them with helpful literature for this purpose. 459. Foreign Missions and the Sabbath School 1868, p. 276. Resolved, That the superintendents and teachers of our Sabbath Schools, in co-operation with the pastors, be urged to bring the subject of Foreign Missions before their respective schools and classes frequently and to invite regular monthly offerings for this cause. (See also 1873, p. 314; 1875, p. 37; 1867, p. 138; et passim.) 460.- Missionary interest in the Seminaries 1884, p. 212. This Assembly recommends to the faculties of our Theological Seminaries that in some way they seek to beget and foster among the students a lively interest in Foreign Missions. Report of the Executive Committee for 1885 says: The missionary interest in the Theological Seminaries has been reported as excellent. 461. Evening session of the Assembly in the interest of Missions 1867, p. 138. Resolved, That the Assembly hold aij evening session on Monday next, commencing at seven o’clock, at which time the interests of the foreign missionary enterprise shall be the special topic of discussion. This precedent has been annually observed ever since thus insti¬ tuted. 462. Thanks to Miss Arnold by a rising vole 1914, pp. 37, 38. That special appreciation be expressed to Miss Isabel Arnold for the elaboration and execution of the unusually fine and instructive missionary tables, maps, illustrations, etc., which the walls of the Assembly’s meeting place display. 1916, p. 62. Similar action. 463. Missionary meetings at Presbytery 1882, p. 546. Resolved, That the General Assembly advise the Secs. 459-464] Foreign Missions 197 Presbyteries to devote one evening during the spring session, or such other hour as may be convenient, to the general discussion of the subject of Foreign Missions, in the presence of the congregation among whom they meet, and that during the fall sessions a similar meeting be held in the interest of Home Missions. 464. Mission Study Course 1907, p. 70. From the report of the Committee: The Mission Study Course has passed the pioneer stage and is now generally recognized as a department of the foreign missionary work of churches and missionary societies. There has been satisfactory growth in the number of classes, and marked progress has been made in the system and thoroughness of the work. 1911, p. 59. An urgent need at the present time is some more efficient agency for the promotion of missionary education in our Sunday Schools and Young People’s Societies, and especially among the men of the Church. Believing as we do that information is not only the key but also the door to interest, we would urge our pastors and evangelists to use diligently the ’means at their command, to secure a more intelligent understanding among our people of the present day facts of missions, even the marvels among the nations being wrought today by the power of God through human efforts. We recommend that the history of our work entitled, “In Four Continents” be used throughout the Church as a mission study text¬ book for the year 1911-12. 1917, p. 61. We would call attention to the mission study text¬ books for the year 1917-18, which are: “An African Trail,” by Miss MacKenzie, recommended for classes composed exclusively of ladies; “The Lure of Africa,” by C. H. Patton, recommended especially for mixed classes and for young people generally; and “African Ad¬ ventures,” also by Miss MacKenzie, for children. Also to the sets of missionary maps of our own work and illus¬ trated lectures on our fields, available on application to the Committee. 1918, p. 24. That classes be organized in all the churches to study either “Working Women of the Orient,” by Margaret E. Burton, or “Ancient Workers at a New Task,” by Willard Price, the two adult text-books recommended for the current year; and that the Executive Committee be instructed to select or prepare a special text-book or books adapted to the use of the men of the Church. 1919, p. 58. That classes be organized in all our churches to study “Fifty Years in China,” by Rev. S. I. Woodbridge, D. D., the mission study text-book recommended for the current year, and that mission study classes for men be urged to study “Money, the Acid Test,” by David McConaughy. 1920, p. 41. That classes be organized in all the churches to study “Day In and Day Out” in Korea, by Mrs. A. M. Nisbet, the Mission study text-book recommended for the year. 1921, p. 54. The text-book recommended for the current year. The Agencies of the Church 198 [Book IV is “The Triumphs of the Gospel in the Belgian Congo,” by Rev. R. D. Bedinger. 1922 , p. 64. “In Seven Countires”, 1922, p. 59. We recommend that the Assembly decline to instruct the Executive Committe of Publication to publish missionary books for the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions on the terms sug¬ gested by the overture on that subject from the Presbytery of Nash¬ ville. 465. Mission Study Classes for men 1920, p. 41. That Mission Study Classes for men be organized in all the churches, to study “Stewardship.” 466. Seven-year plan of Missionary Education 1916, p. 62. . That the General Assembly heartily commend the work of the Educational Department of the Executive Committee for the past year, and approve and recommend to the Sabbath Schools for their hearty co-operation and the seven-year program of study, prayer, and giving in the Sabbath Schools, as an excellent means of raising up a generation to succeed ours that shall know mission work and pray for it and give to it intelligently; and that the General Assembly express and record its appreciation of the faithful, efficient, and unremunerated services of Miss Isabel Arnold in connection with our Executive Committee’s educational work. 1917, p. 61. Also to the seven-year plan of missionary education in the Sabbath Schools, by which the schools are asked to study the work in one country each year, and to support that work by prayers and gifts. The Committee has prepared attractive programs for this study, which are available on application. In three or four cycles of seven years’ use of this plan there should be produced a new generation of Church members intelligently informed about the work and actively supporting it. 1918, p. 24. That the Seven-Year Plan of Missionary Education in the Sunday schools be again approved, and that pastors and Sessions be urged to secure missionary education in Sunday schools according to this plan, and especially toward lining up every Sunday School in the China campaign this year. 1919, p. 58. That all our Sunday Schools be asked to co-operate in the Korea campaign this year, following the “Seven-Year Plan of Missionary Education in Sunday Schools” in the fifth year; and, while this plan is primarily a plan for missionary education, we ask them to give $40,000 toward the support of our work in Korea for the year. 1920, p. 41. That all Sunday Schools this year co-operate in the campaign for our Mexican Missions, following the Seven-Year Plan for Missionary Education in the Sunday Schools, which plan is now in its sixth year. 1921, p. 54. Special attention to be given to Educational, Medical, Industrial and Agricultural Missions this year. Secs. 464-468] Foreign Missions 199 1922, p.64. Sunday Schools are urged to use the book prepared by the Educational Department, entitled “Our Prayer Each Week.” 467. Program for six missionary meetings 1921, p. 54. That all Christian Endeavor Societies are urged to use the programs prepared for the six missionary meetings, as adopted by our Executive Committee to give emphasis to our work. 1922, p. 64. Same action. 468. Manual for Foreign Missions 1877, p. 418. A Manual for the use of missionaries and mission¬ ary candidates was adopted by the Assembly. 1895, p. 413. The Manual was revised. 1898, p. 218. Paragraph 49 of the Manual was altered so as to strike out, “He shall pay the missionaries their salaries in gold,” and insert, “He may pay the" missionaries their salaries either in gold or in the currency of the country to the amount that the gold appropriated for salaries will purchase, as the mission shall direct or as circumstances may render practicable.” 1912, p. 50. That the change authorized by the Assembly of 1910 in the Missionary Manual, granting an allowance of $200.00 to the children of missionaries at boarding schools in this country, be extended to include those also at boarding schools in foreign countries. 1915, p 69. That the Assembly adopt the Manual as revised by the Executive Committee. 1919, p. 59. In view of the increased cost of living, we recommend that Paragraph 26 of the Manual be amended so as to allow the Committee discretion to change for the time, if they find it desirable, the allowance fixed for the children of missionaries. 1920, p. 73. A request came from the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions for a change in the Manual of Foreign Missions, as follows: “ Resolved , That in response to the request of the China Mission, we request the General Assembly to make such change in the Foreign Missions Manual as will leave it optional with the different missions as to whether they shall accord the privilege of voting to the women members of the mission.” Action of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions taken May 26th. Moved, That this request be granted, and that the following change of the Manual be made to give it effect: (1) In Section IV, paragraph 47, at the bottom of page 26, to the definition of the mission there given, add the words: ‘‘But any mission, if it so desires, may by majority vote make its women missionaries members of the mission technically so called, and accord them the privilege of voting.” It was adopted. 1921, p. 54. The Assembly directed that the Manual be changed as suggested in the annual report of the Executive Committee as follows : Section 22 on page 16 shall read instead of, “The amount allowed, The Agencies of the Church 200 [Book IV etc.,” “The amount of the allowance and appropriations, when made, is determined by the Committee.” Section 26 on page 18 shall read, “Specific allowances per annum, increasing with the age of the child, of amounts determined by the Committee, are made for each child under 10 years of age, for each child over 10 and under 21 years of age, and for each child at boarding school and not living in the parents’ home, whether in this country or on the field.” Section 88 on page 24 shall read, “The salaries of missionaries in this country on furlough, and the rental allowance when this is necessary, are fixed by the Committee.” Section 28 on page 19 shall read, “The salary of new missionaries begins from the date they leave this country.” 1922^ p. 64. We recommend that the General Assembly approve the amendments to the Manual of Executive Committee of Foreign Missions printed on pages, 27 to 29 of the Executive Committee’s annual report to this Assembly, and direct the incorporation of the same in the new edition of the Manual or the printing of copies of the amendments on loose slips which can be placed in the present copies of the Manual. 1922, p. 59. In answer to the letter of H. Maxey Smith, repre¬ senting Ad-Interim Committee of the Mid-China Mission, propos¬ ing a change in Sec. Ill, paragraph 18, of the Manual of the Execu¬ tive Committee of Foreign Missons, we recommend that the Assem¬ bly make no change in this part of the Manual. 469. The Missionary 1862, p. 31. From the report of the Executive Committee: The Committee have thus far used the weekly religious journals as the medium of communicating missionary intelligence to the churches, and it is their opinion that so long as the editors of these papers are willing for their columns to be used in this way, there will be no necessity for any other organ of communication with the churches. 1867, p. 138. The committee was authorized to publish a monthly missionary paper for gratuitous circulation to ministers and Sabbath School superintendents. 1873, p. 315. Resolved , That The Missionary be strongly com¬ mended as an instrumentality of great value in diffusing information, and in creating and extending an interest in behalf of Missions. The Executive Committee is encouraged to press the circulation of this journal by all the means in their power. Similar recommendations have been made from year to year. In 1887 it was ordered that this journal be enlarged, and that the subscription price be fixed at $1. (P. 229.) 1888, p. 430. It was recommended that, from time to time, outline maps of our foreign mission fields be printed in The Mission¬ ary. P. 441. Here is stated the manner in which the Executive Com- Secs. 468-469] Foreign Missions 201 mittee carried out the orders of the last Assembly as to enlarging The Missionary. There were 2,099 paying subscribers on the 1st of April. To be self-supporting 3,000 are necessary. 1889, p. 631. To increase the circulation of this magazine, it was resolved to reduce the subscription price to clubs, beginning with January 1, 1889. The club rate was fixed at seventy-five cents. To form a club in any church it was requisite that the number of copies of the magazine subscribed for should equal at least one-tenth of the communicants in the church, as reported in the Minutes of the General Assembly. In response to this offer, many clubs were formed; and the number of paying subscribers, which on the 1st of April last year was 2,099, was on the same date this year about 5,000, being an increase of nearly 3,000. This advance has made the magazine self-supporting. 1893, p. 59. The circulation of The Missionary increased during the year from 7,500 copies to 9,250. The magazine was more than self-sustaining this year. 1894, p. 232. The General Assembly authorized the Executive Committee to secure such editorial aid in the preparation of The Missionary as shall be found necessary to keep the magazine up to its high standard of excellence attained under the editorship of Mr. Rankin, who for a year had devoted himself so efficiently and faithfully to this important work. It was contemplated that the person or persons thus engaged by the Executive Committee shall have charge of the Leaflet Department and the sending out of liter¬ ature to the churches. 1894, p. 232. The Assembly declined to comply with the over¬ ture to combine The Missionary with The Home Missionary. (See Section on The Home Missionary .) 1894, p. 250. The circulation of The Missionary increased during the year, beginning with an issue of 9,250 copies, and closing with an issue of 10,000. The number of copies sent free each month was 1,475. The excess of cost over the receipts was $1,233.75. In 1888 the number of paying subscribers was only 2,000; now there are 8,525. 1895, p. 415. The Executive Committee was directed to consider the advisability of reducing the subscription price of The Missionary to fifty cents a year. 1895, p. 436. The number of paying subscribers is 7,200; the monthly issue is now 9,100. Excess of cost over receipts is $471.61. 1896, p. 622. Paying subscribers, 9,259. Excess of cost over receipts, $544.68. 1897, p. 63. Paying subscribers, 9,826; copies sent free, 1,600; •cost of publishing, including its proportionate part of the editor’s salary, was $2,133.28 in excess of receipts from subscriptions and advertisements. The comittee say: Unless a much larger increase can be had than has yet appeared, the Committee now thinks that the reduction of the price to fifty cents will prove to have been a mistake. 1906, p. 49. The total number of subscribers reached 13,000. A 202 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV great increase is noted also in mission study; about 3,000 text-books were handled in the Senior course. 1907, p. 70. The circulation reached 20,500 copies. 470. The Missionary not to he used for other causes 1898, p. 240. The Assembly decided not to devote a part of The Missionary to Home Missions. 1906, p. 57. It was resolved not to use The Missionary as the organ of all the causes. 1908, pp. 36, 37, 49. Similar action was taken. 471. The Missionary Survey 1911, p. 59. We recommend the consolidation of the Missionary Magazine, heretofore published by the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, with the Home Mission Herald, published by the Executive Committee of Home Missions, into a new magazine, to be published by the Executive Committee of Publication in Richmond, in which the interests of the Executive Committees of Publication and of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief shall also be repre¬ sented. It is also recommended that these four committees confer as soon as possible in regard to the necessary steps for this consolidation. It is further recommended that in the proposed new magazine, the two committees of Home and Foreign Missions shall continue to have the same amount of space as is now included in their two separate magazines, and that the other two committees be given such space as the proper presentation of their work may require. It is further recommended that each committee shall be charged with editorial responsibility for the department of the magazine which represents its work. 1920, p. 41. That the Executive Committee of Publication be requested to restore in the Missionary Survey the space allotted to the Cause of Foreign Missions at the time of the first issue of that magazine, if in their judgment such action is feasible. 472. The Children’s Missionary 1890, p. 31. The Presbytery of Columbia overtured the Assembly to provide Tor the publication of a children’s missionary paper. Answer : 1, It is desirable to have such a publication, and it is directed that one number in each month of the Children’s Friend shall be devoted to this purpose, with the provision that the usual exposition of the Sunday School lesson shall be retained in the missionary number. 2, The copy for the missionary number shall be furnished by the Secretaries of Foreign Missions; but it is provided that the editorial control shall remain as at present, the subscription price be at the present rate, and no separate subscription for the missionary number be allowed. Secs. 469-474] Foreign Missions 203 1894, p. 232. The Executive Committee was instructed to furnish the children of the Church with a suitable magazine or paper at a subscription price of twenty- five cents a year. 1895, p. 437. The first number of The Children's Missionary was issued in September. It has met, from the beginning, a most encouraging reception. Number of subscribers, 4,100. The excess of the receipts from subscription over cost of publication, including its proportionate part of the salary of the editor, has been $215.65. The magazine is, therefore, already self-sustaining. 1896, p. 622. Number of subscribers, 5,297; cost of publication, including proportionate part of editor’s salary ($450), was $1,739.01. Receipts from subscriptions were $1,001.22. There is still needed an addition of 3,000 subscribers to make it fully self-supporting. 1897, p. 63. Number of subscribers, 6,059; cost of publication including $600 on editor’s salary, was $1,862.86; receipts from subscriptions, $974.64. From the report of the Executive Committee: 1907, p. 70. After careful consideration it was deemed advisable to publish only one missionary magazine. In accordance with this decision, the Children’s Missionary was discontinued, as a separate publication, with the December, 1906 issue. Beginning with January, 1907, a Junior Department was opened in The Missionary. We have also accepted the offer of the Committee of Publication to furnish material for one issue each month for the Children’s Friend , a paper which reaches over 100,000 of our young people. The regular monthly edition of The Missionary is now 20,500 copies, the largest in the history of the publication. The average increase in circulation for the past five years has been over 2,000 copies per year. 473. The Missionary Calendar of Prayer 1895, p. 414. The Prayer Calendar has met with encouraging success. 1896, p. 622. Two editions of this calendar, of 2,000 each, were issued at a cost (including $150 of editor’s salary) of $821.27 There were distributed 2,725 copies, the receipts from sales being $532.27. This publication is intended to be both a compendium of missionary information and a stimulus and guide to intelligent prayer. The Assembly highly commended this calendar. (P. 587.) 1897, Three thousand copies were issued and about 2,000 were distributed; cost, about $30 in excess of receipts. 474. Keep the Church informed 1915, p. 68. The Assembly commends the policy of the Executive Committee in keeping the Church informed of the condition and needs of the treasury, and instructs them to continue this policy. 1918, p. 25. That the Assembly heartily commend the Committee for the publication of the recent pamphlets of “Missionary Ammu¬ nition” and express its appreciation of their value. 204 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV 475. Monthly or quarterly bulletin 1903, p. 476. The editorial department was directed to publish a monthly or quarterly bulletin, which shall be a special medium of communication between all the missionaries of our Church, and - shall keep them informed regarding all matters of interest and value in the proceedings of the Committee and the progress of the work. 476. Stereopticon slides 1907, p. 43. The Assembly instructed its Executive Committee to have prepared, from pictures on hand and to be secured from the various fields in which our Church is at work, stereopticon slides, to be loaned to pastors and Presbyterial chairmen of Foreign Mis¬ sions for use in illustrating missionary addresses; and to endeavor to induce Presbyterial chairmen to secure good lanterns and to visit systematically the churches within their bounds, giving illustrated talks on our work in distant lands. 477. Missionary Conference in Edinburgh 1909, p. 42. A World Missionary Conference was appointed to be in Edinburgh, Scotland, Junel 14-24, 1910. The purpose of this conference was to promote in every way the enterprise of world evan¬ gelization. Our Church was entitled, according to the basis of repre¬ sentation laid down by those who had the arrangements in charge, to seventeen delegates. For the names see Alexander’s Digest, 1910, p. 142. 1911, p. 57. , Your committee has read with great interest the report of the committee appointed by the delegates of our Church to the World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh. Among the many matters named in this report, we are specially impressed by Conclusion No. 6, presented by Commission No. 1, namely, that “The critical point in missions is the state of the home Church;” as the Church at home is an informed Church, as it is a praying Church, as it is a Church that recognizes and fulfills its obligation to God and man, so will the Church on the mission field be strong and true and aggressive and effective as an agency for giving the Gospel to the world. 478. Panama Conference on Latin America 1915, p. 66. That the action of the Executive Committee looking to co-operation with other missionary boards in a Missionary Con¬ ference for Latin America, to be held at Panama in February, 1916, be approved; and that the delegates to this Conference, nominated by the Executive Committee, be appointed by this Assembly. For the names see Minutes 1915, p. 66. 1916, p. 62. That the action of the Executive Committee in its participation in the Congress on Religious Work in Latin America held at Panama, be approved, and that the General Assembly express Secs. 475-483] Foreign Missions 205 its cordial sympathy with the principle of interdenominational comity and co-operation in our Protestant mission work in Latin America which this Congress was intended to express and promote. 479. Treasurer’ s bond 1864, p. 266. Resolved, That the Treasurer be required to give a bond of $10,000 and that an auditing committee be appointed by the Assembly, who shall not be members of the Executive Committee. 480. Secretary’s salary 1861, p. 16. The salary of officers was left to the discretion of the Executive Committee. (1885, p. 418.) 1884, p. 213. The salary of the assistant (contemplated in a previous action) shall be fixed by the Executive Committee, provided it be not more than $2,000. 1900, p. 622. The question of the salary of the Secretary was left to the discretion of the Executive Committee. (So again in 1901, p. 35.) This Committee was also instructed to publish annually in The Missionary a statement of the expenses of that Committee,, showing separately the salaries paid to each officer, the expense of the office and also the traveling expenses of the Committee. 481. Cost of Administration 1914, p. 39. That in making its financial statement in the An¬ nual Report the Executive Committee be directed to give the items of cost of administration separate from all others, and with due discrimi¬ nation between those items which are office administration and outside or educational administration, and that itemized account be given of all official salaries. That the expense of the Southern Missionary News Bureau be listed under the head of Cost of Administration. 482. Women as missionaries 1873, p. 365. Resolved, That the Executive Committee be advised to consider carefully, in the light of the Scriptures and of missionary enterprise, the propriety of engaging, to a larger extent, pious women, in the distinct character of missionaries in the service of the Church* and make report of their views to the next General Assembly. In the twelve months following the adoption of this resolution, five females were sent out to foreign lands as missionaries. (1874, p. 548.) 483. Training of women for Foreign Missionary work 1890, p. 31. Whereas there is an increasing number of appli¬ cations from young women for foreign missionary work; and whereas 206 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV there is great need of special training in order to fit them for their work; and whereas in many of our missionary fields it is important that these young women should have had more or less medical training; therefore, Resolved, That the General Assembly suggest to schools and col¬ leges for young women under the control of our Presbyteries and Synods the propriety of establishing a department for the special training of such young women. Should any of these institutions act favorably on this suggestion and young women endorsed by the Sessions of their respective churches undertake this training, it is further suggested to such institutions to confer with the Executive Committee in regard to their methods and courses of study. 484. Qualifications of Missionaries 1909, p. 40. The Assembly approved the proposition of the Exec¬ utive Committee to raise the standard of qualification, and thus secure for our foreign work choice and winnowed workers. The following rules were laid down, to be rigidly adhered to, except in extraordinary cases: “First: In the appointment of ordained mission¬ aries, physicians and male teachers, the Committee will endeavor to be even more careful than heretofore in maintaining the high standard of qualification required in our Manual. Second: No single lady, other than a trained nurse, will be appointed who has not had the equivalent of an A. B. or B. S. degree from a reputable college, and also in addition to that at least one year of special training for the special line of work for which she is appointed.” An age limit was also adopted, especially for female applicants, by which, except in very extraordinary circumstances, no appointment will be given to an applicant who is over thirty-five years of age. 485. Outfit, travel and year's support for new missionaries 1911, p. 58. That all reinforcements possible be sent to the foreign field, but in sending out reinforcements, the committee is in¬ structed to secure beforehand, for each missionary sent out, the full amount required for his outfit, travel to the field, and year’s support. Furthermore, we recommend that the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions hereafter do not assign missionaries to Churches or individuals except on the provision by the Churches or individuals of $1,000 per annum for the salary of the missionary and the neces¬ sary station expenses pertaining to his work; also that as soon as possible those who now have a missionary assigned to them at less than $1,000, be urged to raise their subscription for this purpose to this amount, and when a church or individual has more than one missionary assigned for whom they contribute less than $1,000 each, that they be urged to either contribute that amount for each mission¬ ary assigned or else agree to decrease the number of missionaries assigned until the proportion of $1,000 for each missionary is reached. 1912, p. 50. That all reinforcements possible be sent to the Secs. 483-489] Foreign Missions 207 field, but that the Executive Committee be instructed to make a care¬ ful investigation of the actual cost of supporting a missionary in the field, including all necessary incidental expenses, and that this amount when ascertained, be made the basis on which new missionaries are sent out, and that the Committee be instructed to send out new missionaries only when the amount has been secured on reliable pledges over and above all previous contributions. 1913, p. 54. “The Foreign Mission Committee, as a result of investigation into actual cost, fix twelve hundred dollars as the amount necessary to be raised for the annual support of each missionary sent out, iji addition to the expense of travel and equipment. We recommend that those supporting missionaries be urged by the Assembly, as soon as possible, to come up to this' standard.” 486. Dr. Buckner on the Executive Committee 1912, p. 51. The need of a practicing physician upon the Executive Committee being an apparent desideratum, Dr. M. G. Buckner was appointed on said Committee. 487. Examining physicians for applicants for appointment as missionaries 1897, p. 36. The Executive Committee calls attention to the matter of examining physicians for applicants who wish to go to the foreign field, and it recommends that each Presbytery appoint an examining physician, whose certificate, as well as that of the family physician, should be required on behalf of every applicant. This we believe to be a mattter of great practical importance, and conductive to safety and economy; and we therefore recommend that each Presbytery of the Church be requested to appoint such an examining physician when needed. Adopted. 488. Payments to missions to he prompt and regular 1911, p. 60. The full amounts promised the missions at the beginning of each year should be promptly and regularly paid. The Mission Station should never have to borrow as they now have to do, and frequently at ruinous rates of interest. 489. The foreign evangelist, his ecclesiastical character and powers See Section on Hangchow Presbytery (p. 99). 1879, p. 27. An overture from the Presbytery of Abingdon, and one also from the Presbytery of Louisville, in regard to the ordination of' Mr. G. W. Painter by Rev. J. L. Stuart. The main facts in the case were as follows: Mr. Painter, candidate under the care of Abingdon Presbytery, and for some years a teacher in connection with the mission in China, was ordained to the ministry of the Gospel in that country 208 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV by the Rev. J. L. Stuart, an evangelist and missionary of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and a minister of the Presbytery of Louisville. There are two questions proposed to the General Assembly, viz. : 1. Is the action of Mr. Stuart in ordaining Mr. Painter valid? 2. If so, to which Presbytery — Louisville or Abingdon — does Mr. Painter belong? Answer to these overtures: 1. The ordination of G. W. Painter by Rev. J. L. Stuart, both of the mission in China, is hereby declared to be valid. 2. Inasmuch as Mr. Painter was a candidate at the time of his ordination, under the care of the Presbytery of Abingdon, he is hereby declared to be a member of that Presbytery. 3. The Assembly appointed a committee to report on the whole subject of the office and powers of the evangelist, his relation to the General Assembly and the Presbytery at home, his relation to the Church scattered among the heathen, and his relation to his fellow- evangelists in the same missionary field; said committee to report to the next General Assembly, by a proposed additional chapter to our Form of Government or otherwise. 1880, p. 200. This committee reported progress and was enlarged and continued. 1881, p. 38 7. This committee made the following report, which was adopted: . After careful consideration of the whole subject, it does not appear to your committee to be necessary to add a new chapter to the Form of Government, for the reason that the doctrine of the evangelist is set forth with sufficient clearness in Chap. IV., Sec. II., Arts. I. and VII. Nothing is required but the application of the general principle to the concrete case of the evangelist at home or abroad, which can be done in a declarative paper without import¬ ing into the organic law details of legislation upon which there may be more or less diversity of opinion in the Church. The committee therefore avail themselves of the discretion with which they are indulged, and submit their conclusions in a form to be adopted by the Assembly, if it sees fit, as simply interpretative of the law which already exists. THE OFFICE AND POWERS OF THE EVANGELIST The only feature that distinguishes the evangelist from the ordinary “minister of the Word” is, that he labors to plant the Gospel and the institutions of the Church in places where they do not exist. When his field lies within the territory of the Church as already organized, his powers are circumscribed within those of the court having jurisdiction over the same. As the Form of Government (Chap. V., Sec. IV., Art. VI., and Chap. VI., Sec. II., Art. I.) assigns the power of forming new churches and of ordaining to office, to a court, these extraordinary functions of the evangelist can be exercised only when expressly delegated by the court to him Sec. 489] Foreign Missions 209 as their agent. Whe i his field lies beyond the territory which the Church occupies, his powers are necessarily enlarged. There being no court to discharge these fuctions, the Constitution recognizes as inhering in his office all the powers that are necessary to constitute the Church. He may organize churches and ordain to all the offices required to make them complete ; and also, with a view to the extension ■of the Church, he has the power to ordain other evangelists, both natives and foreigners, provided that the latter be not under the jurisdiction of a Presbytery at home, in which case the concurrence of said Presbytery shall first be obtained. As soon, however, as a court is created, even the lowest, his extraordinary powers cease within its jurisdiction, and can be resumed only in the region that is beyond ; the guiding principle being, that the powers of an evangelist cannot supersede nor impair those which pertain to a court, either at home or abroad. THE EVANGELIST’S RELATION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE PRESBYTERY AT HOME The evangelist is a member of the Presbytery to which he belongs, in the same sense with every other “minister of the Word,” with the same rights and privileges, equally amenable to its discipline, and sustains, through the Presbytery, precisely the same relation to the Church at large; but as the foreign missionary is supported by the whole Church, and as the Form of Government (Chap. V., Sec. VI., Art. V.) vests in the General Assembly the power “to institute and superintend the agencies necessary in the general work of evangelization,” the immediate direction and control of his labors is remitted by the particular Presbyteries to the Assembly, as the Presbytery which is common to them all. This control is exercised ad interim , by the Assembly, through its Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, as a commission created for that purpose, with such powers as the Assembly may, from time to time, see fit to delegate, and equally responsible with the evangelist himself to the Assembly, in which body vests the authority to decide all questions that may arise in the exercise of their respective functions. Upon the remaining topics, viz. : “The evangelist’s relation to the Church gathered among the heathen,” and “his relation to his fellow- evangelists in the same field,” your committee find themselves, after two years of conference, unable to agree. It would be easy to bring in two reports running counter to each other, which would only involve the Church in the abstract discussion of points which must at last, find their practical solution in the foreign field. Your com¬ mittee can, therefore, agree only in recommending to the Assembly to drop for the present the consideration of these topics, and to wait for their practical solution in the future history of our missionary operations. The matter was further discussed for several years. (See Alex¬ ander’s Digest, 1897, pp. 106ff. ) It was finally decided that a practical solution had already been found in the outworking of the missionary 210 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV operations in the heathen lands. The inherent dfficulty lay in the attempt to rule the Church across the sea. The solution was found in recognizing the autonomy of the Church as a free Christian Commonwealth, and investing it with the power of self-government as soon as it was organized. 1922, p. 59. With reference to the overture of Potomac Pres¬ bytery, asking the Assembly to make clear the extent of the powers intended to be conferred by the action of the Assembly of 1920, au¬ thorizing members of the Missions, if they so desire, to make women missionaries members' of the Missions, with power to vote, we recom¬ mend that the Assembly answer that this action must of course not be interpreted as authorizing the Missions to authorize their unor¬ dained members, whether men or women, to exercise powers and functions which, according to our Constitution can only be ordained men. We also recommend that the attention of the Japan Mission be called to this matter, with instructions to examine its records to ascertain whether the Mission may or may not have inadvertently taken any action in regard to this matter that would be in conflict with the law of our Church. (See p. 199 of this Digest.) 1922, p. 61. 1. We note with gratitude to God the loyalty of our missionaries to the orthodox faith, and their zeal therefor, and we commend all wise plans and efforts to conserve the faith, as ex¬ pressed in our standards. 2. The continuance of our co-operation in union institutions shall depend on the removal of objectionable text-books from the courses taught in these institutions. 3. The matter of the employment of non-Christian teachers and the use of the Bible in our mission schools shall be left in the hands, of the Executive Committee. 4. We urge the Committee, however, to pursue to completion its investigations, undertaken with such commendable diligence, and to report the final findings to the next Assembly. 490. Relations of the Presbyteries and the Executive Committee to the appointment of missionaries 1893, p. 42. Inasmuch as questions had been raised in the Church in regard to the expediency of transferring certain functions now exercised by the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions from that Committee to the Presbyteries and Church Sessions, and inas¬ much as a Presbytery connected with the General Assembly had already exercised functions which, according to the Manual of Foreign Missions, belong to this Executive Committee, the Assembly appointed an ad interim committee of five to investigate the entire matter, and report to the next General Assembly, (among other things) as to the expediency of transferring any functions from the Executive Committee to the Presbyteries or Church Sessions. 1894, p. 183. This Committee made a report, which was referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Missions. P. 231. The report of the Standing Committee, as adopted on this topic was : Secs. 489-491] Foreign Missions 211 1. That we deem it of first importance that closer relations should obtain between the missionaries in the field and their brethren at home who support them. 2. That the seeking 'out and recommending of missionaries should be by those who have the best means of knowing their fitness for the work. 3. That the power and the responsibility of Presbyteries in ordaining men for the work and recalling them should be properly recognized. 4. That physicians and teachers called and set apart to the work should be recognized and classed as missionaries rather than assistant missionaries. Resolution 6 states that the transfer of any of the functions of the Executive Committee to the Presbytery seems impracticable. 1899, p. 414. In regard to an overture from Tuscaloosa Pres¬ bytery, asking the Assembly to define the relation of churches and Presbyteries organized in the foreign field to Presbyteries and Synods at home, and begging that the missionaries of the African field be allowed to organize churches and Presbyteries in Africa, the mission¬ aries to become members of such Presbyteries, we recommend that the Presbytery of Tuscaloosa be referred to Paragraphs 13-15 of the Manual of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, adopted by the Assembly of 1895, in which the ecclesiastical status and relations of our foreign missionaries and their powers are carefully and fully defined. 491. Mixed Presbyteries in the foreign field 1886, p. 37. An overture from several ministers and elders in Brazil, asking that an exception be made in their case “to the enactment of the General Assembly of 1876, whereby its foreign evangelists are prohibited from uniting with mixed Presbyteries in their respective fields.” Your committee finds that during the sessions of that Assembly a committee on the matter of Hangchow Presbytery brought in a report, which urged, among other things, “that our missionaries abroad should not ordinarily become associated with natives in the composition of Presbyteries.” This report, which is found in the Appendix to the Minutes of that Assembly, was adopted, together with certain resolutions not recorded. On the next day that Assembly reconsidered its action respecting Hangchow Presbytery, and adopted instead a resolution declaring that it was unconstitutional for the Assembly to establish or dissolve Presbyteries, and declaring the act of a previous Assembly void whereby Hangchow Presbytery was formed. In this reconsideration of the case no action was taken in regard to the formation of mixed Presbyteries. The answer is, therefore, made to the overture of the brethren in Brazil: The Assembly sees nothing in the enactments of the General Assembly of 1876 bearing upon the question of mixed Presbyteries. The exception asked is therefore needless, as that Assembly did 212 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV not abridge, or modify any right in this regard which the mission¬ aries had prior to that time. Adopted. 492. Transferring a missionary to a foreign Presbytery 1887, p. 230. Overture wishing a uniform practice to be indicated in transferring a missionary to a Presbytery in a foreign land. Answer : No minister can constitutionally be, at the same time, a member of two Presbyteries. Hence the transfer to a foreign Presby¬ tery involves the complete severance of previously existing Presbv- terial relations, precisely as at home. 1919, p. 59. That the Assembly grant the request of Rev. Henry L. Reaves, of our Mid- China Mission, to be allowed to join Soochow Presbytery. 493. Relation of our Foreign Missionaries to the native Presbyteries 1921, p. 53. Overture from the Stated Clerk in regard to the relation of our Foreign Missionaries to the Native Presbyteries was referred to our Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, with instructions to investigate and report to the next General Assembly. 1922, p. 59. In response to the request of Rev. R. Clyde Doug¬ las, of the Mid-China Mission, for permission to change his mem¬ bership from the Presbytery of St. John’s, Florida, to the Presbytery of Hashing, China, we recommend that the General Assembly grant St. John’s Presbytery permission to dismiss Rev. R. Clyde Doug¬ las to the Presbytery of Hashing. 494. United Presbyterian Church in each Mission Field 1905, p. 35. In rer^rd to the overture from missionaries of the Mid-China Mission, renewing their request, made to previous Assemblies, that they be permitted to unite with the native Chinese brethren in forming provincially co-operative Presbyteries,, of which they shall be members, while at the same time retaining full connection with their respective home Presbyteries, the Assembly reminded them that this request has already been denied by three Assemblies as inconsistent with our Form of Govrnment. But, as the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions suggested, the Assembly approved of the expressed desire on the part of our missions in Korea and China to co-operate with other Presbyterian missions in the organization of one united Presbyterian Church in each of those fields; and it authorized our missionaries to take all such steps as may be necessary, and in their judgment in conformity with Presbyterian principles, to secure the independence of the proposed United Presbyterian Churches in Korea and China. 495. Reporting ministers in Union Presbyteries on foreign soil 1889, p. 610. An independent Synod, composed largely of native Secs. 491-497] Foreign Missions 213 ministers, having been organized in Brazil, the following was adopted: P. 611. That each home Presbytery shall, in its statistical report, place on a supplementary roll to be published with the remainder of the reports in the Minutes of the General Assembly, the names of all ordained missionaries who, being sent out by it, are still engaged in our foreign missionary work, but who, by joining Union Presby¬ teries in harmony with the Reformed doctrine and Presbyterian polity, have severed their former membership with the home Presby¬ tery. 496. Co-operation in the foreign field 1881, p. 361. Resolved, That this Assembly empower the Exec¬ utive Committee of Foreign Missions to conduct such correspondence with missionaries and missionary Committees and Boards as may be necessary to ascertain if it be desirable for us, and if so, the best practicable method of carrying out the scheme of co-operation between the missionaries of the “Reformed Churches” in the foreign field suggested by the Pan-Presbyterian Council, and report to the next Assembly. 1884, p. 213. This Assembly directs that, inasmuch as the Executive Committee has been authorized to conduct a correspondence relative to co-operation in the foreign field and has reported progress the Committee keep the matter in charge, with the hope that, in the providence of God, the way may be open for the formation of one Presbyterian church in each mission field. 1886, p. 75. Extract from report of the Executive Committee: Five years ago the Assembly empowered this Committee to conduct correspondence with the missionaries and missionary Committees and Boards, to ascertain the best practical method of attaining co¬ operation between Presbyterian missionaries in the foreign fidd. In this correspondence the Committee stated to the sister churches and their missionaries that the prevailing view in our own Church favored the method of having the Presbyteries on mission gr > md composed exclusively of native presbyters, the missionaries holding only advisory relations to the Presbytery. It appears that the method thus advanced has met with increasing favor among those who seek for a satisfactory basis of co-operation. 1890, p. 14. The union of missionaries and churches in Japan, composed a year ago, was reported has having been given up. 497. Co-operation in Foreign Missions 1892, pp. 420, 446. Our Executive Committee of Foreign Missions having proposed to confer with the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, with a view to preparing a plan of co-operation in Foreign Mission work, the plan to be reported next year to both Assemblies, we recommend that the request be granted, and that the Stated Clerk be directed to notify the other Assembly of this action at once. Adopted. P. 467. A statement of the facts which make co-operation desirable 214 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV is here made by the Executive Committee, and set forth in their report. It states that in Japan and Brazil their missionaries and ours are in the same ecclesiastical organization; that there is virtual unity of work; that in China measures are in contemplation to create this same unity. The request for the authorization of this conference contained this proviso: That the parties to the conference thus held shall have no power except to consult and to frame recommendations which shall be submitted to their respective General Assemblies for action. 1893, p. 60. Similar authority was given to the Board of Foreign Missions by the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. P. 42. Pursuant to the action of the last General Assembly, a conference was held in January of this year, between representatives of the Board of the Northern Presbyterian Church and our own Executive Committee, with a view to securing harmonious and co-operative action in mission work. The conclusions reached in this conference, and submitted in the report of the Executive Com¬ mittee, were approved by the Assembly. P. 60. It was decided not to undertake a joint foreign missionary magazine; and, for the present, not to form a union seminary in Brazil. Either the Committee or the Board is free to send, with the full consent of the other in each special case, any accepted missionary candidate to any field occupied by the other, supporting him and any such share of the work as may be determined by the mission to which he is sent and with which he co-operates; the missionary to work under the direction of, and in full co-operation with, the mission already established, the Committee and the Board reserving the right to confer with its mission before final action, if deemed best. That the conference express the earnest hope that the Committee and the Board will request their missionaries, wherever located, to report from time to time suggestions as to the methods of co¬ operation. The Executive Committee, on receiving this report of the joint committee, passed a resolution approving it. 1895, p. 438. The Executive Committee say: The phenomenal progress of the United Church in Christ in Japan is believed to be due in no small degree to the united efforts of all the Presbyterian bodies working in that field. Full co-operation with happy results exists between our mission and those of other Presbyterian bodies in Korea. In China, committees of conference of our mission and that of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America have been appointed, through which it is hoped that something may be accomplished toward a fuller co-operation there. The plan of co¬ operation adopted two years ago has also been successfully applied in Brazil. But there is need of a wider co-operation between all evangelical missions in all mission fields. It seems probable that this desirable end will eventually be reached as the result of the Secs. 497-498] Foreign Missions 215 annual conference of Foreign Missionary Secretaries, which was held this year in New York City on the 14th and 15 th of February. The Secretary attended this Conference, at which the subject of missionary methods and policies was discussed. No formal action was taken by the Conference, but committees were appointed on some of the more important topics to investigate and ascertain if possible the points of agreement among the various agencies. . . In so far as uniformity of method and the wider co-operation that would grow out of it can be attained, that would result not only in a greater economy in administration, but also a prevention of the hurtful impressions made on heathen peoples by the divisions of Christendom as exhibited among them in our present missionary operations. 1900, p. 622. In view of the manifestations of Christian courtesy and comity on the part of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, to our missionaries and work in Cuba, and of the Presbyts:;an Church in the United States of America to our missionaries ill Korea and elsewhere, and the expressed desire of the Baptist Church to co-operate with us in the effort to secure the still broader exhi¬ bition of this spirit between the churches, the Secretary was instructed to express to these bodies our high appreciation of all they have done, and our desire and purpose to continue to work with them along the same lines. 1905, p. 35. Concerning the complaint of the Rev. W. B. Mcllwaine and the Rev. J. W. Moore against the action of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions authorizing continued co-operation in the Theological Department of the Meiji Gakuin, the action of the Executive Committee was approved. This recom¬ mendation was based upon the fact that the doctrinal unsoundness of the institution referred to had been corrected. 1906, p. 49. The Assembly recommended to all our Missions that in the organization of Mission Churches growing out of their work, or of their work in co-operation with other Presbyterian Missions, the Westminster Shorter Catechism, properly translated and written without the questions, be suggested as the doctrinal Standard to be adopted by such churches. 1919, p. 59. While rejoicing in the full and hearty co-operation and fellowship already existing among the Foreign Mission Boards and Committees of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches in the United States, and trusting that these may become closer still, the Assembly does not see its way clear to consent to the complete uni¬ fication of these bodies suggested by our Executive Committee. 498. Inter-Church World Movement not underwritten 1920, p. 41. We find from the minutes of the Executive Com¬ mittee of Foreign Missions that this Committee made no agreement to underwrite the Inter-Church World Movement for the year 1919-20 or the year 1920-21, except subject to the approval of the Assembly. There is, therefore, no obligation for the payment of any money to the 216 The Agencies or the Church [Book IV Inter-Church World Movement unless it shall be ordered by this Assembly. 499. Itinerary of returned missionaries 1903, p. 476. The Assembly directed its Executive Committee and the Secretary to take a more immediate and constant direction of the itinerancy of returned missionaries, exercising due regard to their need of rest and their capacities for home service. 500. Statistical reports from the foreign field 1883, p. 32. In response to an overture the General Assembly instructed our foreign missionaries in their respective fields of labor to furnish annual statistical reports of the churches, officers and members under their care; also of baptisms, Sabbath Schools, and contributions to the various objects of benevolence, corresponding to the statistical reports of our churches at home, which should be printed opposite their names in the Minutes of the General Assembly. This action is found also, in substantially the same words, on page 40 and page 61, Minutes of 1883; also in 1897, p. 38. 501. Material equipment of each mission station 1912, p. 50. That the Assembly direct the Foreign Missions Com¬ mittee to have prepared as soon as practicable a detailed statement showing the material equipment of each mission station, including all real estate holdings, buildings, furnishings and other equipment, with the cost of these several items, and that similar detailed state¬ ments be prepared as to the material equipment of each station, and that these statements shall be carefully kept and constitute a part of the permanent records of the Foreign Missions office, and the Committee shall publish a summary in the annual report to the General Assembly. 1913, p. 55. The Executive Committee, not having complied with the recommendation of the last Assembly touching the publication in the annual report of a detailed statement showing the material equipment of each mission station because the difficulty of the task has prevented the completion of it in time, we recommend that more time be granted. 1914, p. 39. That the Executive Committee be asked to comply as soon as possible with the direction of the Assembly of 1912, repeated by the Assembly of 1913, touching the publication in the Annual Report of a detailed statement showing the material equipment of each mission station. 502. Reports from Mission Treasurers 1912, p. 50. That the Assembly direct the Foreign Missions Committee to include in its annual report a statement from each Secs. 498-507] Foreign Missions 217 mission treasurer, showing in condensed form: (1) Total receipts of the mission and from what sources; (2) Total expenditures of the mission made under appropriations, Classes A, B, and C, of the Executive Committee Manual. 1915, p. 67. That the General Assembly require the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions to secure from the treasurers of the different mission stations regular stated reports of their expendi¬ ture of the funds paid to them by the Treasurer of the Executive Committee, with proper vouchers for the same. 503. Monthly payments to mission stations 1914, p. 39. That the Assembly approve of the action of the Executive Committee in withdrawing from Mission Treasurers the authority to make drafts, the Executive Committee having provided for monthly remittances by its Treasurer to the Treasurers of the several missions. 1915, p. 68. That the General Assembly express its hearty ap¬ proval of the monthly payment of funds to the mission stations by the Treasurer of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions. 504. Needs of each field to he reported 1912, p. 50. That the Foreign Missions Committee be instructed to report each year to the Assembly its judgment of the relative needs and the proportionate reinforcements required by the various fields committed to our charge. 505. Graduated scale of salaries for missionaries 1915, p. 68. That the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions be instructed to investigate the matter of a graduated scale of salaries for missionaries and report on this matter to the next General As¬ sembly. 506. A missionary entitled to a copy of any action of Executive Committee reflecting upon him 1884, p. 221. In case an Executive Committee makes any record on its Minutes of any moral delinquency of one of the missionaries, whether expressed or by plain and necessary implication, the person interested would be entitled to a copy of the same. (Memorial of Rev. G. Nash Morton.) 507. Furlough of Foreign Missionaries 1921, p. 52. Overtures from the Presbytery of East Hanover, and from Robert M. Friend, C. A. Rowland, T. H. Dick, A. J. A. Alex¬ ander, Rutherford Lapsley, M. L. Thrower, J. E. Spillman, Charles T. Paxton, and J. P. McCallie, touching furlough of our Foreign 218 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV Missionaries, were referred to the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, with power to act. 508. First mission* — The American Indians For description of the Indian Territory, its tribes and population, their political relations and disturbances resulting from the outbreak of the war, see 1861, pp. 44 and 45. 1862, p. 31. The Committee, immediately after entering upon its work, and upon application previously made, appointed Rev. Cyrus Kingsbury, D. D., Rev. Messrs. Cyrus Byington, Ebenezer Hotchkin, C. C. Copeland, Oliver P. Stark, Alexander Reid, Pliny Fisk, native preacher, and Thomas Benton, native licentiate, members of the Choctaw Mission; Rev. Hamilton Balentine and Rev. Allen Wright, native Choctaw preachers, members of the Chickasaw Mission; Rev. John Lilley, of the Seminole, Rev. R. M. Loughridge, of the Creek, and Rev. S. Foreman, native Cherokee, of the Cherokee Mission. 1869, p. 169. The whole missionary corps, under the direction of the Committee, and supported by the funds of the Church, inclusive of five female teachers, consisted of twenty missionary laborers. 509. Schools among the Indians 1863, p. 171. Executive Committee’s report: The missionaries in the Choctaw country came to the conclusion during the summer, that the further suspension of their schools, even for a limited time, would prove very disastrous, both to the social and religious interests of the people, and they resolved at once, with the concurrence of the Committee, to establish day schools at all their principal stations. There were a number of white women in the country, most of them the wives or daughters of the missionaries, and educated Choctaw women, whose services were found available, and schools were accordingly established at Wheelock, 'at Pine Ridge, at Good Water, Good Land, Bennington, and Living Land. All of the schools above mentioned are reported as doing well. , 1866, p. 55. In the recent treaty with the United States Govern¬ ment, provision was made for the support of schools. 1871, p. 45. The Committee, after much prayerful consideration, determined to resuscitate the school for boys at Spencer Academy. Such an institution was greatly needed in the nation, but the Choc¬ taws did not themselves feel able to conduct it, and the Committee was forced to the alternative of undertaking its management or allowing it to fall into hands that would probably make it a curse instead of a blessing to the nation. The Committee had special reference to training teachers and preachers. The school was to have ♦The Digest does not propose to give a complete account of any of our Missions; this information must be sought elsewhere. What is intended is simply to register the actions of the Assembly. Secs. 507-513] Foreign' Missions 219 sixty boys, for whose support the nation was to provide; but the Committee was to provide for the support of the superintendent and two teachers. 510. Choctaw Bible — Rev. Cyrus Byington 1864, p. 325. Mr. Byington spent a portion of time in translating the Scriptures into the Choctaw language, and also in preparing a grammar of that language. When compelled to give up active missionary work, he continued to labor on the translation of the Bible until his death. 511. Rev. Cyrus Kingsbury, D. D. 1871, p. 42. Rev. Cyrus Kingsbury, D. D., the founder of the Choctaw Mission, and for more than fifty years an active and untiring laborer in connection with it, departed this life on the 27th of June, after severe and somewhat protracted sickness. The last Assembly, being informed of his enfeebled condition, directed a letter of condolence and sympathy to be addressed to him. He lived to hear of the kind intention of the Assembly; but before the letter itself reached its destination he had been called up higher. Few ministers have left behind a brighter record. He had many noble associates in the missionary work, but to none more than himself are the Choctaws indebted for all the social, intellectual, civil and religious progress they have made in the last half century. His name is held in the highest veneration by that whole people, and eternity alone will show how much he has done to promote their spiritual and everlasting welfare. 512. Cherokee Mission suspended 1878, p. 677. This mission was discounted, mainly, if not wholly, because the Committee did not have the means either to sustain or reinforce it. 513. Indians transferred to the care and control of the Executive Committee of Home Missions 1886, p. 35. The Executive Committee was authorized and in¬ structed to transfer to the Executive Committee of Home Missions the entire direction, control and support of the missions among the American Indians, so soon as the Home Mission Committee was able and willing to receive them under its care. 1887, p. 229. This transfer being not consummated, it was recom¬ mended that, for prudential reasons, the whole matter be postponed for the present. The transfer was completed in 1889. 220 The Agencies or the Church [Book IV 514. Second Mission — China Rev. Elias B. Inslee, a member of the Presbytery of Mississippi, went out as a missionary to China under the direction of the New York Board in 1856. In 1866, his support was undertaken by our Executive Committee, and he settled in Hangchow. 1869, p. 406. Rev. Messrs. M. H. Houston, B. Helm and J. L. Stuart sailed for China, September 9, 1868. Rev. T. E. Converse and wife joined them in Hangchow a little later. 1870, p. 555. A second station, at Gu-tsin, about one hundred and fifty miles west of Hangchow, was opened by Rev. Messrs. Stuart and Helm. 1873, p. 364. This station was given up and another opened instead at Soochow, between Shanghai and Hangchow. It was occupied by Rev. Messrs. Stuart and DuBose. 1897, p. 37. The thirtieth anniversary of the founding of our China mission was celebrated by our missionaries on the field. 515. Union Presbyterian Church in China 1902, p. 281. An overture from our missionaries in the Mid-China field, and from officers of the churches there was presented asking the Assembly to permit them to form, on the basis of our Standards, an independent Presbytery, of which our missionaries shall be mem¬ bers, while, at the same time, they shall continue members of their respective Presbyteries in this country. To this overture the following answer was given : The Assembly sincerely sympathizes with our mis¬ sionaries in the many and serious difficulties they have to encounter in their work, and which prompted this overture, but it does not see its way clear to consent to the formation of such a Presbytery, because, in its view, such a Presbytery, so constituted, would be contrary to our Standards. It does, however, consent that our missionaries in that mission shall form a Presbytery that shall afterwards come into connection with some one of our Synods, and remain in connection with it until a Chinese Presbyterian Synod is organized, when it shall have permission to connect itself with it. 1919, p. 58. From China comes the news of the meeting of the first General Assembly, and that real progress is being made in teaching the students and educated classes. 1920, p. 39. In China also the notable present aspect of the work is its unparalleled opportunities. A Union Presbyterian Church has been organized out of twelve separate churches. It has six Synods, twenty-six Presbyteries, seventy-seven thousand communicants, and it is the largest single denomination in China: a Church Presby¬ terian in government and on a basis of union which conserves the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel. To our Church came the honor of furnishing the first presiding officer of the new Church in the person of Rev. P. F. Price, D. D., of the Nanking Theological Seminary, and the first Treasurer in Dr. J. M. Blain, of Hangchow. Secs. 514-519] Foreign Missions 221 516. Co-operation in Theological Seminary and, in school work 1905, p. 35. The action of the Executive Committee endorsing the establishment of a Theological Seminary at Nanking by the Mid-China and the North Kiangsu Missions of our Church and the Central China Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, in which Rev. Dr. J. W. Davis, of our Church was made one of the professors, was approved. 1909, p. 41. The Assembly approved of union with Central China missions in certain school work. 517. Action in regard to riot and famine in China 1908, p. 36. As to indemnity for property destroyed in the riot at Donshang, the Assembly commended the action of the Executive Committee in advising the mission “to receive in return the payment of an amount not exceeding the value of the property destroyed,” and placed on record its profound appreciation of the heroic and self-sacrificing labors of the North Kiangsu Mission, and of volunteers from Mid-China Mission and other missions during the unprecedented trials of the famine period, and also expressed its gratitude to God that He had enabled men and women of our Church to stand so nobly in the place of honor and service, and open by their ministra¬ tions, so wide a highway into the hearts of China’s millions. 518. Biblical Encyclopedia in Chinese 1920, p. 80. Overture from Rev. E. W. McCorkle, relating to the publication of a Biblical Encyclopedia in Chinese. We recom¬ mend that the overture be answered in the affirmative, and that the details of financing the work be referred to the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, with the request that the work be completed as •expeditiously as possible. Reaffirmed in 1921, p. 52. 519. T hird mission — Italy 1867, p. 161. Miss Christina Ronzone, a native of Italy, but for a number of years past a resident of South Carolina, and a member of one of our churches there, sailed for her native country in August, 1866, with the expectation of taking charge of a large Protestant school in the city of Naples. She was to act under the general direction of the Waldensian Table or Committee of Missions, but derive her support from the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions of our Church. This arrangement was made on account of the disturbed condition of Italy, and to bring our Church into close fellowship with that of the ancient and venerable Waldenses, who are actively and successfully engaged in promoting evangelical religion in Italy. 1868, p. 291. A pious lady in Scotland generously provided the means for the support of the school for two years. 222 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV 1870, p. 554. The school was moved from Naples, and in 1872, Miss Ronzone returned to her native town, Milan. This mission was afterwards discontinued as a part of the work of our Church. 520. Fourth mission — United States of Colombia 1869, p. 406. Rev. H. B. Pratt began missionary work at Baran- quilla, having had previous acquaintance with the people and their language. 1872, p. 185. This mission was reinforced by the arrival of Mr. A. H. Erwin, who immediately entered upon his work as teacher. 1873, p. 363. Mr. Pratt transferred his headquarters to Sorocco, Mr. Erwin remaining at Baranquilla. 1878, p. 677. This mission was discontinued, chiefly from want of means to sustain and reinforce it. 521. Fifth mission — B ra r 'I 1866, p. 19. A request came, from some Americans who were about to settle in Brazil, that a missionary be sent to that country. The Assembly considered it premature to take action at that time. 1869, p. 406. Rev. G. Nash Morton visited Brazil with reference to the establishment of a permanent mission in that country. As a result of his visit, Mr. and Mrs. Morton and Rev. Edward Lane began missionary work in Campinas. 1872, p. 29. The Presbytery of Sao Paulo was constituted, in connection with the Synod of Virginia; it was dissolved by the Synod in 1881. 1873, p. 363. Rev. J. Rockwell Smith began missionary work at Pernambuco, in the northern part of Brazil. 522. The Synod of Brazil 1887, p. 229. In answer to memorials from several of our missionaries in Brazil, who had united with the representatives of six native churches in organizing the “Presbytery of Campinas and Western Minas,” and who desire to know whether the Assembly would approve their combining with the Presbytery of Rio Janeiro, belonging to the Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of United States of America, in forming the Synod of Brazil, in answer also to an overture from the Presbytery of Chesapeake favoring this movement, it was decided that the Assembly give its approval to the formation of a Brazilian Synod formed of Presbyteries which shall be separated from both the Assemblies in this country, and constituting in Brazil a distinct and independent Church, free from foreign control. It was further advised that our missionaries, as soon as these native Presbyteries could be safely left, push forward as rapidly as possible into the destitute regions beyond, fulfilling the evangelist’s office in them. 1898, p. 218. In response to the communication of the Synod of Secs. 519-524] Foreign Missions 223 Brazil, asking that any help given the cause in Brazil be given to them to aid them in evangelization and education, we direct the Secretary of Foreign Missions to write them and express our prefer¬ ence that any money or property we may have or be able to send to Brazil, beyond the support of our own missionaries, should be used in assisting to educate men directly for the ministry, and that our policy is to consult our missionaries on the subject. He will also assure them of our sympathy with them in their efforts at independence and self-support, and our hope that the day may soon come when they may be fully successful, and their Church may take its place among the Presbyterian Churches of the world and enlist with them in sending the Gospel to the regions beyond. 523. The General Assembly of Brazil 1915, p. 69. That this Assembly, in response to the address of greeting by Rev. Alva Hardie, from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Brazil, expresses its pride and joy in the prosperity of our daughter, the Church in Brazil, and that the Stated Clerk of this Assembly be instructed to transmit this response to the Stated Clerk of the Assembly in Brazil. 524. Campinas Institute The movement for the establishment of this college began in 1872. In 1877 it was reported as having one hundred and twenty pupils. Complications having arisen, upon the death of Dr. Lane, in regard to all the Campinas property, steps were taken looking to the obtaining of a legal title. (For details see Supplement to Alex¬ ander’s Digest, 1888, pp. 63ff.) 1894, p. 230. It was learned that there was no cause for alarm about the Church’s property in Campinas, the only question being as to the best plan for reducing the property to possession. It was decided : 1. That all questions of detail in getting this property securely in hand be left to the discretion of the Executive Committee. 2. When this has been done, (1), That in case the Synod of Brazil continues its request for a donation of a part of this property for the purpose of establishing a theological school, the Assembly make a gift of such part of the buildings and grounds as may be needed for this purpose, such grant to be made under a charter approved by the Church’s Executive Committee of Foreign Missions; (2), In case the Synod of Brazil does not renew its request, that a well-equipped school be established there and conducted under the control of the Church’s Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, or under control approved by them; (3), That such part of said property as may not be needed to realize the first or second of these recommendations be judiciously sold; and that the proceeds be used in establishing and equipping evangelical schools in other parts 224 The Agencies oe the Church [Book IV of the Brazilian field or in such other branches of our mission work as may seem most advisable. The Assembly of 1895, p. 415, renewed the authority given above. 1896, p. 588. The Executive Committee was directed to with¬ draw the offer heretofore made of part of our property at Campinas to the Synod of Brazil, for the purpose of a theological seminary, and the Executive Committee was instructed to consider the pro¬ priety of discontinuing, and is hereby authorized to discontinue,, if it seem clear to it, the professorship now maintained by us in the Theological Seminary of the Synod of Brazil now located at SaO' Paulo, until the need for such an institution shall become more apparent than at present, and until the question as to its permanent location shall be decided by the native church. 1897, p. 36. Satisfactory progress was reported as having been made in regard to the Campinas property in Brazil. The matter was left in the hands of the Executive Committee to deal with and conclude in such manner as they might deem best in accordance with Presbyterian interests. 1898, p. 217. The Southern Brazil Mission asked the Executive Committe that of the proceeds of the sale of the Campinas property $5,000 shall be donated to the Synod of Brazil for its theological seminary. It was recommended that the Assembly give assurance to- the brethren in Brazil of our* Church’s cordial sympathy with the Synod in its efforts to establish and foster a theological seminary,, and that it would be glad to comply with their request had we undis¬ puted possession of the property. In the present condition of the property, and in view of the uncertainty of the future, it was decided that the management of the property and distribution of the proceeds, that may arise from a sale or rent thereof should be left to the discretion of the Executive Committee. 1901, p. 33. The Secretary was directed to go to Brazil for the purpose of examining the condition of our work, and of accomplishing; a settlement of the Campinas property matter. 1902, p. 282. The Assembly expressed its gratification that our Assembly had at last secured a perfect legal title to the mission property in Campinas, and it agreed with the Executive Committee that it should be used according to its original design, for edu¬ cational purposes. It, therefore, directed the Committee to retain the building, and so much of the land as might be necessary for that purpose, and to sell the remainder, using the proceeds of such sale for the promotion of the same end. 1907, p. 49. The school building was sold to the Synod of Brazil, at a nominal price, and the Theological Seminary of the Synod was moved from Sao Paulo and opened in the building. 525. Sixth mission — Mexico 1874, p. 551. Rev. A. T. Graybill, having visited Mexico the year before with reference to the establishment of a mission some- Secs. 524-527] Foreign Missions 225 where along the borders of the Rio Grande, selected as the site Matamoras on the south side of the river. In 1884, the Presbytery of Tamaulipas was organized as an out¬ growth of this mission, composed entirely of native ministers and churches. 1901, p. 33. The Independent Synod of Mexico was organized by the union of churches connected with both branches of the Presbyterian Church in this country; and in response to the earnest request of our missionaries there, the Assembly appointed as our representative on the occasion Rev. J. H. McNeilly, D. D., and made him the bearer of a letter of greeting to the Synod. 526. Redistribution of territory in Mexico 1915, p. 67. We recommend the approval of the underlying principles of the “Cincinnati Plan” for the redistribution of the terrritory among different denominations in Mexico and readjustment of the work, and that the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions be authorized to co-operate in this plan according to their judgment and the working of Providence. As the “Cincinnati Plan” does not specify any disposition of the work of the Foreign Mission Committee among the Mexicans in Texas, we recommend that this Committee confer with the Assembly’s Executive Committee of Home Missions with the view of transferring this work to the latter Committee, in case the necessity should arise. 1919, p. 59. That in view of the transfer of our Foreign Mission work from Northern to Southern Mexico, the Rio Grande be designated as the boundary line between our Home and Foreign Mission work, and that the Mexican churches of Brownsville, Harlingen, San Benito and Mercedes be transferred from the care and aid of the Foreign Mission Committee to that of the Home Mission Committee, and be advised by the Foreign Mission Committee to ask for admission into the Texas-Mexican Presbytery. 527. Seventh mission — Greece 1873, p. 315. In view of the fact that the Rev. M. D. Kalopo- thakes, a native missionary in Greece, and a minister of the Gospel in connection with our Church, had been for years engaged in an interesting and peculiarly difficult work, and was in the providence of God, left without the fostering care of any missionary society, his case was commended to our Executive Committee for such fraternal interest and aid as, in its judgment, might be deemed advisable. 1874, p. 547. The Executive Committee announced that the Greek mission had been opened in Athens, and that Rev. M. D. Kalopothakes, Mr. George Kazacos, and Mr. J. S. Dewar had been added to the list of missionary laborers. 1875, Salonica, in European Turkey, was occupied as a new station, and four new missionaries reported as sent out to the Greek field. 1882, p. 579. The Committee reported the establishment in 226 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV Greece, as the result of our missionary labors, of an evangelical Greek Presbytery, composed entirely of native Greeks. The name of this Presbytery is the “Greek Evangelical Synod.” 1892, p. 469. Our missionaries among the Greeks were withdrawn; and some years later the property belonging to our Church at Salonica was transferred to the Greek Evangelical Church. 528. Eighth mission — Japan 1885, p. 418. The Executive Committee was authorized to establish a mission in Japan. Kochi was selected as the station, and Rev. Messrs. R. E. Me Alpine and R. B. Grinnan, with Mrs. Grinnan were sent out to found the mission. 1907, p. 51. A letter from the Rev. W. R. Lambuth, D. D., Secretary of the Mission Board of the M. E. Church, South, con¬ veyed to our Executive Committee the offer of the use of their buildings and equipment at Kobe, Japan, for our educational work in that field. It was recommended that the Assembly instruct its Executive Committee to express our grateful appreciation of this offer, and to correspond with our Japan Mission with reference to the practica¬ bility of such co-operative work. 1917, p. 60. We would call attention to a new method of missionary propaganda which has been used in Japan effectively, namely: the publication in the secular press of articles on the fundamental topics of Christianity. These have appeared in fourteen of the prominent daily papers of Tokio, thus disseminating the Gospel, to many thousands who had never entered a Christian church. The success of this effort has been such as to justify its recom¬ mendation to the serious thought of all our missions who might find it feasible. 1922, p. 58. Inasmuch as the Synod of the Church of Christ in Japan at the last session in Kobe, October, 1921, passed a resolu¬ tion that a delegation be appointed to visit next spring, the Reformed and Presbyterian Churches of the United States having connection with the Church of Christ in Japan, to report on the results of Chris¬ tian work in Japan up to the present, and convey expressions of gratitude for the good will and labors expended; at the same time discussing informally with them the most appropriate forms of work for those churches to undertake in Japan, with a view to a thorough operation, and inasmuch as, in accordance with the above resolution, the Rev. Masahisa Uemura, the Moderator of the Synod, was appointed the delegate to convey this message to the American Churches, this Assembly has heard with much interest and sympathy the address of our distinguished brother, rejoices with him and with the Church which he represents in the attainment of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Church of Christ in Japan, con¬ gratulates them on the fruitfulness of their labors under the blessing of our gracious Lord, and stands ready to co-operate in the future, as we have been happy to do in the past, in every practicable enter¬ prise for the advancement of our Saviour’s cause in Japan. Secs. 527-531] Foreign Missions 227 529. Ninth mission — Africa Attention was directed as early as 1865 to Africa as a suitable field of missionary labor for our Church. The matter was taken up again in 1881. But it was not until 1890 that the mission was established by Rev. Messrs. S. N. Lapsley and W. H. Sheppard. 1914, p. 39. That the Assembly warmly welcome the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, to the mission work close to our own in Africa; that it approve of the practical arrangements made between that mission and our own in evangelistic helpers, printing, and transportation; that it heartily reciprocate the kind words and fraternal interest of our sister Church; and that it cordially invite Bishop Lambuth, who personally founded the Congo Mission for his Church, to address this Assembly on Wednesday evening, May 27th. The Assembly prays that, from the very beginning, the work of our Methodist brethren may enjoy the favor of Almighty God, who has so signally blessed the work of our mission in that field. 530. The Congo boat 1894, p. 312. The children of the Church were appealed to and raised $10,000 for this cause. It was found that this amount was not sufficient, and the carrying out of the plan was necessarily post¬ poned for some years. 1898, p. 217. The Assembly commended the wisdom and dili¬ gence of the Executive Committee in conserving the Congo Boat Fund, and approved their determination to proceed at once to build the boat, and directed that it be sent forward as soon as was con¬ sistent with due care and prudence. 1900, p. 621. The Assembly approved the action of the Executive Committee in reference to the construction of the Congo boat. The boat was of great service in the mission work, but was upset in the currents of the Congo and became a total loss. The matter was taken up afresh and a larger boat built and put in operation on the river. 531. Atrocities on the Congo — Trial of Drs. Morrison and Sheppard 1904, p. 43. The Assembly approves of the action of one of our missionaries, the Rev. W. M. Morrison, D. D., in making known to the civilized world the atrocities of the Belgian Government in the Congo Free State, and directs the Executive Committee to co¬ operate with other missionary agencies and to continue to ask our own Government to use such measures as are practicable, to secure grants of land in Africa, in accordance with treaty rights, for the use of the Mission. 1906, p. 50. Whereas, repeated atrocities have been committed upon the natives in the Congo Independent State, for which the government is directly responsible, either by permission or connivance; therefore, 228 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV Be it Resolved, First, That the cruelty and atrocities which have been committed by the military authorities of the government of the Congo Independent State, and by the officers and agents of the trading companies, under government protection, upon the people of the Congo Independent State, in Africa, are an outrage on humanity, to which the civilized nations of the world cannot submit. Second, That we respectfully petition the government of the United States of America, through its Executive Department, to take such action, and bring to bear on the government of the Congo Independent State such pressure as will compel the abatement of this outrage against our common humanity. Third, That we further petition our government to bring about by any means that may be practicable, an immediate concert of action on the part of all civilized nations and particularly of those nations participating in the Berlin Convention, establishing the Congo Inde¬ pendent State, to abate the atrocities which have been and are being committed on the natives, and to grant to all nations, and particularly to Protestant missionaries, free access to all parts of the State for establishment of missions. Fourth, That to this end, we call upon all Christians to unite in earnest prayer to the God of the nations, to overrule the forces of evil which are seeking to hinder the progress of the truth in the Congo Independent State. 1907, p. 52. In reference to present conditions in the Congo Free State, Africa, the Assembly adopted the following resolutions: Whereas, The General Assembly has learned with great satisfaction, of the unanimous action of the Senate of the United States, at the last session of Congress, in giving assurance to the President that he would have their cordial support in any steps he mighf take after investigation of conditions in the Congo Free State, ‘;in co¬ operation with or in aid of, any of the powers signatory of the Treaty of Berlin, for the amelioration of the condition of such inhabitants;” Resolved, That we express our earnest hope that the way may open at an early date for the President to render the aid suggested in the action taken by the Senate in behalf of the helpless people of the Congo, whose wrongs have excited a world-wide sympathy. Resolved, That we place on record our appreciation of the efforts that have been put forth by the National Council of the Evangelical Free Churches of England and Wales, in urging that Great Britain, as one of the leading signatory powers of the Treaty of Beilin, should take the initiative in calling a Conference to consider and act upon the evidence, disclosing conditions in the Congo. Resolved, That we recognize, with hearty commendation, the work of the representative committee appointed by the Inter-Church Con¬ ference on Federation in 1905, in calling the attention of the President and Congress, to the appeal of the Protestant churches of our land in behalf of international action and authoritative adjudication of the issues involved in the present intolerable conditions in the Congo country. Secs. 531-532] Foreign Missions 229 As this national committee, representing churches having a member¬ ship of over seventeen millions, is in correspondence with the National Council of the Free Churches of England, we place these Resolutions in their hands, with the pledge of our best endeavor, in joining the Christian churches and the forces of righteousness in every land, in the effort to secure, through international action, the relief of an oppressed people, who, as we believe, in violation of treaty obligations, are held in the bondage of a practical slavery. 1909, p. 14. The Assembly passed the following resolutions: 1. That the General Assembly in session at Savannah, Ga., would hereby assure Rev. Dr. W. M. Morrison and Rev. Dr. W. H. Sheppard, our missionaries in the Congo Independent State, of its profound and heartfelt sympathy with them in the trial they are about to undergo before a court of that State on the charge of “calumnious denunciation” of the officers of the Company Kassai; and also of the approval and admiration of their brethren at home of their course in reporting to the world the atrocities perpetrated on the native people by the agents of the Company and by others. 2. That in view of the fact that the trial of these missionaries is to be held at Leopoldville on May the 25th, the Assembly hereby directs that on next Sabbath morning May 23, special prayer be offered in all our churches and at the family altar in all our Christian homes for their deliverance from any miscarriage of justice under the forms of law, and also for the deliverance of the people of the Congo Independent State from the hand of the oppressor. 3. Inasmuch as our missionaries, who are American citizens, Messrs. Morrison and Sheppard, in the Congo Free State are to be brought to trial on the 25th day of May, 1909, at Leopoldville, upon charges which we are informed are groundless; and will be tried under great disadvantage, we, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S., petition and earnestly request the President of the United States, through the State Department, to use his influence with the Belgian Government to have said trial postponed to some future day, and then to see to it that our mission¬ aries are properly represented. 4. That we heartily thank the State Department for what it has already so kindly done for us. 5. That the Stated Clerk wire this action to the President. The case against Dr. Morrison was dropped. Dr. Sheppard was acquitted. 532. The Luebo church and school 1908, p. 35. Though hampered by the well-known and much-to- be-deplored* political conditions that environ them, this work shows no abatement in interest or success. The number added by baptism last year was 963, and the people everywhere are keenly responsive to the teaching of missionaries and native evangelists. In the month of November last a native church was organized at Luebo, with five elders and six deacons, regularly elected and ordained, an organ¬ ization which the missionaries had wisely deferred until men could 230 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV be adequately instructed and trained for the duties of their responsible offices. 1909, p. 43. The General Assembly was asked to give its endorse¬ ment and co-operation to the movement to erect at least a $10,000 Training School for Native Workers at Luebo, Africa, to be known as “The John Leighton Wilson Memorial School.” Answered in the affirmative. 533. Memorial to Dr. J. Leighton Wilson 1911, p. 58. That, while we sympathize with the desire which has assumed a definite form, and for which some money has been raised, namely, to establish a school in Africa in memory of the distinguished and beloved Rev. John Leighton Wilson, D. D., we do not at present, in view of the other pressing and immediate financial needs, deem it expedient to undertake this work. 534. The Jews 1873, p. 306. An overture asking the General Assembly to consider the religious condition of the Jews, and to put forth some effort to bring them to Christ. This overture was referred to the Executive Committee on Foreign Missions. 1874, p. 598. Resolved, That the Assembly appreciates the force of the scruples which have deterred the Executive Committee from embarking in the attempt to found a mission among the Jewish race, and while cherishing the hope that the way may ultimately be opened for our Church to take part in the effort to restore “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” to the Shepherd’s fold, yet, in the absence of a clear call at the present time to engage in that effort, would limit its agency to the dissemination of such information, through the columns of The Missionary or otherwise, as may educate the mind of our people to a proper apprehension of the claims of that work. 535. Mission to the Jews in Palestine 1891, p. 237. In reply to an overture touching work among the Jews in Palestine, the Assembly, in view of the large and pressing demands of the fields already occupied was very regretfully forced to decline the proposed undertaking. 1894, p. 202. The Executive Committee of Foreign Missions was directed to consider the propriety of establishing a mission of our Church for the special benefit of the Jews and others in Jerusalem, or some other place in Palestine. 1 i 536. Korea 1892, p. 445. It was reported that steps had been taken to estab¬ lish a mission in Korea. 1903, p. 475. The Korean Mission made request that in con¬ junction with the other Presbyterian Missions “its missionaries be Secs. 532-536] Foreign Missions 231 permitted to organize an independent Korean Presbytery, of which they shall be members so far as concerns the rights and privileges of voting and participating in all its proceedings, but ecclesiastically they shall be sujbect to the authority and discipline of their home Church, retaining their full ecclesiastical connection with their respec¬ tive Presbyteries in the United States.” The Assembly recognized the serious difficulties which confront our missionaries in the devel¬ opment of the native church and which suggested the proposed movement. In view of the important questions of constitutional law and missionary policy involved in the matter, the request cf the Korean Mission was referred to an ad interim committee, to confer with all the parties interested and report to the next Generai Assembly some plan to meet the necessities of the case in Korea and other Missions. 1904, p. 42. The Assembly adopted the recommendation of the ad interim committee on the Memorial of the Korean Mission, which is as follows: “It is with the utmost reluctance that we find ourselves unable to recommend the constitution of a Presbytery in accordance with the plan proposed. It appears to the committee that this mode of organ¬ ization is inconsistent with the principles of Presbyterian polity, and is of doubtful expediency, and we are compelled, however reluctantly, to recommend to your venerable body that it decline to approve and consent to the organization of a Presbytery either in Korea or in China, in which the Foreign Evangelist shall have the right to dis¬ cussion, and the right of voting, while he is, at the same time, a member of the home Presbytery with all the rights and privileges of such membership, and subject to its discipline.” The Standing Committee recommends that the whole matter of the relation of the missionaries to the churches in mission lands, and to the Presbyteries in those lands, be referred to the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, to report to the next Assembly; and that along with this answer of the Assembly, a copy of the report of the ad interim committee be forwarded to the Korean Mission. 1911, p. 58. In view of the marvelous opportunities before us in Korea, the total number of converts being more than half of all our other mission fields combined, as also the number of embryo Churches already established in that mission; and, further, since the total amount of permanent equipment necessary for that mission has been provided, we believe that our Executive Committee is justified in sending out the reinforcements asked as fast as they volunteer and the amount necessary for their maintenance, outfit and traveling expenses is guaranteed. 1919, p. 58. And from Korea, in spite of all the misfortunes and sadness of the people, there is the same faith and consecration that has characterized that Church from the beginning. 1919, p. 58. That all our Sunday Schools be asked to co-operate in the Korea campaign this year, following the “Seven-Year Plan of Missionary Education in Sunday Schools” in the fifth year; and. while this plan is primarily a plan for missionary education, we 232 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV ask them to give $40,000 toward the support of our work in Korea for the year. 537. Mission to the Waldensians in Uruguay 1894, p. 331. A communication came from the Rev. Dr. M. Prochet, a minister of the Waldensian Church, recently traveling in this country, proposing to our Church to take under its care a colony of the Waldensian Church in Uruguay, South America. This communication was read to the Assembly and then referred to the Executive Committee for their consideration, with discretionary power to dispose of it according to their best judgment. 538. Cuba 1899, p. 416. The Assembly approved the action of the Executive Committee in inaugurating a mission in Cuba, and instructed the Committee to prosecute the work begun there, as the way may be clear, with all possible vigor; the interest of our young people in the evangelization of that island was heartily commended, and they were urged to continue their efforts in the same direction. 1916, p. 62. That the Executive Committee be authorized to confer with other missionary agencies working in Cuba, and especially with the Home Mission Board of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., and to consummate any arrangement that in its best judgment would be conductive to economy and efficiency and to the best interests of the cause of missions in that field. 1918, p. 25. That the Assembly authorize the Executive Com¬ mittee to make such disposition of the matter touching the work of our Church in Cuba as the Committee shall deem wisest and most for the advancement of the whole work. 1919, p. 58. From Cuba comes the news of the unification of the Presbyterian work, and the assignment to our Church of the educa¬ tional work of the missions. 1920, p. 39. On the Cuban field the co-operation of our Exec¬ utive Committee with the boards of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., has shown results that amply justify the arrangement. Presby¬ terianism has, under the new order, attained a prestige never enjoyed before, and the possibility of working out plans for the whole field gives a definiteness to the work which it did not otherwise possess. 1922, p. 63. We recommend that the resolution offered by Dr. R. A. Lapsley touching the opening of mission work among the Indians of Central America be referred to the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, with the request that a report on the subject be made to'the next Assembly. 539. Pozsony Reformed Presbytery, Hungary 1902, p. 202. A communication from the Pozsony Reformed Presbytery, Hungary, was presented, giving a history of the trials Secs. 53.6-543] Foreign Missions 233 through which the Reformed Church in that country had passed, and soliciting assistance from this Assembly in the work in which it is engaged. The Stated Clerk of the Assembly was directed to ack¬ nowledge the reception of this communication, and express, in the Assembly’s name, its sympathy with that Church in its struggles, and to impress upon the authorities of that Church that we have done all that we could for their aid, which was to bring it to the notice of our Assembly, and to ask our ministers and elders to give it their consideration. 540. Residents in foreign seaports 1904, p. 43. The matter of evangelizing the large number of American and European residents in foreign seaports, was referred to the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, to consider whether any means can be devised in co-operation with other Boards or Committees of Foreign Missions to accomplish this desired result. 1906, p. 49. In view of the large number of Americans and other foreign residents in such places as Yokohama, Kobe, Canton and Peking, for whose spiritual needs no provision is made, and whose irreligion is a most serious obstacle to missionary work, the Executive Committee was authorized to take such steps as they may deem best in connection with other religious bodies, to relieve this condition. 1908, p. 37. The Assembly was asked to petition our government as to the character of its official representatives in the port cities of the Orient. Answer: The Assembly deems it inexpedient to offer this petition. 541. Russia 1919, p. 59. In answer to the overture from Greenbrier Presby¬ tery, touching the undertaking of some form of mission work in Russia, we recommend that our Executive Secretary bring that question to the consideration of the Foreign Mission Secretaries of the Presby¬ terian and Reformed Churches at their next conference, to discover whether they regard such work as practicable. 542. Thanks to Mr. Robert Whyte 1903, p. 500. Resolved, That the General Assembly does hereby express to Mr. Robert Whyte, elder in the Regent Square Presbyterian Church, in London, England, its grateful appreciation of the invalu¬ able service which he has rendered to our African Mission as its representative in London and its helper from the beginning, and for the kindly aid which he has given to our other missions and their missionaries. 543. List of missionaries, etc., to be published twice a year 1910, p. 54. The Assembly instructed its Executive Committee to publish, at least twice a year, a list of its missionaries and the 234 The Agencies of the Chu.rch [Book IV sources of their support; and the shares in each mission station, indicating the shares that are taken, and by whom, and those still remaining. 544. Call for more laborers 1910, p. 55. It was ordered that a letter, appealing for laborers in the Foreign Mission work, be sent out by the chairman -of the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign Missions, Rev. W. L. Tingle, D. D. 545. Reinforcements to be sent out 1914, p. 39. That the Assembly instruct the Executive Committee to make every effort possible to send out the reinforcements which are most sorely needed, and that in case another or continued shortage of funds should threaten, the Executive Committee be authorized to use such means, not inconsistent with methods already adopted and recommended to the Church, as may seem legitimate and wise to increase the Foreign Missions income. 546. One business man as treasurer of a mission 1915, p. 67. That whenever the appropriations to any mission field shall justify it, the Executive Committee be authorized to appoint one business man as treasurer for the entire mission or missions in that country. 547. Call for workers 1919, p. 60. As we have faith to believe that the present year will see the payment of our debt, and the placing of funds in the hands of our Committee for the enlargement of the work, the Assembly advises our Committee to begin at once to plan and secure workers that, with the opening of the year 1920-21, there may begin an advance movement to go in and adequately occupy that part of the world assigned to us to win for Christ. 548. Call to medical students 1920, p. 41. That our Executive Committee of Foreign Missions endeavor to arrange to have the call to service on the foreign field presented to the young men of the various medical colleges of the country by public address, written appeal, and personal interview, with a view to securing volunteers for this most important and needy branch of the work. 549. Trustees of Mission Court 1920, p. 54. The report of the Board of Trustees of the Mission Court was read and the recommendation as to Trustees was adopted, approving of the election of the following Board of Trustees: Secs. 543-552] Foreign Missions 235 For three years — Mrs. J. Calvin Stewart, Mrs. George Randolph Cannon, Rev. W. W. Moore, D. D. For two years — Miss Carrie Lee Campbell, Miss Mary Weddell, Mr. John S. Munce. For one year — Mrs. Chas. A. Morgan, Mrs. Frank S. Royster, Mr. George W. Watts. 1921, p. 79. The report of the Trustees of Mission Court, the home for missionaries on furlough, located in the city of Richmond, con¬ tains the gratifying information that the center building has been completed and furnished at a cost of $35,480.25, and that all finan¬ cial pledges mentioned in the report of last year have been fully redeemed and the building is now free from debt. During the last summer the home has been occupied by mission¬ aries and their families from Mexico, Brazil, China and Africa, and the four apartments are assigned for the coming year to missionaries from China, Japan and Korea. We recommend that the Assembly express its most hearty approval of this institution. 2. That the following members of the Board of Trustees whose terms have expired be appointed for a term of three years: Mrs. Geo. W. Watts, Mrs. Chas. S. Morgan, Mrs. Frank S. ^Royster. 1922, p. 64. The following were appointed for three years: Miss Carrie Lee Campbell, Mrs. R. C. Wight,. Mr. John Munce. 550. Golden Castle School for Girls (Japan). 1821, p. 52. In response to overture from the Presbytery of Mecklenburg in regard to the Imperial Rescript and the Constitu¬ tion of the Golden Castle School for Girls, we recommend that the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions be instructed to investi¬ gate and if it be found that the Imperial Rescript does encourage idolatrous worship or seriously comprises essential Christian truth, then the Executive Committee shall protest against its incorpora¬ tion in the Constitution of the Golden Castle School for Girls, and take such action as may seem wise and proper. 551. Missionary Memorial Day. 1921, p. 52. In response to the overtures from the Louisville Presbyterial Auxiliary, in regard to the appointment of an annual Missionary Memorial Day, the Assembly, while appreciating the noble Christian motives that prompted this overture, and expressing tender sympathy with this spirit of its authors, yet in view of the number of special days already being observed in our churches and the tendency to multiply such days to the interruption of the regular work of the Church and other considerations, did not see the way clear to designate the Memorial Day requested. 552. N on-ministerial mission workers and co-operative institutions. 1921, p. 53. The overture from the Central Mississippi Presbytery, 236 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV asking that , an ad interim committee be appointed with reference to the examination of non-ministerial mission workers and the char¬ acter of the instruction given in foreign mission institutions in which we are co-operating with other Churches, was referred to the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, with instructions to in¬ vestigate and report to the next General Assembly what action, if any, should be taken by our Church touching the matters referred to. 553. Sanitary houses for missionaries. 1921, p. 53. In response to the overtures from the Presbyteries of Macon and Mobile, in regard to sanitary houses for our missionaries, the Executive Committee was instructed to use diligently every legiti¬ mate means to secure funds for the equipment of our Foreign Mis¬ sion work, giving preference to sanitary houses for our missionaries. 554. New appointments. 1921, p. 53. The General Assembly approved the sending out of the thirty foreign missionaries now under appointment by the Executive Coipmittee, as follows: Africa — One lady physician, one female teacher. Brazil — One ordained man (married), one male teacher (mar¬ ried), one female teacher. China — One female teacher. Japan — One ordained man (married), one female teacher, one female evangelist. Korea — Four ordained men (two married), two female evangelists, two nurses, one stenographer and secretary. Mexico — Two ordained men (married), one male teacher (mar¬ ried), one female evangelist. The Executive Committee was authorized to send out additional missionaries where most needed, and so far as consistent with the spirit of this report, touching equipment and without increasing our foreign mission debt. The Assembly authorized a Church-wide campaign for equip¬ ment, in which the Foreign Mission cause shall share as recom¬ mended by the Systematic Beneficence Committee. 1922, p. 63. That the offer of the First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington, N. C., and the Purity Church of Chester, S. C., to furnish an annual cost fund of $1,350 each to support Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Worth and Miss Orene Mcllwaine, made before the Committee’s action in December was published, be accepted, and . that arrangements for their sailing be made as soon as the Commit¬ tee is able to secure “over and above” cash contributions of $800 each to provide for their sailing. The Assembly further authorizes the sending out of the following additional missionaries when they are secured, namely, a man to fill the vacancy in our quota of the faculty of Hangchow Christian College, an evangelist to take the place at Sutsien Station, China, Secs. 552-554] Foreign Missions 237 made vacant by the removal of Rev. B. C. Patterson, an agricultural missionary for the Evangelical Institute of Lavras, Brazil, to be supported by the appropriation of the government of the State of Minas, and a music teacher for the Charlotte Kemper Institute at Lavras, to be supported by the income of the musical department of the school. CHAPTER II. HOME MISSIONS. 555. Southwestern Advisory Committee of Domestic Missions. This Committee was created by an order of the General Assembly of 1859, and began active operations in November of that year. In 1861 this Committee was obliged to assume the independent manage¬ ment of its affairs. 1861, p. 20. The Assembly approved the action of the Com¬ mittee in conducting their operations for the past eight months, with¬ out reference to the Board of Missions at Philadelphia, thereby con¬ tinuing our missionaries in the field without embarrassment. The Assembly also accepted the trust surrendered to it by the Committee, and requested the Committee to turn over to the Assembly’s Com¬ mittee on Domestic Missions all its books, papers, accounts and funds, and missionaries, so soon as that Committee shall be ap¬ pointed and located by the Assembly. 556. Constitution of the Executive Committee of Domestic Missions. 1861, p. 20. The constitution adopted for this Committee and this branch of the Church’s work was, mutatis mutandis, entirely similar in its provisions to that adopted for the Executive Com¬ mittee of Foreign missions. 557. Manual of Home Missions. A Manual was adopted in 1875, and published in 1880. 1888, p. 412. The revised Manual of the Executive Committee was examined and approved, and the General Assembly adopted it in place of the old Manual. 1893, p. 38. In adopting the new plan of conducting Home Missionary work, the Assembly repealed such parts of the Manual as conflict with the plan, and instructed the Executive Committee to prepare a new Manual to be submitted to the next Assembly. 1894, p. 237. The Manual thus reported was adopted with cer¬ tain changes. These provide that the number of members on the committee shall be ten instead of nine. The Secretary is styled “The Assembly’s Secretary of Home Missions.” His salary shall be fixed by the Committee itself when not fixed by the Assembly in open session. The Executive Commiftee shall elect a Treasurer who shall give bond to the Assembly’s Board of Trustees. The Manual of 1896 increased the membership of the committee to eleven, and in 1901 (p. 42) the Committee was made to consist of twelve members beside the Secretary. Secs. 555-558] Home Missions 239 1895, p. 406. Several changes were made in the Manual. 1896, p. 593. The General Assembly of 1895 having directed a certain addition to be made to the rules of the Manual, and to harmonize the rest of the Manual with this paragraph, and the Executive Committee believing that the principle announced was calculated to create confusion, and open the way for unguarded ap¬ propriation of funds, revised its Manual upon the principle follow¬ ing, viz: That the Executive Committee be instructed to pay out money for work which has been accomplished, as specified in the application. The Standing Committee, believing that this was the only safe and equitable principle in the premises, recommended that the Assembly approve said principle for future operations. The Manual, revised upon this principle and in other matters of detail, was adopted by the Assembly. It was ordered that all previous acts of the Assembly in conflict with this be repealed, the Manual to go into operation at this date. 558. Location of Committee — Changes of name. 1862, p. 18. The Secretary of Domestic Missions was authorized to select any place of temporary residence where, in his judgment he could best accomplish the work which he was commissioned to perform. The Committee was located first at New Orleans, then at Athens, Ga., after that at Montgomery, Ala.; in 1863, at Columbia, S. C. 1864, p. 278. The Committee, Secretary, and Treasurer ap¬ pointed for Foreign Missions were also appointed for Domestic Mis¬ sions. 1866, p. 27. The name was changed to Executive Committee of Sustentation. 1868, p. 274. It was decided not to separate Home and Foreign Missions. 1870, p. 535. The Assembly declined to remove the Committee to New Orleans. 1872, p. 165. It was considered inexpedient at this time to make any change in the location or constitution of the Committee. 1875 pp. 138, 47. It was decided to remove the Committee to Baltimore. 1879, p. 50. The name was changed to Executive Committee of Home Missions. 1880, p. 208. The Assembly declined to remove the Committee to St. Louis. 1885, p. 418. The Assembly declined again to make any change. 1886, p. 33. It was decided to separate Home and Foreign Mis¬ sions and to remove the former to Atlanta, Ga. 1893, p. 15. Home Mission Work was divided, Evangelistic work was relegated to the Synods, Local Home Missions to the sev¬ eral Presbyteries; General Assembly’s Home Missions (frontier work) remained under the care of the Assembly’s Committee (to go into effect, January 1, 1894). (See Minutes of 1898, p. 203.) 240 The Agencies of the Church [Book IV 1896, p. 593. The Assembly declined an overture, suggesting the removal of the Committee west of the Mississippi. An overture requesting the abolition of the Executive Committee and the transfer of its work to the Synods, with certain instruc¬ tions, was answered in the negative. Similar action was taken in 1901 (p. 41) and 1903 (p. 494.) 1898, p. 219. The Assembly declined to change the constitution of the Committee so as to have it consist of representatives from every Synod. 1922, p. 79. The paper of Ruling Elder J. Nat Harrison touching the appointment of an Ad-Interim Committee to consider a closer co-ordination of the Executive Committees on Home and Foreign Missions was taken from the docket, adopted, and the following Ad- Interim Committee was appointed: J. Nat Harrison, Ernest Thomp¬ son, D. D., W. McC. White, D. D., H. S. Wells, John Eagan. The paper is as follows: Resolved, That this Assembly appoint an Ad-Interim Committee of five members, consisting of two ministers and three elders, with instructions, First — To investigate thoroughly the practicability of bringing about a closer co-ordination of the Home and Foreign Missionary Committees of our Church, which probably could best be done by the removal of these two Committees to some point closer to the center of the majority of the membership of the Church. Second' — In order to make the work of these Executive Commit¬ tees more effective, the Committee is further instructed to ascertain the cost of operation under the present system, for purpose of com¬ parison, with the cost of operation under the establishment of a supervisory committee consisting of three or five consecrated Chris¬ tians with business experience, to be elected by the Assembly, who would give their entire time to the administration of the affairs of these two existing Executive Committees, functioning through the said Executive Committee and their Secretariat. Third — This Ad-Interim Committee shall report its findings, with its recommendations, at |the next meeting of! the General Assembly. F’ourth — The extire expenses of this Ad-Interim is to be handled without any cost whatever to the Assembly. 559. The Committee incorporated. 1905, p. 25. The Assembly directed the Committee to have itself incorporated. 1906, pp. 33, 71. The incorporation of the Committee was re¬ ported to the Assembly. 560. Small cost of operation. 1919, p. 42. Your Committee would call attention to, and com¬ mend, the economy of the Executive Committee, which conducts all said loan (if obtainable), the policy to contain a provision that loss, if any, shall be payable to the Executive Committee of Home Missions as its interest may appear. 8. When the appropriation is a donation, in all ordinary cases, the title of said property shall be vested in the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, to be held in trust for the benefit of said congregation. 660. Present value of Home Mission property. 1918, p. 43. In Church Erection, by donation, loans, and equip- Secs. 659-661 ] Church Erection 285 ment, less has been done, owing to past indebtedness and the de¬ mands for living salaries, than could have been wished. The perma¬ nent equipment of Home Missions now embraces property valued at $402,660.00. 661. Church of the Pilgrims, Washington, D. C. 1920, p. 24. The order of the day to hear Rev. Andrew R. Bird, of Washington, D. C., was taken up. Mr. Bird then addressed the Assembly on th i religious conditions in Washington, D. C. The Assembly then adopted the following resolution: Resolved, That we have heard with pleasure the stirring address of Rev. Andrew R. Bird, pastor of the Church of the Pilgrims, of Washington, D. C., and the address and matter be referred to the Stand¬ ing Committee on Home Missions of the Assembly with hearty approval and willingness to co-operate in every way possible. Overtures relating to the work of the Church of the Pilgrims in Washington, D. C., were taken from the Standing Committee on Bills and Overtures and placed in the hands of the Standing Com¬ mittee on Home Missions. 1920, p. 45. In response to the overtures of Nashville, East Mis¬ sissippi and North Mississippi Presbyteries, asking the Assembly to give sympathetic interest to the effort made by Rev. A. R. Bird to adequately construct a great Presbyterian plant in the City of Wash¬ ington in order to meet the religious needs of the Capitol City, and, in response also to the address made by Mr. Bird before the Assembly, touching this same matter, your Committee recommends the following answer : We are in hearty sympathy with the effort to build up a strong religious influence in that city, and while we are not in a position to undertake or recommend a special campaign for this purpose, we nevertheless commend this enterprise to our churches, and especially to our people of large means, as a great opportunity for the strengthen¬ ing of a church center whose influence will extend through all our bounds, and authorize the Executive Committee for Home Missions to receive any special contributions for this purpose. 1920, p. 78. The following resolution touching the Church of the Pilgrims, in Washington, D. C., was adopted: Resolved , That this Assembly take out of the hands of the Execu- tie committee of Home Missions all matters relating to the Church of the Pilgrims in Washington City and direct the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship to raise as soon as possible $125,000 for this church. 1921, p. 50. The Special Committee appointed by the Moderator during the consideration of the report of the Standing Committee on Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship made the following report, which was adopted: Whereas, The General Assembly has laid on the Stewardship Com¬ mittee the very heavy task of carrying on this special Equipment cam- 286 Home Missions [Book IV paign Fund, in addition to the regular work of the Progressive Pro¬ gram, it does hereby relieve that Committee of further responsibility in conection with the Special Campaign for the Church of the Pilgrims in Washington, D. C. Section. 2. The Assembly expresses its continued interest in this proposed building, and appoints a special Committee consisting of Dr. Russell Cecil, of Richmond, Virginia; Dr. C. R. Stribling, of Peters¬ burg, Virginia, and Elder Thomas B. Gresham of Baltimore, Maryland, to advise with the Church of the Pilgrims with reference to their plans for the future, with the understanding that the campaign for funds shall be closed by December, 1921. 1922, p. 22. The report of the Ad-Interim Committee, of which Rev. Russell Cecil, D. D., is Chairman, in regard to the Church of the Pilgrims, Washington, D. C., was read and adopted. The dil¬ igence of the Committee was commended and the Committee was discharged. The report is as follows: The Special Committee appointed by the last General Assembly “to advise with the Church of the Pilgrims with reference to their plans for the future, with the understanding that the campaign for funds shall be closed December 1st, 1921,” would respectfully report that they have devoted themselves diligently to the prosecution of this great enterprise in the effort to realize the expressed desires of the General Assembly to erect a worthy edifice in the Capital of our country for the use of the Church of the Pilgrims. This cause was kept before the minds of our people by continued advertisements in various ways until December 1st, 1921. Up to that date about $150,- 000.00 had been received from all parts of our territory; every Synod and almost every Presbytery were represented in these contributions. Since then many churches, together with Sunday Schools and Aux¬ iliaries, have sent in offerings; the whole amount reaching at pres¬ ent $183,250.00. Some churches postponed their gifts on account of local conditions, but expressed the desire and willingness to help the cause later on. Of course, all of our people should have the privilege of assisting in this enterprise, and it is expected that con¬ tributions will continue to come in, and it is hoped that the entire amount desired, namely, $200,000.00, will be eventually received. The Committee has been impressed with the valuable service ren¬ dered the cause of Christ by the activities of the Ghurch of the Pil¬ grims, and wish to call the attention of the General Assembly to- this fact. Through' their efforts the real spiritual needs of our Cap¬ ital City have become better known throughout the country, and our people have come to appreciate the vital importance of witnessing actively for our Saviour when they are in Washington. III. Pastoral Support (Sustentation). 662. A Sustentation scheme. 1865, p. 370. The General Assembly adopted the suggestions of the Executive Committee in relation to the raising of a “Sustenta¬ tion fund” for the existing exigencies of our churches, but assigned Secs. 661-663] SUSTENTATION 287 the conduct of this agency to the Executive Committee of Domestic Missions. A member from each Synod was appointed to co-operate with the general scheme set forth in their report. The General Assembly ordered collections in behalf of the Sus- tentation Fund to be made in all our churches on the second Sabbath of February, next, or as soon thereafter as practicable; the proceeds to be forwarded immediately to the Treasurer of the Executive Committee, or to the Synodical commissioners. 1886, p. 44. From the Executive Committee’s report: The appointment of Synodical commissioners to act in concert with the committee proved to be a wise and judicious measure. In no other way would it have been possible, either to have ascertained the condition and wants of brethren, or to have distributed the funds in the hands of the committee in a just and equitable manner. By vigorous and persevering efforts on the part of the commissioners, the whole field was thoroughly explored, the condition and wants of every desti¬ tute brother accurately ascertained, and the committee was thus enabled in view of the circumstances of the case, not only to distribute the fund under their control in the most equitable manner, out, so far as is known, to give universal satisfaction, and at the same time relieve an immense amount of suffering. Aid was received for this object from the Kentucky Board of Aid for Southern Pastors, from individuals in Kentucky and in Balti¬ more, and from the Southern Aid Society of New York. All of these funds were duly acknowledged by the Assembly, and the dis¬ tribution of them entrusted to the Executive Committee. (1865, p. 370; 1868, p. 274; 1874, p. 488.) A collection was appointed for this cause to be taken the first Sabbath of January, or as soon thereafter as might be convenient. 663. By-Laws for the Executive Committee of Sustentation. \ 1867, p. 159, 1868, p. 278. Certain rules and by-laws were made for the government of the Committee. (See Alexander’s Digest , pp. 138 ff.) 1869, p. 391. Certain changes were made, as follows: In the first condition of the first resolution, after “at least once a year,” omit the words, “in a discourse exclusively devoted to the subject,” and insert the word “distinctly.” In the second condition of the first resolution, the language be so altered as to read as follows: “That the said minister shall, in co-operation with the Session (if there be one), see to it that in the congregations ministered to by him, at least one annual collection be taken up in aid of the benevo¬ lent operations of the Church.” Omit the fifth resolution. P. 402. From the Executive Committee’s report: If from any unforeseen cause the receipts from the churches should fall short, then the Committee could pay only pro rata. This is always understood when the annual appropriations are made. 1869, p. 393. Resolved, That the Assembly approves and here- 288 Home Missions [Book IV by confirms the by-laws presented by the Executive Committee, to¬ gether with the amendments proposed, except that three years in¬ stead of two be specified as the maximum of the time for continuing the full appropriation to feeble churches. The Assembly adds, that in no case shall any salary be supple¬ mented by the Committee so as to make the whole greater than $1,000. 664. Bureau of Information. 1868, p. 275. Concerning a series of resolutions proposing that the Executive Committee of Sustentation shall establish and sustain a Church Intelligence Office, the Standing Committee reported that it was not expedient at present to make further additions to the labors of that Committee. Adopted. 1883, p. 38. Resolved, That in view of the large number of va¬ cant churches and partially employed ministers within our bounds, and the felt need of some agency by which communication may be opened between them, the Assembly’s Executive Committee, in corre¬ spondence with Presbyterial committees, is authorized to open a “Bu¬ reau of Information,” the functions of which shall be to obtain and keep on hand and furnish statedly (at least quarterly, and oftener when deemed desirable), on application to Presbyterial committees, a list of vacant churches and the names of unemployed ministers, with such specifications concerning each and such references as may be furnished by the Presbyterial committees. 1908, p. 33. Inasmuch as it'has been difficult to secure the co¬ operation of unemployed ministers and vacant churches in operat¬ ing the Bureau of Information, and as it is of little practical benefit in its present form, the plan of a formal Bureau of Information was abandoned, and the Secretary was encouraged to continue his present process of bringing ministers and churches into correspondence. The details of the plan may be seen in Alexander’s Digest, 1910, p. 171 ff. 1922, p. 74. Overtures from the Synod of Virginia and from the Presbyteries of Winchester and Montgomery, asking the General Assembly to establish a Bureau of Vacancy and Supply. Your Committee recommend that these overtures, with accompany¬ ing papers, be referred to an Ad-Interim Committee, consisting of Rev. R. F. Campbell, D. D., Rev. P. C. Clark and Ruling Elder R. A. Dunn, with the request that they report to the next General As¬ sembly on the whole subject of Vacancy and Supply, submitting a plan to the next Assembly. 665. Manses. 1869, p. 393. The Assembly exhorted every Presbytery to call the attention of each church in its bounds to the importance of having a manse provided for its pastor in some central and convenient place, and with a few acres of arable and wooded land attached in the case of country churches. The comfort and usefulness of ministers will Sec5. 663-668] SuSTENTATION 289 be greatly promoted by this measure, and the cords of affection and confidence between pastor and people be greatly strengthened. In 1885, the Executive Committee reported to the Assembly (p. 444) that in the entire Church were about three hundred and thirty- five manses, twenty-four of which were built last year. 666. Manse fund. 1906, p. 33. The increase in and wise management of the Loan and Donation work of the Committee deserve special commendation. With real estate amounting to $50,000 and interest-bearing bonds and notes to the amount of $51,000, it is a most pleasing feature of this branch of the work, and your committee recommend that in addition to this there be created a fund to be known as the “Manse Fund,” to be created and maintained by voluntary gifts or otherwise, which may be used in encouraging and helping congregations who need assistance in building Manses. Doubtless this work will appeal to the liberality of many of God’s people. Wisely and cautiously expended, it will aid many of the weaker churches to secure par¬ sonages, and it needs no argument to show that, with a Manse, a church not only is made more stable, not only gives comfort and independence to the ministry, but will always be in a position ta pay a better salary. 667. Grouping churches . 1879, p. 50. Presbyteries were again advised so to group the churches now dependent on the Executive Committee as to make them more nearly self-sustaining, and to examine with particular care those applications for aid which come from long-established congregations, giving — except under extraordinary circumstances— decided preference to fresher fields, and such as promise a speedier return. 1890, p. 54. The Assembly recommends that the system of group¬ ing feeble churches, shown to be so helpful in providing ministerial supplies, be continued, and that in forming groups churches in dif¬ ferent Presbyteries, and even Synods, may properly be connected by consent of the respective Presbyteries. 668. Minimum salary. 1868, p. 274. In consequence of the impoverishment of many parts of the country, numbers of our ministers are compelled, in part at least, to leave the work of the ministry, that through secular pursuits they may gain a support. The Assembly, therefore, enjoins it upon Presbyteries that they at once ascertain and fix the minimum amount required for the support of a laboring minister, and that they use diligent efforts to provide the same. The Committee of Sustentation is directed to co-operate herein to the extent of their ability, provided the sum so designated shall not exceed the amount of six hundred dollars. 290 Home Missions [Book IV 1869, p. 393. Presbyteries and the central committee are enjoined lo make the effort to raise the salary of every laboring minister to $750 for the year 1870. Renewed for 1871. (See 1870, p. 518.) 1870, p. 549. With reference to this injunction, the Executive Committee respectfully report that they have had the matter under earnest consideration, but they find it difficult to carry out the recom¬ mendation in full until the Presbyteries have taken previous action with reference to the removal of certain difficulties that lie in the way of the undertaking. One of these is that a number of churches are reported as being fully able to give their pastors a competent sup¬ port, but do not do it. Of course it would be unwise to help a church that is able to help itself. Another difficulty is that a considerable number of ministers are reported who, though receiving less than $750, are nevertheless engaged in school-teaching, farming, or some other secular employment that renders them a competent support. Still another difficulty is that the Committee is restrained by the rules given it for its government from appropriating to any church or union of churches under the same pastorate, except in extraordi¬ nary cases, more than one-half as much as is raised by these churches themselves for the support of their pastor. A fourth difficulty is that the revenues of the Committee are not large enough by forty or fifty per cent. 1871, p. 50. The Committee has constantly kept in view the injunction of the Assembly to make effort to raise the salary of every laboring minister in the Church to $750 as the minimum; and while there has been a decided advance toward this result, it has not yet been fully realized, mainly for the reasons set forth in the last an¬ nual report. P. 33. It appears from the report of the Executive Committee that during the last three years, the average amount of salary paid directly by the churches to that portion of our ministers among whom the Committee dispenses its supplementary aid has increased from $500 to $650. 1871, p. 35. The Committee and the Presbyteries were told that it should be their aim and effort to raise these salaries to a minimum of $800, and that, if possible, during the next ecclesiastical year. 1872, p. 191. With reference to this injunction the Committee report progress in the right direction, but not complete success. The average salary throughout the Church, as ascertained and supple¬ mented by the Committee, is about $716, without taking into account the larger salaries given in cities. This is an advance for the year of about $60, being equal to the annual advance for the three pre¬ vious years. 1873, p. 346. The Committee estimates that the average salary, outside of cities and as unsupplemented by the Committee is at or below $572. 669. Salaries and equipment to be reported. 1912, p. 46. Your committee recommends, according to the sug- Secs. 668-670] SUSTENTATION 291 gestion of the Permanent Committee of Systematic Beneficence, that the Executive Committee of Home Missions be directed to include in its annual report an itemized statement showing in condensed form the amounts expended in each different department under the following heads: Class A, Salaries of Ministers and Missionaries; Class B, Salaries of helpers, traveling expenses, rents, and other current expenses; Class C, Equipment, whether temporary or perma¬ nent, including furnishings, etc., where the title to the property is in the Committee. 670. Better salaries for Home Missionaries. 1917, p. 45. In response to the overture of Suwanee Presbytery, touching living salaries for home missionaries, your Committee recom¬ mends that the Assembly urge the Presbyteries, through their Home Mission Committees, to press upon the churches the duty of provid¬ ing a living salary for all ministers serving the Home Mission cause in their bounds. 1918, p. 43. That the Assembly accept the recommendation of the Systematic Beneficence Committee, and that it apportion the sum of $570,000.00 from the hoped-for receipts of this year; that the As¬ sembly emphasize the necessity of better pay for our Home Mission workers, and call upon our people to furnish the funds needed, urg¬ ing that the claims of the Home Mission Work be not overlooked nor confused with the many appeals of the day for relief and pa¬ triotic purposes. 1919, p. 41. In Sustentation, the Committee, in co-operation with the Presbyteries, is helping many weak churches in their strug¬ gle toward self-support and providing for many communities which, but for this work, would be spiritually destitute. 1919, p. 69-c. In view of the very great difficulty now experi¬ enced in holding men for life service in the Home Mission work, while our foreign missionaries volunteer for life and, except under Providential circumstances, usually continue permanently in this service; and, In view of the further fact that the absence of adequate educational advantages in the Home Mission fields and the expense of sending their children away from home for advanced preparatory and colle¬ giate training is to these missionaries a prohibitive equation, this Assembly directs its Executive Committee of Home Missions to carefully investigate the practicability of making provision for the education of the children of our home missionaries that is in line with and equivalent to the provision made by our Church for the education of the children of our foreign missionaries. This Committee is directed to report its findings and recommenda¬ tions to the next Assembly. 1920, p. 43. The Committee has advanced steadily during the past year toward its two great objectives. The first of these is an increase of salaries for our workers. For two years it has gradually raised salaries, and had not the high cost 292 Home Missions [Book IV of living exceeded our increase, the missionaries would have been at least comfortable, and while that increase has not kept pace with the increase in the cost of living, the Committee has been able to advance the salaries of our workers 20 per cent. The second objective is the adequate equipment of our work. Ap¬ peals for special funds for material equipment have met with partial response and several legacies for buildings have recently become available. These, added to small funds, which have been slowly accumulating, and the fortunate sale of several pieces of real estate, have made it possible to make appropriations for buildings, aggre¬ gating over $100,000.00. 671. Sustentation aid for candidates doing mission work . 1884, p. 411. The Assembly ordered the Manual to be so changed that appropriations from the Sustentation Fund may be made to candidates for the ministry who are to labor during vacation in mission fields when such appropriations are recommended by the Presbytery in open session in whose bounds the field lies. IV. Mission Schools. 672. Indian Schools . 1890, p. 55. The Executive Committee may, at their sole discre¬ tion, appropriate money to the support of unlicensed teachers of schools as part of the missionary work among the Indians and negroes, provided such teachers be appointed by the Presbyteries within whose bounds they shall labor. For the terms of the contract between the Foreign office and the Choctaw council, relative to the support of the Armstrong Male Orphan Academy, made for ten years, and now in its seventh year, see 1890, p. 77. This arrangement terminated January, 1894, when the Academy passed from our control. (1894, p. 253.) 1894, p. 37. In answer to an overture from Indian Presbytery, the Assembly empowers the Executive Committee to aid in estab¬ lishing Christian schools in missionary districts, and to purchase property for this purpose, on condition that the Executive Committee shall incur no debt. 1895, pp. 440, 441. School property has been bought at two points, and two schools of high grade and five neighborhood schools have been conducted at or near points at which we have organized churches in the Indian Territory, and aid has been given for the sup¬ port of one teacher for the Alabama Indians in Texas. The high-grade schools are Calvin Institute, at Durant, and the other at Cameron, both in Choctaw nation. The former enrolled during the year one hundred and forty pupils; the latter, seventy. The total enrollment of all the schools is about four hundred and sixty. Secs. 670-674] Mission Schools 293 P. 407. The Assembly commends the Indian Schools under its care to the support of our Sabbath Schools, and recommends to all our schools to take a collection for this work on each fifth Sab¬ bath of the month occurring during the year. In the event that the Executive Committee shall have reason to believe that it will be better for our church and school property in the Indian Territory to be held in trust by trustees living in the Indian Territory, the Assembly’s Board of Trustees is instructed to give a quit-claim deed to such trustees, to be nominated by the In¬ dian Presbytery and approved by the Executive Committee; said trustees to hold the title to the property for the General Assembly. The Executive Committee is instructed to formulate a plan for the management of the schools in the Indian Territory that will give the Presbytery a voice in the appointment of principals and teachers. 1896, p. 624. A two-story stone building for church and school purposes was completed at Cameron, Choctaw nation, which, with its school equipments, cost the Assembly $875, and is said by com¬ petent judges to be worth $2,200 or more, the citizens and people of that vicinity having furnished more funds for the building than were given by your Committee. P. 592. The Committee report eight schools and five hundred pupils. This Committee formulated a plan for the control of these schools, and as amended by the Assembly, it is in brief as follows: The Presbytery of Indian shall appoint two commissioners for each school. The vote of one of these commissioners, together with the vote of the Assembly’s Executive Committee, shall be required to elect a principal. The principal may select his assistants, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee and one of the com¬ missioners. 1897, p. 29. The pastors and Sabbath School superintendents are requested to appropriate the collections of the Sabbath Schools on the fifth Sabbaths in the several months for the support of schools in the Indian Territory. 673. Orphan’s Home in the Choctaw Nation 1894, p. 237. The Assembly empowered the Executive Committee to undertake an Orphans’ Home in the Choctaw nation, and to pur¬ chase property for this purpose, on condition that the Executive Committee shall incur no debt. 674. Oklahoma Presbyterian College for Girls ( Durant College for Girls). 1901, p. 40. The Assembly is to be congratulated upon the op¬ portunity to secure a college, equipped for useful work, at Durant, Indian Territory. This Institution will doubtless be of great service to our Church, and to the cause of Christ in that new and growing country. 1902, p. 279. The accomplished establishment of Durant Col- 294 Home Missions [Book IV lege is noted. Of the $11,000 spent upon the buildings, $2,000 was given by the Assembly of last year. A charter has been taken out, and titles of property made to the Trustees of the General As¬ sembly. The charter and the constitution and by-laws of the col¬ lege have been examined. The report of the Board of Trustees shows the enrollment of 375 during the session. A gpod faculty has been elected. While about $1,500 is needed for equipment of building, the Board is able to report that the Assembly now owns a handsome college building, and two acres of campus, with two dormi¬ tories valued at about $14,000, with an institution now fairly launched, that promises great usefulness to the church, in the rapidly developing centre of population and influence. 1903, p. 494. The overture from Trustees of “Presbyterian Col¬ lege of Durant, I. T.,” asking that, since the division of Indian Presbytery into two Presbyteries, the representation on the Board of Trustees be hereafter two members from Indian Presbytery and three from Durant Presbytery, was granted, and the Assembly’s Home Mission Committee was authorized to procure the necessary change in its charter. 1905, p. 28. In response to the overtures from Durant and Indian Presbyteries touching the better equipment and endowment of Durant College, the Assembly authorized the Executive. Committee of Home Missions to secure better equipment and a sufficient endowment. 1908, p. 30. The charter of Durant College, as amended to con¬ form to the new Synod of Oklahoma, in whose bounds the college is located, and which has been submitted by the Trustees of the insti¬ tution, was approved by this Assembly. The Assembly having heard, wdth pleasure, the address of Presi¬ dent E. Hotchkin, of Durant College, would most cordially endorse his administration of its affairs and commend this institution to the liberality of God’s people. The building of this institution having cost about twelve thousand dollars, and the town of Durant having submitted an offer, for the building to be used as a public school, of $20,000, together with forty acres of land and one hundred scholarships at $40 each for ten years and free water, this Assembly, in view of the fact that the present college building is inadequate to its needs, would au¬ thorize the Board of Trustees to make the sale, if the way be clear. The money received from the sale of the college building shall be used to erect a more commodious edifice upon the new site. A boys’ dormitory shall be provided by requesting the Sabbath Schools to make their offering on Children’s Day, for Home Mis¬ sions, for this specific purpose, and the said building shall be named Calvin Hall, in honor of the boy for whom the institution was origi¬ nally named. A girls’ dormitory shall be requested from the friends of this insti¬ tution by specific gifts and offerings for this purpose. In case the town of Durant should fail to make good its offer and some other city in the State of Oklahoma offer a sufficient induce¬ ment for a Presbyterian institution of this character, the money fur- Sec. 674] Mission Schools 295 nished for the buildings as provided above, shall be used in con¬ nection with this new offer. 1910, p. 39. The affairs of Durant College elicit the attention of the entire Church. Strenuous efforts are now being made to erect new buildings with new equipments. The efforts of the women of the Church, under the leadership of Mrs. J. Calvin Stewart, to se¬ cure funds have been very successful and deserve the thanks of the entire Church. With all these efforts the College is confronted with the possibility of a debt. 1910, p. 43. To the overture from the Board of Trustees of the Oklahoma Presbyterian College for girls at Durant, asking the As¬ sembly to devise some plan by which it can give to them the sum of $10,000 for the completion of the college building, the Assembly answer that while it has great interest in the school and the deepest sympathy with the request, yet it has no funds from which such do¬ nation could be made. But the Assembly hereby instructs its Executive Committee of Schools and Colleges in co-operation with the Executive Committee of Home Missions to look into the matter and see if it be possible to raise all or any part of this sum asked for from other sources, 1911, p. 36. The new building and re-opening of the Presby¬ terian College of Durant, Okla., during the year is of special inter¬ est. The value of this plant, its 30 acres and with a college and dor¬ mitory building, is about $125,000, but the college still owes $20,000. The Assembly commends this college to our Church for aid and especially to individuals who can and are willing to aid in a most worthy cause. The college this year has been self-supporting for the first time in its history. 1913, p. 59. By far the most important institution of a mission¬ ary character is the Oklahoma Presbyterian College, situated at Durant, with a plant worth $125,000.00. It is handicapped by a debt, and is embarrassed for lack of a dormitory and equipment. We would commend it to our people of wealth as worthy of their gifts. 191.4, p. 44. We wish to call attention to the school in Durant, Okla. For the past several years this most effective agency in the mission work of the Church in all Oklahoma has been staggering under a burden of debt. Your Committee has paid $20,000 upon that obligation during the past year, reducing the burden now resting upon the institution to $17,000. 1917, p. 47. That our churches and people be asked to give a sympathetic hearing to the representative of Oklahoma Presbyterian College in his campaign to raise the balance of funds needed to com¬ plete the new dormitory, inasmuch as this college is owned by the Assembly. 1918, p. 42. In Mission Schools, 31 in all have been supported in whole or in part. In this connection your Committee calls special attention to the Oklahoma Presbyterian College, at Durant. It notes with pride and profound gratitude to God, the great work that has 296 Home Missions [Book IV been done, and is being done by this institution. It feels that Presi¬ dent Morrison and the Board of Trustees deserve the commendation and encouragement of this Assembly and of the whole Church, in their notable Home Mission enterprise. The College is greatly ham¬ pered and embarrassed by the lack of adequate equipment and by a debt of $18,000.00. To liquidate this debt and to add a new dormi¬ tory and auditorium which are sorely needed, the sum of $60,000.00 is most urgently necessary. The generous people of Durant and of the Synod of Oklahoma are willing to undertake to raise $30,000.00 of this amount, in payments distributed over a period of three years. This Assembly should give them every encouragement in this enter¬ prise, and on its part call upon the friends of Christian Education throughout the Church to contribute the sum of $30,000.00, in pay¬ ments distributed over a similar period. 1918, p. 44. That a vigorous effort be made to raise the $12,000.00 needed for a new dormitory, and the $18,000.00 needed to wipe out the remaining bonded indebtedness of Oklahoma Presbyterian Col¬ lege, making a total of $30,000.00 to be contributed by the entire Presbyterian Church in the United States, and that the Assembly earnestly appeal to church, Sabbath Schools, societies, and the friends of Christian education throughout its entire territory, for an adequate equipment and support of this great missionary institution. 1919, p. 43. In answer to the overture from Durant Presbytery, asking for $100,000 for Oklahoma College, for the purpose of paying off the bonded indebtedness on the college and erecting a new dormitory, which amount should be raised by special effort in addi¬ tion to the regular budget of benevolences, the Standing Committee recommends the following plan: (a) That, first, $20,000 of this amount be raised locally by friends of the college. (b) That the Executive Committee of Home Missions then ap¬ propriate $20,000 to clear the indebtedness, the balance, after paying said debt,- to be used for the erection of a new dormitory. (c) That $60,000, as recommended by the last General As¬ sembly, be raised by the Trustees of said institution, either by asking the various Presbyteries to assume definite amounts or by appealing to churches and individuals. 675. Oklahoma school for hoys. 1910, p. 39. In response to the offer from the city of Oklahoma for a school for boys, the Assembly instructed the Home Missions Committee, acting in concert with the Committee on Schools and Colleges, to accept the offer if the way be clear, unless a more de¬ sirable offer is made from some other city. 1910. p. 43. The overture from the Presbytery of Central Texas with reference to an institution for boys in Oklahoma City was an¬ swered by instructing the Executive Committee of Schools and Col¬ leges to co-operate with the Executive Committee of Home Missions, and if the way be clear to take up the offer of Oklahoma City of a Secs. 674-677] Mission Schools 297 site and $75,000 for a boys’ institution in that city, making the effort to raise whatever other funds may be needed, or, if this offer be closed or deemed inadvisable, to consider and act on any other offer that may be made. 1911, p. 36. Action repeated. * 676. Home Mission Schools. 1904, p. 38. The Assembly commended the wise employment of mission schools as an efficient adjunct of Evangelistic and Home Mission Work in our destitute regions, or among the laboring masses of towns and cities. 1911, p. 36. The women of Texas have projected an industrial school for the Mexicans. 1914, p. 43. The Committee reports a very gratifying progress in the work among the mountaineers. Including Presbyterial and Synodical schools, our Church has, in round numbers, forty-five mountain schools and missions. The total annual budget of these schools, including improvements, has been roughly estimated at $85,000. In round numbers, there are 3,250 pupils in these schools, so that the cost per capita per month for educating these children is about $3.50 for both day and boarding pupils. During the year a new college in the farthest Cumberlands of Letcher County, at the Rockhouse Fork of the Kentucky River, in the new town of Blackie, has been erected. With all the work already accomplished for the education and sal¬ vation of the millions of highlanders practically destitute, we are still on the border line of this vast work. 1915, p. 70. We note the Committee reports forty-five mountain schools and missions, with more than 130 teachers. Three new dormitories have been erected by Dr. Guerrant, at a cost of about $8,000, without any appropriation from the Executive Committee, this money, together with the furnishings for the dormitories, being provided by voluntary offerings from individuals and societies. 1916, p. 32. That the present ownership and control of the Good- land Indian School in a local board of trustees be continued, and that the school be heartily commended to the benevolent public as worthy of support. 1919, p. 41. Our Mission Schools, which number forty, are at¬ tended by 2,500 pupils and employ 125 teachers. They have an equipment of 2,000 acres of land and one hundred buildings, valued at $400,000. V. Mountaineers. 677. Soul Winners' Society. 1911, p. 36. The Standing Committee has considered the plan proposed for the undertaking of the work of the “Soul Winners’ So¬ ciety,” and recommend that it be included within the recommenda- 298 Home Missions [Book IV tion of the Standing Committee to the General Assembly as follows: (a) That our Executive Committee take over the work of the ‘‘Soul Winners’ Society” in the mountains as soon as the matter can be arranged mutually satisfactorily to all parties without injuring the work. (b) That our Executive Committee retain the services^ of Dr. Guerrant, and that he be given the publicity department of this matter, allowing him to make his appeals, send out his circulars, issue his “Soul Winner,” visit the fields and conduct evangelistic services occasionally for us according to his strength and inclination. (c) That for the present at least the funds the Soul Winners’ Society collect go to the present Treasurer, Col. R. S. Bullock, of Lexington, Ky., and we direct that the money be transferred to our Committee monthly with a statement of the sources of these contribu¬ tions. (d) That we put the whole matter of this work under the As¬ sembly’s Executive Committee of Home Missions, and that it shall have the direction and supervision of this mountain work. (e) That we turn over to other denominations any part of this work, or any special fields which belong to these denominations and are served by their ministers or workers. (f) That we consolidate the remainder of this work with our Home Mission work, retaining the workers on their present contracts, and gradually make such changes in the work and workers as is deemed best in the judgment of the Executive Committee, and if possible, that this matter be consummated by October 1, 1911. 1913, p. 58. In the Mountain Work, begun by Dr. Guerrant, but now under the control of this Committee, they have maintained during the year, in whole or in part, the following: Forty-two mountain schools, 129 teachers, reaching 3,250 scholars. Rev. W. E. Hudson is now the Superintendent, and an efficient one. The work is encouraging, but the need is great and the opportunities unlimited. 1915, p. 70. In the Department of Mountain Missions, the Com¬ mittee would congratulate the Church upon securing the services of the Rev. J. W. Tyler, D. D., as Superintendent, a man eminently qualified for this position because of his experience and peculiar gifts. We also are grateful to God for His blessing in enabling Dr. E. O. Guerrant to continue his interest in and support of this department, which was really discovered by him, was prosecuted by him, and unaided by the Church for a dozen years, required for support about $14,000 a year, but which has grown now to an expenditure of nearly $50,000, a large part of which has always been raised by Dr. Guerrant himself. 1916, p. 31. We record with profound sorrow the departure to the General Assembly on high of that devoted and stalwart friend of the mountaineer, Dr. E. O. Guerrant. The Assembly bears lov¬ ing tribute to his consistent Christian life, his untiring labors of love and works of faith, and his genuine interest in the salvation of this neglected people. He being dead, yet speaketh through the Secs. 677-678] Mountaineers 299 churches and schools which he established and for so many years fostered. The organization of the Synod of Appalachia marks the beginning of a new era of prosperity in the mountain missionary work. The Assembly would call special attention to the mountain schools as the most important arm in the evangelization of the moun¬ tain people, and would earnestly commend them to the prayers and liberality of our people. 1916, p. 32. That the work conveyed to the Assembly’s Home Missions by the lamented Dr. E. O. Guerrant, known as the “Ameri¬ can Inland Mission,” or “The Soul Winners’ Society,” be hereafter known as the “Guerrant Inland Mission,” the same to be held as a cherished memorial of this brother greatly beloved, that the As¬ sembly be led in prayer by Rev. W. C. Clark, D. D., for the family of Dr. Guerrant, and that a committee be appointed to convey the sympathies of the Assembly to the family of Dr. Guerrant. 1919, p. 41. The Mountain Work has been conducted with most gratifying results. Two hundred and eight men and women, as evangelists, pastors and teachers, have given themselves to this work in the highlands of the South. The day schools have been well at¬ tended, and approximately 75,000 mountain people have had the gospel preached to them. 1922, p. 57. The following supplemental report of the Standing Committee on Home Missions was adopted: “This Assembly has heard with interest and sympathy the plan of Dr. E. P. Guerrant and his associates for the erection of an in¬ dustrial school for the young people of the mountains. The As¬ sembly, however, in view of the fact that the proposition has not come in a way that will call for official action, declines to co-operate at present with the enterprise, and advises that the plan be pre¬ sented before the Presbytery in which the proposed institution is to be erected, for its approval. VI. Foreign- Speaking Peoples. 678. Foreigners. 1908, p. 37. Overture asking that work for the foreign popula¬ tion of Tampa, Fla., be undertaken by the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions. We recommend this answer- That this work is under the jurisdiction of Home Missions Committee, but the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions is instructed to co-operate in any way they may think wise and expedient towards its ac¬ complishment. 1909, p. 45. In response to an overture, and in accordance with a suggestion from the Executive Committee, that Committee was encouraged to give the most watchful attention to the problem of reaching the foreigners in every part of our field and to put forth every practicable effort in their behalf. 1911, p. 41. We recommend the adoption of the suggestion of 300 Home Missions [Book IV the Council with reference to work among foreign-speaking people, to- wit: (a) That the several churches represented in the Council shall make work among foreign-speaking peoples a special department in Home Mission work. (b) That the supreme judicatories of the churches, in further¬ ance of co-operation in this work, establish a permanent committee, in which each church shall be represented, this committee having general supervision of all work among foreign-speaking people, sub¬ ject to the approval of the boards or other agencies interested, and of the supreme judicatories. 1912, p. 55. That the Assembly grant to the Executive Committee of Home Missions the entire control of the work among foreigners and charge them with the sole responsibility of administration up to the point of complete organization of a church of immigrants not speaking the English language. 1913, p. 61. In reply to the overture from the North Alabama Pres¬ bytery, asking “that the Assembly grant to the Executive Committee of Home Missions the entire control of work among foreigners, and charge them with the responsibility of administration up to the point of complete organization of a church of immigrants not speak¬ ing the English language,” your Committee recommends that the Assembly answrer this overture in the negative, since the Constitu¬ tion gives to the Presbyteries alone power to organize and control churches within their bounds. 1914, p. 44. In the Department of Missions Among Foreign¬ speaking People, the Committee presents a very interesting array of facts, which every minister in this Assembly should be careful to lay before his people. It is in this department of its work that our Assem¬ bly is to face increasing burden and responsibility. Immigrants from all countries are pouring into our South in ever-increasing numbers. The chaotic condition of Mexico has caused the swarming into Texas of vast hordes of ignorant people. The Texas-Mexican Presbytery, with its school of Kingsville, great as is its work, cannot cope with the present situation. The Rev. A. B. Carrero has been made Gen¬ eral Superintendent of Mexican Work in the Dallas Presbytery, and is succeeding in interesting all North Texas in this work. The General Assembly needs to make this great work an especial object of prayer and earnest effort. We have but time to mention the work among Italians in Kansas City and the great success which has attended the efforts of the Central Presbyterian Church, whose work is to be made a matter of investigation by this body. Louisiana also appeals to the whole Church, with its vast numbers of French, Italians and Spanish¬ speaking people. The Assembly’s Committee is now working among eleven different nationalities, and yet there are others coming among us in increasing numbers to whom as yet we preach no gospel. 1915, p. 71. In the Department of Foreign-speaking Peoples, the work of the Executive Committee is constantly enlarging, involving Secs. 678-680] Foreign Speaking Peoples 301 an annual expenditure of $28,250, representing property and equip¬ ment valued at $130,500, with 76 ministers, 84 churches, 11 missions, and 3,313 members, representing the following foreign people: Mexican, German, French, Hungarian, Italian, Cuban, Syrian, Chinese, Spanish, Bohemian and Indian. 1916, p. 30. Through this Committee we are reaching with the Gospel more nationalities at home than we are abroad. Seventy- nine faithful missionaries are preaching and teachng in twelve for- ' eign languages, involving an annual expenditure of $26,600. Among these nationalities we have 85 churches and missions, with a mem¬ bership of 2,977. One of the loudest calls to our missionary devo¬ tion is presented in the unprecedented tides of immigration that have been coming into our country from all quarters of the earth. The American Bible Society reports that it circulated the Word of God last year in the United States in 91 languages, while throughout the world it was circulated in only 90 languages. It is confidently ex¬ pected that with the close of the European war this immigration will pour into our land like a flood. To evangelize and Christianize these multitudes is one of the supreme tests of the reality of our faith in and devotion to the Saviour of all mankind. Nothing less than the united and active co-operation of the entire Assembly will suffice for a task so great and so pressing. 1919, p. 41. Among foreign-speaking peoples, ten nationalities have been ministered to by our pastors and evangelists, as follows: Mexicans, Cubans, French, Italians, Bohemians, Hungarians, Poles, Syrians, Chinese and Indians. 1920, p. 46. We recommend that the Executive Committee of Home Missions give their most earnest attention to the appeal of the Church in Tampa, Fla., made by their representatives, for a larger equipment to meet the great need of their growing; work among the Latin population. VII. Colored Evangelization. ■ 679. Work among our colored people assigned to the Committee of Domestic Missions. 1861, p. 20. Resolved, That the great field of missionary opera¬ tions among our colored population falls more immediately under the care of the Committee on Domestic Missions; and that com¬ mittee be urged to give its serious and constant attention, and the Presbyteries to co-operate with the Commiteee in securing pastors and missionaries for this field. 680. Pastoral letter on the religious instruction of the colored people. 1861, p. 15. A committee was appointed to prepare a Pastoral Letter on the subject of the religious instruction of the colored people,, to be submitted to the next General Assembly. 302 Home Missions [Book IV 1863, pp. 126, 138. This report was presented and referred to a committee of at least one commissioner from each Synod. At the suggestion of this committee the matter was referred to another com¬ mittee for further consideration. 1864, p. 283. A majority report and a minority report were pre¬ sented, both of which were referred to a new committee. 1865, p. 351. This committee was discharged, and the whole matter was taken up on a different basis. o81. A plan for the religious instruction of colored people. 1865, p. 369. A committee was appointed to prepare and submit to the next General Assembly a practical scheme for the religious instruction of the colored people adapted to their now altered civil and social condition. In reply to an overture asking what course should be pursued toward the colored people within our bounds, the following action was taken: Whereas the colored people never stood in any other relation to the Church than that of human beings lost with us in the fall of Adam, and redeemed with us by the infinitely meritorious death and sacrifice of Christ, and participants with us in all the benefits and blessings of the gospel; and whereas our churches, pastors and people have always recognized this claim to Christian equality and brotherhood, and have rejoiced to have them associated in Christian union and communion in the public services and precious sacra¬ ments of the sanctuary: Resolved , 1st, That the abolition of slavery by the civil and mili¬ tary powers has not altered the relations as above defined in which our Church stands to the colored people, nor in any degree lessened the debt of love and service which we owe to them, nor the interest with which we would still desire to be associated with them in all the privileges of our common Christianity. Resolved, 2nd, That whereas experience has invariably proved the advantages of the colored people and the white being united together in the worship of God, we see no reason why it should be other¬ wise, now that they are freedmen and not slaves. Should our colored friends think it best to separate from us, and organize themselves into distinct congregations under white pastors and elders for the present, or under colored elders and pastors as soon as God, in His providence shall raise up men suitably qualified for those offices, this Church will do all in its power to encourage, foster and assist them. Resolved, 3d, That a committee be appointed to report on this whole subject, and recommend action to the next General Assembly. 1866, pp. 20, 35. A paper was presented by the chairman of the committee. After discussion the matter was referred to an enlarged committee. The report of this committee was adopted, and is as follows : Resolved, 1st. That this Assembly entertains for the freed peo¬ ple the sincerest sentiments of good will and affection; that it ear- Secs. 680-681] Colored Evangelization 303 nestly desires and prays for their salvation and would encourage the employment of every legitimate means for the promotion of their spiritual good; that this Assembly believes the present condition of the colored race in this country to be one of alarming spiritual jeopardy, and that it is binding on us, as Christians, to do all that lies in our power to save them from the calamites by which they are threatened, and to confer on them the rich blessings of the gospel. 3. That in the judgment of the Assembly, it is highly inexpedient that there should be an ecclesiastical separation of the white and colored races; that such a measure would threaten evil to both races, and especially to the colored, and that therefore it is desirable that every warrantable effort be made affectionately to dissuade the freed people from severing their connection with our churches, and to retain them with us as of old. Should they decline this fellowship of ordinances, and desire a separate organization, then our Sessions are authorized to organize them into branch congregations. In such cases, the Assembly recommends that such congregations shall be allowed, under the sanction of the Sessions, to elect from among themselves, every year, such number of superintendents or watch¬ men as the Session may advise, who shall be charged with the over¬ sight of such congregations. These superintendents shall report to the Sessions, for their action, all matters relating to the welfare of said congregations. 4. Whenever Presbyteries may find it necessary to organize sepa¬ rate colored congregations, they shall appoint a commission of elders, who shall discharge the functions committed to the Sessions in the preceding resolution. 5. That whilst nothing in our Standards or in the Word of God prohibits the introduction into the gospel ministry of duly qualified persons of any race, yet difficulties arise in the general structure of society, and from providential causes, which may and should re¬ strain the application in the Church of this abstract principle. Hold¬ ing this in view, the Assembly recommends that wherever a Session or Presbytery shall find a colored person who possesses suitable qualifications, they be authorized to license him to labor as an ex- horter among the colored people, under the supervision of the body appointing him. 6. That the Assembly recommends that, wherever it is practicable, Sabbath Schools for the benefit of the freed people, especially the young, be established in connection with our churches, and that the Sessions of the churches take these schools into their charge, and provide suitable teachers for them. 7. That the heads of families are exhorted to encourage the peo¬ ple in their households to attend upon family and public worship, and that they provide for them, as far as possible, catechetical in¬ struction in the doctrines and duties of the gospel. 8. That the General Assembly earnestly desires the intellectual and moral improvement of the colored race, and hereby tenders fi> 304 Home Missions , [Book IV all persons suitably qualified, who may labor in this work, its hearty encouragement and support. 1867, p. 145. The Committee on Bills and Overtures reported an overture from the Synod of Virginia, proposing a revocation of the acts of the last Assembly on the relation of our Church to the colored people; also an overture from the Presbytery of Mississippi, proposing such a modification of said action “as shall authorize the Presbyteries, in the exercise of their discretion, to ordain to the gospel ministry, and to organize into separate congregations, duly qualified persons of the colored race, and so declare that mere race or color is not regarded as a bar to office or privilege in the Presbyterian Church in the United States.” Resolved, 1, That, believing the resolutions of the last Assembly, pp. 35 and 36, were evidently designed to be of temporary operation, and that they contain many clauses which do not adequately express the sentiments of our Church on the subject contemplated, they be and are hereby revoked. 2. That inasmuch as, according to our Constitution, the duty of admitting candidates to the office of the gospel ministry devolves solely on the Presbyteries, and that of electing elders and deacons solely on the congregations, all male persons of proper qualifications for such offices, of whatever race, color, or civil condition, must be admitted or elected by these authorities respectively, in accordance with the principles of our Church government and in the exercise of ;a .und Christian discretion. 3.. That the Assembly declines, on the ground of constitutional iincompetency, to make any declaration respecting the future ecclesi¬ astical organizations of such freedmen as may belong to our commu¬ nion, believing that the responsibility, as well as the course to be pur¬ sued, devolves on those persons, who are both politically and ecclesi¬ astically free, as all others, to serve God according to the dictates .of their mm consciences. 4. The Assembly earnestly enjoins on all our ministers and peo¬ ple to use all diligence in affectionate and discreet efforts for the spiritual benefit of the colored race within reach of their private and :public ministrations, and to seek, by all lawful means, to introduce them into a permanent connection with our Church; and for this :purpose, the Assembly recognizes the lawfulness of measures such as have long been used in various portions of our Church, contemplat¬ ing the judicious selection and employment of the more pious and intelligent ^persons among colored communicants in suitable official * capacities for the spiritual benefit of their own race. 682. ‘Co-operation with the Northern Presbyterian Committee on Freedmen. 1869, pp. 373, 379. Dr. Wilson presented a verbal statement ^concerning the action of the Old School General Assembly (North), :and a correspondence he had held with the Secretary of its Committee Secs. 681-684] Colored Evanglization 305 on Freedmen, as to a co-operation between our churches in labors for the benefit of this class of people. In connection with this, the Rev. Dr. Girardeau obtained leave to present an overture from sundry persons bearing upon this sub¬ ject; and the whole matter was referred to a special committee, to be appointed by the Moderator, and to consist of one minister and one elder from each Synod. This committee recommended, that, inasmuch as the correspond¬ ence of the Secretary of the Committee on Freedmen of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America with the Secretary of Sustentation of our Church has developed no practicable mode of co-operation between the two Churches in efforts to evangelize the freedmen, this Assembly is not prepared to take any steps contemplating the proposed concert of action. Adopted. 1898, p. 237. The Assembly declined an overture proposing to turn over all this work to the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. 683. “Colored” rather than “Freedmen.” 1911, p. 41. We recommend the discontinuance of the use of the word, “Freedmen,” by the boards of some of the members of this Council, and the substitution of the word “Colored,” in each refer¬ ence. 684. A plan inaugurated. 1869, p. 388. The, committee reported the following, which was adopted: The prominent view which has impressed itself on the minds of the committee, and which they respectfully propose for the consideration of the Assembly, is, that the colored people who adhere to us be al¬ lowed a formative organization, a sort of gradually maturing process, to be arrested at a certain point, until, under proper training, it is prepared to pass on toward completion. To be more explicit, what they need is, for the present, separate, particular churches, with their own deacons and elders, and at the same time instruction by an edu¬ cated white ministry, until they can prove their ability to produce a competent ministry of their own. To combine these requirements into a practical scheme would, in the judgment of the committee, go far towards solving the vexed problem of our relations to them and our operations among them. In this way, alone, moreover, may be realized, if at all, the hope that from their number men may arise who would carry the gospel to their benighted kinsmen in Africa. In conformity with this leading idea, the committee would, with great deference, submit to the Assembly the following plan for its con¬ sideration, and if the way be deemed clear, for its adoption: 1. That separate colored churches may be established, the same to be united with adjacent white churches under a common pastorate; to be allowed to elect deacons and ruling elders; and to be repre¬ sented in the upper courts by the pastors in charge of them, and by 306 Home Missions [ Book IV the ruling elders of the white churches with which they would thus be associated, until they are sufficiently educated to warrant their becoming independent: Provided, That the colored people them¬ selves do not oppose a change in their existing relations, and that they consent to the foregoing arrangement. 2. That where no white churches are accessible, evangelists may establish colored missionary churches, and preside over their Sessions in admitting members and exercising discipline. 3. That churches in cities with which colored churches would, on this plan, be united, may secure, if practicable, two pastors each, in order to compass the work contemplated. 4. That a committee (say of two ministers and one ruling elder) may be appointed by each Synod, to carry, in co-operation with pastors and Presbyterial evangelists, this scheme into effect, as far as practicable, in its bounds; one member of each committee to act as evangelist among the colored people, and to receive his support* in part, from the Assembly’s Committee of Sustentation. 5. That suitable colored men may be employed to speak the word of exhortation to their people, under the direction of pastors or evangelists. 6. That when colored candidates for the ministry are able to stand the usual examination, Presbyteries may proceed to license them; and in the event of these licentiates, being qualified and de¬ sired to take charge of colored churches, Presbyteries may either ordain and install them over such churches still holding their con¬ nection with us, or ordain and install them over such churches, with the understanding that they shall thenceforward be ecclesiastically separated from us. 7. That such of our ministers as are willing to discharge that office are encouraged to assist trustworthy colored men who seek the gospel ministry in their preparation for the same. 8. That our people be encouraged to give the colored people in¬ struction in Sabbath Schools. 9. That the Assembly recommends the adoption of the foregoing plan of operations among the colored people to Synods, Presbyteries and churches, so far as it is practicable. 1874, p. 516. Four overtures, coming at the same time from ven¬ erable courts in sections of the country widely separated, clearly indi¬ cate that there is no disposition to relax our activity in the work of securing the blessings of the gospel for the colored race. On the con¬ trary, from all parts of the Church, the Assembly is respectfuBy urged to provide means for prosecuting that work with greater vigor and success. There is also a striking unanimity of sentiment in refer¬ ence to the best methods of accomplishing these results. We recommend, in answer to these overtures, that— - The Assembly acknowledges with profound satisfaction the Chris¬ tian zeal of our Synods and Presbyteries in behalf of this important work. The Assembly approved the sentiment of those venerable courts; that, in further prosecuting this work, it is desirable in every respect Sec. 684] Colored Evangelization 307 to avail ourselves of the additional light which experience has- thrown upon this important question. The action of 1869 is therefore here¬ by amended by the adoption of the following plan, to- wit: 1. Presbyteries and Sessions are recommended to encourage and aid in the formation of colored churches, having ruling elders duly chosen by the people, to be regularly ordained and installed by said Sessions and Presbyteries, with the view to form these churches in due time into Presbyteries, as convenience may dictate. 2. When two or more of such Presbyteries shall exist, they may unite to form a Synod. As was the case in our own history, this may, for a time, continue to be their highest court. A time, however, may arrive when, from the increase in the number of its churches and Presbyteries, said Synod may find it expedient to divide, and ■combine in a General Assembly. 3. These churches, though under the government of their own Presbyteries, must at first, and to a large extent, be dependent for instruction upon our own ministers and Presbyteries, until colored preachers can be obtained. It is, therefore recommended that, for the present, Presbyteries, through committees appointed for that pur¬ pose, take charge of the preliminary education of candidates. Mean¬ time the Committee on Sustentation is requested to take into consider¬ ation the best method of providing training for the colored candidates for the ministry, and report thereupon to the next Assembly. 4. We recommend to our Presbyteries a hearty co-operation with them in seeking from amongst them men of approved piety, whether old or young, who are suited to the work of the ministry, and the institution of such measures as may seem best for their instruction. It may be sufficient for the present emergency that the candidates be instructed in the doctrines of grace and in the principles of Church order, as set forth in the Holy Scriptures and in our Standards, in order that, as soon as practicable, they may be sent forth to minister in the Word. 5. We further recommend that our churches and people assist these infant organizations whilst they are struggling toward complete development, aiding in the establishment and instruction of Sunday Schools, and contributing to the erection of plain and modest houses in which to assemble for the worship of God. 6. To further these objects a separate fund shall be established, to be called “The Colored Evangelistic Fund.” This fund shall be administered by the Sustentation Committee, and that Committee is requested to invite contributions to their fund from all persons who are favorable to the work of evangelizing the colored people of the South, and favorable to providing them with an educated ministry of their own. 7. Presbyteries engaged in this work are authorized to enter into correspondence with the Sustentation Committee, and to request such aid and co-operation as their necessities may require and as the con¬ dition of the fund may enable the Committee to give. 1901, p. 67. In concurrence with the urgent request of the Execu¬ tive Committee, the Assembly appeals to our people, pastors and 308 Home Missions [ Book IV Sessions to organize mission Sunday School work wherever practi¬ cable, with a view to subsequent development into church organiza¬ tions. See also 1903, p. 484. 685. Ministers to preach to colored people once a month and conduct Institutes. \ 1907, p. 29. Your committee recommends that the General As¬ sembly request all the ministers of our church to preach the gospel to the colored people, and that unless prevented by the providence of God, they preach at least one sermon a month to the colored peo¬ ple within their bounds. Your committee further recommends that our ministers conveniently residing near each other, organize and conduct at convenient places within their bounds, unless prevented by the providence of God, insti¬ tutes of theology or schools of Bible training and invite thereto the colored ministers within their bounds and teach to them the great truths of the Gospel. Adopted. 686. Conferences between the spiritual leaders of both races. 1908, p. 17. The Assembly recommends to our ministry the hold¬ ing of joint conferences with the colored ministers, and requests the ministers of our Church to take the initiative in establishing such joint conferences. 687. Co-operation with the Council of Reformed Churches in colored work. 1908, p. 17. Inasmuch as the Council of Reformed Churches in America at its late meeting designated the evangelization of the negroes as a field in which the various churches constituting the council are willing to unite, the Assembly expressed its approval of such co-operation and welcomed the help of our sister churches in giving a pure gospel to our large colored population, with the hope that such united effort may result in the building up of a strong col¬ ored Presbyterian Church. Our Secretary, Dr. James G. Snedecor was directed to place himself in 'touch, by correspondence or other¬ wise, with the proper authorities of said churches, with a view to facilitating, as far as he can, said co-operation. See also 1909, p. 57. 1911, p. 41. As to work among the colored people, we recom¬ mend the adoption of the suggestions of the Council (of the Re¬ formed Churches in America holding the Presbyterian System) to- wit: (a) That the constituent Churches of this Council should unify through existing agencies, or agencies to be established by the su¬ preme judicatories, their work for the colored people of the United States of America. (b) That, to this end, a permanent committee shall be formed,. Sec. 607] Colored Evangelization 309 to be composed of the Secretary and two members of each board, or agency, already at work among the colored people, together with three representatives to be elected from the Reformed Church in the United States, and three from the Reformed Church in America; the representatives to be chosen by the boards or other agencies desig¬ nated by the supreme judicatories of the constituent Churches. (c) That this permanent committee shall have power to plan the co-operative work, and to put plans into operation, when ap¬ proved by the boards and other agencies appointing the committees, subject to the supervisory power, or the supreme judicatories. 1912, p. 70-e. Resolved, 1st — That the Assembly desires to com¬ mend the successful administration of the colored evangelistic work by the Executive Committee of Home Missions, and we earnestly urge them to continue a liberal and sympathetic policy towards this work. 2nd — That it is the desire of this Assembly to have Rev. James G. Snedecor continued as superintendent of this department of Home Missions. In accordance with this resolution Rev. J. G. Snedecor was elected a member of the Executive Committee of Home Missions for a term of three years. 1912, p. 70-c. The Permanent Committee on Work Among the Colored People, suggested by the Council of Reformed Churches Holding the Presbyterian System in the United States, and created by the action of the judicatories of the constituent churches at their respective meetings in 1911, in response to the suggestion, after fraternal and extended conference, adopts the following resolutions: 1. Resolved, That our comparison in this conference, of our re¬ spective fields, shows that there is no conflict or “overlapping” in these fields, and that there is much room unoccupied. 2. Resolved, That this committee will gladly welcome for con¬ sideration nay suggestions looking to the extension and increased efficiency of this work which any of the administrative agencies may desire to make. 3. Resolved, That the Permanent Committee recommends to the Administrative Agencies consideration of the desirability of seeking from the judicatories which they respectively serve such action as both these agencies and the local ecclesiastical judicatories of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches may desire to undertake in order to initiate and develop plans for co-operation in evangelical work in cities with a large colored population similar to those which have been put in operation in Louisville, Ky. 4. Resolved, That we recommend to the Administrative Agencies consideration of the possible and desirable co-operation of the Sunday School agencies of the respective churches in counsel and in service in work among the colored people. 5. The educational, missionary, evangelistic and other gen¬ eral interests of the Colored- Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the independent Afro-American Presbyterian Synod shall constitute part of the “co-operative work” of the Permanent Com- 310 Home Missions [Book IV mittee, provided the General Assembly in the one case and the Synod in the other shall so request and the supreme judicatories of the constituent churches of the Council shall approve. In that event, it shall be the duty of the Executive Committee, appointed by this Permanent Committee, if the above bodies approve, to give special attention to the general interests of those brethren, by visiting their schools and church judicatories, when possible, or by correspondence, counseling with and assisting them in the upbuilding and extension of their independent denominational work, as far as this may be done. 6. Resolved, That the Administrative Agencies be requested to consider the possible desirability of seeking from the judicatories such authority for the educational boards and committees under their respective control as shall enable the latter to aid in finding worthy candidates for the ministry of the colored churches and to extend aid to such candidates in churches where this authority has not already been conferred. 7. Resolved, That the Permanent Committee suggests to the dele¬ gates from the constituent churches that they report to the bodies from which they respectively come the conviction of the committee, that the publishing agencies of these churches can greatly aid in work among the colored people by developing, singly or in co¬ operation, literature of a twofold character. (a) Literature bringing the members of our churches informa¬ tion concerning the field and the work being done by each of our churches. (b) Literature, educational and devotional, for the colored people themselves. 8. Resolved, That joint institutes, in the judgment of the Perma¬ nent Committee, may afford opportunity for a form of co-operation making for economy and for the larger interest and effectiveness of such gatherings. The above resoluticns were presented to the Executive Committee of Home Missions, in session May 7, 1912, and were unanimously adopted, to be transmitted to the General Assembly for consideration. Adopted by the General Assembly. 688. Appropriations by the Executive Committee of Sustentation to aid the work among the colored people. 1873, p. 327. In regard to the colored population, we recommend that the General Assembly encourage, by their cordial and expressed approbation, any and all contributions heretofore made by the Execu¬ tive Committee, on the recommendation of Presbyteries, to sustain any labor of love among this class of our population, and advise them to continue in this line of action until, in the providence of God, a way of more definite and active operation shall be opened up before us. Adopted. Secs 687-690] Colored Evangelization 311 689. Five per cent, of the Sustentation funds appropriated to colored evangelization. 1875, p. 24. Having, after much anxious deliberation, settled upon a scheme of evangelization acceptable to the colored people themselves, and generally approved by our ministers and churches, we should now vigorously support that scheme by the liberality of our churches, and prosecute it by the Presbyteries, acting through the Sustentation Committee. And with a view to prevent failure in this work of evangelization in its incipiency, the Executive Com¬ mittee of Sustentation is hereby authorzied, if necessary, to appro¬ priate, for the present, five per cent, of the Sustentation funds in sup¬ port of the work of evangelization among the colored people. This Assembly recognizes the special obligation resting upon Southern Christians, of every name, to give the gospel to this class of our popu¬ lation, so far as their limited means permit. 1879, p. 51. Resolved, That this Assembly removes the present restriction which binds the Executive Committee not to appropriate for this cause more than five per cent, of the whole contributions for Home Missions. The Assembly thinks it right and wise to leave the proportion of appropriation to the wisdom of the Committee. 690 Presbyteries to report to the Executive Committee on all work done for colored people. 1879, p. 50. Resolved, That the Presbyteries be requested to send up from year to year to the Executive Committee of Home Missions statements of the work undertaken, independently of the Executive Committee, by the churches under their care, on behalf of the colored people, and of the contributions made in support of such work. 1880, p. 221. Resolved, 1. That the Executive Committee of Home Missions be directed to report to the General Assembly, year by year, a compendious statement of the amounts of money contributed for the evangelization of the colored people, and of the amounts dis¬ bursed by the Committee for the same. Also, that the Committee include in such reports the amounts con¬ tributed and expended on behalf of the same object by individuals and churches, other than the sums passing through the hands of the Committee, as far as those amounts can be ascertained; provided, however, that the Committee shall not by anything in this resolution be restricted in their appropriations in behalf of the colored people to the funds received for their special and exclusive benefit. Resolved, 2. That our Presbyteries be requested to furnish an¬ nually to the Executive Committee of Home Missions, in time for use in the preparation of the aforesaid reports, statements, as full and particular as may be practicable, of the funds received from all sources, and of those expended for the spiritual welfare of the col¬ ored people within the bounds of the Presbyteries respectively. 1885, p. 422. The Assembly empowers the Executive Committee of Home Missions to deal in this work directly with men and fields, 312 Home Missions [Book IV and when a Presbytery shall endorse one of its white ministers as a suitable person to engage in missionary labor among the colored race, and gives him permission so to do, the Executive Committee, if it can command the means, may employ him; and that it may also em¬ ploy any colored Presbyterian minister, properly endorsed, to go and labor as a missionary among these people; these missionaries may preach to them, organize Sabbath Schools, and enlist as they may be able local white Christians in the work, and advise and aid the colored people in the effort to organize themselves into a Presbyterian church; and the ministers who may be thus employed by the Com¬ mittee shall report their work to and receive their pay from the Com¬ mittee; but any ministers so employed shall, in all other respects and concerning1 all their ministerial acts and character, be under the au¬ thority of, and responsible only to, their respective Presbyteries; and they shall be subject to the further restriction that they shall not labor in the territorial bounds of any Presbytery objecting. 691. Progress of the work. 1876, p. 249. Something is being done for this branch of labor by thirteen Presbyteries. Five Presbyteries have been aided in carry¬ ing on this work. 1877, p. 460. Eighteen Presbyteries report that something is being done in their bounds for the work among the colored people. From the reports it also appears that there are twenty-one churches for the colored people, five colored ministers, three colored licentiates, and six colored candidates for the ministry, under the care of the fifty-four reporting Presbyteries. This shows an increase of seven churches, of two ministers, and of five candidates over last year. The number of licentiates is the same. It is probable that the increase in candidates is due, at least in some degree, to the stimulating effect of the action of the last General Assembly in establishing the train¬ ing school for colored ministers at Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 1878, p. 674. Payments to the Presbyteries have been made to the amount of $1,050, which is $175 more than last year. 1'879, p. 69. Ten Presbyteries have been aided during the past year, to the amount of $1,067.50, in the support of thirteen laborers, in whole or in part engaged in this service. Of those aided, six are ministers of our Church, and seven colored men approved by the Presbyteries. 1880, p. 232. The same number of Presbyteries received aid as last year, but for three less laborers. None of the Presbyteries seem much encouraged in the prosecution of this branch of work, nor have they generally taken action on the subject. In a few Presbyteries all our ministers occasionally preach to the colored people, and some statedly. Thirty-six Sabbath Schools are reported as known to the Presbyterial committees. Doubtless there are others of which they have no knowledge. As far as reported, there are fourteen colored, ministers and licentiates, eighteen churches, and four candidates un¬ der the care of the Presbyteries. Some of the churches which were Secs. 690-692] Colored Evangelization reported two or three years ago have gone into the Northern Church, but they still receive the sympathy and assistance of our ministers and people. In some portions of the Church there seems to be little demand for special effort on the part of our Church in this field, other denominations fully occupying the ground and having the ear of the people. 1881, p. 407. The total appropriation to this work this year has been $1,386. The Presbyteries have twenty-five churches under their care, seven more than last year, with sixteen ministers and licentiates. There were aided eleven ministers, of whom nine are colored, within the bounds of ten different Presbyteries. The sum of $1,320 is re¬ ported as raised and expended within the Presbyteries themselves. The Assembly expressed its judgment (page 377) that at least $10,000 should be raised this year for evangelistic work among the freedmen within our bounds. The number aided in 1882 was twelve. 1883, p. 72. Seven Presbyteries report over $2,000 as contrib¬ uted by them for this branch of work within their bounds during the past year. Amount paid out by the Committee, $1,448. Statistics show twelve ministers and licentiates, twenty-eight churches, twelve candidates, and twenty-three Sabbath Schools. 1884, pp. 266, 268. Contributions received from two churches only. Amount charged to Sustentation, $1,737. In 1885 it was $1,308, while $1,837 was known to have been contributed that did not pass through the committee’s hands. 1886, p. 70. Number aided, sixteen. Amount charged to Susten¬ tation, $850. 692. Enlargement of the work. 1889, p. 581. The Synod of Virginia overtures the Assembly to appoint a special committee to study the subject, and, unless it ap¬ pear unadvisable, to report to the next succeeding Assembly proposi¬ tions for a marked enlargement of effort in the evangelization of the colored people of our church. Answered in the affirmative. 1890, p. 12. The chairman reported that the committee had been unable to hold a meeting, and had conferred only by correspondence; that they had been unable to agree on a report. He submitted the draft of a report which had been sent to each member of the com¬ mittee, together with the responses received, arid respectfully recom¬ mended that these papers, without reading, and the whole subject be referred to a new committee, to report during the present session of this body. This recommendation was adopted. P. 53. This committee reported as follows: Our Church has always acknowledged the obligation to preach the gospel to the colored people. There are not wanting evidences of an increasing interest in this work. We believe that the time has gome for marked enlargement of effort to give these people a sure gospel, and all the advantages of our system of government. Seven 314 Home Missions [Book IV millions of people appeal to us as no other people can for the bread of life. In the providence of God we are called to place this work promi¬ nently before our people. . To this end we recommend: 1. That the Presbyteries be urged to encourage the officers and members of their churches to organize and conduct Sunday Schools for the negroes wherever practicable. 2. That the Executive Committee of Home Missions and the Executive Committee of Tuscaloosa Institute, acting in conjunction, be authorized to select a Field Secretary, whose function it shall be to travel in behalf of the colored work, endeavoring to increase the interest of our churches in colored evangelization and the training of colored ministers, to encourage the formation of colored Sabbath Schools and churches, and to preach to the colored people as oppor¬ tunity may offer; his salary to be fixed by said Committee, and to be paid out of the receipts for the Colored Evangelistic work; the report of his labors to be made to the Executive Committee of Home Missions, and through that Committee to the Assembly. Adopted. 1890, p. 271. The two Executive Committees, of Home Missions and of the Institute, acting under instructions from the last Assembly, selected as Field Secretary for this work the Rev. A. L. Phillips, who was at that time pastor of the South Highlands Church in Bir¬ mingham, Ala. Mr. Phillips began his work on the first of October, and has been very diligent ever since in presenting this work with tongue and pen to our churches and church courts. P. 35. We call attention to the fact that the cause of Colored Evangelism is in urgent need of increased funds, and the churches are urged to enlarge the offerings to this cause to aid this growing and expanding work. 693. An Executive Committee on Colored Evangelization appointed. 1891, p. 234. In order to unify, strengthen and enlarge our efforts for the colored people, this Assembly hereby appoints an Executive Committee on Colored Evangelization, to consist of a Secretary and ten members, of which number the Superintendent of Tuscaloosa Institute shall be one, to be appointed annually by the General Assembly, and to be located at Birmingham, Ala. To this Committee shall be entrusted the oversight of the entire educational, evangelistic and sustentation work of our Church in behalf of the colored people, the general management of the finances, fixing of salaries and disbursement of all funds contributed to this cause. The records of this Committee shall be submitted annually to the General Assembly, and the Committee shall prepare and sub¬ mit to the next Assembly a Manual of Rules. Until otherwise ordered, all money for this cause shall be sent as heretofore to the Treasurer of the Committee of Home Missions, and none of it shall be disbursed except on the order of the Committee on Colored Evangelization through the warrant of its Secretary. The Rev. A. L. Phillips is hereby nominated as Secretary of' Col- Secs. 692-694] Colored Evangelization 315 ored Evangelization, and the following are nominated as members of the Executive Committee: Ministers — C. A. Stillman, Hugh K. Walker, T. C. Whaling, L. S. Handley, J. A. Bryan. Ruling Elders — J. H. Miller, E. H. Sholl, J. W. Lapsley, T. H. Herndon, M. A. Mason. These nominees were elected. P. 241. This Executive Committee reported that it had organized on May 26, 1891. It asked the x\ssembly to instruct all the Presby¬ teries to appoint Standing Committees on Colored Evangelization, and to instruct its Executive Committee on Colored Evangelization to have the Board of Directors of Tuscaloosa Institute incorporated. Approved. 1892, p. 425. We recommend that the plan of organization sug¬ gested by the Executive Committee be adopted, and that all the Synods and Presbyteries be urged to co-operate in the work by the appointment of Permanent or Executive Committees in accordance therewith. We recommend the adoption of the Manual of Rules of the Execu¬ tive Committee, set forth in the report of the Committee on pp. 20, 21, 22, together with the By-laws of Tuscaloosa Institute set forth on p. 23 of said report, except that Article VIII. of the Manual of Rules be amended by adding thereto the words, “Subject to the approval of the General Assembly at its next succeeding meetings.” We recommend the approval of the report of the Executive Com¬ mittee, except as to so much of it as has been altered by the above recommendations. Adopted. This plan of organization as adopted above (p. 24, Report of Executive Committee) outlines the duties of the Executive Committee under the three heads of Educational, Sustentation and Evangelistic, and urges the appointment of Synodical, Presbyterial and Sessional committees, with suggestions as to how they should be constituted, and how they may secure adequate consideration of the cause and contribute to its advancement, urging the presentation of these in¬ terests before Sabbath Schools, missionary societies and monthly con¬ certs, and providing for the dissemination of literature on the sub¬ ject. 1898, p. 237. It was directed that a Treasurer be appointed, to be located at Tuscaloosa, to whom all funds collected for this cause shall be sent. 1899, p. 436. The revised Manual was approved. 694. Aid to colored students for vacation work. 1888, p. 434. The Committee of Home Missions was authorized to grant aid for the support of students of the Institute, who are not licentiates, who may, by authority of the Presbyteries interested, be engaged during vacation in supplying vacant churches. P. 411. The Manual for Home Missions was changed to conform to the policy of summer aid to candidates. But the restriction that such appropriations must be recommended by the Presbytery in open session in whose bounds the field lies, was removed as to candidates 316 Home Missions [Book IV in Tuscaloosa Institute, in whose case it is sufficient that aid be asked by the Executive Committee and Faculty of that Institution; provided, however, that such candidate shall not be sent to labor within the bounds of any Presbytery without the consent of that Presbytery. 695. Colored candidates to be received on trial. 1896, p. 606. This Assembly would urge that Presbyteries keep applicants under a trial for at least six months before receiving them, except in cases of evident fitness, or where the applicant is well known to the Presbytery recommending him, to protect the Institute from unworthy men. 696. Statistics of colored churches. 1897, p. 38. The Assembly directed that, as far as possible, our colored churches furnish their statistics, such as are required of the white churches, and that such statistics be published in the Appendix to the Minutes of the General Assembly. 1905, p. 50. The Stated Clerk was authorized to publish in our Minutes the statistics of the Afro-American Church. 1911, p. 35. There are 69 colored Presbyterian Churches hav¬ ing regular services. Last year 129 members were added on con¬ fession of faith. These churches last year contributed to their own support, $2,760, and were aided by the Home Missions Committee to the amount of $3,960. 697. Proposed organization of an independent church among the colored people. 1891, p. 234. It was stated on the floor of this Assembly that the colored Presbyterians in our bounds desire for themselves separate organizations, to be erected, counseled, and aided by us, and whereas it is desirable that accurate information be obtained as to their wishes and purposes in these regards, therefore, be it Resolved, That Rev. A. L. Phillips be appointed a commissioner to visit or correspond with the various colored Presbyteries and gather authentic information of their wishes in the premises, and to visit the Synods concerned and endeavor to secure from them such action as shall permit the colored Presbyteries, if they so desire, to form an independent Synod; and he is hereby instructed to bear to these Presbyteries the most cordial assurances of our sympathy and aid, and of our readiness to enter into correspondence with their Synod when it is formed. P. 235. The Presbytery of Orange overtures the Assembly “to interpret the policy of the Southern Presbyterian Church with refer¬ ence to the establishment of a separate African church.” This As¬ sembly answers said overture as follows: It is the deliberate and settled policy of our Church to aid in the establishment and develop- Sec. 697] Colored Evangelization 317 ment of a separate and ultimately self-sustaining Colored Presby¬ terian Church. Unless our Presbyteries organize churches and license and ordain ministers, it is evident that no progress whatever can be made in this work. This Assembly therefore invites the Presbyteries to co-operate by ordaining, in the regular constitutional method, both teaching and ruling elders, in order to their ultimate connection with the independent colored church. 1892, p. 482. Rev. A. L. Phillips made the following report: Agreeable to the appointment and instructions of the General As¬ sembly of 1891,. I have diligently visited and corresponded with the various colored Presbyteries, have tried to gather authentic infor¬ mation as to their wishes in regard to their union into a separate and independent Synod, have conferred with our own Synods con¬ cerned and have borne to the colored brethren cordial assurances of our sympathy and aid. I herewith submit my report, setting forth the facts learned and making such suggestions as seem proper and useful. There are now in the territory embraced by our church five Presby¬ teries composed wholly of colored ministers and churches, viz: (1) The Presbytery of North and South Carolina, composed of churches in lower North and upper South Carolina, organized No¬ vember 3, 1876, as an independent body. It is now independent. I had a conference at Bishopville, S. C., October 22, 1891, with a committee of that Presbytery, consisting of Revs. J. H. Ghee, R. C. James and P. T. Willis, and Ruling Elders Jacob G. George and Mitchell Chapman. All were present except Rev. P.. T. Willis. These men are leading members of that Presbytery. They said that their churches had never grown much until they became an inde¬ pendent body, that they would not surrender their independence for any cause, but that they would be glad to unite with other Presby¬ teries to form an independent Synod. There has always been a most fraternal relation between this Presbytery and our own church. For several years we have helped to sustain their pastors and have educated their candidates free of cost to them. (2) The Presbytery of Central Alabama, organized at Tusca¬ loosa, Ala., December 12, 1890. I met this Presbytery in the fall of 1891, and having discussed the separate Synod with them, it was unanimously decided to enter into the formation of such a Synod when it was called. At the recent spring meeting of this Presby¬ tery, its action of the fall previous was reconsidered, and it was unanimously decided not to enter such a Synod at present. The Synod of Alabama, at its meeting in 1891, declared “that this Synod recognizes the independence of Central Alabama Presbytery, as as¬ sumed by themselves in response to the recommendation of the Gen¬ eral Assembly of 1891, and we recommend that as soon as practicable they unite themselves with other colored Presbyteries with a view to the formation of a colored Synod.” The chief reason which led this Presbytery to decline to enter the .Synod seems to be a doubt of their own ecclesiastical and financial 318 Home Missions [Book IV ability to exist alone, although I had assured them that our Church was pledged to aid them pecuniarily and educationally. (3) The Presbytery of Ethel, organized at Ethel, Miss., on Janu¬ ary 10, 1891. This Presbytery is one of the constituent Presbyteries of the Synod of Mississippi. I met this body at Fairview Church, near Heidelburg, Miss., August 13, 1891, and discussed the separate Synod. They decided, though not unanimously, that they did not think that the time had arrived in the providence of God for such a step, and declined to enter the Synod. At their recent meeting they again decided adversely to the separate Synod. Their chief reasons for such action seemed to be: (1), Lack of money to carry on the Synod; (2), Lack of numerical and Presbyterial strength; and (3), Lack of benefits of review and control of such Assembly as ours. (4) The Presbytery of Texas, an independent body. Its churches and ministers are poor and weak, but they are willing to enter the separate Synod, so far as I am informed. (5) The Presbytery of Zion, embracing churches and ministers,, near Memphis, Tenn., organized in December, 1891, an independent body, ready to enter the independent Synod when formed. Of the ministers not connected with the above Presbyteries, I know that at least five are heartily in favor of an independent Synod. There seem to be three opinions amongst them : ( 1 ) , Some favor separate Presbyteries, with representation in our Synods and As¬ sembly; (2), Others favor a separate Synod, with representation in our General Assembly; (3), Others still favor a separate and inde¬ pendent Synod. It is perfectly evident, therefore, that there is now no plan that meets the approval of all the colored ministers. In their poverty and lack of ecclesiastical experience it will be well-nigh impossible for them to maintain a vigorous, independent life without cordial unanimity. In order to test the matter I issued a letter stating the attitude of the Assembly toward the proposed colored church, reasons why the erection of such has hitherto been impossible, and reasons why such organization might seem now both desirable and practicable. Upon the consideration of this letter, Ethel Presbytery declined to enter the Synod. Without Ethel Presbytery it was impracticable to get a constitutional quorum of three Presbyteries. I therefore re¬ called the appointment. Before the proposed date of meeting, Cen¬ tral Alabama Presbytery also declined to co-operate. Here the matter rests. Any intelligent person will readily see that the successful prosecu¬ tion of our colored work depends upon the hearty agreement of all concerned in the plan of operations. Can such an agreement be secured ? May I suggest the following plans, either of which will be calcu¬ lated to produce the harmony needed? (1), Let the colored Presby¬ teries be organized into a separate Synod, said Presbyteries to have representation in our General Assembly for a period of five years* Sec. 697] Colored Evangelization 319 at the expiration of which time their connection with our Assembly shall cease; (2), Let the colored Presbyteries be exhorted, for their own unity and development, to unite at once in the formation of a separate Synod. P. 426. This report was referred to a committee of twenty- six, Rev. J. B. Mack, D. D., chairman. P. 433. This committee made a report, which was adopted, and is as follows: Whereas it has been the settled policy of our Church, expressed by the General Assembly of 1874, namely: “Presbyteries and Ses¬ sions are recommended to encourage and aid in the formation of colored churches, * * * with a view to form these churches in due time into Presbyteries, as convenience may dictate.” “When two or more of such Presbyteries shall exist, they may unite to form a Synod, as was the case in our own history. This may for a time be their highest court. A time, however, may arrive, from the in¬ crease in the number of its churches and Presbyteries, when said Synod may find it expedient to divide, and to combine in a General Assembly;” and Whereas, we find that in the development of this plan there are now five Presbyteries, about forty ministers, fifty- five churches, and about thirteen hundred communicants; therefore we recommend — 1. That the report of the Rev. A. L. Phillips, commissioner, be approved, and printed in the Appendix to the Minutes for informa¬ tion. 2. That in order to give our colored brethren and churches more time to consider the plan of our Church as outlined above, Rev. A. L. Phillips be appointed commissioner of this Assembly to bear to these brethren its fraternal greetings, to express to them its confident hope that in the providence of God the time will soon arrive when they can unanimously and cordially unite to form an independent church, and to assure them that this Assembly renews its pledge of financial and educational support, and its willingness to enter into •correspondence with said Church. 3. That a committee be appointed to call a convention of all the colored Presbyterian ministers in our bounds, to meet at Birming¬ ham, Ala., on a day to be selected by Rev. A. L. Phillips, commis¬ sioner, to confer with them about organizing an independent Presby¬ terian Church, and any other matter pertaining to the best interests of Presbyterianism amongst the colored people. Said commissioner is authorized to collect funds to pay the necessary expenses of all colored ministers under our jurisdiction, or that are aided by our Executive Committee of Colored Evangelization, in attending this convention. 1893, p. 54. The chairman submitted the following report, which was approved : At the meeting of the Assembly of 1892 a committee was appointed, in connection with Rev. A. L. Phillips as commissioner, to call a convention of the colored Presbyterian ministers and churches in our bounds, with a view to organizing an independent colored Synod, at 320 Home Missions [Book IV the city of Birmingham, Ala., whenever the commissioner shall ap¬ point the day. He has visited and corresponded with these brethren1 very fully, and has ascertained that they are not yet prepared for this- step; hence the convention has not been called, and there has been no meeting of the committee. This report is made by the chairman, with the concurrence of the- commissioner, and we respectfully ask that it be approved and the committee discharged. 1894, p. 233. In view of the fact that the plan of co-operation with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, pro¬ posed by the Birmingham Conference, has been rejected by this As¬ sembly as not acceptable to our people, the Assembly reaffirms with emphasis that in the ultimate establishment and maintenance of a separate and independent African Presbyterian Church lies the surest and quickest way to the evangelization of the colored people. This opinion is confirmed by our own experience and by the history of the colored Baptist and Methodist Churches and of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. By this plan the Assembly does not intend to sever all connection with the colored churches, but desires to give them the largest and freest opportunity for self-support and self-de¬ velopment; and the Assembly pledges itself to continue to aid them in the education of their ministers and in evangelistic and sustenta- tion work. 1895, p. 397. In response to the overture from Charleston Presby¬ tery, asking for the immediate organization of an independent colored Presbyterian Church, this Assembly answers: That the ultimate or¬ ganization of an independent colored church has always been the policy of our Church, and that during the past five years steady progress has been made toward this goal. (1) In order to ascertain whether, in the judgment of the Church,, the time has come for such an organization, this Assembly orders that a collection be taken in our churches during the month of August, 1895, for the purpose of raising the funds necessary to de¬ fray the expenses connected with the organization of said independent colored Synod, said collection to be forwarded to W. A. Powell, Treas¬ urer, and to be expended under the direction of the Executive Com¬ mittee of Colored Evangelization. (2) That the question of this organization be referred to the Presbyteries and Synods concerned for such action as they see proper. If their concurrence be obtained, and if the funds raised justify such organization, in the judgment of the Executive Committee of Colored Evangelization, this Assembly appoints Rev. J. L. Girardeau, D. D., Rev. A. B. Curry, Rev. A. L. Phillips, E. H. Sholl and J. W. Lapsley as its commissioners to decide upon the time and place for affecting the proposed organization, and to represent the As¬ sembly upon said occasion. 1896, p. 631. The Executive Committee say: The colored Presbyteries of Central Alabama and Ethel decided, after considering the matter carefully, that they did not think that the time had come for such a movement. The Assembly enacted that Sec. 697] Colored Evangelization 321 “if their concurrence be obtained, and if the funds raised justify such organization, in the judgment of the Executive Committee of Colored Evangelization,” then certain commissioners should decide on the place and time for such a meeting. In the judgment of your Committee the conditions above recited were not fulfilled, and so no meeting was called. After a careful study of this matter for five years, we are convinced that it is the mind of the Church at large that this organization of an independent Synod shall be the result of healthful and substantial growth. We see no reason for modifying our purpose in this matter. Our plan was not the result of hasty and prejudiced action, but was formed after ten years of careful thought and observation. P. 605. The Independent Synod. — This Assembly renews its ex¬ pression of deep conviction that the highest spiritual good of the colored people can be effected onlv through their independent efforts. During the last five years the progress made towards the organiza¬ tion of an independent African Presbyterian Church has been most gratifying, and the day seems near when it may be effected as lire result of healthy growth and unanimous approval. In the opinion of this Assembly the time for such separate organization has not yet arrived, for the following reasons: 1. There are only two colored Presbyteries under the jurisdiction of our Church, though there are five Presbyteries within our bounds. 2. Both these Presbyteries have expressed themselves as opposed to such action for the present. We recommend that the money raised last August for establishing an independent Synod be invested, to be used for this purpose when, in God’s providence, the way shall be opened. 1897, p. 21. Your Committee has sought all available light on this question. A voluminous correspondence with many of the most thoughtful in our Church has been submitted to us; also a full correspondence with the colored ministers of our Church showing that out of fifty-five, thirty-three are desirous of organization, six are opposed, three are doubtful and eleven are not heard from. We have also learned that it is the intention of the independent Presbyteries to call a meeting at an early day for the purpose of organizing a colored Presbyterian Church. In view of these facts, and remembering the settled policy of our Church, your Committee would recommend: 1. Should the independent Presbyteries call a meeting for the organization of a colored Presbyterian Church, that our Executive Committee be directed to confer with them in fixing the time and place for such meeting, and the Assembly does hereby authorize any of its Presbyteries, or ministers and churches, on the consent of their Presbyteries, to withdraw, on their own motion, from its jurisdiction to join said Church. 2. A committee of five, to be appointed to represent this As¬ sembly in the event of such convocation being held, and convey to these brethren our fraternal salutations, and the assurance that it 322 Home Missions [Book IV is our determination to continue our financial help, and give them a hearty co-operation in every good work. G. T. Gcetchius, J. W. Bachman, A. B. Curry, A. L. Phillips, E. H. Sholl, and J. W. Lapsley were appointed the committee to attend this convention of colored ministers and elders. (Pp. 24, 27.) 698. Missionary among the colored, people. 1897, p. 21. By the direction of the last Assembly, the Execu¬ tive Committee put Rev. O. B. Wilson, one of the teachers in the Institute, in the field as a missionary or evangelist among the colored people. A report of his labors shows good work done and a hopeful strengthening of the things that remain, and your committee recom¬ mend that his labors be continued. Adopted. 699. Evangelist for colored people. 1901, p. 67. We recommend to the Executive Committee the ad¬ visability of placing in the field, as soon as the way be opened, an evangelist whose duty it shall be to visit the colored churches, and hold meetings with a view to their edification, and also for the estab¬ lishment of new organizations. See also 1907, p. 29. % 700. Separate Presbyteries and Synods to be formed. 1881, p. 372. As the colored people have always manifested a preference for an organization of their own, which has been recog¬ nized by us at all times as both natural and proper, the attention of Synods was specially called to this matter, with a view to forming such churches as may be within their bounds into Presbyteries, if the way should seem clear; adjacent Synods to correspond with each other in the incipiency of this movement, in order to secure the necessary co-operation. 1883, p. 49. The Synods were advised and instructed to organize the colored ministers and churches under their care into separate Presbyteries as speedily as possible, consistently with a wise regard to stability and growth, and that these Presbyteries should be formed into an independent Synod by the General Assembly as soon as the way may be clear. 701. Colored Presbyterian Synod. 1898, pp. 205, 236. The following report of the convention of colored ministers to organize an Independent Colored Presbyterian Church was read by the Rev. A. L. Phillips, D. D., and was referred to the Standing Committee on Colored Evangelization. Whereas, pursuant to the adjournment of the convention called by the Independent Presbyteries within the bounds of the General Assembly of the Southern Presbyterian Church through the agency of its Executive Committee on Colored Evangelization; and Secs. 697-701] Colored Evangelization 323 Whereas the convention met in the Berean Presbyterian Church, in the city of New Orleans, May 19th, at 7 :30 o’clock P. M. ; and Whereas the convention was duly convened and opened with prayer and divine services; and Whereas the convention has on this 19th day of May, 1898, en¬ tered into permanent organization by the unanimous election of the Rev. E. W. Williams as Moderator, and the Rev. A. E. Reed as Permanent Clerk; and Whereas it has been, and still is, the purpose of the Presbyteries creating this convention to organize a separate, self-governing Col¬ ored Presbyterian Church in the United States and the Dominion of Canada; and Whereas it is the further purpose of the Presbyteries creating this convention to establish, when, in the providence of God, the way shall be clear, a separate and self-governing Colored Presbyterian General Assembly in the United States and the Dominion of Canada; there¬ fore, be it — Resolved, That until the way is clear to establish a General As¬ sembly this body shall be known as the separate, self-governing “Colored Presbyterian Synod of the United States and the Dominion of Canada.” Be it further resolved , That this convention adopt the Standards of doctrine and polity of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. Be it further resolved, That this convention does hereby and now declare itself profoundly grateful to the Southern Presbyterian Church for its sympathy, co-operation and substantial financial support. Be it further resolved, That this convention, in the prosecution of its work throughout the several Presbyteries here represented, re¬ quest and urge upon the Presbyteries as far as practicable to seek the advice, counsel and co-operation of the white brethren in the execution of the work. Be it further resolved, That for the present this convention shall create four standing Executive Committees, namely, a Committee on Foreign Missions, a Committee on Home Missions, a Committee on Education, and a Committee on Sabbath Schools. Be it further resolved, That the Moderator be and is hereby re¬ quested to name the chairmen of these several Committees as soon as practicable after the adjournment of this convention. Be it further resolved, That this convention returns its most hearty thanks to Rev. A. L. Phillips, D. D., for the timely and faithful as¬ sistance he has rendered in perfecting this organization. Be it further resolved, That the thanks of this convention be fur¬ ther extended to the Assembly’s Executive Committee on Colored Evangelization, and that it is hereby requested to continue its work in the interest of the colored people. 1915, p. 71. Our Colored Evangelistic work continues about as usual, though your Standing Committee believes that a great step forward would be taken should a colored Synod be established, as referred to in another part of this report. Your attention is called 324 Home Missions [Book IV to the splendid section devoted to Colored Evangelism in the Execu¬ tive Committee’s report, which gives detailed information concern¬ ing this work. We call attention to the fact that Sabbath Schools have been conducted for the colored people at Richmond, Ya., At¬ lanta, Ga., Jacksonville, Fla., Tuscaloosa, Ala., Oxford, Miss., Rus- tin, La., Memphis, Tenn., Decatur, Ga., Louisville, Ky. ; while day schools have been maintained at Abbeville, S. C., Texarkana, Tex., Selma, Ala., Florence, S. C., and Louisville, Ky. Why could not this be done in every city and town throughout our territory? 1915, p. 20. That the overture bearing upon the establishment of Afro-American Presbyteries and a Synod be approved with the ex¬ ception that the clause requesting the appointment of committees in six States be stricken out, and also the clause specifying the number of meetings of Presbytery each year; and that, in accordance with the terms of said overture, Revs. J. G. Snedecor, A. A. Little, and S. L. Morris be appointed a committee to take this whole matter in hand, reporting a plan of action to the next Assembly, if the way be clear. 1916, p. 32. That the Assembly concur in the report of the Ad- Interim Committee appointed by the last Assembly, recommending a plan for organizing the colored ministers and churches into a Synod not independent of the Assembly, but co-ordinate with the other Synods of the Assembly. See under Synod, p. 1919, p. 41. The Executive Committee reports encouragingly concerning the work of Colored Evangelization. That department is represented by 35 ordained ministers, 62 churches and mission stations, with 2,700 members and a constituency of about 5,000. Stillman Institute reports a year of gratifying success. Rev. R. IC Timmons, President of the Institution, succeeding Rev. W. E. Hutchison, whose ill-health compelled his resignation, has shown himself worthy of the confidence reposed in him. Our efforts and accomplishments, however, in the Department of Colored Evangelization still seem to be pitifully inadequate, when we consider what we have done in the light of the fact that we are surrounded by a population of 9,000,000 negroes, a large propor¬ tion of whom are practically untouched by Christian influence. 702. Tuscaloosa Institute 1875, p. 28. Overture from Rev. C. A. Stillman, D. D., and others, asking the Assembly, at its present meeting, to take action looking to the establishment of an institute for the education of colored preachers, in pursuance of the policy recommended by the last As¬ sembly; or in case the way be not clear to do that at this meeting, to appoint a committee to take the subject into consideration, and, if they deem it expedient and practicable, to digest a plan for the or¬ ganization, management, and support of such a school, and report to the next Assembly. Secs. 7G1-703] Colored Evangelization 32? The Assembly acceded to the later alternative of this request, and appointed a committee for the purpose specified in the overture, to report to the next Assembly. Committee: C. A. Stillman, D. D., J. O. Stedman, D. D., and Ruling Elder B. M. Estes. 1876, p. 208. This committee made a report which was referred to the Standing Committee on Education. This latter Committee rec¬ ommended the establishment of such an institute to be located at Tuscaloosa, Ala., under the care of Rev. Dr. Stillman. 703. Executive Committee for the Education of a Colored Ministry 1877, p. 438. Resolved, 1, That an Executive Committee, to con¬ sist of a Secretary and four members, one of whom shall be by said Committee elected Treasurer, be now appointed, clothed with pow¬ ers, and subject to restrictions in every respect similar to the other Executive Committees of the Assembly, to be called the Executive Committee for the Education of a Colored Ministry. 2. That this Committee shall be charged with the duty of devis¬ ing and executing in accordance with existing restrictions on other Executive Committees, all that shall be useful to establish on a permanent basis a suitable institution for the education of a colored ministry, and to do such other work as the General Assembly shall from time to time direct, for the evangelization of this element of our population. 3. That this Committee be located at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and the names of the following persons are proposed! to constitute said Committee, viz.: Rev. C. A. Stillman, D. D., Secretary; W. P. Webb, Jonathan Bliss, J. T. Searcy and R. D. Webb. 4. That this Executive Committee prepare and report to the next General Assembly for its action, a complete Constitution and By- Laws for itself, and for the institution over which it is to be placed. 5. That the Presbyteries be again earnestly urged to consider this whole subject, in view of this action of the Assembly, and to co¬ operate with the Executive Committee in carrying out the work as¬ signed it. 6. That for the present the support of candidates for the min¬ istry at this institute be provided for through the Presbyteries having such candidates under care, as such bodies shall devise, and that Presbyteries having no colored candidates of their own, or hav¬ ing a surplus of funds for this purpose, shall send their contribu¬ tions or surplus to the Treasurer of the Committee, to be invested or disbursed by it under the rules to be adopted for its action. 7. That in addition to the annual reports of this Committee to the General Assembly, it be required to send to all the Presbyteries hav¬ ing candidates or contributing funds a semi-annual report, on the first of March and first of September of each year, setting forth the deportment and progress of their candidates, and the disbursement of the funds. 8. That the whole Church be most earnestly and affectionately 326 Home Missions [Book IV urged to look with favor on this work, and to liberally aid it with their prayers, their influence, and their means. And inasmuch as this work is in its infancy, it is not inappropriate to add that con¬ tributions are greatly needed for its general support, as well as for the support of the students. 9. That the first Sabbath of December, or as soon thereafter as practicable, be appointed for the annual collection for this object, to be taken up in whatever way shall seem best to each particular church. 704. Agency for the Institute 1878, p. 630, 1879, p. 82. Rev. B. T. Lacey, D. D., was ap¬ pointed financial agent for the Institute and served for about a year. He raised some money and collected 600 volumes for the library. 705. The Institute commended 1883, p. 35. Resolved, 1, That in addition to other ways of sus¬ taining Tuscaloosa Institute, this Assembly would urge upon the Presbyteries, churches and Sessions under its care the duty of mak¬ ing it a special object to seek out colored men who give evidence of piety and of a capacity for intellectual and spiritual culture, and encourage them to enter the ministry, and to avail themselves of advantages afforded by this theological school. 2. That the Institute be commended to the people of God, not only as an important means of usefulness, but as the most direct method yet devised of relieving the Church of the immense responsibility in regard to the African race which has been laid upon it. See also 1882, p. 573. 706. A column for the Institute in the statistical tables 1882, p. 547. Resolved, That the Assembly order the Publica¬ tion Committee, if practicable, to insert into the statistical tables of the Minutes a column for contributions to the “Tuscaloosa Insti¬ tute (colored),” and that the blank reports which are furnished to the Presbyteries be remodeled in accordance with this change. 707. Discretion given the faculty as to retaining incompetent stu¬ dents 1885, p. 430. The committee having been obliged in several in¬ stances to recommend the withdrawal of students of good Christian character, but incapable of pursuing the course of study with any encouraging degree of 'success, asks the Assembly to instruct them whether any, and! if any what, discretion is left to the faculty in re¬ taining students sent to them by the Presbyteries, when in the judg¬ ment of the committee and faculty they are incompetent to take the full course of study. In reply, the Assembly would first urge the Presbyteries to exercise great care in the selection of candidates, both Secs. 703-709] Colored Evangelization 337 as to character and mental capacity, and to endeavor to give them as much preparatory scholastic training as possible. But when, in the judgment of the faculty, any student, after sufficient trial, proves incompetent to profit by the instructions offered, it is their right and duty, after duly notifying his Presbytery, to return him to his home. 708. Change in the method of collecting and disbursing the funds of tho Institute 1886, p. 52. Overture from the Presbytery of Nashville, touch¬ ing evangelistic work among the colored people asking — “1st, That a collection be ordered in all our churches, on the first Sabbath in December, for the evangelization of the colored race, in¬ stead of for Tuscaloosa Institute, as at present. “2nd, That the funds so collected shall be used, first, for support¬ ing Tuscaloosa Institute, conducted upon its present plan and that any surplus that may remain shall be used by the Committee of Home Missions for employing evangelists to the colored people.’' Your committee recommend: 1. That these requests be granted, in the confident hope that in this way the funds contributed to this whole cause shall be largely increased. 2. That, if the Assembly approve the above, all funds now in the hands of the Treasurer of Tuscaloosa Institute, or that may here¬ after come into his hands, contributed especially for the Institute, shall be held by him subject to the order of the Executive Committee of the Institute. The annual collections hereafter are to be sent to the Executive Committee of Home Missions. 3. On the first of each month the Treasurer of the Assembly’s Committee of Home Missions shall honor the draft of the Treasurer of the Institute for such amount as shall be ordered by the Secre¬ tary of the Institute, and certified to be necessary for the current ex¬ penses of that month. 4. If, at any time, the Executive Committee of Home Missions shall have cause to fear a lack of funds for the current expenses of the Institute, they shall at once notify the Executive Committee of the Institute, that they may be prepared for such emergency. Adopted. 709. Progress of the Institute 1877, p. 451. The Institute was located at Tuscaloosa, Ala. Rev. A. F. Dickson, of Chester, S. C. was appointed professor. Six stu¬ dents have been in attendance, two of whom were Presbyterians, one under care of Memphis and the other of Savannah Presbytery. 1878, p. 697. The Executive Committee appointed in May, or¬ ganized in July, 1877, and adopted a constitution and by-laws for its own government and that of the Institute. Dr. James T. Searcy was elected Treasurer. The salary of Rev. A. F. Dickson was fixed at $1,500. P. 630. The Institute has no buildings. The constitution and 328 Home Missions [Book IV by-laws were adopted. This required that two others be added to the Executive Committee. Mr. H. M. Summerville, of Tuscaloosa, and Rev. D. D. Sanderson, of Eutaw, were appointed. 1879, p. 81. Rev. A. F. Dickson died in January. His classes were taught the rest of the term by Rev. J. W. Kerr, M. D. 1880, p. 248. Rev. D. C. Rankin was elected permanent profes¬ sor, at a salary of $1,000.00 a year. A colored Presbyterian church has been organized in Tuscaloosa, and a large and flourishing col¬ ored Sabbath School was maintained, in which the students took part. We have no contributions to a separate students’ fund, and we have used a part of the general fund in meeting the necessary ex¬ penses of students connected with our Church. 1881, p. 418. We have continued the plan of last year in meet¬ ing the expenses of students of our own Church. We pay their board, fuel, lights, etc., costing in all $8 per month, or $80 per year, they providing their own clothing, etc., and supporting them¬ selves during vacation. We still endeavor to procure this amount from the Presbyteries sending them, but are obliged, in some in¬ stances, to supplement a deficiency. We have not yet provided a building for the Institute, but are taking steps to do so, following the instructions of the Assembly to incur no debt. We have not deemed it advisable to send an agent into the field to solicit funds. We have received some aid, however, from persons outside of our Church, both in the form of money and of books. 1882, p. 591. In accordance with the action of the last General Assembly, we elected an additional professor, Rev. W. H. Richard¬ son, of the Presbytery of South Alabama, who entered upon his du¬ ties at the opening of the present session. We have thus had the services of two professors during the session. P. 592. Following the directions of the last Assembly, we have erected a neat and commodious building: for the use of the Institute, which we entered on the first of January, and find admirably adapted for our purposes. It contains two large rooms and one small one. The entire cost, including lot, enclosure, furniture and fixtures, was $1,888.35, and is all paid for, and insured. 1883, p. 81. The committee, at their recent meeting, appropriated $150 for the purpose of completing a church building in process of erection upon a lot given by Dr. J. T. Searcy to the Institute, and to be deeded to the Trustees of the General Assembly in trust for the use of the Institute as a chapel, and to be used by the colored church recently organized under the care of the Tuscaloosa Presby¬ terian Church. We regard this as a necessary appendage to the Institute. We have no room suitable for public exercises. The exercises by the students, when conducted only in the presence of the school, are not sufficient to cultivate and develop their gifts. 1884, p. 276. Rev. D. C. Rankin resigned his professorship at the close of last session. Rev. D. D. Sanderson, D. D., was chosen as his successor. Rev. J. J. Anderson is the other professor. The curriculum of study adopted a year ago, has been extended Secs. 709-710] Colored Evangelization 329 to embrace four years, and has been kept up, and found to> suit the capacities of the students. Yet we are deeply impressed with the conviction that our terms of admission as to scholarship are too low, and that it is necessary to require that all students, upon their en¬ trance, should show ability to read correctly and intelligently, and to write a legible hand; also, a fair acquaintance with the four ele¬ mentary rules of arithmetic. We would respectfully, but earnestly, recommend that the Pres¬ byteries use the utmost caution in the selection of candidates, and also, that they endeavor to afford them a fair degree of academic preparation before their entrance, so that the professors may be able to give more time to the Biblical and theological course. We find that the appropriation of $150' last year, to aid in the completion of a church building for the colored Presbyterian church in Tuscaloosa, has been fully justified by the results. That or¬ ganization has been strengthened, the congregation increased, and the Sabbath School so developed as to justify the discontinuance of the colored Sabbath School, which had been taught by whites in our church for twenty-five years. Our library has been kept in excellent condition, and has been enlarged by a generous contribution of books from the Board of Publication at Philadelphia. 1885, p. 456. A suitable boarding-house has been established, conducted by a respectable colored man, a member of our church, and under the supervision of the faculty, and where a more careful supervision is exercised than heretofore over the students. 1886, p. 86. Rev. J. J. Anderson resigned his professorship in September, 1885. In January following Rev. J. G. Praigg, of Tus¬ caloosa Presbytery, was chosen to succeed him. 1887, p. 213. Resolved, That the office of Treasurer be abol¬ ished, and that all funds for this work be sent directly to the Treas¬ urer of Home Missions at Atlanta. The following request was granted, and the authority asked for was conferred: Resolved, That the General Assembly be requested to authorize Dr. James T. Searcy (with the assent of the sub-com¬ mittee designated in our Constitution and By-laws) to negotiate for the sale of property of the Institute in or near Tuscaloosa, and when the same is sold, the Trustees of the General Assembly be instructed to convey the same to the purchaser; the proceeds of the sale to be 3*e-invested in constructing a new church and buildings. This prop¬ erty includes a church lot and building, and the house and lot oc¬ cupied as a seminary or school. 710. Academic department for Tuscaloosa Institute 1891, p. 234. A sufficient answer to the overture from the Synod of Arkansas, asking the establishment of an academic department in connection with Tuscaloosa Institute, is found in the report of the Executive Committee for said Institute, made to this Assembly, that “we have concluded to employ a teacher for this purpose, assured 330 Home Missions [Book IV that the liberality of the church, will sustain us in this movement,” and this action of the Committee meets the cordial approval of this Assembly. Page 279. 1892, p. 424. A Board of Directors was organized by the Execu¬ tive Committee, consisting of live members, and met for the first time June 4, 1891. It has not been found expedient to attempt to organize a separate department for preparatary instruction, as authorized by the Assembly. On this subject the faculty in their report make the following sug¬ gestion: “Nothing remains but that the Presbyteries be required, before they send their candidates to us, to assure themselves by per¬ sonal examination, that they read intelligently, write legibly, and understand, at least, the four primary rules of arithmetic.” In this conclusion the Assembly expresses its concurrence, and hereby calls the attention of the Presbyteries to the matter. In July, 1893, the Secretary of Colored Evangelization, Rev. A. L. Phillips, assumed the duties of instructor in the academic de¬ partment, for one year, the Executive Committee having determined to open such a department, strictly preparatory to the theological department. In 1894, he was succeeded by S. P. Verner. 1897, p. 21. Under the stress of financial stringency, the Execu¬ tive Committee has thought it wise to close for a time the academic department, and confine its work to instruction in theology only, and this to but ten of the most promising candidates. Your committee would recommend that this action of the Execu¬ tive Committee be approved; but suggest that the Assembly direct the opening of the academic department as soon as the way is clear, and that the development along the line indicated by the superin¬ tendent, be pursued by the Executive Committee at the earliest period practicable. Adopted. 711. Tuscaloosa Institute placed under the supervision of the Ex¬ ecutive Committee of Colored Evangelization 1893, p. 30. Resolved, That the present conduct of the Insti¬ tute be suspended at the close of the current session; the future management and supervision of it be placed entirely in the hands of the Executive Committee of Colored Evangelization; the Manual of Rules of this committee be amended so as to conform with the new management, and that the Executive Committee appoint a Board of Trustees, consisting of three members, which shall hold and protect all property interests. P. 29. Authority was given the Executive Committee to remove the Institute to Birmingham, Ala., whenever it seems advisible and practicable to do so without detriment to the cause for which the Institute was founded. In 1894, page 257, the Committee reported that the way has not as yet seemed clear to effect this removal, and that it had taken steps toward the revision of the Manual as above directed. In 1894, page 233, the Manual as revised was approved by the Assembly. Secs. 710-716] Colored Evangelization 331 712. Change in the Superintendent of the Institute 1894, p. 257. In July, 1893, Rev. A. L. Phillips, Secretary of the Executive Committee on Colored Evangelization, succeeded Dr. Stillman as Superintendent of Tuscaloosa Institute. The Executive Committee, in view of his resignation, hereby re¬ cords its full appreciation of the patient, self-denying, and wise management of the Institute by the Rev. C. A. Stillman, D. D., for sixteen years its Superintendent, and of the inestimable service he has thereby done the cause of Christ and the poor; as also its sense of the great value of the services of Revs. J. G. Praigg, D. D., and R. B. McAlpine, as the faithful and painstaking professors in the seminary. Adopted. The name of the Institute, in 1894, was changed to Stillman In¬ stitute in honor of its late Superintendent. Dr. Stillman served as Superintendent of the Institute from 1876- 1893, and' Dr. Phillips served from 1893-1898. The faculty changes since 1887 are as follows: Rev. D. D. Sanderson, D. D., resigned in 1893, having served four years. Rev. J. G. Praigg, 1886-1893; Rev. J. R. Howerton, 1887-1889; Dr. Sanderson, 1889; Rev. R. B. McAlpine, 1889-1898; Rev. A. L. Phillips, 1893-1898; Rev. S. P. Verner, 1894- 1895; Rev O. B. Wilson, 1895-1900.— A. 713. Dr. Snedecor The Committee has sustained another sore loss in the resignation of the Rev. J. G. Snedecor, first as Superintendent of Colored Evangelization, and later as Principal of Stillman Institute. The Assembly would record its high appreciation of the splendid service rendered our Church and the colored people by Dr. Snedecor during the years he was connected with this work. \ 714. Permanent quarters for Stillman Institute 1898, p. 236. We recommend the approval of the purchase of the Cochrane homestead as the permanent quarters of the Stillman Institute, and express the hope that arrangements may be made at once for thorough academic: as well as theological training. 715. Changes in the Institute 1899, p. 436. The Assembly gives its approval to the changes made by this Committee in Stillman Institute, namely, the opening of the Academic Department to such male pupils as desire to enter, and to girls under fourteen years of age; also the requirement that each student shall earn his board by laboring on the farm, and shall bear all his other expenses himself instead of relying upon the Committee for support. 716. Work of the Institute 1900, p. 636. In addition to the instruction of a spiritual and 332 Home Missions [Book IV intellectual kind imparted at the Stillman Institute, we are pleased to note the industrial feature, which conduces not only to the cur¬ tailment of the expense of the institution, but also to the cultivation of a spirit of independence and self help; we would also commend the Preacher's Institute and Summer School as valuable agencies in the furtherance of the work. In this connection, the following state¬ ment of the Executive Committee is worthy of special attention : “We might note here that as far as we have any knowledge, no Southern man has ever given or bequeathed any considerable sum for the benefit of the negro religiously or educationally.” 1911, p. 35. Stillman Institute since its beginning has had 600 students and 139 graduates: of these, 65 are Presbyterians, 41 Methodists, and 333 Baptists. During the past year the attendance has numbered 60. About 30 of these expect to enter the ministry. Of the graduates, 53 are actually engaged in evangelistic work in the Presbyterian Church, or with affiliated Churches, and we request the Assembly’s Executive Committee of Home Missions to devise measures for the encouragement and better equipment of this school. 1913, p. 59. The second year of Colored Evangelistic Work under this Committee shows that the plan is working well. Rev. J. G. Snedecor, LL. D., Superintendent of the Colored Work, has charge of Stillman Institute. This institution has now two professors and thirty candidates for the ministry. Its equipment is “almost a men¬ ace to health as well as unsuitable for the best work.” “The Execu¬ tive Committee has purchased a tract of 250 acres of land near Tuscaloosa at a cost of $8,000.00, paying $2,500.00 cash and giving notes for the balance.” It is their purpose to sell the old plant as soon as practicable. 1920, p. 43. The Assembly will be pleased to note progress in the work of Stillman Institute. A new residence has been erected; homes are now provided for three teachers; improvements to the extent of $2,000 in the homes already existing have been made. Sixty acres of good land adjoining the present property have been purchased, giving us a holding now of 110 acres. 717. Training School for Negro Girls 1920, p. 43. For several years the Home Mission Committee has had under consideration the establishment and conducting of a train¬ ing school for Negro girls in connection with Stillman. Now at last it would seem that the purpose of the Committee to erect this school for Negro girls is about to be realized. The Committee has been promised $20,000 by the General Educational Board of New York on condition that the sum of $40,000 be raised by our Church. Practically one-half of this money is now subscribed, and we trust by another year the Committee will be able to report this training school in operation. 1922, p. 40. New dormitory completed. Secs. 716-722] Colored Evangelization 333 718. Local Advisory Board of Trustees for Stillman Institute 1920, p. 46. In response to an overture from the Executive Com¬ mittee of Home Missions, requesting that the Assembly permit the Executive Committee to appoint a local Advisory Board of Trustees for the supervision of Stillman Institute in matters of detail dele¬ gated to them, your Committee recommends an affirmative answer. 719. Self-support 1902, p. 293. It is proposed, beginning with the session to open next December, to put the students entirely upon their own resources as to their support while attending school. The Assembly approved of the policy of the Executive Committee in fastening the industrial feature so firmly upon all of its educa¬ tional work, and asked from all our people their sympathetic interest in, and support of, this kind of negro education. 720. Importance of the Institute 1903, p. 485. We would emphasize the supreme importance of Stillman Institute as the key to our whole success. The training of a godly and intelligent ministry out of their own race is our hope for the negro’s evangelization. 721. Title to Stillman property 1909, p. 57. That the existing confusion in the titles of property concerned in this work, be cured by making the Executive Com¬ mittee the Trustee and Depository of the title of all property, and that they be authorized to take transfers of all titles to themselves. That the Trustees of the Assembly be authorized to transfer by deed to the Executive Committee such titles as they may now hold: that the Trustees of Stillman Institute be authorized to transfer the property now held by them to the Executive Committee. 722. New Site for Stillman Institute 1913, p. 61. We recommend that the title of Stillman Institute be continued in the Trustees at Tuscaloosa, and that the part of this property that has hitherto been held by the Executive Committee of Colored Evangelization be now conveyed to the Trustees mentioned above, to hold for the Executive Committee of Home Missions. And also that the action of the Home Mission Committee directing the sale of the property now occupied by the Institute for the sum of forty thousand ($40,000.00) dollars be approved, and that the- purchase of a larger and more suitable site lately made by the Home Missions Committee be approved, and that the Executive Committee of Home Missions direct the expenditure of the sum received for the old site in the erection of new and suitable equipment for Still¬ man Institute. 334 Home Missions [Book IV 1914, p. 44. The Executive Committee has negotiated a tentative sale of the present property of Stillman Institute and has purchased 250 acres of land at a cost of little more than $8,000, upon which $5,000 has already been paid . It is the purpose of the Executive Committee to erect within the next twelve months a new and greater “Stillman,” with a modern and up-to-date plant, which will be a credit to the work and to our Church. 1917, p. 45. That the following resolution, touching the farm owned by Stillman Institute and timber thereon, be adopted : Be it Resolved , By the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, in annual meeting assembled in the City of Birmingham, in the State of Alabama: That the action of the Trus¬ tees of the Stillman Institute, and of the Executive Committee of Home Missions, in selling certain timber from the farm owned by said Institute, near the City of Tuscaloosa, in- Tuscaloosa County, State of Alabama, be, and the same is hereby, fully ratified' and in all things confirmed; and that the Trustees of Stillman Institute be directed to transfer the title to said farm to the Executive Committee £>f Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. Be it further Resolved , That this resolution be copied into the Min- lutes of this meeting and that a certified’ copy of the same be sent to E. B. Nuzum, one of the Trustees of the Stillman Institute, at Tusca- Joosa, Alabama, to be by him delivered to the purchaser of said timber. i 72 3. Dr. Stillman. 1895, p. 397. This Assembly desires to place on record its ap¬ preciation of the invaluable services rendered by the Rev. C. A. Stillman, D. D., to the cause of Colored Evangelization, and its sense of the great loss which the cause has sustained in the death of this venerable saint. On p. 443 is to be found an elaborate summary of Dr. Stillman’s life and of his services to Colored Evangelization, and his honorable career as virtual founder, first instructor and long the faithful Super¬ intendent of the Institute which now bears his name. 724. Changes in the organization of Stillman Institute 1895, p. 397. This Assembly approves of the changes adopted in the organization of the Stillman Institute, viz., the employment of Mr. S. P. Verner as teacher of the Academic Department, the adoption of the feature of self-support, and gives its consent to the establishment of a Normal Department in the Institute for the train¬ ing of missionary teachers upon the proposed basis. The Assembly hereby authorizes the Executive Committee to sell the old building and lot belonging to the Institute, and the Trustees of the Assembly are instructed to sell said property upon the demand of the Executive Committee. 725. The Ferguson-Williams College 1895, p. 398. The Assembly refers the whole matter of the pur¬ chase of the school of Rev. E. W. Williams, of Abbeville, S. C., to Secs. 722-725] Colored Evangelization 335 the Executive Committee of Colored Evangelization, with instruc¬ tions to act a;s they see proper. 1896, p. 631. The Executive Committee say: After careful per¬ sonal investigation by the Secretary, and careful consideration by us, it was Resolved, 1, This committee approves of the purchase of Williams school property upon favorable terms, provided the church in South Carolina or elsewhere will undertake the payment of the debt and the expense of carrying on the school without infringing on the income of this Committee for its regular work; Resolved, 2, That the Secretary, Dr. J. Lowrie Wilson and Dr. J. S. Watkins be appointed to select a committee to canvass the church on this subject and ascertain its mind. This committee appointed the Rev. S. L. Wilson, of Abbeville* S<, C., to undertake this canvass. Having secured the consent of his- churches, he entered on the work and visited the Presbyteries and some' churches of that Synod to raise funds. This whole matter came up before the Synod of South Carolina, which approved of the purchase and accepted the sum of $2,000 as its share of the whole amount needed. P. 605. The Assembly adopted the following: It is represented that this valuable property can be purchased for the sum of seven thousand dollars ($7,000) ; of this amount we are gratified to learn that the sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000) has been pledged by the Synod of South Carolina, part of which has been raised. In view of the importance of such a college to our church in the furtherance of the education of our colored people, thereby binding them still closer to us, we recommend that the Executive Committee be authorized to raise the remaining five thou¬ sand dollars ($5,000). 1897, p. 21. Your committee would recommend that, as soon as the way is clear, the amount of $5,000, determined by the last Assembly, be raised for the purchase of this institution. 1898, p. 238. The question of the purchase of the institution was referred to the Executive Committee, with power to act. 1899, p. 459. The committee reported that it had been found impossible to undertake the purchase of the school. The Assembly approved this course (p. 436). 1902, p. 292. The Executive Committee arranged for the pur¬ chase of this school, in conjunction with the Synod of South Caro¬ lina. See also 1903, p. 485. 1910, p. 52. The Assembly consented to the sale of the Fergu- son-Williams College at Abbeville, S. C., and in the event of such sale the appropriation of the proceveds shall be left to the direction of the Committee on Colored Evangelization, it being understood, however, that in the event of the college being moved to a new site, it is the sense of the Assembly that the controlling interest in the college shall be retained by the Assembly. 1911, p. 37. We recommend that the Assembly’s Home Mission Committee continue their fostering care of the Ferguson- Williams 336 Home Missions [Book IV Polytechnic School, Abbeville, S. C., and recommend this school to the generous interests of our Church. (a) We note with appreciation the gift of $3,000 through Rev. E. W. Williams from an unknown donor for the equipment of the Ferguson-Williams Polytechnic College at Abbeville, S. C. With the encouragement thus given, a reorganization of the school has been effected and the administration of its affairs has been placed in the hands of a Board of Trustees of which Rev. W. H. Frazer, D. D., is President, and Amos B. Morse, Secretary and Treasurer. (b) We recommend that the request of the Trustees of this school, that the property at Abbeville, S. C., be transferred to them, for the Afro-American Church, be granted, with the understanding that the property be not alienated or encumbered. The property consists of a lot in the City of Abbeville, S. C., on which there is a three-story brick building, worth about $3,000. 1912, p. 45. Of the overtures which came into the hands of your Standing Committee, one was from the Board of Trustees of the Ferguson-Williams Polytechnic College, at Abbeville, S. C. This overture recites the fact that the General Assembly of 1911 gave to that board permission to sell a certain house and lot in Abbe¬ ville for the benefit of the Afro-American Church, but so worded the permission as to make it impossible for the board to give good title to the property in case of sale. Wherefore, the board now re¬ quests that this General Assembly transfer to the said Board of Trustees, of which Rev. W. H. Frazier, D. D., is President, and Elder Amos B. Morse is Secretary and Treasurer, the above men¬ tioned property with the right to sell the same and use the proceeds in improving the property purchased with a gift of $3,000.00 recently made to Rev. E. W. Williams for the enlargement and better equipment of this school. Your committee recommends that the request be granted and that the General Assembly by this action transfer said property to the Board of Trustees of the Ferguson-Williams Polytechnic College, to be disposed of by them for the purpose specified. 1919, p. 42. That the Assembly approve and authorize the sale of the Ferguson-Williams Normal and Polytechnic College, Abbe¬ ville, S. C., on terms specified as follows: “Whereas, The Home Mission Committee has for sale a certain lot and parcel of land, situated in the City of Abbeville, State of South Carolina, fronting on street running from J. F. Miller’s property and in rear of lots occupied by C. A. Yisansky and others, and which was conveyed to the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. by Allen J. Smith and the National Bank of Abbeville, by deed duly recorded in Book No. 22, pages 701 and 702, in the office of the Clerk of the Court of Abbeville County, and to which said deed reference is made for a more particular description thereof, to G. A. Nauffer and R. D. Link or their assigns, at the price of $2,500.00, be it resolved: “That the trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. be, and are hereby, authorized and empowered to execute a deed in due form conveying the said lot to the said G. A. Nauffer and R. D. Link, or to such person or persons as they may Sec. 725] Colored Evangelization 337 direct, and that the purchase money for the said lot be paid to the Executive Committee of Home Missions. “That the said deed be executed by the President and the Secretary of the Trustees of the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Cjhurch in the U. S. in due form of law.” 1920, p. 44. In order to adjust the matter of the sale of the land belonging to the school for colored people heretofore located at Abbeville, S. C., and for the purpose of transferring that school to its new location, the following action is hereby adopted by the Gen¬ eral Assembly, authorizing the sale of the property and the execu¬ tion of deed by the Trustees of the General Assembly and by the Trustees of the former Afro-American Presbyterian Church to the purchaser of said property. Resolution by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States Whereas, the Afro-American Presbyterian church, organized by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United' States, formerly owned a tract of forty acres of land, near the city of Abbe¬ ville, S. C., which property belonged to said Afro-American Church, its successors and assigns, and Whereas, the said Afro-American Presbyterian Church has been converted into the Snedecor Memorial Synod and has become a con- stitutent part of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and all its property and other belongings are subject to the control of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and Whereas, a sale of the forty acres of land above referred to has been arranged at a satisfactory and reasonable price by the repre¬ sentatives of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, Now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, That the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States be, and they are hereby, authorized and directed to sell and convey the premises here¬ inafter mentioned, Resolved, further, That George E. Wilson, President of the Board of Trustees, and John R. Pharr, Secretary of the Board, be, and they are hereby, authorized and directed to execute a deed to the purchaser of said premises upon the purchase price being paid over to the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. Resolved, further, That the said Trustees be authorized and directed to pay any necessary expenses in connection with the sale of said property. The property to be conveyed is described as follows: All that tract or plantation of land, situated, lying and being in the County of Abbeville, in the State of South Carolina, containing forty acres, more or less, and being bounded by lands of Mrs. Fannie J. Marshall, estate lands of Jas. Edward Calhoun, Dr. L. T. Hill and Wilson street, being the same land conveyed by Mrs. (Belle Chapman to the Afro-American Presbyterian Church. The following additional action is taken by the General Assembly: Whereas, the Board of Trustees of the School for Colored People at Abbeville, S. C., formerly connected with the Afro-American Presby¬ terian Church (since changed to the Snedecor Memorial Synod as a constitutent part of the Presbyterian Church in the United States) consisting of Jas. I. Vance, W. H. Frazer, A. (B. Morse, and btheis, has vacancies in its number and cannot assemble for the transaction of business pertaining to its duties and responsibilities. 338 Home Missions [Book IV 1. Therefore , he it Resolved , That the said Board of Trustees of the Abbeville School is hereby reorganized by the appointment of the following members to constitute its Board of Trustees, namely: Jas. I. Vance, W. H. Frazer, A. B. Morse, S. Li Morris, John R. Blake and J. Allen Smith. 2. That S. L. Morris be named as President of this Board and A. B. Morse, Secretary and Treasurer, and that three constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 3. That the said Board of Trustees be authorized to meet upon the call of the President and take such legal steps as may be neces¬ sary to transact any business, such as the signing of papers, the transferring of property, and any other matters pertaining to the affairs of the Abbeville School for Colored' People, and (that all acts of said Board hereinafter taken pertaining to the school shall be recognized as authoritative and legal by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. 726. Auxiliary Schools 1908, p. 17. The Assembly approved of the Committee’s plan to establish auxiliary schools whenever the means to do so are in hand, provided that said plan does not include the abolishing of the academic department of Stillman Institute. 727. To be studied in Women’s Societies 1908, p. 17. The Assembly calls the attention of Ladies’ Home and Foreign Missionary Societies to this work as peculiarly need¬ ing their interest, aid and prayers, and urges that it be placed in the list of topics to be studied, and recommends that the Assembly’s Secretary of Colored Evangelization attend and address these Societies as the way may be opened. See also 1909, p. 57. 728. Work in Cities 1910, p. 52. Your committee would respectfully submit to the Assembly the opinion that the hour has struck when we must either cease to assert that we know more about the negro problem and its right solution than any other peopie, or we must begin to show to the world by our works that we are at least familiar with some of the rudimentary facts and principles involved in the solution of this problem of the evangelization of the negro in the South. Your committee would recommend that our Presbyterial Corm mittees on Colored Evangelization be urged to follow the example of Louisville Presbyterial Committee on Colored Evangelization, and by agitation and education endeavor to lead churches and pastors to begin aggressive work for colored evangelization within their bounds. That the success of such missions under the superintendence of Rev. John Little encourages us to believe that similar work might be accomplished in other of our larger cities. 729. Louisville Mission 1911, p. 35. There has been a very commendable effort to es¬ tablish Sunday Schools among the colored people, taught by white Secs. 725-732] Colored Evangelization 339 people. These schools now number 30, the largest mission of this kind being in Louisville, Ky., to which Rev. John Little gives hi« entire time. He has an average attendance weekly of 750, and a force of 55 white teachers. This movement seems very wise and full of encouragement, and is to be greatly commended. We are sure that the visit of the members of this Assembly to the Sunday School exercises of this work in Louisville on Sunday, May 21st, has greatly increased the interest of the Church in this very noble work. 1912, p. 59. The Rev. John Little has continued his magnificent work at Louisville, Ky., assisted by the Rev. W. H. Sheppard, D. D., formerly missionary to the Congo. This Louisville work is a model as to what can be done and should be done for the colored people all over the South. Similar work has been undertaken on a smaller scale in Atlanta, Ga., and Richmond, Va. 1920, p. 44. The splendid work that has been done in Louis¬ ville, Kentucky, among the Negroes has inspired other cities to en¬ gage in a like effort. 730. Southern Inter-Racial Committee 1920, p. 45. In response to the address of Rev. Plato T. Dur¬ ham, D. D., on the work of the Southern Inter-Racial Committee, we desire heartily to commend to our pastors and people this effort to bring to our inter-racial relations the spirit and principles of Jesus Christ, and request the co-operation of our people in the work of their local committees as far as possible. 1921, p. 80. 1. The General Assembly re-affirmed with the great¬ est possible earnestness the resolution adopted by the Charlotte Assembly concerning the work and aims of the Southern Inter-Racial Commission in commending to our pastors and people the effort to bring to our inter-racial relations the spirit and principles of Jesus Christ, and 2. called the attention of our people to the necessity of maintaining justice and righteousness between the races in America; we believe that the Inter-Racial Commission, led by Southern men, is wise in the promotion of Conference and Co-operation between white and colored leaders in local communities, and we urge our people to encourage the work in their local communities, and particularly do we urge the co-operation between white and colored ministers. 731. Combined with Home Missions 1910, p. 21. In accordance with the recommendation of the Ad Interim Committee on the Co-ordination of the Executive Commit¬ tees, it was decided to combine Colored Evangelization with Home Missions. VIII. THE FRONTIER 732. Texas 1878, p. 628. The special attention of the Committee^ was called to Texas, as a wide and growing field, demanding and deserving all 340 Home Missions [Book IV the aid that could be afforded, consistently with the claims of other parts of the Church. The Assembly expressed entire satisfaction with the importance heretofore given by the Executive Committee to this field, and hoped it would be still more pronounced, because of the pressing wants, and because the rapidly increasing population would soonest return the money spent upon it with interest, to be distributed in other parts of the Church. 733. Evangelistic work in Texas 1881, p. 371. The Standing Committee on Home Missions, to whom was referred the memorial and petition of the Presbytery of Western Texas, recommended the reference of this memorial to the Executive Committee on Home Missions, at Baltimore, with the earnest hope that the Committee might be able to throw four or five evangelists into the broad and destitute territory indicated in said memorial, and in order to their maintenance, the churches were urged to make early and liberal contributions to this special object Adopted. 1882, p. 585. The Treasurer of the Executive Committee reported $2,193.28 contributed as a special fund for Tex'as evangelists. The receipts for the next year were $656, of which $513, remaining over after all obligations were discharged, was transferred to the regular fund. 734. Florida and the Red River country 1884, p. 233. The Presbytery of St. Johns memorialized the Assembly to make special provision for Florida. Though your committee is in thorough sympathy with the general purpose of the memorial, it is of the opinion that it is inexpedient to make one field an especial object of contribution, and to bind the Executive Committee to specific appropriations. Adopted. 1885, p. 422. Overture from St. Johns Presbytery: While your committee has no doubt that the Executive Committee of Home Missions has granted all reasonable applications to the extent of its ability, yet it commends to the Executive Committee the impor¬ tance of Florida as a home missionary field. And in view of the touching appeal made by the commissioner from Red River Presby¬ tery, the attention of the Executive Commitee is also specially ca’»ed to the destitutions existing in that field. 735. Transfer of the Indian work from Foreign to Home Mis¬ sionary control 1889, p. 611. The transfer of the Indian Mission from the con¬ trol of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions to the control of the Executive Committee of Home Missions, having been author¬ ized by a former General Assembly, and terms agreed upon prudent and just and satisfactory to both Committees, this General Assembly Secs. 732-737] The Frontier 341 hereby instructs the Committees to consummate the change as speedily as practicable. 1890, p. 77. The last Assembly accepted the proposition made by the Foreign office, and transferred this work to the Home office, the Foreign office agreeing to pay over to the Home office $6,500 for the first year, and to reduce that amount to $1,000 each year, until the entire responsibility for the financial support of that work shall be transferred from the Foreign office to the Home office. Our work lies in that portion of the territory known as Choctaw and Chickasaw. pP. 55, 78. The Indian work was put under evangelistic de¬ partment in the central office. 1913, p. 59. The Southern Church has been working among the Indians for fifty years, confining its labors, however, to the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations. 736. Mission Work beyond the bounds of organized Presbyteries Evangelistic work having been begun in New Mexico in 1894 (see 1895, p. 441), by Dallas Presbytery, the Assembly adopted the following: 1895, p. 406. The providence of God having opened the way for the extension of our church beyond the bounds of its organized Presbyteries, the following paragraph is hereby added to Section IV. of the Manual: “The support of Home Missions fields lying beyond the bounds of organized Presbyteries shall be directly under the care of the Central Committee.” 737. Home Missions among the Mexicans and elsewhere 1895, p. 406. In view of the unique character of the work among the Mexicans in the Presbytery of Western Texas, the Execu¬ tive Committee is instructed to make special appropriations for that work, irrespective of the amount appropriated for ordinary Home Mission work within its bounds, and to make this appropriation as liberal as the necessities of the work require, and as the funds in the treasury will justify. 1913, p. 59. The Texas-Mexican work “now has 22 Mexican churches, 1,200 communicants, served by four American mission¬ aries and six native Mexican pastors.” Italian work has been begun in Kansas City, and in Louisiana the Presbytery of New Orleans is a polyglot Presbytery. The gospel in that Presbytery is preached Sabbath by Sabbath in English, German, French, Italian and Hungarian. Also there is preaching1 in Spanish, and there is mission work among the Syrians and the Chinese. This last, how¬ ever, is done by the local churches. There is also a successful work for the Italians in Birmingham, Ala. ; but all of these fields need more money than the Committee has been able to expend. The Com¬ mittee has also a mission among the Cubans at Tampa; among the Home Missions 342 [Book IV Hungarians in Virginia; among the Russians in Texas, and among the Germans in Georgia. 1920, p. 45. The Committee also recommends, in response to a request coming to us through C. R. Womeldorf, of our Mexican work, asking the General Assembly to establish at its earliest con¬ venience a Christian and Biblical Training School for Mexicans, to prepare them for the work of teaching and preaching, that the Assembly commend to the Trustees of the Austin Theological Semi¬ nary the establishment of such an institution as soon as they may find it practicable. 738. Oklahoma 1901, p. 42. Oklahoma was included in our Home-Mission field, and the Executive Committee was directed to make such investiga¬ tions as would enable it to undertake the work intelligently in that territory. 1902, p. 280. A general evangelist shall be supplied by the Exec¬ utive Committee, and, under its special direction, to labor in Okla¬ homa, and also, as superintendent of missions, looking to the organ¬ ization of churches, and the general immediate advance of our work. 1918, p. 42. Oklahoma Synod led all the Synods in the Church’s great drive for benevolence. 1913, p. 58. Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma contain about one- fourth of the population of the South, and our Church has only about forty thousand cordmunicantsl in this large territory. Still, the churches are growing. However, the opportunities are so many and so great that we are grieved that lack of men and money pre¬ vents our taking charge of this great territory. 739. Dutch Reformed work in Oklahoma transferred to our Committee 1911, p. 36. The Dutch Reformed Church has been trying to establish itself in Oklahoma for a few years, but having a small constituency, that Church has retired from the field, transferring their membership and property to our Church at only a nominal cost. We commend and approve the Executive Committee’s action in furthering this transfer, their aid to this end, and we pray for God’s continued and abundant blessing upon the great Home Mis¬ sions work of our Church. 740. West Virginia 1918, p. 31. The economic developments of our day are creat¬ ing frontier conditions in the East as urgent as those in the West. Seventy-two per cent, of the population of West Virginia is out of the Church. “There are over three times as many unsaved people per square mile in West Virginia as there are in Africa, and over five times as many as there are per square mile in South America.” Similar appalling conditions of spiritual destitution obtain in other Synods. CHAPTER III CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND MINISTERIAL RELIEF 741. The Executive Committee of Education constituted 1861, p. 23. Resolved , 1, That this General Assembly solemnly reaffirms the deliverances made in its former connection concerning the responsibility that rests on the Church to secure and maintain for itself a pious, gifted, and learned ministry. Resolved , 2, That this Assembly do appoint an Executive Com¬ mittee to aid candidates for the gospel ministry who may need as¬ sistance. An organization was adopted, which may be found in the Minutes at this point, or in Alexander’s Digest, 1897, p. 180. 742. The work turned over to a provisional committee 1863, p. 134. 1. The Assembly approved of the prudence and judgment of Dr. Gray, the Secretary of Education, in appointing so suitable a provisional committee, and in transferring the funds to Columbia, S. C., for greater safety; as, from the presence of the enemy in Memphis, it was impossible for him either to dis¬ charge his duties as Secretary or to preserve the funds in safety. 2. The investment of the funds by the provisional committee was approved. 3. The Assembly concurred with the Committee in urging upon our churches the continued collection of funds for Education, as the demand will probably, at no distant day, be very great for them, and it is wise thus to lay by in store, that there be nothing wanting. 743. The Executive Committees of Education and Publication united 1863, p. 134. It was decided that, for the present, the Committee of Education and that of Publication be united under one manage¬ ment, as the labors of each are very light, and one Secretary and Committee can discharge them both. 1867. It comes clearly within the province of the organized Church of God to look after the mental as well as the moral cul¬ ture of the people of God, with a view to their highest attainment in active, vital piety. The Church should elevate its standards of learning and widen its domain in prosecuting the educational interest of the people ever whom it exerts a controlling influence. 744. Location of the Executive Committee changed 1867, p. 135. An overture asking to have the Committee of Education again located at the city of Memphis. 344 Education and Relief [Book IV Answer: The Assembly cannot approve of the change desired. P. 147. The Assembly provided that, in case the Committee of Publication should be removed to Baltimore, the Committee of Ed¬ ucation should be likewise removed, and appointed a provisional Executive Committee in Baltimore to serve in that contingency. 1870, p. 534. Overture relative to the separation of the Exec¬ utive Committees of Publication and Education, and the removal of the Education Committee to another point than Richmond, which overture was referred to the Standing Committees on Publication and Education. The Standing Committee on Publication believes it would be inexpedient to make any change in these Committees. Adopted. 1870, p. 535. Overtures touching the propriety of the division of the Committees of Education and Publication, and whether it would not be for the interest of the Church to establish the Com¬ mittee of Education at Memphis, or some other convenient point in the Southwest. Answer : The present condition and promising prospects of this great and vital interest attest the blessing of God, and the industry, capacity and fidelity of our Executive Committee; the circumstances and exigencies of our Church demand and require the utmost econ¬ omy in the collection and disbursement of her alms and offerings; there seems to be no imperative or general call for such change, and therefore it is at present inexpedient to make the change proposed in the above overtures. 1874, p. 515. Resolved, That the Executive Committee of Edu¬ cation shall be located at some central point in the great western field, and it shall be the duty of the Secretary, in addition to vis¬ iting the Presbyteries and Synods for the purpose of raising funds, to act as a medium of communication between our candidates and the Presbyteries, for the purpose of securing prompt and remuner¬ ative employment for our candidates during their vacations. Mem¬ phis was chosen as such point. 1879, p. 37. Overture asking the removal of the office from Memphis to some city where its business will not be liable to inter¬ ruption from frequent epidemics. The Assembly declined to make any change. 1880, p. 211. The Assembly declined to remove the Committee from Memphis to Nashville. 1891, p. 231. The Assembly declined to change the location of the Executive Committee from Memphis to Richmond. 1912, p. 31. We recommend that overture asking that the Exec¬ utive Committee be moved to South Carolina or Georgia, with a view to securing 8 per cent, interest on investments of the Endow¬ ment Funds, be answered in the negative. 745. Name of the Executive Committee changed 1893, p. 23. The Assembly directed that the name of the Exec- Secs. 741-745] Education and Relief 345 utive Committee be changed to “Committee of Education for the Ministry.” 746. Consolidation of Education and Ministerial Relief 1903, p. 507. A request for this consolidation was declined for the present. 1904, pp. 44, 46. It was decided to combine these causes, the joint Committee to be located at Louisville and to take charge Sep¬ tember 1, 1904. 1905, p. 16. The Assembly declined to separate these causes. 747. Change of Name 1910, p. 24. The Executive Committee of Ministerial Educa¬ tion and Relief was directed to take the necessary legal steps fo have its name changed to that of Christian Education and Minis¬ terial Relief. 1922, p. 53. The request of overture from the Presbytery of Enoree, asking that the name of the Executive Committee be changed to read: “Committee of Ministerial Education and Ministerial Service Fund” was declined. 748. Travelling agent not the best plan 1869, p. 410; 1870, p. 558. A travelling agent was employed for a while, but was not able to accomplish what was desired. The Committee was convinced that “patient perseverance in carrying out the plans devised by the Church for systematic benevolence will ultimately produce the desired results, and that every effort by all the courts ought to be directed toward the wise and efficient admin¬ istration of those plans.” 1911, p. 53. The Overtures asking for the sending out of two young men to visit our schools and colleges with the view of secur¬ ing recruits for the gospel ministry, were answered in the negative, with the statement that this important work is already being done by the Executive Committee. 1912, p. 31. The overture asking that a man or men be ap¬ pointed to present the claims of the ministry to the schools and col¬ leges of the land, was answered in the negative, for the reason that the funds in the treasury are not sufficient to permit the employ¬ ment of a man or men suitable to this work. We cordially commend the Executive Committee for the wise ef¬ forts they have made in this direction without incurring the expense of the salary of a man suited to this task, and we acknowledge with gratitude to God the success which has attended this part of the work of the Committee; but to better meet the need set forth in the overture your committee would recommend that the Executive Committee continue its work of sending the Secretary and others to the Schools and Colleges of our Church and to the State Lniversi- 346 Education and Relief [Book IV ties to address the students and confer with individuals on the claims of the Gospel Ministry; and diligently use the best litera¬ ture which will be helpful in guiding into the ministry the young men whom God hath chosen for this great work. We would recommend, further, that pastors, especially those in country churches and smaller cities (the chief source of candidates for the ministry) remember the great need in their prayers in the pulpit and make faithful effort to seek out in the homes and gram¬ mar and high schools such young men as God may call into the ministry of the Word. 1914, p. 73. The Assembly authorized the Committee to em¬ ploy such men as they might find useful in carrying on any part of their work. See also 1919, p. 36. 749. The Secretary to visit Synods and Presbyteries 1882, p. 557. Resolved, That while the salary and duty of the Secretary and Treasurer shall still be determined by the Executive Committee, yet this Assembly expresses its desire for the Secretary to visit as many Synods as possible, and to see that the cause of Education is represented in all of them; and furthermore, that he pursue the same course as far as practicable in respect to the Pres¬ byteries. 750. The whole time of the Secretary to be required 1891, p. 231. There seems to be a demand for a fuller and more active conduct of the work, and for a Secretary whose whole time shall be given to it. This seems to be necessary in order that this officer may have opportunity, not only to perform office work, but, as occasion demands, be able to visit the Presbyteries, Theological Seminaries, Colleges and such churches as may be open to him. We recommend, therefore, that the General Assembly elect a Secretary for his whole time, who shall receive such salary as the Executive Committee may decide on. Adopted. 1892, p. 435. The wisdom of the last Assembly in calling for the whole time of the Secretary has been justified by the facts of the Committee’s report. I. Education for the Ministry and Mission Service 751. Beneficiary Education The subject of Beneficiary Education has been discussed at length three times in the history of our church, in 1863-4, in 1865-6 and in 1875-6. (For details, see Alexander’s Digest, 1910, pp. 181, 187, 198.) While recognizing the difficulties and defects of the system, yet the Assembly decided each time to continue this plan. The con¬ clusion in the first discussion is given in these resolutions: Resolved, 1, That, in the judgment of this General Assembly, it Secs. 748-753] Education 347 is the duty of the Church to pray unceasingly to her Head for a large increase of candidates for the gospel ministry; and when they are received at his hands, it is her further duty to provide them with a suitable education in the way of preparing them for their work, and to provide it, not as a matter of charity , but of justice to all the parties concerned. Resolved , 2, That this Assembly can discover no sufficient rea¬ son for superseding at this time the organization of the Executive Committee of Education. The second discussion produced an historical argument, show¬ ing that, in the early history of the Presbyterian Church in this country, various plans had been tried, and it was found that a central Board or Committee gave the best results. “To the Pres¬ bytery must belong the duty of recommending candidates for support from the common treasury of the Church. The chief responsibility of the Committee must attach to its office of judiciously expending the educational funds of the Church, and of keeping the Presby¬ teries advised of the condition of the work it is prosecuting for them.” This Assembly (1866) continued the Executive Committee, and appointed for it a Constitution. In 1875 the question was raised again. The conclusion is as follows: In the judgment of this Assembly, the unabated confi¬ dence of the Church is due to its educational scheme as at present organized and administered; it is only necessary for the congre¬ gations under our care to extend to it their good-will, their prayers, and their regular contributions, to secure a success which shall satisfy our people and bestow a blessing upon the world. 752. Beneficiary Education and the Manual 1894, pp. 197, 220. The Assembly appointed a committee to take into consideration the whole matter of beneficiary education, and to report to the next Assembly. P. 239. The Manual submitted by the Standing Committee, and recommended for adoption by it, was referred to this committee. 1895, p. 424. The report of this committee having been care¬ fully considered by the Standing Committee, on the recommenda¬ tion of the latter, the Manual was adopted, giving rules for the use of Presbyteries in the reception and oversight of candidates, and for the use of the Executive Committee. As these regulations have been followed by later enactments, they are not given here, but may be found in Alxandeb’s Digest 1897 (Sup¬ plement), pp. 87-90. 753. Scope of Committees work 1904, p. 46. It is the opinion of your Committee that every phase of this great work of preparation for the Gospel ministry is in a proper sense germain to the work of the Committee of Educa- Education and Relief 348 [Book IV , tion for the Ministry as ancillary to pastors and teachers without invading their specific functions and duties. 1922, p. 51. We note that the Committee is doing a work for¬ merly done by four Committees, with four secretaries or superin¬ tendents, with offices in four different cities. Every year the scope of the work has broadened and the volume of the activities increased. 754. Permanent Advisory Committee 1915, p. 34. That the General Assembly be requested to ap¬ point a Permanent Advisory Committee (with alternates) to the Executive Committee on Christian Education and Ministerial Re¬ lief, with the Executive Secretary as Chairman, to consider and re¬ port to the Executive Commfttee all matters pertaining to the edu¬ cational work of our Church; that said Committee be appointed in the first instance for a term of one year by the Assembly, and con¬ sist of sixteen members, one from each Synod; that thereafter each Synod be requested to nominate to the Assembly two men from whom their representatives may be selected; that the members from the first five Synods in alphabetical order be appointed for a term of one year, from the next five Synods for a term of two years, and from the last six Synods for a term of three years, and on the ex¬ piration of these terms all members shall be appointed for a full term of three years. The names of the Committee are published each year in the Minutes of the Assembly. That this Advisory Committee shall meet at least once a year, and further at the call of the Executive Committee. That the expenses of the Advisory Committee be met by the Ex¬ ecutive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief. That the Assembly be requested to urge each Synod to co-ordi¬ nate and articulate the educational work within its bounds as soon as possible. That the General Assembly heartily approve the action of the Ad- Interim Committee, working together with the Educational Confer¬ ence, in organizing the Presbyterian Educational Association of the South. 755. Secretaries not to be on Systematic Beneficence and Steward¬ ship Committee 1920, p. 27. We call to the attention of the General Assembly the following statement taken from the minutes of the Executive Committee: “The secretary stated that he did not feel that it was proper that the Secretaries, who were to execute the plans of the General Assembly, should be on the Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship Committee, which made the plans for the Church.” The Executive Committee, therefore, nominated Rev. W. Y. Davis as principal, and Mr. W. J. Rubel as alternate, to represent the Executive Committee on the Systematic Beneficence and Steward¬ ship Committee. Secs. 753-761] Education 349 Your Standing Committee concurs in the opinion expressed in this minute. 756. Moneys, how to be remitted and how reported 1872, p. 170. For the purpose of simplifying the business of the Committee, and presenting in a single tabular form all the Church does from year to year, it is recommended that all the ‘funds contributed to this object be forwarded to the Treasurer of the Ex¬ ecutive Committee, and reported to the Presbyterial Committee. 1885, p. 416. Your Committee (Auditing) recommend that here¬ after, should moneys be reported to the Treasurer as sent direct to students, he will make a separate note of the amounts, so as to pre¬ vent confusion. 757. Undesignated funds to be used as needed 1912, p. 55. As it appears that the work of this Committee has keen embarrassed by a scale of apportionments for undesignated funds published in advance, we recommend that in future all such undesignated funds shall be distributed by the Committee when and as the needs of its several departments are ascertained. 758. No debt to be incurred 1914, p. 73. The Assembly expressed its approval of the fixed policy of the Committee not to incur debts. 759. Regular apportionment declined 1916, p. 58. The Overture asking for a semi-annual apportion¬ ment of ten cents per member for Christian Education, was answered in the negative. 760. The Assembly declines to enlarge the powers of the Executive Committee 1875, p. 61. The Committee, which is now simply a disbursing agency, and therefore powerless to guard against the appropriation of funds to unworthy recipients, invites the Assembly to inquire as to the possibility of enlarging the powers of the Executive Commit¬ tee, so as to make them joint supervisors with the Presbyteries of the young men who are assisted by the funds of the Church. The Committee suggests that they be authorized to require quarterly re¬ ports of the standing, diligence and piety of each beneficiary. (This request was not acted on by the Assembly.) 761. Care to be used in receiving candidates 1876, p. 230. In order to secure a class of candidates for the Education and Relief 350 [Book IV ministry which shall more fully meet the requirements of the sacred office which they profess to seek — Resolved, 1, That this General Assembly enjoins it upon the Presbyteries more carefully to investigate the antecedents, and in¬ quire into the character of the candidates for the gospel ministry, (See also 1902, p. 287, and elsewhere.) 2. That the Presbyteries be advised, as a general rule, to re¬ ceive under their care no candidate for the ministry at the same meeting when the application is made. 762. Applicants before Presbyteries should have testimonials from their Sessions 1880, p. 211. With the recommendation of the Executive Com¬ mittee, that all candidates coming before Presbyteries shall bear the certificates of their Sessions, testifying to their qualifications, physical, mental and spiritual, your Committee heartily agree. Ap¬ proved by the Assembly. 1909, p. 65. We adopt the blank for “Application to be re¬ ceived under the care of Presbytery,” as suggested by the Execu¬ tive Committee, and direct that it be used by our Presbyteries. 763. Report to Presbytery from candidates 1873, p. 331. Presbyteries are urged to require of each candidate a semi-annual report to Presbytery of all funds received by him from the Assembly’s Committee, or from church collections, and to be fully informed as to the character, diligence and proficiency of all candidates for the gospel ministry under their care. 1874, p. 514. This action was enlarged by adding a request that the professors of the institutions in which the candidates are pur¬ suing their studies, should send the Presbyteries sessional reports of their character, diligence and proficiency in their studies. 1881, p. 384. The Assembly recommends: That the Presby¬ teries be very thorough in their examination of candidates as to per¬ sonal piety and views in seeking the ministry, and request the fac¬ ulty of the institution which their candidates are attending to send to the Presbyterial chairman of Education monthly statements of their deportment, and of their standing in their studies. 1888, p. 390. The committee would say that all the Presbyteries, through their Chairmen of Education, should seek to obtain from the faculties of the' institutions in which their candidates are pursuing their studies quarterly reports as to their conduct and proficiency in their studies. Similar action in 1891, p. 232. 764. The authority of the Presbytery over its candidates 1893, p. 45. Candidates are under the control and direction of Presbytery, both in regard to their conduct, and the schools, colleges Secs. 761-766] Education 351 and seminaries they shall attend, but the authority in regard to schools attended should be exercised with prudence. 1918, p. 54. We would suggest that this answer be given to the overture from the Presbytery of Muhlenburg, touching the ecclesi¬ astical relation of a candidate for the ministry: (1) The “care of the Presbytery” does not include an original jurisdiction further than the mere oversight and direction of a can¬ didate’s education and preparation for the ministry. (2) The Presbytery, when it takes a candidate under its care, assumes oversight over his education and preparation, but no juris¬ diction over his Christian life and character. Jurisdiction over this does not pass to the Presbytery, until he receives ordination. (3) It is not possible for the courts, Session and Presbytery, to hold original jurisdiction over a candidate for the ministry. We would refer the Presbytery to a most illuminating report adopted by the General Assembly of 1829 on this very subject. The report is found in Moore’s Digest, p. 560. 765. Transfer of candidate from one Presbytery to another 1888, p. 390. It is not competent for a Presbytery to receive a candidate from another Presbytery upon a certificate of good char¬ acter from two ministers of that Presbytery. 766. Candidates attending institutions beyond our bounds 1890, p. 42. The attention of the Presbyteries is urgently called to the fact that twelve of our candidates receiving aid through our Committee have been pursuing their studies in seminaries outside of our bounds. Eleven hundred dollars were thus expended last year. The tendency indicated by this fact deserves the serious and careful consideration of the Presbyteries, and we counsel that they take more watchful, and, if need be, authoritative oversight of their candidates in their course of preparation for the ministry. 1890, p. 35. The Assembly renews the expression of its clear judgment and strong desires that our candidates for the ministry pursue their studies in our own schools. And our Presbyteries are hereby earnestly requested to do all that in Christian wisdom can be done to secure this result. Every consideration of prudence and the interests of our church would seem to give emphasis to this suggestion. This action was repeated, 1891, p. 244, and reiterated in 1 892, p. 423. 1891, p. 232. In ordinary cases candidates shall be required to attend theological institutions within the bounds and under the supervision of our own church. 1893, p. 44. It is recommended that no aia be allowed to candi¬ dates pursuing their studies out of the bounds of this Assembly. 1898, p. 213. In view of the fact that our own colleges and theological seminaries afford ample facilities for the education of candidates for the ministry, the Assembly urges the Presbyteries to 352 Education and Relief [Book IV discourage attendance upon colleges and theological seminaries other than our own by candidates receiving aid; but in extraordinary cases the matter of extending aid from the Assembly’s funds to candi¬ dates for the ministry pursuing their studies in other than our own colleges and theological seminaries shall be left to the decision of the Presbyterial Committees, after consultation with the Assem¬ bly’s Executive Committee. 767. Rules for reception of candidates, etc. 1907, p. 20. The General Assembly reaffirmed as a whole the following rules governing candidates and instructed its Executivle Committee to publish and distribute the same: ‘Inasmuch as the Presbyterian Church has always rightfully de¬ manded a high grade of education for her ministry, the Assembly would express the decided conviction that the cause of Ministerial Education is fundamental to her welfare. “The attention of the Committees of Ministerial Education of the Presbyteries, and of all of our pastors and Sessions, is called to the following action by the General Assembly of our church, which reveals the care that is being taken to shield this work from abuse : THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE CANDIDATES “Each Presbytery should adopt, for the guidance of the Commit¬ tee of Ministerial Education, a set of standing rules embodying the following regulations, which the experience and wisdom of the church have shown to be important and necessary in the premises: AS TO THE RECEPTION OF CANDIDATES “The Presbytery. In order to secure a class of candidates for the ministry which shall more fully meet the requirements of the sacred office which they profess to seek, Resolved, “(1) That the General Assembly enjoins it upon the Presbyteries more carefully to investigate the antecedents and inquire into the character of the candidates for the gospel ministry. “(2) That the Presbyteries be advised, as a general rule, to re¬ ceive under their care no candidate for the ministry at the same meeting when the application is made. “The Session. All candidates coming before Presbyteries shall bear the certificates of their Sessions, testifying to their qualifica¬ tions, physical, mental and spiritual. “The Presbyterial Committee. All applications to be re¬ ceived as candidates for the ministry should be made through the Presbyterial Committee, and a sufficient time before the meeting of the Presbytery for the Committee to make a thorough investigation. “(1) As to the reputation of the applicant for piety, good prac¬ tical sense, prudence and humility; and “(2) Whether there be any physical or mental infirmities, or ec- Secs. 766-767] Education 353 centricities of character, or other defects, which are likely to inter¬ fere with his usefulness as a minister of the Gospel. “These facts should be fully and clearly reported to the Presby¬ tery at a regular meeting, and no applicant be received until such re¬ port be made. AS TO THE SUPERVISION OF CANDIDATES “Candidates under the care of Presbytery are subject to its over¬ sight, direction and control in all matters pertaining to their educa¬ tion and training for the ministry. To this end the Presbytery should, through its committee, keep in close and intimate touch with each of its candidates, and if candidates pursue their studies outside the bounds of our church or deviate from the ordinary, regular course of study, it should be only with the consent of the Presbytery, or, ad interim , of its Committee of Ministerial Education. “The Chairman of the Presbyterial Committee of Ministerial Ed¬ ucation should be instructed to obtain from the professors of theo¬ logical seminaries, colleges and schools, where our candidates may be pursuing their studies, reports of the diligence, progress and standing of each beneficiary, so that in case of any deficiency, the proper correctives may be applied without delay; and also, these reports should be forwarded to the Executive Committee of Minis¬ terial Education. AS TO FOREIGN CANDIDATES “The Assembly gives as its judgment that no candidate for the Gospel ministry should be aided by the Assembly’s Executive Com- mitteje unless the applicant be regularly and fully endorsed by the Session of his church and by his Presbytery; and further, the Sessions and Presbyteries are admonished to exercise great cau¬ tion and intelligent investigation concerning the needs, motives and character of the applicant, and the Presbyteries are requested not to receive candidates under their care who have been rejected or dropped by other Presbyteries or ecclesiastical bodies without cor¬ respondence with such Presbyteries or bodies. (1900, p. 611.) AS TO FINANCIAL AID OF CANDIDATES “Presbyteries should urge the Chairmen of Presbyterial Commit¬ tees to inquire more particularly into the financial resources of such candidates as apply for aid and urge them to draw on all private resources to complete, or at least supplement, the funds necessary for their education. “When any candidate applies for aid from the funds of the church, the Chairman of the Committee of Education of his Presbytery must sign the following express statement: “ ‘We have made careful inquiry as to his other resources of help, and find that he will need the above sum to meet necessary ex¬ penses. “ ‘Should he receive aid from other sources, rendering the full t 354 Education and Relief [Book IV appropriation unnecessary, the Executive Committee will be noti¬ fied and the appropriation may be reduced.’ AS TO REFUNDING MONEY BY CANDIDATES “The Presbyteries should give all their candidates to understand that they are under a moral obligation to* pay back the m,oney they receive from the church if they do not enter her service. “The Presbyteries should exercise due diligence in assisting to collect back funds appropriated on their recommendation to candi¬ dates who have abandoned preparation for the ministry, except it be on account of unavoidable providences. AS TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE “In order to bring the Executive Committee into close relations with the work as it is cared for in any of its phases by the Pres¬ byteries, the Presbyteries are directed to send to the Executive Com¬ mittee, through their Chairmen of Education, abstracts or copies of all matters pertaining to the work of Ministerial Education, such as the reception of candidates, their progress, scholastic standing, and all other such information as shall help the Committee in its effort to make a judicious use of the funds of the church, and especially should the Presbyteries direct full and explicit answers to be given to all inquiries which the Executive Committee may reasonably make in the prosecution of its work.” 763. Candidates in Home Mission work and as colporteurs 1900, p. 611. An overture to direct the Executive Committee • of Education to inform each applicant for aid with the view of engaging in the ministry, that a pledge will be required to give as much as two years immediately after leaving the Theological Sem¬ inary to Home Mission work in the bounds of the Presbytery to which the applicants belongs, if required to do so by the Presby¬ tery, and provided that a salary of at least $480 each year be as¬ sured. Answered in the negative, upon the ground that the Pres¬ byteries have the power to require such service in any case where, in their judgment, it is needed. 1901, p. 57. In answer to an overture asking the Assembly “to arrange such plans of co-operation between its Committees of Edu¬ cation, Publication and Home Missions, that they may give our beneficiaries employment as colporteurs in their college vacations, and supplies during their seminary vacations,” the Assembly de¬ clined to grant the request. 769. Pledges to candidates must be absolute 1878, p. 644. The attention of the Assembly was called to one great practical difficulty in the operations of the Executive Commit- Secs. 768-770] Education 355 tee of Education. The difficulty lay in the want of some satisfactory plan for closing up its financial operations each year, without leav¬ ing on hand a debt of greater or less magnitude that would eat into the contributions of the succeeding year. Only two practical meth¬ ods of solving the difficulty were suggested. One of these was to make all pledges to candidates conditional, thus leaving them in a state of uncertainty as to the amounts they would receive, till the close of the year. Such a course, it was believed, would embarrass our candidates, and, perhaps, tempt them to incur debts which, at the last moment, they might find themselves unable to discharge, and so prove unfaithful to their financial obligations. The other alternative was to make all these pledges to candi¬ dates at the beginning of the year absolute and unconditional, but of such amounts as to leave no reasonable doubt of the Committee’s ability to pay them. This course would doubtless be somewhat embarrassing to the young men in the beginning of the year, but they would have the advantage of knowing at once the extent of their resources, and could regulate their outlay accordingly. This plan seemed upon the whole the preferable one, and was recommended by the committee. If, in addition to this, the Executive Committee can manage to accumulate a small c&sh working balance, from which they can draw to meet exigencies arising from unforeseen increase of candi¬ dates, or falling off in contributions, the system would be complete, and the Executive Committee would be free from those painful em¬ barrassments that sometimes arise. Resolved, 1, That it is a fundamental principle that the Execu¬ tive Committee should never incur a debt. 2. That inasmuch as the churches and people of God are the sole sources whence funds for Education can be drawn, the Exec¬ utive Committee is not under obligation to pay more, or pledge more, than is furnished by the churches. 3. That each ecclesiastical year should close up its own finan¬ cial matters, and that it is inexpedient to levy contributions on a succeeding year to meet the deficiencies of a previous year. 4. That it appears best, on the whole, that the appropriations made by the Assembly’s Committee to each student, whether more or less ample, be positive; and therefore the Assembly recommended to the Committee so to regulate, its pledges and expenditures for the ensuing year as to secure by the end thereof a cash working bal¬ ance, such as will enable it, along with the annual collections, to make positive pledges to the candidates in the future. 1914, p. 73. The Overture asking the Assembly to instruct the Executive Committee to pay in full amounts promised candidates without scaling, was answered in the negative. 770. Maximum appropriation for each student 1871, p. 25. Resolved, That the Executive Committee be in¬ structed to adhere to the principle of aid in the contributions they 356 Education and Relief [Book IV make for the support of students; and that the maximum of said contributions, exqept in special cases, be $200 to students in theo¬ logical seminaries, and $175 to students in colleges. Hitherto the maximum had been $250. (See 1870, p. 559, and 1871, p. 59, for reasons for reduction.) The Presbytery of Montgomery asked, in 1872, p. 159, that college students might receive $200 per year, instead of $175. The Assembly did not think it prudent to change the rule. In 1877 the Executive Committee reported that it had been com¬ pelled to reduce the ordinary appropriations from $200 and $175 to $175 and $150 respectively (p. 473). The Executive Committee reported, in 1879, p. 74, that in carrying out the instructions! of the Assembly of 1878, to so regulate its pledges and expenditures for the ensuing year as to secure by the end thereof a cash working balance, such as to enable it, along with the annual collections, to make positive pledges to the candidates in the future, it had proceeded’ at once to regulate thei appropriations by diminishing each of them as much as $50. Appropriations to seminary students were reduced from $175 to $125, and those to college students from $150 to $100 each; and these pledges were made absolutely and un¬ conditionally. The Committee, however, further resolved that whatever amount should be found in the treasury after paying its positive pledges should be distributed pro rata among all the candidates under the care of the Committee. In 1881-’82 the Committee were able to pay $1,332 to the students in excess of the amounts promised. 1882, p. 556. Resolved, That in view of the importance of an increase of candidates, this Assembly authorizes its Executive Com¬ mittee of Education to pledge to its candidates, in both the college and seminary courses, one hundred and fifty dollars, and to those in a preparatory course fifty- dollars; but in view of these enlarged appropriations Presbyteries are urged to use great caution in re¬ ceiving candidates under their care. For the year 1886-’87 only $100 was paid to college and semi¬ nary students, and $25 to sub-collegians. To college and seminary students the amounts pledged were $100 a year, till the opening of the term of 1893-’4 when the amount of aid was fixed at $75 a year. Students yet preparatory have been given $25. 1899, p. 409. The Executive Committee was directed to continue the same appropriations to candidates as last year, namely, $75 per scholastic year, the appropriation being in the nature of a promise dependent upon the contributions of the churches, and not in the nature of a debt; no appropriations to be made to candidates who are in preparatory schools, nor to any who are not in institutions approved by their respective Presbyteries; the beneficiaries to be required to report to the Committee any financial aid received or provided for from other sources at the time so received or provided for. 1901, p. 57. In answer to an overture asking the Assembly to give to our theological students in the seminary a maximum of $100, and to those in the literary department $50 as a maximum per year, the Assembly declined to fix a maximum, but instructed the Ex¬ ecutive Committee to make an equitable distribution of the funds placed in its hands. Secs. 770-772] Education 357 1902, p. 287. The Assembly approved the action of the Execu¬ tive Committee in increasing the maximum appropriation of $75 to $85, without referring it to the Presbyteries, when late in the year they learned that the receipts would justify the increase. 1903, p. 482. The Executive Committee was instructed to us« its discretion as to the amounts to be appropriated. The determi¬ nation which candidates shall receive assistance rests entirely with the Presbyteries. The ordinary maximum appropriation shall be $90 a year. In cases in which the candidate has other resources of considerable extent the Executive Committee may make a more limited appropriation; in cases of extraordinary need the Executive Committee, acting on its own discretion, may exceed this maximum. All applications should be made upon the printed form “Form of Application” ordered by previous General Assemblies. 1904, p. 45. There was a working cash balance on hand, which enabled the Committee to extend some help to the candidates be¬ fore the November collections could be received and disbursed by the Committee. The Committee was able to give ninety dollars as the maximum appropriation to all that needed it. It was recom¬ mended that the Committee make the maximum appropriation one hundred dollars next year, if they could see their way to do so. 771. Aiding post-graduates and sub-collegians 1898, p. 213. The Executive Committee was instructed to dis¬ continue aid to academic students not in college classes. Same action in 1902 (p. 287) and 1908 (p. 56). 1907, p. 20. The Committee was instructed to give no finan¬ cial aid to students who are pursuing exclusively post-graduate studies. 1922, p. 55. We recommend that the Executive Committee be authorized to grant a maximum loan of $300 a year for two years to candidates the Master’s or the Doctor’s degree in prepara¬ tion for the work of teaching. 772. Loans to candidates 1907, p. 20. The Assembly instructed the Executive Committee to receive notes from candidates who express the desire to borrow instead of accepting money as a gift from the church for their ed¬ ucation, these notes to be without interest, and the amount of the loan for any one year not to exceed the maximum amount appropriated to candidates. 1908, p. 56. The Assembly, in response to the request of the Executive Committee, authorized the Committee to make credits on notes given by candidates, who prefer to receive money as a loan, for mission work done under the direction of the Presbytery and certified to by the Stated Clerk. 358 Education and Relief [Book IV 773. Loans to prospective! medical missionaries 1909, p. 65. On the recommendation of our Presbyteries, aid may be given to young men studying medicine with a view to ser¬ vice in our Foreign Mission Field, such aid to be given only while in the medical schools, and to be in the form of loans which shall be cancelled by this service in the foreign fields. 1912, p. 31. We would further recommend that the Assembly endorse the recommendations of the Executive Committee, that in cases of loans to young men studying in schools of medicine, with the purpose of going to the foreign field as medical missionaries, the endorsement of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions be secured, in addition to that of the Presbytery, in order that only those who are likely to be, acceptable for the work be aided from the funds of the Committee. 1913, p. 63. We recommend that the Executive Committee be authorized to include among its beneficiaries accepted candidates for our Foreign Mission work, looking forward to any branch of that work, as well as those looking forward to medical missionary work, as at present, provided such candidates are recommended and endorsed by the Committee of Foreign Missions. 1915, p. 35. That the Executive Committee be directed to in¬ clude among its beneficiaries not only accepted candidates for our Foreign Mission work, but also candidates for special service in our Home Mission fields who have already received the equivalent of a high school training and have been endorsed by the Sessions of their churches and recommended by the Presbyterian Committees of Education. 1920, p. 25. We recommend that in extraordinary cases, such as those intending to be medical missionaries, the Executive Commit¬ tee be permitted to increase its loans to an amount deemed justifi¬ able in each individual case. 1920, p. 26. We recommend that the General Assembly re-en- dorse the Three-Year Program of the Committee of Christian Edu¬ cation and Ministerial Relief, and urge that it be fully carried out. Owing to the increased cost of living, and therefore of obtaining an education, we recommend that if the funds in the hands of the Executive Committee are sufficient, the Committee be allowed to increase its annual loans from $100 a year to $150. 774. Loans to young women 1921, p. 57. The Executive Committee was instructed to grant loans to young women candidates for Mission Service who are rec- Christian Education and Ministerial Relief of the Presbytery, to ommended by the Session of their church and the Committee of the same extent, and to grant them the same credit as given candi¬ dates for the Ministry. Secs. 773-777] Education 359 775. Only the candidates of co-operating Presbyteries to be aided 1869, p. 388. Those Presbyteries which have acted independ¬ ently are requested to co-operate with the Executive Committee; and it is recommended to that Committee to withhold their aid from Presbyteries which neglect to do so, until those Presbyteries which act in union with them have their wants supplied. Under the discretion given the Committee by the Assembly of 1867, aid had been up to this time extended to those Presbyteries which did not co-operate in raising funds. But the claims upon the Commit¬ tee having so increased, and the necessity of system become so press¬ ing, they asked that the above restriction be made. — A. 776. The advancement required in order to receive aid 1870, p. 520. The Assembly approved the rule adopted by the Executive Committee as to making the appropriations prospective, and that they be not bestowed until the applicant has made some trial of his talents and gifts, etc., by having prosecuted his studies to about what is usually called the Freshman Class. 1873, p. 31 0-. Overture that the Committee limit its appropria¬ tions to such candidates as are sufficiently advanced in their studies to enter the Junior Class of our Colleges. Not granted. 1879, p. 37. Overture to instruct the Executive Committee here¬ after to furnish assistance from its funds, except in very extraor¬ dinary cases, only to such candidates for the ministry as are actually in prosecution of their theological course. This the Assembly deemed unwise, inasmuch as it would virtually shut off that class of young men which we aim to assist. With a college education young men are in a condition to help themselves, while without it they are helpless. 777. Special aid for candidates should be sent through the Execu¬ tive Committee 1894, p. 239. The Assembly earnestly urges the Sessions of its churches to send to the Treasurer of its Executive Committee of Education for the Ministry all money contributed by their respective churches, or by societies in their churches, both for the general cause of ministerial education and for special candidates; and all money contributed for a special candidate shall be forwarded to such candidate through the Assembly’s Executive Committee by the church or society making the contribution. The Assembly takes this action for the following reasons: 1, That it may know how much the church is contributing to the cause of ministerial education. 2, That each church may receive the credit to which it is entitled for its contributions. 3, That the whole church may be brought into closer touch and sympathy with the Assembly’s scheme of Education for the Ministry. 360 Education and Relief [Book IV 778. Aid from other sources to a candidate must be reported 1894, p. 239. All candidates for whom aid shall be asked from the Assembly’s Executive Committee of Education shall be required to state to their respective Presbyteries the amount of aid, if any, which they have received, or which has been promised them from any source other than the Assembly’s Committee of Education. 779. Committee may withhold aid from a candidate aided from other sources 1894, p. 239. When it comes to the knowledge of the Executive Committee of Education that aid from any other source has been received by or promised to a candidate, the Committee shall refuse to grant further aid, if in its judgment, such action is best. 1897, p. 23. While the Assetnbly does not claim to restrain the discretion or generosity of churches, individuals or societies in ren¬ dering help to candidates, it would instruct the Executive Com- mitte not to render aid to any candidate until it be advised of such aid as the candidate is receiving or expects to receive outside of the Committee’s aid, and not to grant aid to them unless it be im¬ peratively demanded by the Presbytery under whose care the can¬ didate may be for whom the aid is asked. 780. Only partial support contemplated 1897, p. 23. The Assembly would reiterate and impress upon all our Presbyteries that it is a settled principle of the Assembly not to assume the whole support of any candidate preparing for the ministry, but only to give such aid as will assist him in the prosecution of his studies and prevent his discontinuance of the same. 781. Support of special candidates 1894, p. 240. Churches and Societies in the church were urged to undertake the support of special candidates for the ministry. • 782. Aid for women in the Training Schools discontinued 1895, p. 424. The Presbytery of West Hanover asks that the Education Committee be authorized to grant aid to unmarried women who are under the care of the Executive Committee of Foreign Mis¬ sions, while prosecuting their studies in our training schools. Or¬ dered that the Executive Committee of Education be authorized to grant this aid. P. 427. The support of ladies in our training schools, preparing themselves for Christian work, is especially commended to the sympathy and liberality of Ladies’ Societies. Repeated 1896, page 611. 1896, p. 626. In accordance with the action of the last Assembly, the Committee resolved to give aid to a limited number of unmar- Secs. 778-784] Education 361 ried women preparing for foreign mission work in the training school, and that it shall be the policy of the Committee that aid will not be given such persons preparing for foreign mission work unless they are recommended by the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions. Three unmarried women were recommended for aid by the For¬ eign Mission Committee, and $75 appropriated to each; but only one attended the school of preparation, and to her was paid $75. 1897, p. 70. Three ladies received $75 each. P. 23. The Assembly directs the Executive Committee to make no further appropriation in aid of young ladies in the school at Fredericksburg, or for any other object than education for the ministry. 783. Candidates who drop should refund aid received 1879, p. 37. Resolved , That the Presbyteries exercise due dili¬ gence in assistance to collect back funds appropriated oji their recommendation to candidates who have abandoned preparation for the ministry, except it be on account of unavoidable providences. 1888, p. 390. Your committee doubts the propriety, and would not, therefore, recommend the requiring a written obligation of can¬ didates to refund the money they receive from the church in case they turn aside from the work of the ministry. Most of the candi¬ dates are under age when they are received, and such an obligation would not be binding in law, and it would seem to cast a suspicion upon their integrity. At the same time the Presbytery should give all its candidates to understand that they are under a moral obli¬ gation to pay back the money they receive from the church if they do not enter her service. Adopted. 1893, p. 45. Resolved , That in case a candidate should turn aside from his purpose to preach the gospel, Presbyteries urge such an one to refund any moneys received from the Central Committee. 784. Aid given to candidates to be considered a loan 1914, p. 74. That Overture from the Presbytery of Dallas, ask¬ ing the Assembly to change the system of Beneficiary Education so that aid given candidates for the ministry be by loan, be referred to the Ad-Interim Committee. 1916, p. 58. The Overture requesting a return to the former plan of aiding needy students for the ministry, was answered in the negative. The Overture regarding the amount of credit to be allowed min¬ isters who, while students, were aided by the Executive Committee, was answered in the negative. 1917, p. 58 The Overture from Brazos Presbytery, asking for a return to the old method of giving aid to candidates for the minis¬ try, was answered in the negative, but the present limit of salary of $1,000 as the basis for credit on loans to candidates from the Executive Committee be changed to $1,000 and a manse, or $1,200 without a manse. 362 [Book IV Education and Relief 1918, p. 34. “The Presbytery of Concord respectfully overtures the General Assembly in session at Durant, Okla., May 16, 1918: That the Assembly return to the old method of assisting candidates for the ministry.” We recommend that this' be answered in the nega¬ tive, and for the following reasons: First, the old plan, or plan of direct gift, having been given a long trial, was found unsatisfactory; second, the new plan, or plan of making loans, having been adopted and tried for a number of years, has been found superior in every way because, first, it places a premium upon the self-reliant and independent spirit of candidates and young ministers; second, it enables the Church to use money given for this purpose at least twice, and frequently oftener; third, it enhances, or at least makes more attractive, our Home Mission fields in the service of which such obligations are easily met by the Committee’s plans; fourth, because this plan is meeting with the well-nigh universal approbation of those most intimately affected thereby. 1919, p. 37. In regard to the credit allowed to our candidates for the ministry on their notes due the Committee of Education, instead of the difference between their salaries and the salary of $1,000 and manse, or $1,200 without manse, hereafter it is to be the difference between their salaries and $1,200 and manse, or $1,400 without manse; that is, $200 per annum more. 1920, p. 25. The Executive Committee now allows our candidates for the ministry, on their notes due the Committee, the difference between their salaries and the salary of $1,200 and a manse, or $1,400 without a manse. We recommend that the allowance be the difference between their salaries and $1,400 and a manse, or $1,000 without a manse; that is, $200 more per annum. 1922, p. 52. In answer to the overtures from the Synod of Texas and the Presbyteries of Piedmont, Harmony and Meridian, asking the Assembly to return to its former policy of making appropriations for aid to the candidates for the ministry as a gift instead of a loan, the Assembly adheres to the present policy, but that the rule governing such loans (see printed report, p. 133) be changed so as to read: “The amount of credit will be the amount the salary falls short of $1,600 per year and a manse, or $1,800 a year without a manse, e. g., if the salary is $1,200 without a manse, a credit of $600 will be given for each year of such service at said salary or until the indebt¬ edness is cancelled. On the recommendation of the committee of the Presbytery in which the minister labors, this obligation shall be remitted, in whole or in part, as requested by said committee of Pres¬ bytery.” In answer to the overture from the Presbytery of Western Texas, asking for changes in the form of application for loans, the Assembly sees no need for such changes. 785. The Lusk legacy Several years ago, and before the organization of our Assembly, Robert Lusk, Esq., of Walter Valley, Miss., made his will, by which v V Secs. 784-785] Education 363 he gave the undisposed of balance of his estate to be equally divided between the Board of Education and the Board of Domestic Mis¬ sions of the Old School Presbyterian Church of the United States of America, amounting, as was supposed to ten or twelve thousand dollars, subject to certain trusts expressed in the will. A large part of this legacy has been paid over to the Northern Church, and now they propose, through their Boards, to turn over the residue of the estate in the hands of the executor of the will to the Executive Committees of our General Assembly, on condition that our Church provide for the payment of an annuity of one hundred dollars to the Water Valley church, as provided for in the will, and save them from all further costs and expenses, and leaving them in possession of all they have received, freed from all the trusts in the will. The Trustees respectfully ask the instructions of the General Assembly upon this subject. (From the report of the Board of Trustees, 1873, p. 383.) P. 328. Resolved That the Trustees of the General Assembly be authorized to accept from the Board of Education of the Presby¬ terian Church in the United States of America in Philadelphia the transfer and relinquishment of one-half of the residue of the bequest under the will of Robert Lusk, deceased, of the State of Mississippi, upon the terms by said Board proposed, and the same be held by the said Trustees for the use of the Committee of Education of this General Assembly, and the interest on said sum be paid the Com¬ mittee as it accrues, in accordance with the directions in the will of said Robert Lusk, deceased, and that said Trustees of this Assembly be authorized to receipt the administration, with the will annexed, of said deceased, and the Board of Education respectively for said one-half of said residue of said bequest. 2. That the assent of the General Assembly is hereby given to the transfer to Water Valley church, in the Presbytery of North Mississippi, by the Board of Domestic Missions of New York, of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, of the one-half of the residue of the bequest made by Robert Lusk, deceased, of the State of Mississippi, to the said Board of Domestic Missions, and upon the receipt by said church of said bequest from the administration, with the will annexed, of said Robert Lusk, deceased, to be used and appropriated by said church as provided in the will of said Robert Lusk, deceased. All of which is submitted. In 1876, p. 267, the Trustees reported that this matter had been brought to a close, and that the Northern Church had executed papers of relinquishment and transfer. Thereupon it was — 1876, p. 230. Resolved, That unless some other more feasible plan be suggested, and if there be no legal obstacle in the way, the Trustees of the Assembly be instructed to turn over the legacy of the Lusk estate (the transfer of which by the Northern Assembly to our Church has just been consummated, and which amounts to about $3,000) to the Treasurer of Education, to collect and use the same for liquidating the existing debt, or otherwise, as the exigencies of the cause may require. 364 Education and Relief [Book IV 786. Presbyterial reports 1879, p. 37. It was earnestly recommended that all the Presby¬ teries furnish the Secretary, in time to incorporate them within his annual report, full statements of all amounts contributed to aid can¬ didates preparing for the ministry, so that the reports of the General Assembly may show precisely what is being done by the Church for this cause. 1899, p. 409. In order to bring the Executive Committee into closer relations with the work as it is cared for in any of its phases by the Presbyteries, the Presbyteries were directed to send to the Executive Committee, through their Chairman of Education, ab¬ stracts or copies of all matters pertaining to the work of Ministerial Education, such as reception of candidates, their progress, scholastic standing, and all other such information as shall help the Committee in its effort to make a judicious use of the funds of the church; and especially that the Presbyteries direct full and explicit answers to be given to all inquiries which the Executive Committee may reason¬ ably make in the prosecution of its work; and that the Presbyteries be again urged to adopt and follow the plan elaborated by the General Assembly of 1895, and made the Assembly’s Manual of Education in the reception and aiding of candidates. 787. The study of Greek 1902, p. 268. Attention was called to the defective preparation of many candidates in the study of Greek. 788. Address to the churches on ministerial education 1880, p. 211. Resolved, That a committee, consisting of the Moderator [Rev. T. A. Hoyt, D. D.], the Rev. J. L. Girardeau, D. D., and Rev. William Brown, D. D., be appointed to prepare an address to all our churches, setting forth the claims of the cause of Education for the Ministry in their prayers and the pecuniary bene¬ factions, and that the said address, when prepared, be published and put in circulation by the Executive Committee of Publication. Resolved, That ministers having charge of churches be requested to read the said address from their pulpits. 789. Alarming need of more ministers 1882, p. 540. In view of the alarming fact, that while, within the history of our Church never have there been so many fields of labor earnestly, but vainly, seeking ministers, there appears to be a marked diminution of the increase, if there be not a positive decrease, of the number of our candidates for the ministry; be It Resolved, 1, That this sad and alarming truth be herebv solemnly brought to the serious attention of our churches, that they may be led to call more earnestly and continually upon God (who, as Lord of the harvest, can alone with authority and power lend efficient Secs. 786-791] Education 365 aid in this our hour of need), that he raise up and qualify among us many laborers whom he will own and bless. 2. That the Church be urged to contribute liberally of her means for the education of our candidates for the ministry. 3. That the attention of Christian parents be directed to the ^especial propriety of bringing at this juncture their pious sons before the throne of Divine grace, and there tendering them unto the Lord for his peculiar service. 4. That our ministers be recommended to present earnestly and faithfully this general subject before their several charges, thus laying before both the younger men and middle-aged in our Church the urgent necessity for an increase of laborers among us. 790. Prayer for more laborers 1889, p. 622. Resolved, That the second Sabbath in October next be set aside as a day for special prayer for more laborers, and that our ministers, so far as practicable, present the cause of mis¬ sions to their respective congregations, with respect to the special need of more ministers, and call upon young men to consecrate their lives to Christ’s blessed ministry. 1891, p. 232. Resolved, That all our ministers be exhorted to preach on the first Sabbath of July, or as soon thereafter as prac¬ ticable, on the need of laborers in the great harvest-field of the world; that the claims of the gospel ministry be distinctly set forth on parents and their children, and that parents be exhorted to con¬ secrate their sons to this work, if the Lord shall call them thereto; that those having charge of schools and colleges, and who may have access to the youth in attendance thereon, shall, as occasion may offer, lay this matter before them as one of imperative importance; that parents who may be able to give their sons a liberal education, be urged to do so, that they may be in line of preparation if God, by his providence and grace, shall call them to serve him as ministers of the word; that the Christian women of our churches be invoked to interest themselves in this work, and, through their societies, to aid poor youth of piety and promise, and that all our people be urged to awake to the great demands now made on us for an increase in the ministry. A similar, but briefer resolution was adopted 1894, page 240. 791. Claims of the ministry urged upon Christian workers 1891, p. 23 2. A special and solemn appeal is hereby made to our ruling elders and deacons, and other Christian workers in the church, who may have the scriptural qualifications for the work of the ministry, to consider prayerfully whether they may not be called of God to preach the word, and to enter some of the many open doors which he has set before his church. 366 Education and Relief [Book IV 792. Day of prayer for youth in Schools and Colleges — Collection 1861, p. 23. Resolved, That this General Assembly designates the first Wednesday in December to be obs'erved annually as a day of special prayer for the youth of our country; that the almighty grace of our God may sanctify them in their homes, their schools, their colleges, and their seminaries, to the great work of preaching the gospel to every creature; and that the churches take up a col¬ lection on that day for this purpose. 1862, p. 15. Resolved, That this General Assembly, instead of the first Wednesday in December, as designated by the last Assem¬ bly, appoint the last day of February next, to be observed as a day of special prayer for the youth assembled in our various schools, colleges and seminaries, and for all the baptized children of the Church — that God would be pleased to pour out his Spirit upon them and sanctify them to the blessed work of making his way known upon the earth, his saving health amongst all nations. This recommendation was renewed from year to year in word's sub¬ stantially the same. We note the following: 1865, p. 368. The Sabbath preceding the day of prayer was ap¬ pointed as a day of special instruction from the pulpit on the subject of increase in the ministry. 1867, p. 151. Resolved, 1, That the General Assembly recom¬ mend the observance of the third and fourth Sabbaths of February as days of prayer for the youth gathered in the seminaries and col¬ leges and schools of our land. 2. That all our ministers be requested to preach on the Sabbaths above mentioned upon the subject of Christian education, and to call upon all the members of our churches, by prayer and supplica¬ tion, and by a diligent use of all the means of grace, to dedicate their sons to God for the work of the ministry. 1883, p. 43. In response to the overtures from Presbyteries pro¬ posing a change in the day of prayer for schools and colleges the General Assembly deems it inexpedient to make any change, and urges upon all our people the devout observance of the last Thurs¬ day in February, the day that for more than fifty years has been observed in the Church, and that has been so often and so signally blessed in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our institutions of learning. The General Assembly recommends that, in addition to this day, the first Sabbath in November, the day upon which the annual collec¬ tion for Education is taken up in most of our churches, be observed as a day of special prayer for an increase in the number of candidates for the ministry; that on this day our ministers are exhorted, either to preach a sermon on this subject, or in. some way to direct the atten¬ tion of their people most earnestly to the need for additional laborers, and to the call of God upon young men in every walk of life to consider their personal relations and responsibilities in this regard, and that our people be reminded of their obligations to contribute freely and liberally to the Education cause. Sec. 792] Education 367 In 1878, p. 626, the Assembly declined to grant an overture ask¬ ing that the day of prayer be changed to the last Thursday of January. 1889, p. 617. The day of prayer was changed from last Thurs¬ day of January to last Thursday of February. In urging the observance of this day, the Assembly of 1890, page 42, sets apart further the first Sabbath of November for the purpose of instructing the people on this whole subject. 1895, p, 427. The first Sabbath in November was appointed to be observed as a special day of prayer for the youth in our schools and colleges. 1897, p. 23. The day was again changed to the last Thursday in February. 1901, p. 57. In answer to the overtures concerning the decreas¬ ing number of candidates for the ministry, the Assembly hereby appoints the last Thursday in February, 1902, as a day of prayer for youth in schools, colleges and seminaries of learning; the Ses¬ sions of our churches are urged to invite the people to assemble in their respective places of worship on that day to pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest; the presidents of all schools and colleges are requested to assemble the student body on that day, have a sermon preached on the call to the gospel minis¬ try, and prayer made for the calling and consecration of our youth to the service of God; the Secretary of Education, as far as possible, shall visit schools not under the care of the church for the purpose of presenting the claims of God for the services of the young men of our land; and the Assembly appoints a committee to prepare a pastoral letter to be sent to pastors and churches, presenting and pressing the claims of the gospel ministry, and the call thereto, instructing pastors to preach distinctly upon the subject, and to urge parents to consecrate their sons to the Lord for his service in preaching the glorious gospel of the blessed God. The Assembly set apart Wednesday morning, 9 to 10 o’clock, to be devoted to prayer to God for his special blessing on his church, and for the increase of the number of men who will minister in his name. 1908, p. 56. In view of the fact that the Student Federation of the World observes the second Sunday of February for this purpose, the Assembly hereby substitutes the second Sunday of February for the last Thursday of that month, as the day of prayer for schools and colleges. 1911, p. 53. We call attention to the day of prayer for the young men of our Church, and urge that it be made the occasion for pre¬ senting the claims of the gospel ministry. We suggest for this pur¬ pose the first Sunday of December. 1912, p. 31. We recommend that the General Assembly designate the last Sabbath in February and the preceding Thursday to be observed by our schools and colleges, seminaries and churches, as days of special prayer for the outpouring of the Spirit of God upon 368 Education and Relief [Book IV those institutions and the youth pursuing their studies in them, as set forth in the annual report of the Executive Committee. The same appointment was made nearly every year thereafter, except that in 1914 Wednesday was designated instead of Thursday, and in 1917, 1918, 1919 a week was recommended. 793. Disseminaton of information 1898, p. 212. While it is the purpose of the Assembly to authorize collections in the churches for the cause of Ministerial Education in the months of November and April only, the Executive Committee is not to be restricted to these months in disseminating information as to this cause, by visits of the Secretary to the churches, when arrangements can be made with them, and by other proper means. 794. A day to be observed in Sunday Schools 1917, p. 58. Overture from North Alabama Presbytery, asking the Assembly to set apart a day to be observed by our Sunday Schools in the interest of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief, was answered in the affirmative, and the Sabbath nearest to Christmas of each year was set apart to be observed. 795. Christmas program for Sunday Schools 1918, p. 35. The Committee’s arrangement of the Christmas pro¬ gram was recommended for use in Sunday Schools.. 796. Duties of Presbyterial Chairmen 1875, p. 29. Resolved , That the Chairman of the Presbyterial Committees of Education be instructed to obtain from the pro¬ fessors of theological seminaries, colleges and schools where our candidates may be pursuing their studies, reports of the diligence, progress and standing of each beneficiary, so that, in case of any deficiency, the proper correctives may be applied without delay; and also that these reports be forwarded to the Executive1 Committee of Education. 1883, p. 44. That the Chairmen of Presbyterial Committees be directed by the Presbyteries to keep themselves fully informed as to the circumstances and needs of the candidates under their care, and to make their applications to the Executive Committee for pecuniary aid as early as practicable in the fiscal year, also to notify the Sec¬ retary, in case any candidate should fail for any cause to enter upon his course of studies at the opening of the session in the seminary, and to ascertain, through printed forms to be furnished by the Sec¬ retary, or otherwise, what churches have not contributed, and remind them of their duty in this respect. 1886, p. 29. Resolved, That Presbyteries urge the Chairmen of Presbyterial Committees to inform pastors and Sessions during the month of October of the pressing needs of this cause. Secs. 792-800] Education 369 1886, p. 28. Resolved, That Presbyteries urge the, Chairmen of Presbyterial Committees to inquire more particularly into the finan¬ cial resources of such candidates as apply for; aid, and urge them to draw on all private resources to complete, or at least supplement, the funds necessary for their education. 797. An apportionment 1883, p. 43. In view of the necessity for enlarged contributions to the cause of Education, the Assembly recommended that an effort be made to secure not less than $21,000 for the current year; and in order to give more definiteness and system to this effort, without proposing to make any assessment, or lay any burden, or place any limitation upon any of the Presbyteries, it requested that each Pres¬ bytery raise, as a minimum, an amount not less than that named in a schedule reported by the chairman and found on page 43 of Minutes. (Of this, a little more than two-thirds was realized, 1884, p. 275.) In 1885 it was resolved to apportion $20,000 among the Presby¬ teries, and in 1887 $25,000, to be raised if possible; the apportion¬ ment to be made by the Executive Committee. 798. Collections for Schools and Colleges The Assembly’s collection was appointed for the last Sabbath of December, then changed to the third Sabbath of September. The Synodical collection was fixed for the third Sabbath of March, but changed to the first Sabbath in June. • ‘ * • > t . 1909, p. 27. It was directed that a separate column in the Min¬ utes of the Assembly be added for “Schools and Colleges.” 799.’ State aid 1901, p. 22. In answer to an overture touching the soliciting, for religious schools, of aid from the nation or state, the Assembly took no action, inasmuch as the matter was clearly covered by our Constitution, and by deliverances of former Assemblies. 800. The Education year 1884, p. 240. Resolved, That the Executive Committeee be al¬ lowed to close the year with the first of May, so that the Education year may more nearly correspond with the scholastic year. 18.99, p. 409. The Executive Committee was directed hereafter to close its books promptly not later than May 5th, and that con¬ tributions received after that time be not used in payments to bene¬ ficiaries of amounts promised for the year then closing. 1902, p. 287. The Assembly approved of the action of the Executive Committee in closing its books on March 31st, for this year, and directed that in the future this Committee shall close its books on March 31st, thus conforming to the ecclesiastical year of the Assembly. 370 Education and Relief [Book IV 801. Applications for aid — when to be sent in ■ 1884, p. 240. Resolved, That this Assembly urge the Presbyteries to enact a standing rule requiring their Committees of Education to send to the Secretary all applications for help as early as possible, and not later than January 1st, except in extraordinary cases. 802. Color of candidates to be reported 1885, p. 407. It is recommended that in the statistical reports hereafter it be shown how many of the candidates are white and how many are colored. 803. Forms of application for aid Form of Application for Aid to be Used by Candidates. . , . . 18 . 1899, p. 410. Being a candidate for the ministry under the care of the Presbytery of . and being unable to defray the expenses of my education, I hereby request the Presbytery to aid me this year to the amount of $ . 4 . , . while pursuing my . studies at . in the . . . year of mv course. In making this application, I hereby certify — 1. That I expect to receive from other sources this year $— - , and that I will absolutely need the above aid to meet the necessary expenses. 2. That I will use said aid, if granted, with due economy, and for the sole purpose of the necessary expenses of my education. 3. That should this aid, for any reason, become unnecessary, I will promptly notify the Presbytery, and the appropriation may be reduced or withdrawn. Signed . . . Under care of . . . . . . . Presbytery. Form of Application for Aid in Behalf of Candidates . * . 18 . The Presbytery of . hereby applies to the Executive Committee of Education for the Ministry for aid to the amount of $ . in behalf of . . . .pursuing his . ,4 . * . studies at . in the . * . +. . year of his . course. In so doing we hereby certify — 1. That this application is made in accordance with the Assem¬ bly’s recommendation, as found on page 424 of the Minutes of 1895, as to the reception of candidates. 2. That in addition to his written application we have made care¬ ful inquiry as to his other sources of help, and find he will need the above sum to meet his necessary expenses. 3. That should he receive aid from other sources, rendering the Secs. 801 -804 J Education 371 full appropriation, or any part of it, unnecessary, we will notify the Committee, and the appropriation may be reduced or withdrawn. 4. That this Presbytery is in full cooperation with the Committee, and sends all of the regular collections for this cause to its treasury. Or — 4. That this Presbytery is in partial cooperation with the Com¬ mittee, and send . _ . per cent, of its collections to its treasury. 5. That this Presbytery will make diligent efforts to secure col¬ lections as appointed by the Assembly from all its churches for this cause. Signed, . . . Chairman. Other forms, slightly varying from the above, were adopted earlieT, and may be found in the Minutes for 1885 (p. 407) and 1895 (p. 427); see Alexander’s Digest, 1897, p. 208, and Supplement, p. 86. 1921, p. 57. In the application for candidates for the Ministry, Items 4 and 5 shall be stricken out, as all of the Presbyteries of the entire Assembly are now in full co-operation with the Executive Committee. Item 2 of the application shall be also stricken out, as the candi¬ date is required to sign a statement of the amount of aid he expects to receive from other sources and pledges to use the money “with due economy and for the sole purpose of the necessary expenses of his education/’ and also promises to notify the Presbytery if for any reason the loan becomes unnecessary. 804. Special prayer for increase in the number of candidates 1884, p. 241. Overture from Athens Presbytery on this subject. Reply: We recognize the fact that the first available Sabbath of November is formally set apart for the furtherance of the cause of Education in all its aspects, and trust that pastors will so use it at their best discretion. 1907, p. 20. As most of the churches present the cause of Min¬ isterial Education the first Sabbath in November, the General As¬ sembly changed the day of prayer for candidates and for their cause, from the second to the first Sabbath in November. 1908, p. 56. In view of the greatness of the harvest and the fewness of the laborers, the Assembly calls the earnest attention of the churches to the first Sabbath in November as the day set apart for presenting the claims of the ministry and for pleading with the Lord of the harvest to thrust forth more laborers into his harvest. 1918, p. 32. Two overtures relating to recruits for the ministry are much alike in sentiment and suggestions. They suggest prayer to the “Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest.” But as God works by means oftentimes, they urge that young men now in the army, if they return, be persuaded to enter the ministry; that youths now under age for draft have their attention directed to the preaching of the gospel; that older men now in other callings who 372 Education and Relief [Book IV may have thought of becoming ministers of the gospel be incited to reconsider the subject, and that this matter of increasing the number of ministers of the gospel be constantly kept before the minds of our people in our own and sister Churches. In addition, we would mention as one of the most approved and efficient means of securing ministers, “Let Christian parents dedicate their sons to the Lord’s ministry, as Hannah did Samuel,” and lead them in the way to that goal. 1918, p. 35. Women’s societies of the Church are especially asked to lend the full measure of their co-operation in setting forth the claims of the gospel ministry and mission service before our boys and girls. 1919, p. 36. The efforts of the Committee to reach our youth in State colleges and universities, to interest them in church work and the gospel ministry and mission service, are to be highly commended. We would recommend the permanent employment of a qualified man in this most urgent task. 1919, p. 38. Attention was called to the fact that the Com¬ mittee keeps a card index of fifteen thousand names of young men to whom the claims of the ministry may be presented. 1920, p. 25. The extensive and aggressive method of the Execu¬ tive Committee of helping the youth of the Church to discover the plan of God for their lives is approved by the General Assembly, and the Assembly urges that all the assistance possible in this vital , mat¬ ter be given by the pastors and church officers; and that earnest prayers be made to God by pastors and congregations in their, re¬ spective churches, and by Christian people in their homes, that many of our Christian youth be led by the Holy Spirit seriously to con¬ sider, and to heed, the call of God to the high privilege of preaching the Gospel. 1921, p. 56. It is recommended [by the permanent Committee of Systematic Beneficence] that parents, Sunday School superinten¬ dents and Sunday School teachers be urged to use earnest but tactful efforts to secure recruits for the Gospel Ministry and other forms of Life Service. Also that the Assembly’s Committee of Ministerial Edu¬ cation use additional life-work secretaries, and that we call upon our whole Church to pray unceasingly that God may honor us by calling our sons and daughters into these fruitful works. 1922, p. 52. The policy of employing Life Work Secretaries has been abundantly justified by the response that has come in the num¬ ber and type of young men and young women who have, largely as a result of their efforts, been led to dedicate their lives to definite Christian service. We recommend — That the Assembly renew the action of the Assembly of 1921 au¬ thorizing the Executive Committee to employ additional Life Work Secretaries, and to increase the number as rapidly as the treasury will permit. Secs. 804-806] Relief 373 805. Change of Name 1921, p. 57. The name of this department was changed to Educa¬ tion for the Ministry and Mission Service. II. Ministerial Relief 806. Disabled Ministers' Fund 1863, pp. 123, 129. The Committee on Bills and Overtures re¬ port that they have had before them two overtures. One of the overtures is from a member of this Assembly, and embraces the outline of a plan of operation which shows that its author has bestowed no little thought upon the subject. There are, however, certain ques¬ tions preliminary to the adoption of any scheme in regard to which the committee was not apprised that the mind of the Assembly has been expressed, or even formed. ..One of these is, whether the sup¬ port for the classes named shall be derived from the proceeds of a fund raised and invested for that purpose, or from annual contri¬ butions made by our churches, and expended as they are received. Another question is whether it is advisable that the Assembly should assume the responsibility of making the much-needed provision, or should remit the matter to our Synods, severally, to attend to the duty within their own bounds. As your committee have no instruc¬ tions to guide them in relation to these and similar questions, they are not prepared to recommend any definite plan of operation to be adopted by the present Assembly. The subject, however, is one of great importance. The reception of two overtures, from different sources, shows also that the minds of our people are turned to it with special interest. The committee, therefore, recommend that a committee be now appointed to consider the whole subject, in all its bearings, including the questions already mentioned, with such as may be suggested in their inquiries and conferences, and to report to the next Assembly a scheme for carry¬ ing into effect the plan which shall commend itself most strongly io their judgments. 1864, p. 279. This committee reported the following resolutions and recommended their adoption: Resolved, 1, That the form of a call to a pastor prescribed in the Form of Government be enlarged and amended so as to read: “And that you may be free from worldly cares and avocations, we hereby promise and oblige ourselves to pay to you the sum of - in regular quarterly (half-yearly or yearly) payments, during the time of your being and continuing the regular pastor of this church; and should you become disabled, or depart this life, whilst you are the regular pastor of this church, we hereby promise and oblige ourselves to furnish you, or, when you are dead, your family, with all proper support, including the education of your children.” And that the last question proposed to the people at the installation of the pastor be enlarged and amended so as to read: “And do you engage to con- 374 Education and Relief [Book IV tinue to him, while he is your pastor, that competent worldly main¬ tenance which you have promised, and whatever else you may see needful for the honor of religion and his comfort among you; and should he become disabled, or depart this life, while he is your pas¬ tor, do you engage to furnish him, or, when he is dead, his family, with all proper support, including the education of his childreln?” Resolved, 2, That the General Assembly raise a permanent fund, by inviting the contributions of individuals and churches, by dona¬ tion, bequest, and devise, and place the same in the hands of its Trustees or other committee for investment, the income of which shall be applied to the support of disabled evangelists and mission¬ aries, their widows and children, in such amount and in such man¬ ner as may be considered practicable and expedient; and when it shall be made to appear upon the representation of the Session of a church that the support which they had promised to furnish to their disabled pastor, or, when he is dead, to his family, as contemplated in the foregoing resolution, cannot be furnished by reason of the inability of said church, it shall be the duty of the said Trustees or other committee to inquire into the matter, and apply to the relief of such pastor, or of his family when he is dead, such amount of the income of said permanent fund, and in such way, as may be deemed practicable and expedient. Resolved, 3, That it shall be the duty of the Trustees, or other committee of the Assembly to invest any surplus income from year to year, to make annual reports to the Assembly, and to prepare and keep before the public proper forms of gifts, bequests and devises. Resolved, 4, That these resolutions be transmitted to the several Presbyteries for approval, and to take effect when declared by the General Assembly to be approved by a majority of the Presbyteries. P. 288. This report was recommitted to the same committee, with instructions to report to the next Assembly. It does not appear that the committee ever made any further re¬ port. — A. 807. A temporary fund for the disabled 1867, p. 148. An overture asking aid from the Assembly for the family of a minister of this Church recently deceased. Reply : Inasmuch as this Assembly has control of no funds for the purpose proposed, and this request cannot at once be granted, yet the Assembly appreciates the importance, not only of this special case, but of all such as it represents: Resolved, That the Committee of Sustentation be authorized to appropriate five per cent, of all contributions to its object to the re¬ lief of destitute widows and children of ministers, and to indigent ministers in infirm health; provided no such per cent, be appropriated from the contributions of any church or person prohibiting such ap¬ propriation, and provided further, that this plan of operation shall not continue longer than the meeting of the Assemblv for the year 1869. Secs. 806-809 J Relief 375 808. Collection ordered 1868, p. 274. 5. In lieu of the appropriation of five per cent, of the Sustentation fund, it is enjoined upon the Presbyteries to have a collection taken up in all the churches under their care for a re¬ lief fund, which shall be devoted to the relief of disabled ministers, and of widows and orphans of ministers deceased. These collec¬ tions are to be forwarded to the Treasurer of Sustentation, and dis¬ bursed according to the discretion of the Committee, upon applica¬ tion made through the Presbyterial Standing Committees on Domes¬ tic Missions. P. 280. It was recommended that this collection be taken up on the first Sabbath in July, or as near thereto as may be convenient. (1869, p. 396.) 809. The Relief scheme 1869, p. 373. Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, D. D., obtained leave to present, on his own behalf, a memorial in regard to a plan of relief for families of deceased ministers, which memorial was re¬ ferred to a committee, to consist of one minister and one ruling elder from each Synod. P. 396. After a discussion on the report of this committee, the following resolution was adopted: Resolved, That the whole subject be referred to the Committee of Sustentation for further investigation, and with a view to the perfection of the plan. This committee shall report to the next Gen¬ eral Assembly the result of their labors. 1870, p. 500. This committee submitted a report, which was re¬ ferred to a special committee of one commissioner from each Synod. P. 523. This committee made a report which was adopted, and is in part as follows: The committee recommend that the General Assembly declare, that it is not the purpose of this Assembly to inaugurate any system of life insurance; and that the scheme of co-operative relief suggested is impracticable, on account of the difficulty of collecting the sum of one dollar from each minister and elder; and unequal because the burden would fall as heavily upon the smaller and weaker churches as those of larger numbers and greater resources. P. 524. The report of the Committee on the Relief Fund, after some amendments, was adopted by a vote of ayes, 67; noes, 27. This report is as follows: 1st, That it is eminently desirable that a fund should be provided for the families of ministers at their decease; and that the best and most effectual mode of raising that fund is by annual contributions from the churches. 2nd, The proposed scheme is not to interfere in any way with the annual collection that has already been ordered for the relief of disabled ministers and the families of ministers deceased, it being evident that this fund will always be needed, not only for infirm ministers, but for the families of such ministers as may not be in- 376 Education and Relief [Book IV eluded in the provisions of the scheme under consideration; and it being equally evident to the committee that it would be disastrous to both to merge them into one fund. 3rd, It is not proposed, nor is it thought desirable, to accumulate a large fund under the care of the Assembly for the purpose under consideration; but the demands of liabilities are to be met mainly by the annual contributions from the churches. The accruing or surplus fund should be held to meet any emergency that might arise from irregularity in the mortality of ministers, or any general dis¬ asters that might visit the country and prevent the churches for a time from making their regular annual payments. This fund should not be allowed to exceed $100,000 as an investment. Any increase beyond this sum might, under the direction- of the Assembly, be used to augment the amounts paid to the families of ministers. 4th, The security for the payment of the proposed amounts is to be based entirely upon the mutual faith and confidence of the churches in each other. Neither the Assembly, nor the committee that they may appoint to carry the plan into effect, can be con¬ sidered as legally bound to pay the stipulated sums, except so far as the churches, in fulfilment of their pledges, shall furnish the means for paying them. This mutual faith between the churches, however, is undoubtedly the best of all securities. The foreign missionary goes to the remotest ends of the earth relying upon it for the means of his support; and as it has seldom or never failed him, why should we distrust the steadiness and the fidelity of the churches in relation to a matter that must lie quite as near to their hearts ? 5th, The annual contributions which the churches are expected to make to the fund are to be regarded as an addition to the salaries of their pastors. The only difference in the case is, that this por¬ tion of the salary is given under the condition that it be reserved for the benefit of his family. The Free Church of Scotland carries out the same principle by deducting so much from the minister’s salary when it is paid. The plan under consideration proposes to lay an additional tax upon the churches for the same purpose. 6th, The scheme under consideration, unlike life assurance, makes no discrimination on account of the age, the health, or the number of years that a minister may have been engaged in preaching the gospel. All ministers are regarded as officers of the Church and ser¬ vants of the Lord Jesus Christ; and their families, in consequence, as equally entitled to the beneficent provisions of the general ar¬ rangement. The only limitation or discrimination, as will appear in the further development of the. plan, will be in relation to the number of annual payments that must be made by a church be¬ fore its minister’s family can be entitled to the full amount. Having premised these general principles, the committee would now propose — 1st, That every congregation, or union of congregations under the same pastorate, that will pay $30 annually to the general fund, will establish a claim for the family of its pastor, or any other minister Sec. 809] Relief 3 77 engaged in the work of the Church whom the congregation may se¬ lect, at his death, to an annuity of $200 for six consecutive years. And where a congregation, or union of congregations, pays $60 per annum to the fund, the claim for his family will be an annuity of $200 for twelve consecutive years, or of $400 for six consecutive years. The only limitation to the above conditions is, that no con¬ gregation will establish a claim for the family of its pastor to the full amounts above mentioned until it has made its fourth annual payment. Previous to that period, the family will be entitled to four times as much as the congregation has paid to the public fund. For example: If the congregation has made one payment of $30, the family will receive $120; if $60 has been paid, the amount awarded will be $240. As soon as the fourth annual payment has been made, the family will be entitled to the full amount, to be paid as an annuity. 2nd, If a minister is transferred from one church to another, he forfeits the claim established by the church he leaves, but he may be placed upon the one to which he goes. If a minister is entirely cut off from the work of the ministry by a failure of health, his fam¬ ily after his death will be entitled to the claim established by the church where he was laboring when his health failed, and that church will be regarded as commencing another claim, but without the con¬ ditions fixed above. In cities, where the expense of living is nec¬ essarily great, a church may be allowed to establish a claim for the pastor’s family to an annuity of $600 for six consecutive years by paying annually $100, subject, however, to the same limitations as to the first four years as in other cases. A pastor, however or any minister of the gospel otherwise engaged in the work of the Church, may, by paying the above mentioned sums for himself, establish a claim for his family to the same amounts as other ministers. 3rd, The execution of this scheme shall be committed to the care of the Executive Committee of Sustentation. The Executive Conv mittee shall be directly responsible to the General Assembly for its proper administration. The Assembly shall have the right to frame any by-law, or make any changes or alterations in the plan that may be deemed necessary; provided no pecuniary obligations to the donors of this fund are thereby violated. 4th, The plan may be carried into execution as soon as one hun¬ dred churches, or unions of churches, shall have adopted it; and the Executive Committee of Sustentation is hereby directed to call the attention of the churches to the subject, and invite them to enter into the proposed arrangement. 1871, p. 19. The Assembly having appointed a special commit¬ tee (page 8) to consider so much of the Executive Committee’s re¬ port as bears on the Relief Fund, that Committee reported as fol¬ lows, and their report was adopted: The Committee on the Relief Fund respectfully report, that they have carefully examined the subject committed to their hands, and find that it was the object of patient and thorough investigation by an able committee of one member from each Synod, in the Assembly 378 Education and Relief [Book IV of 1870, and that their action, which heartily commended the plan of this fund, received the cordial approbation of that body. We are clearly of the opinion that the plan is the best that can at present be devised, and in this we are sustained by the judgment of some of the ablest actuaries of this country. We therefore recommend that the Secretary of the Committee of Sustentation be hereby authorized to place in the hands of every Session a copy of the report adopted by the Assembly of 1870, to¬ gether with this report, and any other matter which in his judgment may commend this object to our people; and that it be made the duty of the Sessions to lay it before their respective congregations. We further recommend that this Assembly do hereby heartily en¬ dorse the plan as meeting an existing want in the Church. We rec¬ ommend, finally, that the Assembly take steps to have the charter amended so as to authorize the investment of the funds of this Re¬ lief Fund and the funds of any other eleemosynary object of the Church, to be vested in the Trustees of the Assembly. 810. The relief scheme in operation 1872, p. 192. The Committee are gratified to be able to report that the number of churches and individual ministers necessary, ac¬ cording to the direction of the last Assembly, to put the Relief scheme into full operation has been secured, and information of the fact has been published, so that all such churches and individuals might send on their first annual installment. The plan will be considered as commencing with January, 1872. There has been some hesita¬ tion on the part of the churches to enter into the plan; but this has been owing, it is confidently believed, to the fact that the scheme has not generally been understood by the churches. When it has once been put into operation, and its practical benefits have been seen, it will no doubt become a popular and favorite scheme both with ministers and churches. 811. None to be enrolled over fifty years of age 1873, p. 327. Touching the Relief Fund, we recommend that the Assembly commit the whole administration of this matter to the wisdom and discretion of the Executive Committee; and that, in accordance with their request, a provision be added to the scheme of the Relief Fund, which shall prescribe that, after January 1, 1874, the name of no one of over fifty years of age shall be entered upon this fund. (The reasons that induced the committee to recommend this course are found on p. 353, 1873. — A.) 812. Retired Ministers 1913, p. 63. In reply to overture from Presbytery of Piedmont, asking that “the General Assembly fix a definite age limit at which Secs. 809-816] Relief 379 time ministers in good standing shall be entitled to a specified sum without the embarrassment of filling out the forms as to means of support, relatives capable of extending aid, etc.,” we recommend that the overture be answered in the negative, and we refer the Pres¬ bytery to the rules of the General Assembly governing Honorably Retired Ministers. (See page 101, Annual Report of Executive Committee.) 813. Ministers’ Roll of Honor 1921, p. 57. The title “Honorably Retired Ministers’ Roll” was changed to the “Minister’s Roll of Honor,” the same conditions of enrolling being maintained as follows: “On this roll shall appear the names of the Ministers of the Church who have reached the age of 70 years and have rendered as much as thirty years’ service to the Presbyterian Church in the United States and who are in need and have asked to be relieved of their pastorates or other work.” 2. The Assembly approved of the plan to place on the Ministers’ Roll of Honor, as soon as the resources of the Committee will per¬ mit, all of our Ministers whose physical strength is not sufficient for the heavy tasks of the pastorate, so that these men may be used as “pastors at large” in the Presbyteries. 3. The Executive Committee was directed to continue its careful study as to the best methods of providing for the aged and infirm ministers and their families and report to the next Assembly. 814. Invalid Teachers on Invalid Fund 1921, p. 57. In response to overture from the Presbytery of South Carolina, touching the authorization of the Assembly’s Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief to investi¬ gate and report to the Assembly in 1922 upon the wisdom and expe¬ diency of putting invalid and retired teachers of our educational in¬ stitutions on the roll of Beneficiaries of the Ministerial Relief Fund: Your Committee would answer in the affirmative. 815. Pension after 65 years of age not expedient 1911, p. 53. This action was taken in answer to an overture. 816. Pension System 1918, p. 35. That our Executive Committee be directed to secure actuarial information of ministers and their families in order that the cost of a Pension System may be ascertained. 1920, p. 31. In reply to overture asking that the cause of Minis¬ terial Relief be placed on a pension basis, Your Committee learns that the Executive Committee of Chris¬ tian Education and Ministerial Relief is now making an exhaustive study of this whole matter of the pension and insurance system, and in view of this fact deems action at this time unnecessary. 380 Education and Relief [Book IV 1922, p. 54. In answer to overture from the Presbytery of Fay¬ etteville, asking the Assembly to instruct the Executive Committee to investigate and report a pension plan similar to that of the Meth¬ odist Episcopal Church, the Assembly directed the Presbytery of Fayetteville to the printed annual report of the Committee of this year covering this matter and expressing the serious doubt' whether the “pension idea” as applied to the minister has been fully justi¬ fied from social, economic or Christian grounds. In answer to the overture from the Presbytery of Albemarle, ask¬ ing the Assembly to approve of the plan of enlarging the Endow¬ ment Fund of Ministerial Relief by means of insurance carried on the lives of pastors, the Assembly requested the Executive Committee to confer with Mr. A. B. Banks! and others relative to the matter and report to the next Assembly. 817. Applicants must be in good health 1874, p. 488. The Executive Committee of Sustentation is hereby authorized and directed to prescribe an additional condition on which ministers may become subscribers to the Relief Fund, viz. : “Whenever any minister, for himself, or any church or other party for him, proposes to subscribe to this fund, there must be fur¬ nished to the Committee satisfactory evidence that such a minister enjoys ordinary good health.” 818. Deferred payments to the Relief Fund 1875, p. 54. Several contributors to this fund have failed to pay their quota for two years. With reference to such cases the Execu¬ tive Committee have adopted the rule that “deferred payments must be accompanied by interest at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum; and if payment is deferred longer than one year, the name of the party shall be considered removed from the Relief lists, and shall not be restored thereto until such party has paid up arrearages in full, with interest thereon.” This rule is deemed necessary to the security of the scheme. ♦ 819. When annuities are to be paid 1875, p. 54. The rule adopted in reference to payment from the fund is as follows: “The annuities due to families of ministers deceased are to be paid beginning with the first of January next succeeding the death of said minister.” This rule was adopted as a precautionary measure, because the income of the Relief fund is received mostly on or about January first of each year. The Exec¬ utive Committee have, however, always thus far directed the pay¬ ment of benefits immediately on the receipt of authentic information of the decease of the contributor. Secs,, 816-820] Relief 381 v 820. The Relief plan modified 1876, p. 228. That the General Assembly approve the new plan of relief as the same is set forth in the Report of the Executive Coihmittee of Sustentation of the present year, giving, however, to the said Committee full authority to change the details of said plan whenever they shall deem it proper to do so. The following is the plan: I. The rights and privileges in the Relief Fund, as heretofore administered, shall be, and are hereby, guaranteed to all who are on its lists, and these shall be preserved to them intact. II. The Relief scheme, as heretofore administered, shall be, and is hereby, repealed (except for those who are already beneficiaries under it) and the following scheme substituted therefor, to-wit: (1) , Any congregation, or union of congregations, whose pastor at the time may be in sound health, which shall pay $30 annually to the Relief fund, will establish a claim at his death to an annuity of $200 for six consecutive years. If $60 per annum is paid to the fund, the claim for annuity will be for $400 for a like term of years. If $100 per annum is paid, the annuity will be $600 for a similar term. It is understood that the benefit thus secured shall accrue only to the family or other heirs of the regularly installed pastor of the contributing church. (2) , Any minister, in sound health, at the age of forty- five years may be entered on the fund by the payment of $30, $60 or $100, as the case may be, by himself, his congregations, or other person. Any minister who is less than forty-five years of age may enter the fund by the payment of an annual amount less than $30, $60, $100 by 2 per cent, of said sums for each year that he is younger than forty-five years; and any minister older than forty-five years, up to seventy years may have the same privilege by the annual pay¬ ment of an amount larger than $30, $60 or $100 by the addition to said amount of eight per cent, per annum for every year of said excess of age. The only limitation in< the case, either of churches or individ¬ uals, beyond the above conditions, is that no claim on the fund will be established to the full amounts above mentioned until the fourth annual payment has been made. Previous to that period the family or heirs will be entitled to four times as much as has been paid into the public fund. And further, failure to make regular and annual payments shall work the forfeiture of interest in the fund, except that at the death of any pastor or other minister, whose claim is thus forfeited, an amount equal to all that has been con¬ tributed to the fund on his account shall be paid. III. It is further provided that, as heretofore, the Relief scheme shall continue to work for the sole benefit of those who are sub¬ scribers to it, and if hereafter it shall be found able to pay a larger amount to the families of its deceased subscribers than is herein pledged, such an amount shall be sacredly conveyed to them under regulations approved by the General Assembly. 382 Education and Relief [Book IV IV. The following particulars shall be observed: (1) , All entrants to this scheme shall be dated as of January 1st of the current year. (2) , Annual payments must be made promptly on or before Jan¬ uary 1st of each year, so that the liabilities of the fund may be met at that time and investments may be made. Failure to make pay¬ ment beyond the month of January shall forfeit the rights in the fund of the party thus failing, unless for good reasons and without injury to the fund, the Executive Committee shall restore its priv¬ ileges on the payment in full of arrearages, with interest thereon at the rate of six per cent, per annum. (3) , The annuities due the families of deceased ministers are to be paid beginning with the first of January next succeeding the death of said minister. (4) , All further detail in the management of this fund is en¬ trusted to the Executive Committee of Sustentation. V. The investment and re-investment of funds in peimanent stocks shall be under the care of the Executive Committee, who shall report annually to the General Assembly their accounts with a statement of the funds in hand, whether invested or not, and all other matters pertaining to the fund. The permanent investments of the fund shall be held as heretofore by the Trustees of the Gen¬ eral Assembly, who shall be responsible to the General Assembly for their safe custody. This change of plan was designed to make the scheme more use¬ ful — first, by presenting greater inducements to our young ministers to enter it; and second, by opening the way for those who are now advanced in years. (1876, p. 249.) 821. Investing committees for the Relief fund 1872, p. 163. Resolved, That the Executive Committee be author¬ ized to appoint two investing committees, consisting each of two laymen, with the Secretary of the Executive Committee as ex-officio member of both, to be located, the one in Baltimore, and the other in Augusta, Georgia. 822. Executive Committee shall make and , control investments 1879, p. 56. In answer to the question of the Board of Trustees, as to duties and responsibilities of the Board in relation to the in¬ vestment of the Relief Fund, the Assembly instructs the Board that no duty or responsibility rests on the Board of Trustees as to making or changing these investments, but that the duty and responsibility rests on the Executive Committee of Sustentation. 1880, p. 213. The Assembly orders that all securities belonging to the Relief Fund be placed in custody of the Executive Commit¬ tee of Homo Missions, with instructions to deposit them iiy some Safe Deposit Company, for safe keeping. P. 249. The Assembly had provided that the permanent invest- -Secs. 820-823] . Relief 383 ments of this fund should be held by the Trustees of the General Assembly, who shall be responsible to the General Assembly for their safe custody. The language imparts an absolute liability without limitation or condition. The Trustees protested against any such liability, and asked the Assembly to modify or change the words of this clause, so that they should not be responsible, except with the usual qualifications of Trustees. It was because of this protest that the above action was taken. — A. •823. The Relief fund to be taken from under ecclesiastical control 1880, p. 208. The Assembly expresses its gratification r.t the satisfactory condition of the Relief Fund, but being convinced that this important and valued interest can be as successfully operated without ecclesiastical supervision, instructs the Executive Commit¬ tee to confer with the beneficiaries of the fund, and, if practicable, report to the next General Assembly a scheme of management by which it may be placed hereafter on an independent basis, and the Assembly discharged from all responsibility. 1881, p. 382. An earnest effort has been made by the Executive Committee to carry out the wish of the last Assembly to transfer this business to a corporation outside of the Church, in which all the interests of the beneficiaries shall be fully secured. The fulfilment of this desire of the Assembly has been barred by the refusal of some of the contributors to consent to any arrangement by which the Assembly shall be discharged from the obligations of its own con¬ tract. In view of these facts, the Executive Committee is hereby in¬ structed to retain the oversight of this business as heretofore, but to permit no new names to be added to the list of beneficiaries, with a view to the gradual extinction of the Church’s responsibil¬ ity; and further, that the Executive Commitee reopen negotiations with the contributors of this fund, and urge upon their considera¬ tion the strong desire that is felt by this Assembly to have this busi¬ ness brought to an early close in any form satisfactory to the parties interested. In explanation of the plan above alluded to, the following ex¬ tract from the Executive Committee’s report may be read (p. 40S) : A number of gentlemen in Baltimore, most of whom are members of the Executive Committee, consented to form a corporation, to hold, manage, and disburse the fund, as trustees for the subscribers, under the relief scheme as adopted and modified by the Assembly; and this was the plan proposed, and to which some) of the contributors ob¬ jected. — A. 1884, p. 234. A proposition to transfer the management of this fund to a corporation in Baltimore was brought before your com¬ mittee in two forms: (1), By a paper adopted by the Executive Committee and recorded in its Minutes. (2), By a petition from C. F. McCay, LL. D., to whose wisdom and generous labor is largely due the success of the Relief Fund in meeting the aims of 384 EbUCATION AND RELIEF [Book IV its founders. It is recommended that this matter be referred to the Executive Committee for further consideration, with directions to report to the next General Assembly. 1885, p. 423. As to the offer of the corporation in Baltimore re¬ ferred to in the report of the Committee of Home Missions, it is recommended that in the form presented it be declined. If, however, the Committee of Home Missions can make a contract with that corporation, or any other of equal integrity, under satisfactory se¬ curity, to manage the Relief Fund, it be empowered to do so; pro¬ vided, (1) That the corporation shall manage the fund at an ex¬ pense no greater than under the present management. (2), That it pay to the families of the beneficiaries not only the sums prom¬ ised, but the profits which shall accrue, for their benefit. (3), That it deposit with the Executive Committee of Home Missions all the ; bonds and stocks accumulated to meet the obligations to the pres¬ ent beneficiaries of the Relief Fund, and all it shall hereafter ob¬ tain from these contributions, as security for the faithful perform¬ ance of its obligations. (4), That it deposit as collateral security with the Executive Committee such additional bonds and stocks as will satisfy the Committee that it will perform its obligations be¬ yond doubt or question. Adopted. 1886, p. 32. The Executive Committee has, in compliance with the Assembly’s instructions, entered into a contract with “The Cler¬ gy’s Friendly Society,” of Baltimore, composed of gentlemen of the highest standing in every respect. The terms upon which this con¬ tract has been made are recorded in full in the Secretary’s report as presented during the present sessions, and it will appear that this corporation is connected with our Executive Committee only by special contract to manage our Relief Fund. ! ! ' *» j 824. Supervision of this contract transferred to the Executive Com¬ mittee of Foreign Missions 1886, p. 40. In consequence of the removal of the Home Mis¬ sions department from Baltimore, the following resolution was adopted : That the Executive Committee of Home Missions and Trustees of the General Assembly be directed and empowered to do what¬ ever may be necessary to substitute the Executive Committee of For¬ eign Missions for the Executive Committee of Home Missions, so that the Executive Comjmittee of Foreign Missions shall be author¬ ized to take the place of the Executive Committee of Home Mis¬ sions in carrying out the contract with “The Clergy’s Friendly Society” concerning the Relief Fund. 825. Management of Relief Fund transferred to the Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund 1890, p. 30. It appearing to the General Assembly, from the jreport of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, that the Secs. 823-826] Relief 385 assets of the Relief Fund, now amounting to $48,243.72, are safely invested in stocks and bonds, which have been held in trust for the use of the beneficiaries of said fund, by the Clergy’s Friendly Society of Baltimore, and that said Society has given notice of its desire and purpose to terminate said trust and surrender the said assets ; And it also appearing that the Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund, a corporation of the city of Philadelphia, is willing and proposes to take charge of all the assets belongng to the Relief Fund, to ad¬ minister the same, and to assume all the obligations and responsi- biliites growing out of the fund: therefore,1 Resolved, That the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions be, and is hereby, authorized and directed to receive said fund from the Clergy’s Friendly Society under proper legal forms, and to turn over the same to the said Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund, upon trust, that said corporation shall safely preserve and faithfully ad¬ minister said fund in accordance with the purposes for which it was created; but before doing so, the Executive Committee must be satisfied that said corporation will be a safe custodian of said fund, and provided, also, that said corporation, before receiving said fund, shall execute its contract and obligation to the Trustees of the Gen¬ eral Assembly, binding itself to perform and discharge fully and faithfully all the duties and responsibilities growing out of the ad¬ ministration of said fund. 1897, p. 78. The last annual statement of the Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund shows that the assets of the “Relief Fund’' have increased from $50,573.88, July 29, 1890 (when the fund was transferred), to $53, 949.69, December 31, 1896. The statement also shows that the liabilities (“reserve to fulfill contracts”) are $35,923, leaving a surplus of $18,026.69. 826. Executive Committee of Ministerial Relief appointed 1901, p. 55. The committee, td whom was referred the report of the ad interim Committee on the Invalid Fund, made the fol¬ lowing report, which was adopted: 1. That the thanks of the General Assembly be returned to the ad interim Committee on the Invalid Fund for the careful and ex¬ haustive study they have given to this important subject, the infor¬ mation they have gathered in reference to the schemes in use in other churches, and the valuable suggestions they offer for our con¬ sideration. 2. That a separate Executive Committee be created to take the oversight of this whole work, to be known as the General Assem¬ bly’s Executive Committee of Ministerial Relief (to be located at Richmond, Va.). 3. That this Committee shall consist of eleven members a majority of whom shall be active business men, who will give time and thought to its important duties. 4. That this Executive Committee be empowered to elect its 386 Education and Relief [Book IV own officers other than the Secretary, and to make rules and regula¬ tions for the administration of its affairs. Should this Assembly fail to elect a Secretary, that the Executive Commitee be authorized to engage a Secretary, who shall act also as Treasurer, and to pay him such salary as may be consistent with due economy in the ad¬ ministration of this Relief Fund. 5. That the benefits of this fund be provided mainly for the re¬ lief (1) of pressing need of disabled ministers, and (2) of the fam¬ ilies of deceased ministers; and that length of service be taken into account in case of aid given to ministers. 6. That careful regulations be drawn up by the Executive Com¬ mittee in regard to (1) the mode by which the length of service to the church shall be taken into account, (2), the scale according to which the benefits of the fund shall be made on the basis of length of service, and (3), the conditions upon which the benefits of both branches of the fund are to be received, and that those regulations be reported to the next Assembly. In the case of ministers there should be a medical certificate of disability, the recommendation of the Presbytery and the approval of the Executive Committee in order to secure the benefits of the fund. In the case of the fami¬ lies of deceased ministers the recommendation of the Presbytery and the approval of the Executive Committee shall be required for par¬ ticipation in the benefits of the fund. 7. That collections be solicited from all our churches during the month of July, and that the earnest effort be made to raise not less than twenty thousand dollars for this work, and that the Committee be authorized to apportion this fund to the two branches of this work. 8. That the Executive Committee formulate and submit to the next Assembly for approval a scale of “ministers’ rates,” which each minister may pay annually into this fund in order! to a full participation of its benefits, and which will justify a larger scale of aid than would otherwise be practicable. 9. That the Executive Committee also solicit gifts and bequests for the benefit of both of its branches, and that (unless the giver otherwise direct) the capital of these gifts and bequests be perma¬ nently invested and only the income thereof be used annually for the beneficiaries of this fund. 10. That all ministers whose names are on the rolls of our Pres¬ byteries, whether laboring at home or in the foreign field, shall be eligible, according to the regulations of this Committee, to the bene¬ fits of this fund for themselves and their families. In response to an overture asking that one name only be used to designate this fund, your committee recommends that the Execu¬ tive Committee of Publication indicate this cause by the name “Min¬ isterial Relief” in all blanks for financial and statistical reports. 1902, pp. 266 f. The Assembly approved ^nd commended the plan, suggested by the Executive Committee, of monthly payments for five years, as the wise and workable method for a majority of our churches in accumulating the proposed endowment. The Assembly requested all the Presbyteries and all the churches Sec. 826] Relief 387 to appoint a Permanent Committee on Ministerial Relief in their respective bounds, who shall take this business under their special care, and, either on the plan suggested above, or in some other way that, to their judgment, may seem more effective and expeditious, secure an annual proportionate contribution to this Endowment Fund from every church, however weak numerically or financially. The Assembly laid it upon the heart and conscience of all our ministers and elders to see that every church under their oversight is given an opportunity, during the month of July, to contribute to this cause, and that all diligence be used to raise for the next year not less than $20,000, which shall be apportioned by the Executive Committee to the two branches of the work. The Assembly, recognizing the fact that the work of the Home and School at Fredericksburg, Va., is virtually a branch of ministerial relief, directed the Board of Trustees of the said Home and School and the Executive Committee on the Ministerial Relief to take into consideration the wisdom and feasibility of consolidating these two branches of our benevolent work under one management, and to report on the question to the next Assembly. Mr. S. H. Hawes served as Secretary for a while. The Assembly elected to the office, Rev. I. S. McElroy, D. D. 1903, p. 473. In the matter of endowment fund, we recommend that the Assembly again urge the propriety, advantage and necessity, in accordance with its plan, of the appointment of Sessional as well as Presbyterial and Synodical Committees on Ministerial Relief, and that by means of pledge cards or otherwise an effort be made to secure a contribution to this fund from as nearly as possible every member of our church, no matter how small many of these con¬ tributions may be. If this could be done, the power of littles would be wonderfully demonstrated. In view of the fact that the beneficiaries of this cause are largely widows and orphan children, we call upon our Sabbath Schools and our Ladies’ and Young People’s Societies to give this cause a liberal support. The evident care that is being exercised by the Executive Com¬ mittee in dispensing the contributions to this cause, and the fact that the basis of its appropriations is “not simply need, but also past service to the church,” should commend itself to our people and cause them to be liberal in gifts which they know will be faithfully distributed to those who are not only needy, but deserving by reason of services rendered to Christ and his church. There has been referred to this committee an overture asking this Assembly “to inaugurate a scheme for raising an endowment of $1,000,000 for the Relief Fund by requesting every minister on the rolls of the Assembly who is receiving a salary to obligate him¬ self to contribute one per cent, of his salary annually for five years, with the right to withdraw the subscription at any time upon giving notice to the Secretary.” The Assembly declined to adopt this plan. P. 471. The sum of $3,955.16 left by the will of Miss Mary 388 EpUCATION AND RELIEF [BOOK IV Stuart, of Alexandria, Va., to the Trustees of the General Assembly, was by order of the Assembly added to the Endowment Fund of Ministerial Relief. 827. Consolidation of Ministerial Relief and Education for the Ministry 1903, p. 507. The Assembly declined to unite these two causes. | 1904, p. 44. The Assembly united these causes, the consoli¬ dation to go into effect September 1, 1904, the Executive Committee to be located in Louisville, Ky. 828. Elders to present this cause 1909, p. 65. The Assembly directed that our ruling elders be requested to present this cause to each church in our bounds during this year; and the Presbyterial Chairman be requested to arrange for such a presentation of the cause. Similar action in 1908 (p. 30). 829. Sustentation fund 1909, p. 65. There has been placed in the hands of your Com¬ mittee an overture touching the organization of a “Sustentation Fund,” similar to that recently put into operation by the Northern Church. Your Committee would respectfully report that our Secretary of Ministerial Relief has placed in our hands papers giving a full description of the said “Sustentation Fund,” together with letters from promient persons telling of the practical workings of same. After a careful examination of these, together with a study of the history of the old “Relief Fund for Widows and Disabled Ministers,” of our own Church, begun in 1870, and discontinued in 1890, your Committee would respectfully recommend that the overture be answered in the negative. Adopted. 1913, p. 62. There has been placed in our hands a proposed resolution touching the future conduct of the “Relief Fund” created in 18-70 and turned over to the Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund in Philadelphia in 1890. The proposed resolution has the endorse¬ ment of the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Minis¬ terial Relief, and the Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund, as well as the legal endorsement of the attorney consulted by the Executive Com¬ mittee. 1913, p. 63. We recommend that the proposed resolution touch¬ ing the future conduct of the “Relief Fund” be ratified. The reso¬ lution is as follows: 1913, p. 64. Whereas, The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States in 1870 established a fund for the benefit of the ministers of the gospel engaged in the work of the Church, which fund was known as the “Relief Fund”: And whereas, The said General Assembly subsequently, on or about the 29th day of July, A. D. 1890, entered into a contract with Secs. 826-829] Relief 389 the Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a corporation under the laws of Pennsylvania, whereby the trust fund belonging to the said Relief Fund and its entire management was transferred and committed to the said Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund as Trustee, upon the terms and conditions in said agreement more fully set forth: And whereas, Sundry of the policy-holders of the said Relief Fund for whom the said Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund is now Trustee are, by reason of advanced age and their necessitous circumstances, de¬ sirous of obtaining the benefit of the payments made by them to said fund in the form of a cash surrender value or other commuta¬ tion of their respective policies or certificates: And whereas, In and by the plan of said Relief Fund, and by the contract so subsequently entered into with the said Presbyterian Min¬ ister’s Fund, no right was reserved to the policy-holders of said plan and fund to obtain a cash surrender value upon the certificates issued to said policy-holders, but said plan and agreement contem¬ plated the payment to the families of the said policy-holders, of certain sums therein set forth, as a consequence of which said policy¬ holders are not entitled to presently surrender their said policies and to have the cash value or commutation thereof: And Whereas, The said Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund, although desirous of accommodating the policy-holders of the said Relief Fund in any and all ways possible, is advised by counsel that it cannot lawfully, in accordance with its contract with the said General Assembly, pay to said policy-holders or to any of them the cash surrender value of their certificates, without the consent of the said General Assembly being first had and secured: And whereas, It appears to the General Assembly of the Presby¬ terian Church in the United States, now in session at Atlanta, Georgia, that it will be to the advantage of sundry of the policy¬ holders of said fund that they should have the right to presently surrender their said certificates so issued by or for the account of the said Relief Fund, and to receive the commutation or cash sur¬ render value thereof, as the same shall be determined: Now, he it resolved, That the President and Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States be, and they are hereby, authorized in the name and on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States to enter into a contract with the Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund of Philadel¬ phia, Pennsylvania, in the form hereto attached, which form is hereby approved, modifying said agreement of July 29th, 1890, in such a way that the policy-holders thereof shall be entitled to have and to receive the cash surrender value of their certificates or policies as the same shall be hereafter determined. 1914, p. 77. We find from the report of Perry S. Allen, Presi¬ dent of the Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund, that the old Relief Fund is in good shape. This account has been audited by a commit¬ tee, and we recommend its approval. 390 [Book IV Education and Relief / 830. Ministerial Support 1920, p. 31. In reply to Overture from Greenbrier Presbytery, asking for the appointment of an Ad-Interim Committee to investi¬ gate and act upon the question of ministerial support, the support of home, foreign and Sunday School missionaries, the support of teachers in our Church schools, and adequate provision for aged ministers, their widows and dependent children, Your Committee recommends that it be answered as follows: That the Assembly, while in full sympathy with the purport of the overture, believes that the appointment of such Ad-Interim Committee is unnecessary, as a vigorous campaign covering these vital matters is now being conducted by our Executive Committee. 2. In reply to Overture from Montgomery Presbytery, recom¬ mending that its churches assume financial responsibility in whole or in part for the support of foreign and home missionaries, and requesting that the General Assembly take cognizance of this action, and in its turn recommend to the Committee on Ministerial Edu¬ cation and Relief to pursue the same policy, Your Committee recommends that the Assembly expresses its pleasure at the increased liberality of Montgomery Presbytery in the support of aged ministers, but must decline to recommend the general adoption of its plan of support, because it disturbs un¬ necessarily the existing method heretofore approved by the General Assembly, and now being vigorously pressed by the Committee on Ministerial Relief. 1918, p. 34. The overture from Mr. Rutherford Lapsley, “Whereas the salaries of our ministers are, as a rule, inadequate for their support, on account of the great increase in the costs of the necessaries of life, bringing on a condition which threatens the increased efficiency and future supply of ministers, we recommend that all of the Presbyteries be directed to consider at once practical means of increasing the salaries of the ministers; that the Presby- terial Committee of Ministerial Education and Relief arrange be¬ fore the next meeting of Presbytery, if possible, for deputations of laymen to visit the churches in the Presbytery, and confer with, advise and assist the church officers in the matter of increase of salaries. That the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief, which has already done so much in this direction, be directed to supervise and further the adoption and put¬ ting into operation plans in all the Presbyteries, to remedy the acute situation facing the whole Church relative to the adequate support of the ministry.” This overture we answer in the affirmative. 1919, p. 37. The efforts of our Committee have met with most gratifying results in respect to the increase of the salaries of pastors, and we desire that they be continued along the same lines. 831. Details of Administration. We reeommend — 1922, p. 52. That the Assembly approve the recommendation of Secs, 830-831] Relief 391 the Executive Committee that a cottage be built on the reservation of the Southwestern Presbyterian Sanatorium at Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Executive Committee be authorized to erect such a cottage as soon as the funds may warrant; That the Assembly approve the plan of Comity submitted by the Executive Committee on page 14 of its printed report; That in answer to overture from the Synod of Texas, asking the reasons for contributing $600.00 a year as the maximum toward supporting the aged and helpless minister, while only $300.00 a year is the maximum of aid to the minister’s widow when found in the same state, the Assembly advise the Synod of Texas that this is not a rule of the General Assembly nor the practice of the Execu¬ tive Committee. Appropriations are made the homes of ministers’ widows on the recommendation of the Presbyteries on the basis of need, number and age of dependents, and other sources of income; That in answer to overtures from the Presbytery of Harmony, from Presbytery of Asheville, from the Presbytery of Piedmont, and from the Presbytery of Wilmington, asking for modifications in the questionnaire submitted to beneficiaries of Ministerial Re¬ lief, the Assembly advise these Presbyteries that the Executive Com¬ mittee does not require the formality of a signed application for aid by the beneficiary, but solely by the Committee on Christian Education and Ministerial Relief of the Presbytery within whose bounds the person then resides; That in answer to overtures from the Presbytery of Harmony, from the Presbytery of Fayettesville, from the Presbytery of Brazos, from the Presbytery of Enoree, from the Presbytery of Western Texas, asking the Assembly to so change the rules of the Executive Committee as to grant financial aid from the funds of Ministerial Relief not upon need but prescribed service rendered; and overtures from the Presbytery of East Alabama, and from the Presbytery of Greenbrier, asking the Assembly to make no changes in the present policy relative to this matter, and commending the Executive Com¬ mittee to adhere to its present policy, since funds for Ministerial Re¬ lief are given solely to relieve need; That the policy of the Executive Committee of financing the over¬ head expenses of the Committee for its regular work be approved, and in all future special campaigns for funds, each campaign shall be required to bear its own expenses; That the overture from the Presbytery of Wilmington, asking (1) that the amount given to the beneficiaries of Ministerial Relief be doubled, and (2) that the Executive Committee be directed to exer¬ cise the most rigid economy in the management of its affairs, the Assembly answer (1) by referring the Presbytery of Wilmington to the action taken above and in answer to (2), the Assembly, while commending the Executive Committee for its financial management in the past, direct it to practice in the future the strictest economy consistent with efficiency. 392 Education and Relief [Book IV III. Endowment Fund 832. Endowment for the Invalid Fund 1894, p. 237. An ad interim committee was appointed, whose duty shall be to report to the next Assembly touching the advisability of creating an endowment, the interest of which shall be sufficient to provide some adequate support, or of inaugurating some other feasible plan to provide a support for our aged and infirm ministers, and the families of deceased ministers. 1895, p. 396. This committee recommended that the Assembly sanction the effort to create ah endowment of $100,000, the method of raising it, and the details thereof, to be left to the discretion of the committee having the Invalid Fund in charge, subject to the approval of future Assemblies. Adopted. 1897, p. 66. The Executive Committee say: There is no prac¬ ticable way of raising a permanent endowment except that of placing agents in the field, and the Assembly has repeatedly declined to raise its benevolent funds in that way. Some brethren have believed that ministers themselves would, by their own annual contributions, create an endowment if opportunity were offered. Your committee re¬ cently presented to all of our ministers a plan for a temporary en¬ dowment as follows: Subscriptions are solicited, payable in cash, or as the subscriber may prefer, in from one to five annual installments. The funds to be safely invested as soon as possible. These subscriptions are not to interfere with the regular collection for this cause, which occurs in July. They are to supplement that collection. Only the interest on the fund is to be used until March, 1900. Beginning with March, 1900, the Assembly, through its Executive Committee, may draw annually upon the principal for so much as may be necessary (when added to the receipts from the regular col¬ lection) to enable the committee to pay in full the amounts asked by the Presbyteries for the year, which ends March 31st, provided that not more than one-fifth of the principal shall be drawn in any one year unless the principal shall be reduced to $1,000; then it may all be drawn. P. 29. Ordered by the Assembly: That any plan looking to an endowment for the Invalid Fund be abandoned for the present. 1898, p. 223. A proposition was made that our ministers agree to raise a fund by contributing annually two per cent, of their salaries, but was not accepted. 833. “ Invalid ) Fund not (i Relief Fund” 1898, p. 211. To prevent confusion, the Committee of Publica¬ tion is directed hereafter to place the name “Invalid Fund” at the head of the column for that cause, and not “Relief Fund,” as now. Secs. 832-834] Endowment 393 834. Further progress 1899, p. 418. We note, with special pleasure, the marked in¬ crease in the gifts to this cause during the past year; and we recom¬ mend that an earnest effort be made to secure the sum of $18,000 during the present year. While believing that the outlook of our present scheme is good, and that it will accomplish the end if properly supported, we recog¬ nize the fact that a more adequate provision should be made by the church, and we recommend that an ad interim, committee be appointed by the Moderator consisting of three who shall give this whole matter consideration — not only the Canadian Relief scheme (referred to), but that of the Methodist Episcopal Church (North), and any others to them occurring; and that they make report to the next Assembly. 1900, p. 616. The committee reported, and was continued with additions to its number. 1906, p. 40. An increase of 93 in the number of contributing churches and an increase in the amount contributed, shows that our people are beginning to be interested in this cause, which should receive a large share of the gifts of the Church. Mr. Hugh T. Inman, an elder of the First Church, Atlanta, Ga., has proposed to the Committee to add $100,000 to $125,000 to be raised in three years beginning June, 1905; thus, with $25,000 already invested, making an endowment fund of $250,000. This was completed in 1908. This offer has given a new impetus to the work of making pro¬ vision for the servants of the Church. In ten months more than $40,000 in cash and pledges have been added to this fund. The Assembly earnestly calls upon Synods, Presbyteries and Ses¬ sions of churches to give careful thought to the matter of responding to the call which comes to us through this servant of God to endow' the cause of Ministerial Relief. And to this end it enjoins upon the Presbyteries, in view of the wonderful opportunity and crisis of this cause, to select suitable men whose duty it shall be to visit the churches and solicit funds for it; and that the third Sunday in November, or the day nearest thereto that may be most , convenient, be set apart for collections in all the churches and Sabbath Schools for the Endowment Fund. The Assembly declined to change the time of the collection for this cause from July to September. 1907, p. 23. The General Assembly called upon the church to increase as rapidly as possible this endowment fund to at least $500,000, and commended this endowment fund to our people of wealth for their gifts and legacies. Same action in 1910 (p. 65). 1912, p. 31. We would recommend in regard to Ministerial Re¬ lief, that while there is cause for rejoicing in the blessing of God upon this work, which has enabled the Committee to substantially increase the amounts given to some of the most needy beneficiaries, yet we call upon the Church for increased liberality towards the work; and we wrould urge the pastors and Sessions to co-operate with Education and Relief 394 [Book IV the Committee in the work before it, of increasing the Endowment Fund as rapidly as possible to at least $500,000. 1913, p. 62. Your Committee feels that the action of the Assem¬ bly, requesting $500,000.00 for the Endowment Fund of Ministerial Relief, should be continuously kept before the mind of the Church, in view of the great need of such a fund and in view of the further facts that no time is now set for an offering to this fund and it is not included in the percentage for the Assembly causes which has been requested for Ministerial Relief. 1915, p. 36. While rejoicing in the prosperity of the work of Ministerial Relief which has resulted in largely increasing the amounts given the needy veterans and widows and orphans of our deceased ministers, the General Assembly calls upon the Church to provide more adequately for their needs. The General Assembly again called upon the churches to increase the Endowment Fund for Ministerial Relief to at least half a million dollars as soon as possible. 1916, p. 58. The Overture asking that the amount of the pro¬ posed Endowment Fund for Ministerial Relief be raised to one million dollars, was answered in the affirmative, this Assembly be¬ lieving that it should be at least that much. 1917, p. 56. Through the abounding liberality and inspiring example of one of our ruling elders, coupled with the wise and efficient labors of our Executive Secretary, the year past has seen the Endowment Relief increased to the sum of $543,651.53. 1917, p. 59. The Assembly put on record its appreciation of the liberality of the ruling elder whose large gift made possible the great increase of our Endowment Fund for Ministeral Relief realized in the past year, and though his name be withheld, in deference to his wishes, from a place in these minutes, we commend him to God and the abundant riches of His Grace. The Executive Committee, at such time and by such means as might seem wisest to itself, was encouraged to endeavor to bring the Endowment Fund for Ministerial Relief up to one million dollars. 1918, p. 34. Within this period [three years] the Endowment Fund of Ministerial Relief shall be increased to at least $1,000,000. The Executive Committee during this time shall secure from the ministers of the Church and their families data that will furnish the basis for the future statesman-like handling of this sacred and binding obligation of the Church. 1920, p. 25. The Endowment Fund. — Mr. C. E. Graham has offered the sum of $200,000 to the Endowment Fund for Ministerial Relief, provided the Church raises $400,000 additional. We recom¬ mend that the following resolution be adopted: The General Assembly is deeply appreciative of the generous offer of Ruling Elder C. E. Graham to give to the Endowment Fund for Ministerial Relief the sum of $200,000 on condition that the Church raise $400,000 additional for this purpose. The General Assembly deems it of the utmost importance that Secs. 834-835] Endowment 395 plans be perfected at once to raise this amount, and calls upon the elders, deacons, laymen and women of the Church to assume the responsibility of raising this $400,000 under the direction of the Executive Committe, with the help of the Laymen’s Missionary Movement and the Women’s Auxiliary. The Session of each church is requested to see that on some Sunday in June or September this opportunity and responsibility is put before all our people. (From the report of the Executive Committee) 1920, p. 114. In January Mr. C. E. Graham made an offer to the Committee of $200,000 on condition that the whole Church add $400,000 to the Endowment Fund by December, 1920. A short time before, he had purchased from the receiver of the United States Court, the Heard National Bank IBuilding, at Jacksonville, Florida, intending to use it as a foundation for “The Graham Trust Fund” from which his bene¬ factions might be continued into the future. At that time he offered to turn the building over to the Executive Committee for $700,000 on which he promised to pay the $200,000 on the condition mentioned above. The name was changed to “The Graham Building.” It is ideally located in the business and financial center of the rapidly growing city of Jacksonville. It is a modern, fourteen story, fireproof, office building of steel, concrete, stone, brick and marble construction. It was built nine years ago at a cost of more than $900,000, with bank fixtures, and could scarcely be replaced' today for less than $1,500,000. After deducting the cost of ground rent, insurance, taxes, repairs and operating expenses the building is yielding more than 6 per cent, on $1,000,000. Many of the foremost business men of our Church have made a careful investigation of this investment and commend it without reservation and urge that the money to secure it be raised at once. On April 1, 1920, we had secured $33,923.78 on the $400,000, pledges for more than $10,000, besides our offer from another Elder to pay the last $25,000 of the $400,000. The Endowment Fund should be greatly increased. Were we to seek a fund equal to the average amount (per minister) sought by the Congregational, Disciples, Methodist, Episcopal and Presbyterian, U. S. A. Churches, our goal should be $2,356,900. (The receipts exceeded' the amount named by more than $100,000.) 1921, p. 57. The -Assembly express its opinion that the Endow¬ ment Fund should be made at least $2,500,000 as soon as possible. 1922, p. 53. Similar action. 835. Annuities to families of deceased missionaries 1890, p. 30. Resolved, That the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions be directed to discontinue the payment of the annual pre¬ miums on each of the eleven missionaries now insured in the “Relief Fund.” And in order that some provision may be made for the family of a missionary who may die in the service of the Executive Committee, leaving a widow, or a widow with dependent children, or dependent children without a widow, it is resolved that said sur¬ vivors of such deceased missionary shall be paid the following an¬ nuities for the period of six years, if they live so long. Where the deceased leaves onlv a widow, she shall receive $300; and in case 396 Endowment and Relief [Book IV he leaves a widow and dependent children, they shall receive $400; and if he leaves only dependent children and no widow, they shall receive $300. The Executive Committee is hereby authorized and directed to pay said annuities out of the funds in their hands; but if the deceased missionary already has an interest in the “Relief Fund” procured by the Executive Committee, the amount which may be received by said survivors from said fund shall be reckoned as part of said annuity. P. 69. In the report of the Executive Committee here given is found a complete history of the “Relief Fund',” the connection of our mis¬ sionaries with the same, and reasons for changing the plan of pro¬ vision for families of such as may die in the foreign service. 1908, p. 37. An overture asking that the financial policy of Executive Committee touching payment of annuities be changed, was answered in the negative. 1915, p. 36. The Assembly endorsed the Executive Committee’s purpose to put into more general use the Annuity Plan. 836. Children of deceased ministers in the home land 1913, p. 63. In reply to Overture from Presbytery of Ouachita, asking the Assembly to request the Executive Committee of Chris¬ tian Education and Ministerial Relief to place children of deceased ministers in the home land who are without financial resources on the same plane of educational advantage as the children of living foreign missionaries, who receive for each child $200.00 per annum, we recommend that the overture be answered in the negative. 837. The Stuart Robinson legacy 1882, p. 561. The late Dr. Stuart Robinson gave $25,000, as a permanent endowment fund for this cause, on condition “that the General Assembly shall encourage and organize an effort to increase the amount to one hundred thousand dollars.” The General Assem¬ bly gratefully accepted this large donation on the condition specified, and the Executive Committee at Baltimore was directed to take such steps as in their judgment might seem best to increase this fund to the specified amount, the fund to be called the “Stuart Robinson Invalid Endowment Fund.” 1884, p. 234. The way not being clear to enter upon such an organized effort as was evidently contemplated by this venerable ser¬ vant of God; the General Assembly withdrew all claim to this be¬ quest, and directed the Stated Clerk to communicate this action to the executor of Dr. Robinson’s will. 838. Benefit fund 1885, p. 399. Whereas there is no efficient plan in our Church for the relief of the families of ministers who die in the service of the Church; and Secs. 835-839] Schools and Colleges 397 Whereas the vast majority of our beloved ministers receive not more than a bare support, and are therefore unable to lay by any¬ thing for the support of their families after they themselves have been called to rest; therefore, Resolved, That a committee of seven ruling elders be appointed, who shall consider whether a practicable system, which will not interfere with collections for Invalid Fund, can be adopted, by which our members may be induced, by contributing small sums at stated times, to create a “Benefit Fund” to be paid to the widow of every minister who may die after such system is adopted, and that saidi committee report to this Assembly. P. 421. The report of this committee, after being discussed, was iaid on the table. IV. Schools and Colleges 839. Church and Christian Education 1898, p. 231. The special committee appointed to report on the overtures with references to Christian education in schools under Presbyterial control, recommended the appointment of an ad interim committee in pursuance of the designs indicated in the overtures. 1899, p. 411. This ad interim Committee reported as follows: While expressing its appreciation of the great work done for the cause of education by the schools, colleges and universities supported and controlled by civil authorities, by philanthropists, and by other religious denominations, and urging our people to do all that is expedient to throw about these institutions a wholesome Christian influence, the General Assembly does not consider it safe for any church to turn over to any other parties, either religious or civil, the entire education of her sons and daughters. The history and traditions of the Presbyterian Church in this and other countries amply prove that denominational fidelity in this and other matters has not only secured the best results for our church, but has accom¬ plished great good by its influence on all others. The General Assembly hails with delight the unmistakable signs of a re-awakening, not in our church only, but in all thd evangelical churches, to the great importance of Christian education. We also record with satisfaction the increasing prosperity, success and usefulness of our higher institutions of learning, male and female, under direct church control and denominational influence. We also hail the increasing number of high schools, academies, grammar schools and mission schools, which have more or less of direct church control. Therefore, in view of the great importance and promise of earnest effort for Church and Christian education, we do recommend that all our Synods, Presbyteries and church Ses¬ sions undertake whatever may be practicable in furtherance of this cause, and we believe that very much may be done along denom¬ inational lines without antagonizing any good work done by others. For the assistance and guidance of all who may find it practicable 398 Education and Relief [Book IV from time to time to found and support schools under church con¬ trol, and in order to secure uniformity of effort and example, we set forth the following Constitution: Constitution for Presbyterian Church Schools ( 1 ) A school founded by a congregation, or by two more con¬ tiguous congregations, shall be called a Westminster School. (2) The sole government of the school shall be in the hands of a Board of Trustees, not less than three nor more than six, who shall be appointed by the Session or Sessions of the churches found¬ ing the school for terms of one, two and three years, and the Session or Sessions shall fill vacancies as they occur, electing for three- year terms. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum. The Trustees in all cases must be male communicants in the Pres¬ byterian Church. (3) The school shall be limited in its scope and design to pri¬ mary and preparatory education for males or females or both. (4) The Bible shall be used as a text-book throughout the school in such measure and proportion as the Board may determine, so as to make the school distinctly a Christian school, and the Standards of the church, especially the Shorter Catechism, also, as far as it may be found practicable. The school shall be opened each day with suitable devotional exercises. It is very desirable that the pupils be trained in vocal sacred music. (5) The Board of Trustees shall elect a President, Secretary and Treasurer from their own number annually, and shall employ such teachers and other agencies as may be necessary. (6) The Board shall have power to raise and disburse moneys, and to hold property in trust for the furtherance of the objects of the school, and when necessary may secure articles of incorporation. (7) The Board shall adopt their own By-laws subject to the limitations of this Constitution, which Constitution shall be of the nature of fundamental law to the Board in the execution of their trust. (8) In case it shall ever prove desirable to secure a charter of incorporation, the provisions of this Constitution shall be incorporated into the charter, or else adopted as a fixed part of the By-laws. (9) In founding, developing and administering the school the Board shall be careful not to incur debt. (10) This Constitution mutatis mutandis is recommended to the Presbyteries and Synods for the founding of educational institutions of any grade. In furtherance of this cause of Church and Christian Education, your committee would recommend to the Assembly to approve and adopt the following plan of organization for systematic effort throughout the church, which plan substantially has been in operation for some years in the four Synods of North Carolina, South Caro¬ lina, Georgia and Florida, and has been productive of excellent re¬ sults in many places, to- wit: Sec. 839] Schools and Colleges 399 (1) That the General Assembly appoint a Committee on Church and Christian Education, and urge the Synods and Presbyteries throughout the church to appoint similar committees, the duty of all which committees shall be to gather and disseminate information and excite interest in Church and Christian Education as best they may, and make annual reports to their respective bodies on this subject. These committees ought to be organized as Permanent Committees similar to those who have charge of other departments of Christian work. (2) The Chairman of the Assembly’s Committee shall be the organ of communication with the Chairmen of the several Synodical and Presbyterial Committees. (3) The Assembly urges upon the ministers under its charge to preach and instruct the people on the duty and necessity of pro¬ viding, as far as possible, for the education of our sons and daugh¬ ters, giving special emphasis to the cause of female education. (4) That Synods, Presbyteries, Sessions, officers and private members of the church be exhorted and encouraged to provide, in every possible way, for schools both primary and preparatory, in which the Bible shall be a text-book. (5) That the Presbyteries are urged to prepare and circulate pastoral letters on this subject to all our people. 1904, p. 38. Our Synods and Presbyteries are urged to active effort in increasing the endowment and equipment of our Theologi¬ cal Seminaries. The need for a learned and thoroughly furnished ministry is perpetual and always urgent. Our Seminaries need full and continually expanding equipment in the way of new, well en¬ dowed professorships, libraries, lectureships and fellowships, to en¬ courage and secure profound scholarship in all branches of Biblical and theological learning. Our Church needs recognized leaders in the world of scholars, who shall be faithful and skilful exponents of our system of faith and policy, and able to hold and deepen the love and loyalty of our people, command the respect and attention of an increasingly intelligent world, and extend God’s kingdom by winning souls for Christ. Presbyteries and Synods are urged to enlarge and strengthen his¬ toric, existing collegiate institutions under their control, so that our youth, trained in them, shall not be inferior in culture and scholar¬ ship to the graduates of other colleges. The Assembly would not dictate the duties of the lower courts with respect to founding such new institutions as may seem necessary to enable them efficiently to do their proper work of spreading the Gospel and building up the Church, but would emphasize the importance of ample provision for thorough collegiate scholarship in the institutions where so many of our candidates for the ministry are trained. 1905, p. 30. Your Committee, in answer to the overture from the Presbytery of Greenbrier, touching, first, the appointment of a General Secretary of Church and Christian Education; second, plac¬ ing the cause on our regular list of causes for Church collections; third, seeking to secure, through a Secretary, a permanent endow- 400 Education and Relief [Book IV * ment fund for the different academies and colleges, would respect¬ fully report, recommending that the whole subject matter of said overture be referred to an ad interim committee of five members, to be appointed by the Moderator, who shall report to the next Gentral Assembly. 840. Executive Committee of Schools and Colleges established 1906, p. 54. I he report of the above ad interim committee was referred to the Standing Committee on Church and Christian Edu¬ cation. This Committee made the following recommendations, which were adopted: (a) That the Assembly give to the department of Church and Christian Education a place among the objects of its systematic (beneficence. (b) That the Assembly appoint two Annual Collections for this cause, one to be designated, “The Assembly’s Collection for Schools and Colleges,” and the other, “The Synodical Collection for Schools and Colleges.” (c) The Assembly’s Collection shall be appointed for the last Sabbath in December, thus taking the place of the present Assembly’s Collection for the Fredericksburg Home and School. The proceeds of this collection are to be applied under the direction of the Execu¬ tive Committee, to the following objects: (1) The Adequate Main¬ tenance and Enlargement of the Assembly’s Home and School. (2) 'Hie Administrative Expenses of the Executive Committee and the Secretary of this cause. (3) Should there be sufficient funds, the support of other educational institutions under the care of the As¬ sembly. (d) That the Assembly’s Permanent Committee on Church and Christian Education be discontinued, and superseded by the Execu¬ tive Committee on Schools and Colleges, and that the Chairman, Rev. Dr. J. B. Shearer, be tendered the hearty gratitude of the Assembly for the long service which has at last borne the fruit he long looked for and ardently desired. That Dr. Shearer be reim¬ bursed out of the Treasury of the Assembly for any expenses incurred during the past year in the prosecution of committee work. (e) That the Committee on the 20th Century Fund be at its own request discharged and thanked for its service. (/) That we congratulate the Alabama College for Men on its gratifying progress and bid it Godspeed on its mission. ( g ) The Synodical Collection for Schools and Colleges shall be appointed for the third Sabbath of March. The collection, control and distribution of the proceeds of this collection are to remain in the hands of each individual Synod, as in the case of Synodical Home Missions, to be applied to the maintenance of the schools and colleges under its care. ( h ) That the Assembly elect a Secretary of Schools and Colleges and appoint an Executive Committee for the same, to be constituted as follows: Nine members appointed by the Assembly, preferably in Sec. 840 j Schools and Colleges 401 easy reach of the office of the Committee, together with the Chairmen of the Synodical Committees on Church and Christian Education, and the Superintendent of the Assembly’s Home and School, as cor¬ responding members. (t) That the headquarters of this Executive Committee be fixed at Atlanta, Ga. (j) That the Assembly members be the following: To serve for a term of one year, B. I. Hughes, Rome, Ga; C. E. Graham, Greenville, S. C.; and T. H. Rice, Atlanta, Ga. For two years, T. W. Sloan, Greenville, S. C. ; J. G. Patton, Decatur, Ga. ; and J. J. Eagan, Atlanta, Ga. For three years, S. M. Inman, At¬ lanta, Ga. ; F. H. Gaines, Decatur, Ga. ; and M. A. Candler, De¬ catur, Ga. ( k ) That the Assembly elect as Secretary for three years, Rev. Geo. H. Cornelson, of Concord, N. C., the salary to be fixed by the Executive Committee. The Secretary’s term of office shall begin this year on October 1. Rev. Dr. Cornelson declined to accept, then Rev. Dr. R. E. Vinson was chosen but declined. In 1909, Rev. Dr. Wm. E. Boggs, was secured for the position. ( l ) That the Executive Committee be instructed to meet some time during the first week in October to organize and take up the work. ( m ) That the necessary expenses of their first meeting be met out of the Assembly’s Treasury, and that the Treasurer be authorized to pay the same upon the order of the Chairman of the Executive Committee. (w) That to the Executive Committee be left the finding of funds for the additional running expenses of the work until the December collection comes in. 1907, p. 59. The Assembly instructed its Executive Committee — (1) To make a thorough study of present conditions and move¬ ments in our educational work, and a similar study of the conditions and movements in educational work in general, and put the results of their investigations in such form as will make them practically available for the information of our people. (2) To endeavor with prudence and by correspondence with those actually entrusted with the educational work of our Church to create and secure common assent to true educational standards. (3) To use their endeavors to pave the way for the unifying of our educational work by a proper correlation of secondary and higher education. (4) To encourage the planting of schools at strategic points within our bounds. (5) To create a literature of Christian education for our Church defining Christian education; showing the needs for, and the fruits of such education; and giving such information as, in their judg¬ ment, will tend to advance the interest of this great cause. (6) To use all of the endeavors that Christian wisdom and 402 Education and Relief [Book IV prudence may devise for keeping our institutions distinctly Christian. (7) To devise measures for building up an intelligent and liberal clientele for our denominational education, who will have its interests specially at heart; and to secure a large collection annually for this cause, arranging to have the cause presented by all of our pastors to their respective churches. The following persons were elected (members of the Executive Committee for a term of three years, to take the places of Messrs. B. I. Hughes, C. E. Graham and T. H. Rice, whose term of service expires with this Assembly, to- wit: Messrs. B. I. Hughes, Rome, Ga. ; C. E. Graham, Greenville, S. C. and W. L. Lingle, Atlanta, Ga., the last named person to be the Chairman of the Committee. The Assembly re-affirmed the following actions included in the report of its Standing Committee of 1906. 1. The Assembly’s collection shall be appointed for the third Sabbath in September. The proceeds of this collection are to be applied under the di¬ rection of the Executive Committee to the following objects, to-wit: (a) The administrative expense of the Executive Committee and the Secretary of this cause. ( b ) And, should there be funds over and above such as are re¬ quired for the purpose just mentioned, to the educational institu¬ tions under the care of the Assembly. 2. The Synodical collection for Schools and Colleges shall be appointed for the third Sabbath in March. The collection, control and distribution of the proceeds of this collection, are to remain in the hands of each individual Synod, as in the case of the collection for Synodical Home Missions, to be applied to the maintenance of the schools and colleges under its care, whether Presbyterial or Synodical. Forward Movement 1909, p. 58. The Assembly directs the Executive Committee of Schools and Colleges to consider the feasibility of inaugurating a forward movement in behalf of our church schools with a view to their more complete endowment and maintenance, and the Execu¬ tive Committee is authorized, if the way be clear, to enter at once upon the prosecution of such a forward movement among our Pres¬ byterian people. 841. Twentieth Century Fund 1900, p. 639. Overtures from the Presbytery of Louisville and from L. H. Blanton, J. I. Vance and others, praying the Assembly to undertake to raise $1,000,000 for the permanent work of the church to be known as the Twentieth Century Fund. Answer : We recommend, first, that the Assembly heartily endorse the general scheme proposed in these overtures, and appoint a com¬ mittee after the manner recommended, to inaugurate the movement and Secs. 840-841] Schools and Colleges 403 have general management and oversight of it, which committee shall have power to fill vacancies which may occur before the next Gen¬ eral Assembly; to elect a Treasurer, and to pay out of the funds coming into his hands all legitimate expenses which the committee may incur in the prosecution of its work, and shall make reports to each succeeding Assembly until it be discharged. 2. The object of the fund shall be to promote and put upon a surer basis the cause of Christian Education; to endow and equip more fully our theological seminaries, our schools, colleges and other institutions of learning, both for males and females; and to found such new institutions of similar character as may seem ad¬ visable. 3. The movement shall in nowise interfere with or displace plans that are now in operation in different parts of the church, looking to the same end, but shall rather seek to unify all these local efforts and to stimulate and encourage them through sympathetic co-opera- ion, either in our own land or the foreign field. 4. Each Synod or Presbytery or division of the church co-operat¬ ing in the movement may employ such agencies as it deems wise, choose the institution or institutions for which its funds shall be raised, and have entire control and direction of such funds, but mak¬ ing reports of them to the committee appointed by the Assembly. All money coming directly into the hands of the committee’s Treasurer shall be distributed according to the judgment of the committee or the wishes of the donors. 5. The Assembly recommends to the several Synods to appoint each a committee of three to co-operate with the Assembly’s com¬ mittee. 6. The Assembly earnestly calls upon all its Synods, Presbyteries, Sessions and members to co-operate heartily in this movement, and to signalize the opening of the new century by a great advance in this all-important branch of the church’s work. Adopted. 1902, p. 283. Ten Synods have undertaken to raise in behalf of Christian Education the sum of $1,720,000, and the sum of $423,- 000, or nearly 25 per cent, of the amount desired, has been already secured. Moreover, one theological seminary, one college and six academies have been established, and four colleges and three acad¬ emies have been projected. Several new Westminster schools have been organized, and some old schools have been reorganized. The Day School has been made a part of the Home Mission work in some of the Presbyteries, and in some places the public schools are opened with the reading of the Bible and with prayer. In view of these facts, The Assembly expressed its sense of grat¬ ification because of the general campaign just opening in behalf of both public and Christian education in the Southern States. The Assembly expressed its very deep sense of gratification be¬ cause of the signal degree of success that has marked the movement in our church in behalf of the Twentieth Century Fund for Chris¬ tian Education. The Assembly reaffirmed its belief that our Synods and Presbv- 404 Education and Relief [Book IV teries and congregations must bend every energy to maintain and ex¬ tend the system of Christian education established by the founders of the Presbyterian Church. To this end the support and patronage of this Assembly will be given only to those academies and colleges in which Biblical and spiritual instruction are combined with the usual courses of study in classical, scientific and literary subjects. 1903, p. 505. Upon the request of the chairman of the Permanent Committee on the Twentieth Century Fund, the committee was dis¬ charged, and a committee, composed of one representative from each Synod was appointed. [The members of this committee were urged to collect all data bearing upon this work in their respective Synods, and forward the same to the chairman in time for the meeting of the Assembly; and the committee was instructed to aid the Synodical and Presbyterial committees in their efforts to carry on this work. 1902, p. 37. In paid and pledged subscriptions about $558,589 has been secured for the Twentieth Century Fund, divided as follows, viz.: Amounts paid, $85,175; pledges, $473,414. These moneys are mainly in the form of pledges for the endowment of existing institutions. President W. E. Mcllwain has secured pledges of $45,000 for the proposed Synodical College of Alabama, and $14,000 for the Alabama College for Women. A considerable sum has been given for mission schools in connection with evange¬ listic work. The w7ork done in the Synod of Texas, under the leadership of Dr. T. R. Sampson, developing and unifying a system of Synodical institutions, is marked by commendable zeal. The affiliation of the five institutions under Synodical control gives promise of good results, which we hope will be realized. The endorsement and support of the scheme adopted in Texas, has borne fruit, in the raising of $220,000 within the past three years. 1905, p 42. Your Committee on the Twentieth Century Fund begs leave to report that gratifying progress has been made in some of the Synods of our Church in the work of securing funds to be used in behalf of Christian Education. The Synod of Texas sent in last year its admirable report con¬ cerning work already accomplished and plans for the future. No additional details can now be added to that report. The- Synod of Louisiana owns the Silliman Collegiate Institute, and has taken steps to inaugurate a school among the French popula¬ tion within its bounds. The Synod of Missouri makes the following report of progress concerning this work during the year ending May, 1905: Westminster College, pledges for endowment . $15', 450 00 Westminster College, pledges for immediate needs.... 4,640 00 Gifts for current expenses . 801 46 Synodical Female College . 2,500 00 Elmwood Seminary . 500 00 Endowment for new school in the Ozark mountains .... 4,000 00 Total . $27,891 46 Secs. 841-843] Schools and Colleges 405 In the Synod of South Carolina gratifying success has marked the effort to increase the endowment of the Presbyterian College of South Carolina. Steps have been taken also to bring Chicora College under Presbyterian control. In the Synod of North Carolina the sum of $168,000 has been pledged, through the general and special agencies at work; of this amount about $90,000 in cash has been paid in. This result shows that nearly three-fifths of the $300,000 assumed by this Synod as its portion of the General Assembly’s Educational Fund has been already pledged. 1906, p. 54. The Committee on the 20th Century Fund was at its own request discharged and thanked for its service (its work being transferred to the Executive Committee on Schools and Col¬ leges). 842. Maryville College 1870, p. 510. Your committee has received a statement from Hon. Jesse G. Wallace in relation to Maryville College, an insti¬ tution founded for the training of students for the ministry, formerly under the control of the United Synod, which we herewith sub¬ mit, and recommend that it be referred to the Trustees of the Gen¬ eral Assembly, with instructions to investigate the claim therein mentioned, and to take such steps as to them may seem expedient and proper to assert and secure the rights of this General Assembly in the premises. Adopted. '1872, p. 210. It appears that the college was founded in 1819 by the Synod of Tennessee, and at first was called the Southern and Western Theological Seminary, afterwards Maryville College. It seems to have been incorporated, having a Constitution which was adopted by the said Synod, one of the provisions of which was, that the Trustees and Professors should be members in full communion in the Presbyterian Church. The Board of Trustees consists of thirty-six members, two-thirds ministers and one-third laymen. The said Synod has the sole power of appointing the Trustees. It seems that the legal right to the property is in the Synod of Tennessee, or the Trustees appointed by the said Synod; that our Church never has had, and is not likely to have, any right to the property. 843. Sayre Female Institute 1870, p. 5*23. A memorial from David A. Sayre, Esq., of Ken¬ tucky, was presented and referred to a committee. P. 526. This committee made a report, which was adopted, and is as follows: Resolved, That the prayer of the memorialist be granted; and that this Assembly does hereby give its sanction and approval of the said deed of April 20th, 1870; and orders that, for convenience of reference to the facts upon which this action is based, said memorial, with the acts of the Legislature and the deeds and certificates ac- 406 Education and Relief [Book IV companying the same, be published in the Appendix to the Minutes of the Assembly. Resolved, That this action is not to be understood as in any way committing the Assembly to all or any of the statements of said memorial touching the divisions of the Church, or the healing of those divisions past or prospective; but simply as the expression of a desire on the part of the Assembly not to trammel or restrain the memorialist in the control of an institution sustained in part at least, by his own funds. This action is not so expressed as to convey an idea of what was contemplated. The facts were these: Mr. D. A. Sayre, in July, 1860, conveyed to trustees certain property in Lexington, Ky., for the purposes of a female institute. This institute was chartered by the Legislature in 1856, and its charter was amended in 1861 and 1870. The deed was designed to secure the use and benefit of the institute to the Presbyterian Church, described in the deed as “succes¬ sors of the Rochester Assembly,” i. e., the Old School Church. In the opinion of Mr. Sayre the purposes of said deed were in danger of being defeated by the ecclesiastical changes that had taken place in the Presbyterian Church since its execution. Both Northern and Southern Assemblies might claim to be such successors. To prevent this result, and place the institution which he had founded in such a position that it would be free from danger of litigation, he executed, in April, 1870, a second deed. By this he made the Board of Trustees self-perpetuating, stipulating, however, that two-thirds of the number of trustees, must be members of some Presbyterian church in Fayette county, Ky., and that the principal of the institute should be a member of some Presbyterian Church in the United States. Mr. Sayre thought that this action would eventually secure the benefits of the institute to the Presbyerian Church, and while it removed the school from ecclesiastical control, would unite both sides of the Church in its support. The object of the memorial, which was sent to both Northern and Southern Assemblies, was to request the Assemblies to relinquish any rights of property which, by any construction of his first deed, might be vested in them. As seen above, the Southern Assembly at once granted the request. The Northern Assembly declined ©r neglected to take similar action. After Mr. Sayre’s death the memo¬ rial to the Northern Church was renewed by his nephew, but it was not granted. The time within which it would have been possible to contest the deed of Mr. D. A. Sayre has passed, and the last deed must now stand. Both memorials were accompanied by a promise to endow the insti¬ tution in the additional sum of $20,000, if the memorial should be granted by both Assemblies. — A. 844.. Tranfer of La Grange College 1901, p. 52% On the transfer of the La Grange Synodical Col¬ lege by the Synod of Memphis to the Presbyteries of Memphis, Western District, North Mississippi and Chickasaw, and their successors, your committee recommend that this Assembly, being empowered, authorized and requested to do so, do now confirm, approve and ratify the transfer of the said La Grange Synodical College, its property, assets, effects, rights and claims, by the said Synod of Memphis to the Presbyteries of Memphis, Western District, North Mississippi and Chickasaw, and their successors, and that Secs. 843-847] Schools and Colleges 407 the trustees named in the article of transfer hereby submitted as a part of this report, be and are hereby empowered, authorized and directed to take all necessary steps to transfer and vest the title to said college, as requested. 845. King College 1912, p. 70-d. The invitation from the president of King College, in this city, to the members of the Assembly, to attend the laying of the corner-stone of the Alumni and Old Students building at 5 :30 this afternoon, was accepted. 1912, p. 70-g. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, in session at Bristol, Tenn., impressed with the strategic location of King College, and of its potential import¬ ance in the center of a rapidly developing section, and among people from whom have come some of our most useful leaders; and pro¬ foundly grateful for the immense contribution this college has already made to our Church, would record its appreciation of the institution, and commend it most heartily and earnestly to the sympathies, prayers, and benefactions of the Church at large, and of all people who are interested in Christian education. 846. Funds from the will of William Workman 1914, p. 78. “The Synod of Kentucky, in session at Lebanon, Ky., October 16, 1913, respectfully overtures the General Assembly, to meet in Kansas City, Missouri, May, 21, 1914, to instruct the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Southern Presbyterian Church to transfer to the Lees Collegiate Institute the interest aris¬ ing from any funds which may be in their hands from the will of William Workman, formerly of Bath County, Ky., the interest of which is now used for the benefit of Central University, of Danville, Ky.” From information that has come into the hands of your Auditing Committee, we recommend that this matter be referred back to the Synod of Kentucky without action on the part of this Assembly. 847. Secular Education 1867, p. 150. The following paper, offered by the Rev. Dr. J. A. Lyon, was referred to the Presbyteries, with direction to report on the subject to the next General Assembly: Whereas the Presbyterian Church has at all times been distin¬ guished for the high degree of mental culture of its ministers and people, an honorable precedence which it will be commendable for us to try still to maintain; therefore, Resolved , 1, That in the judgment of this Assembly it comes clear¬ ly within the province of the organized Church of God to look after the mental, as well as the moral, culture of the people of God, with the view to their highest attainment in active, vital piety. 408 Education and Relief [Book IV 2. That, in view of this fact, this Assembly deems it of the utmost importance that the Church elevate its standard of learning and widen its domain in prosecuting the educational interests of the people over whom it exerts a controlling influence. 3. That this Assembly request the Presbyteries throughout the bounds of the Church to take this subject into consideration at their next regular meetings, and report their action to the next General Assembly. 1868, p. 266. The Committee on Bills and Overtures, to which were referred the answers of Presbyteries to the overture on Educa¬ tion sent down by the last Assembly, report that replies have been received from twenty-two Presbyteries. The object understood to be aimed at in the overture of the Assembly is embodied in a me¬ morial from the Presbytery of Tombeckbee, contained in their reply, as follows: “Resolved, That this Presbytery hereby memorialize the General Assembly to take the initiative at once in establishing a great central institution of learning, under its supervision and control, in which the whole Church shall be united, and in which the youth of the Church shall be trained and qualified to become intelligent office¬ bearers in the, Church of God, whilst at the same time they may pursue the different professions and callings in life. The memorializing Presbytery, and one other, have recommended the establishment of such an institution. Of the other Presbyteries seven deny the right of the Church to engage in the work of secular education, thirteen declare that it is inexpedient to undertake such an enterprise, and one simply affirms the resolutions sent down by the Assembly. In view of the above facts, and in view of the fact that twenty-six Presbyteries have not responded to this overture, the committee re¬ commend the adoption of the following resolutions: ,1. That the whole matter be indefinitely postponed. 2. That our people be urged to establish and encourage schools and colleges under Presbyterial influence, and be earnestly advised not to send their children to schools where they are likely to be estranged from their own Church. 848. The necessity of Christian Schools 1911, p. 53. We are of the mind, that special and unremitting effort should be made, first of all to awaken the Church to the great necessity of Christian schools. The alarming tendency towards the secularization of education, calls for such effort with imperious voice. The unification and, if possible, the correlation of our schools should be brought about. Some intelligent and persistent plan should be pursued, by which the standardization of all our schools may be gradually secured. 1912, p. 20. The Assembly met and engaged in a public meeting in the interest of Schools and Colleges. After devotional exercises, addresses were made by Secretary W. E. Boggs, D. D., and Rev. A. D. P. Gilmour, D. D., on the “Denominational College.” Sec. 848] Schools and Colleges 409 These addresses were referred to the Standing Committee on Christian Education and Ministerial Relief. It was ordered that the address of Dr. Gilmour on the “Denominational College” be printed in pamphlet form for distribution. Presbyterian Educational Association of the South 1913, p. 63. In answer to Overture from Secretary T. P. Junkin and others representing the Conference on Education meeting in Atlanta, we recommend that an Ad-Interim Committee, composed of the Executive Secretary of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief as Chairman, and one member from each of the Synods, be appointed to consider all matters relating to the discovery, definition, co-ordination and allied questions of the schools and colleges con¬ nected with our Church. That this Committee call the Christian educators of these schools and colleges into conference with them¬ selves at Montreat, N. C., during July or August of this year, to discuss matters coming under the purview of this Committee, and that this Committee report its findings, with or without recommen¬ dations, to the General Assembly of 1914. 1913, p. 68. The Moderator appointed the following Committee: Rev. Henry H. Sweets, D. D., Chairman (or Temporary Chair¬ man), Kentucky; Rev. J. I. Norris, D. D., Arkansas; Rev. Lynn R. Walker, D. D., Florida; Rev. F. H. Gaines, D. D., Georgia; Rev. George H. Comelson, D. D., Louisiana; Dr. J. R. Dobyns, Mississippi; Dr. George H. Denny, Alabama; Prof. D. S. Gage, Missouri; Prof. W. B. Morrison, Oklahoma; Dr. W. J. Martin, North Carolina; Prof. A. E. Spencer, South Carolina; Dr. Wm. Dinwiddie, Tennessee; Rev. R. E. Vinson, D. D., Texas; Dr. Henry Louis Smith, Virginia. 1914, p. 31. The report of the Ad-Interim Committee appointed to hold a conference on Christian Education was read by the Chair¬ man, Rev. H. H. Sweets, D. D. (See Appendix.) It was referred to the Standing Committee on Christian Education and Ministerial Relief. 1914, p. 72. This Committee called a conference of our Presby¬ terian educators at Montreat. The conference was largely attended and spent about two full days in earnest and prayerful discussion and deliberation, and endorsed every action with almost unanimous voice. The Committee’s report has the signature of every member and is presented to the Assembly with a recommendation that it be adopted and put into effect as speedily as possible. The report is printed in the Appendix to the Minutes of this Assembly. 1914, p. 80. The Moderator appointed the following Ad-Interim Committee on Christian Education: Henry H. Sweets, Louisville, Ky. ; alternate, J. M. Spencer, Lexington, Ky. E. D. McDougall, Anniston, Ala.; alternate, T. P. Walton, Tal¬ ladega, Ala. 410 Education and Relief [Book IV John Van Lear, Little Rock, Ark.; alternate, J. P. Robertson, Batesville, Ark. L, R. Walker, De Funiak Springs, Fla.; alternate, W. H. Dodge, Ocala, Fla. F. H. Gaines, Decatur, Ga.; alternate, J. K. Coit, Sautee, Ga. G. H. Cornelson, Jr.; New Orleans, La.; alternate, H. H. Brownlee, Clinton, La. M. E. Melvin, Port Gibson, Miss. ; alternate, R. V. Lancaster, Jackson, Miss. D. S. Gage, Fulton, Mo.; alternate, L. I. McQueen, Fulton, Mo. W. J. Martin, Davidson, N. C.; alternate, W. F. Hollingsworth, Glade Valley, N. C. W. B. Morrison, Durant, Okla. ; alternate, J. M. Clark, Shawnee, Okla. A. E. Spencer, Clinton, S. C. ; alternate, S. C. Byrd, Greenville, S. C. Wm. Dinwiddie, Clarksville, Tenn. ; alternate, Tilden Scherer, Bristol, Tenn. R. E. Vinson, Austin, Texas; alternate, H. C. Evans, Milford, Texas. H. T. Graham, Hampden Sidney, Va. ; alternate, W. W. Moore, Richmond, Va. D. P. McGeachy, Lewisburg, W. Va. ; alternate, R. C. Somerville, Lewisburg, W. Va. The following resolution was adopted: 1916, p. 58. Recognizing and affirming Christian Education to be, at this time and for the immediate future, one of the most vital and far-reaching problems before American Protestantism, and viewing with deep apprehension the critical condition of this phase of our work in many of our Synods, the Assembly directs the Executive Committee to make an earnest and persistent effort to put into effect the comprehensive program outlined on pages 20 and 21 of the Annual Report for 1916, which is printed in full in Assembly’s minutes for this year, p. 129. (See below.) The Assembly therefore calls upon Synods and Presbyteries to give earnest attention to the immediate development of their respective educational institutions, so that these may be able to meet the increas¬ ing and urgent requirements of the present day. Inasmuch as many Presbyteries and Synods are now in the midst of campaigns for funds that will enable their institutions to meet the standards fixed by the Assembly, and inasmuch as the year 1917 has also been set by the Assembly for a great forward movement along educational lines as an appropriate participation in the Luther Celebration of that year, we therefore postpone the date at which the above mentioned standards are to become effective from September, 1916, to September, 1917, and urge a general, united, and aggressive campaign in all Presbyteries to this end. 1916, p. 129. These are some of the tasks before us — some of which must be completed by September, 1917: I. To complete the organization of the educational forces in each one of the Synods. The Church has fully determined to enter upon Sec. 848] Schools and Colleges 411 a quite far-reaching educational campaign. Amazing progress has already been made along this line in many of the Synods. The others are in a fair way to successful co-operation. 2. To awaken our people to the vast importance of Christian Education. John R. Mott in his book, “Strategic Points in the World’s Conquest,” shows how the Church’s schools in the home land and on the foreign field are the keys of the coming triumph of the Kingdom of God, which may linger, but which is sure to come in large measure through the splendid services of these Christian schools. 3. (To inform all Presbyterian parents of the advantages of edu¬ cation under Christian auspices, and to bring them to a recognition and practical acceptance of the two fundamental principles — that religion is an essential part of education, and that education is neces¬ sary to the adequate achievement of the aims of the Christian religion. 4. To increase the enrollment of our Presbyterian schools, col¬ leges and theological seminaries. The enrollment in the institutions has kept pace in a remarkable way' with the marvelous growth of other educational institutions. We need to be alert, however, if this growth is to continue, and if the largest possible number of our wrorthv youth are to have the advantage of our excellent institutions. 5. To increase the physical equipment and endowment of all in¬ stitutions to standard requirements. The General Assembly directs that we “impress upon the entire membership of our Church their financial responsibility to our educational institutions.” The Church has directed that our colleges be prepared to do honest work educa¬ tionally. If we do not, the State will soon force the issue. 6. To assist in solving urgent local problems for our institutions. These institutions should all be closely tied to the Church, and the Church should help in time of need. The General Assembly sug¬ gests that “our educational institutions be placed in the budget of the Synods and Presbyteries.” President W. O. Thompson, of the Ohio State University, says: “I express the deep conviction that the Church will make a mistake if it loosens its hold on its colleges, and the further opinion that there ought to be no change of control dictated by the influence of great boards or foundations, or by the simple desire to get money or the influence of individuals. A control which conserves the things for which these institutions were founded and assures their loyalty to moral and religious ideas seems to me of first importance.” 7. To provide fully endowed professorships for Bible and subjects of applied Christianity in all our colleges. This is the department that differentiates the Christian college from other institutions. It should be the strongest and the best. 8. To increase the Student Loan Fund so that it may assist each year a larger number of the choice boys and girls of the Church who seek a higher Christian education in our own Presbyterian colleges. Most gratifying results have already appeared from this fund in the lives of our youth, in the colleges and in all departments of the Church’s work, both at home and abroad. 412 Education and Relief [Book IV 9. To. co-operate with other evangelical bodies in the supreme effort to meet the deep spiritual needs of all the students in all the institutions of learning in all parts of our Southland. 10. To promote well-directed and carefully planned Bible study evangelistic campaigns in all our educational institutions and to secure more thorough identification of the students with all the ac¬ tivities of the local Church. 11. To co-operate in the religious culture of Presbyterian students at the State universities. In the large numbers of young men and young women securing technical training in the State institutions of higher learning in the South, every sixth or seventh student comes from a Presbyterian home, and should have the fostering care of the Presbyterian Church. 12. To devise means for securing better support for our self- denying and too often over-taxed teachers. The annals of the South, when fully written, will contain the record of no more heroic and self-denying service to the Church, the youth, and the land, than that rendered by many of the godly men and women of the Presbyterian Church who have given their lives to teaching in our Church schools and colleges. 1917, p. 56. Under the heading “Schools and Colleges,” the Committee’s report, while setting forth the educational program of that body (which is in all respects most excellent), cites us to the undoubted fact that our schools and colleges are, practically without exception, face to face with the most serious crisis of their existence. The time has come when all educational institutions are forced to conform in curriculum, equipment, and teaching force to the stand¬ ards recommended by various agencies and generally accepted by all classes alike as right and proper. They must conform to these standards or else find themselves discredited before the public and left destitude of students, who, turning to State and other standard insti¬ tutions at one and the same time will leave our schools and colleges without patronage, will themselves be without the wholesome and beneficent influences of training in Christian Souls, and will cut off from the Church that steady influx to her ranks of active workers of men and women educated and trained in her own schools to cherish her own ideals and to magnify her Lord. To conform to standard requirements, our schools and colleges must receive a large increase of funds both for equipment and for endowment. Practi¬ cally all the great Evangelical Churches of this country show their understanding of the vital importance of the Church school, and of the unusual crisis which faces these institutions, by seeking during this year, which marks the four hundredth anniversary of the Refor¬ mation, to add from one to $36,000,000 to their respective assets for education. From the minutes of our own Committee on Systematic Beneficence it is learned that it is the deliberate judgment of that group of able and painstaking students of the life of our Church that “the equipment and endowment of our educational institutions is the most important need of the Church at this hour.” 1920, p. 26. The splendid work done by the Executive Commit- Secs. 848-850] Schools and Colleges 413 tee in arousing the Church to the necessity of conserving and en¬ larging the Church schools and colleges cannot be too highly com¬ mended. Its work has proven of inestimable value. Our Church schools and colleges are the very seed-plots of the Church. Our people are awakening to this fact; yet it must be said that a great deal of education is still needed to bring home to the hearts and minds of our Church members the fact that “these insti¬ tutions must be saved to the Church — to the cause of Christianity — and they must be better equipped, enlarged, and endowed.” 849. Standard of minimum requirements 1908, p. 60. The Executive Committee of Schools and Colleges was requested to endeavor to arrange for a great educational confer¬ ence, to be held at some conveniently located place, at a suitable time within the next twelve months, to which shall be invited rep¬ resentatives from all Presbyterian educational institutions under control of our Church or within our bounds; and also, prominent educators from other institutions, should this be deemed desirable: the Assembly to have no responsibility for the expenses of the con¬ ference. In response to the suggestion of the Executive Committee, it was recommended to the above conference that they appoint a committee of representative, practical educators, who shall recommend to the next Assembly the standards of minimum requirements for uni¬ versities, colleges and secondary schools under the control of our Church, with the view of bringing any that have not reached this standard to adopt its requirements as speedily as possible. 850. Standardization 1911, p. 53. We are of the mind, that special and unremitting effort should be made, first of all, to awaken the Church to the great necessity of Christian schools. The alarming tendency towards the secularization of education, calls for such effort with imperious voice. The unification and, if possible, the correlation of our schools should be brought about. Some intelligent and persistent plan should be pursued, by which the standardization of all our schools may be gradually secured. 1914, p. 73. The Assembly amended the report of the Ad-Interim Committee on Education by omitting Sections V and VI under the head of “Church Connection,” and Sections II and III under the head of “Loan and Scholarship Funds,” and also fixing three years for biblical instruction in paragraph 7 under “Standardizing;” and amending paragraph 8 so as to read, “who shall ordinarily be members of the Presbyterian Church and shall teach nothing contrary to the standards of Presbyterianism.” The report as thus amended was adopted. The sections thus omitted were referred by the Assembly to the new Ad-Interim Committee for further study and investigation. 414 Education and Relief (Book IV The Assembly .recognized with warm, appreciation the work being done by that large group of institutions not classified by the Ad- Interim report, and instructed the new Committee to give special study to this group, to see what place they might be given in our educational system. 1915, p. 31. We recommend that the Assembly adopt all of that portion of the report of the Ad- Interim Committee on Education which is entitled “Presbyterian Educational Institutions,” and is as follows: 1. Church Connection To have the report of our Committee in the most convenient form for the General Assembly, we publish below the parts that were adopted last year. All changes or additions in Section 1 and 2 are printed in italics. 1. Those schools, colleges, and universities whose charters or constitutions require that at least two-thirds of their trustees shall be elected, nominated, or ratified by some court or courts of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S.; whose presidents or principals are members of the said Church; all the members of whose faculties are members of some evangelical Church, a majority being members of some Presbyterian Church; and which require a course in the Bible, shall be classed as Southern Presbyterian institutions. 2. 'Those schools, colleges, and universities, whose charters or constitutions require that at least two-thirds of their trustees shall be elected, nominated, or ratified jointly by a court or courts of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S., together with a court or courts of other Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian system of doctrine, at least one-half of such trustees being elected, nominated, or rati¬ fied by a court or courts of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S.; wdiose presidents or principals are members of some one of the bodies mentioned above; all the members of whose faculties are members of some evangelical Church, a majority being Presbyterian; and which require a course in the Bible, shall be classed as joint Presbyterian institutions. 3. Those schools, colleges, and universities whose charters or constitutions require that a majority of their trustees shall be members of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. ; or a majority of whose trustees are elected, nominated, or ratified by some court or courts of the Prsbyterian Church in the TJ. S.; whose presidents or principals are members of the said Church; all the members of whose faculties are members of some evangelical Church, a majority being Presby¬ terian; and which require a course in the Bible, may be classed as affiliated Presbyterian institutions, if they so desire. 4. Those theological seminaries which are approved by and report to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. shall be classed as Presbyterian Theological Seminaries. Schools and Colleges 415 2. Standardization I. A Presbyterian College The following requirements for a Standard Presbyterian College have been adopted by the Assembly. (Changes suggested in italics.) : 1. For entrance — 14 units, unconditioned; 12 units, conditioned. 2. Faculty of at least six full professors, giving their entire time to college work; or such institutions as now have at least six full professors offering eighty-four hours per week of college work, pro¬ vided that no teacher has more than eighteen hours a week of teaching. 3. Tour full years of college work in the liberal arts and sciences. 4. Its heads of departments must have the Baccalaureate degree and M. A. degree, or in lieu of the M. A. degree, proved (conspicious) teaching ability. 5. Endowment — a minimum of $100,000 of productive funds, or an annual income for maintenance of not less than $12,000; exclusive of the cost of table board; with the understanding that this is to be increased within three years after these standards go into effect to $200,000, or an annual income for maintenance of not less than $15,000. 6. A working library of 5,000 volumes, and laboratory equip¬ ment sufficient for two years of college work in Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. 7. It must require for graduation not less than the equivalent of two (three) years of biblical instruction of two hours a week each, institutions not having more being urged to increase to the equivalent of three years of two hours a week each as soon as possible. 8. It must have only such professors and teachers as are members in good and regular standing in some evangelical Church, a majority of whom (ordinarily they) shall be members of the Presbyterian Church. Nothing contrary to the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church shall be taught. 9. The above standards to go into effect, September, 1916. After September, 1917, no Church college except standard colleges, as above defined, shall confer degrees. II. A Presbyterian Preparatory School Definition of a Standard Presbyterian College Preparatory School: 1. It must give at least 14 units of preparatory work, according to the rating of the State high school inspectors or similar officials. 2. It shall, of course, give no degrees. 3. It shall give systematic biblical instruction during each of the four years. 4. (The principal shall be a member of the Presbyterian Church in good and regular standing, and the teachers shall be members of some evangelical Church. 416 Education and Relief [Book IV III. A Presbyterian Junior College As to Standardizing a Junior College, we recommend the following requirements : 1. A Junior College shall be an institution, the last two years of whose work shall correspond to the first two years of the Standard College, and whose requirements for admission to this department of its work shall be the same as that of the Standard College. 2. Faculty of at least six teachers giving not less than half their entire time to the college work. 3. Its heads of departments must have the Baccalaureate degree, or, in lieu of the Baccalaureate degree, proved teaching ability. 4. Endowment — a minimum of $35,000 of productive funds, or an annual income for maintenance of not less than $5,000, exclusive of the cost of table board. 5. A working library of 1,000 volumes, and laboratory equipment sufficient for one year of college work in any two of the three sciences: Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. 6. It must require for graduation not less than the equivalent of two years of biblical instruction of two hours a week each. 7. It must have only such professors and teachers as are members in good and regular standing in some evangelical Church, a majority of whom shall be members of the Presbyterian Church. Nothing contrary to the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church shall be taught. 8. The above standards to go into effect September, 1916. 3. Unclassified Schools That all schools doing at least one year additional to the work of the Standard Preparatory School, and not otherwise classified, shall be classified under the general head of Collegiate Institute; and all schools doing less work than is done by the Standard Preparatory School shall be classified as Elementary Schools. 4. Names of Presbyterian Institutions We recommend that the General Assembly be asked to urge that only colleges and junior colleges, as defined by the Assembly, shall use the word “college” as part of their titles; that no colleges or junior colleges shall use the word “university” as part of their titles; that any institutions not now conforming to these regulations be urged as soon as possible to conform thereto; that the Executive Committee of Home Missions be directed to use its influence and authority to accomplish this end in the case of any of our educational institutions under the care of the Committee. 5. Financial Problems 1. ‘That the Assembly impress upon the entire membership of our Church their financial responsibility to our educational insti¬ tutions. Secs. 850-852] Schools and Colleges 417 2. »That the Assembly urge that, in addition to student fees, all our educational institutions seek to secure adequate endowment and annual offerings from our Churches. 3. That tlie Synod be the educational unit. 4. That our educational institutions be placed on the budget of the Synods and Presbyteries, the method to be left to them. 5. That all future canvasses for endowment and equipment funds be joint canvasses, including all educational institutions of the Synod, instead of separate canvasses. 6. The Ad- Interim Committee thoroughly endorses the plan of the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief to begin at once a Church-wide campaign for increasing the resources of our educational institutions, and asks that the Assembly also approve this plan. 1921, p. 58. The General Assembly adopted the standards recommended by the Presbyterian Educational Association of the South, August 5, 1920, to apply to the Colleges and Junior Colleges of our Church to come into effect September, 1922. This recommendation is as follows: That in all matters pertain¬ ing to general equipment, endowment, educational training and degrees of faculty members, hours of work and service generally, this Committee recommends that the Assembly adopt the Standards of the Association of Southern Colleges and Secondary Schools. That in all matters touching Church affiliation of Faculties, relation to Trustees or other governing bodies of the Church, and Biblical and other religious instruction in the required courses, we retain our Standards as at present adopted. The Standards of the Association of Southern. Colleges and Sec¬ ondary Schools in regard to training of faculty, salaries and support and endowment are here understood to be, as they are in fact stated, still advisory and not mandatory. 851. Better equipment of Church Schools 1921, p. 57. 1. The Assembly again urged upon the Synods the necessity of making a larger provision for the Schools, Colleges and Seminaries of the Church. 2. It directed the Executive Committee to put forth renewed efforts to the end that all of these Institutions may be fully equipped and adequately endowed. 852. A Southern Presbyterian University 1870, p. 502. Rev. J. A. Lyon, D. D., read a memorial from the Synod of Mississippi in relation to establishing a Southern Pres¬ byterian University, and addressed the Assembly in its favor. This memorial, together with papers adopted by some of the Pres¬ byteries relating to the same subject, was referred to a special com¬ mittee, consisting of one commissioner from each Synod. 1870, p. 519. The committee to whom was referred the memorial of the Synod of Mississippi, upon the establishment of a Church 418 Education and Relief [Book IV University, and the overtures of certain Presbyteries on the same subject, respectfully report: In relation to the memorial, they submit the following resolutions : Resolved, That this General Assembly be requested to recommend a convention, to consist of one representative from each Presbytery, to meet at 8 p. m. on the Monday before the opening of the next Assembly, at Huntsville, Alabama, for the purpose of discussing the whole educational policy of the Presbyterian Church, together with this scheme of a Southern institution common to the whole body, and to report to the next Assembly. Resolved, That the committee asked for in the above memorial be appointed for the simple purpose of calling the attention of the several Presbyteries to the above-mentioned convention; this com¬ mittee to consist of the Rev. Drs. J. A. Lyon and C. A. Stillman and T. A. Hamilton, Esq. To the overtures from the Presbyteries of West Hanover, of Roanoke, and of Memphis, objecting to the establishment of a Church University, and suggesting doubts both as to the constitutionality and expediency of the same, and to the overture from the Presbytery of Western District, calling for such an institution, this Assembly gives answer: That a scheme so vast can have no prospect of success without the hearty co-operation of the entire Church; and that, before its inauguration, the judgment of all the Presbyteries should be obtained through a distinct response to some proposition hereafter to be sent down to them for that purpose; and that, mean¬ while, the Assembly does not commit the Church either for or against the enterprise. Adopted. 1871, p. 9. Rev. J. N. Waddel, president of the convention on Education, presented and read the report adopted by that body. This report was received and referred to a committee, consisting of one from each Synod. The report of this committee may be found in xMexander’s Digest, p. 212. (Minutes of 1871, pp. 9 and 16). It was thought that the people of our Church were not prepared to enter at once upon the undertaking of such an enterprise. The following recommendations were adopted: 1. The Assembly earnestly recommends to all our people that strong efforts be made to sustain those Presbyterian colleges already in operation, to aid them by such pecuniary contributions as they may feel able to bestow, so that they may all be placed upon a per¬ manent and self-sustaining basis. 2. The Assembly would recommend that to this end the multi¬ plication of such institutions be not encouraged, but, on the con¬ trary7, that those Synods adjacent to such colleges be urged to con¬ centrate upon them their interest, their means, their patronage, and their prayers, and in this way most effectually aid them in supplying the want, now manifestly existing, of a species of education not fully attainable with our present means. 3. The Assembly deems it timely to speak a word of encourage¬ ment to those of our brethren engaged in the education of young Secs. 852-854] Schools and Colleges 419 ladies, and to exhort our people to send their daughters to institu¬ tions where their moral and religious training will be in accordance with the faith of their fathers. 4. Inasmuch as this Assembly has reason to believe there may be in some parts of our Zion benevolent individuals of large means and large hearts, who desire and prefer to invest a portion of their wealth in -the particular form of a great university, such offerings of benevolence should be encouraged, and the Assembly feels called upon to provide some authoritative and responsible place of reception for these funds to be held in sacred trust for this purpose, guarded by every security possible, and prudently invested. 5. The Assembly, therefore, in the exercise of its best judgment, deems it wisest for the present to designate its Board of Trustees as such authorized body for the reception and management of all such funds, and recommends to all the benevolent among our people that they entrust their offerings for this object to that body, to be held by them in trust until such time as a suitable university may be or¬ ganized under the sanction of some future Assembly; to which future Assembly the question of the nature of control over said university is to be left. 6. Finally, the Assembly earnestly commends our educational in¬ terests to the prayers and benefactions of our people, praying that the great Head of the Church may put it into their hearts to “devise” wisely “liberal things.” 853. Presbyterial and Synodical Schools 1892, p. 436. In view of the great demand for candidates, and the insufficient supply of funds, the Assembly would call attention to the propriety of organizing and fostering Presbyterial schools, through which it is hoped that more of our youth shall be encouraged to enter upon the ministry. Repeated 1893, page 45. 1910, p. 42. The Assembly expressed its deep and abiding in¬ terest in the cause of Christian education as vital to our continued existence and well-being as a Church, and its determination to carry on this work until there is a Christian school under Presbyterian • control within the bounds of every Synod. 854. Atlanta University 1905, p. 37. Your Committee of Church and Christian Educa¬ tion would report that, after careful consideration of the paper from certain brethren, touching their purpose and agreement to undertake the establishment of a university, to have a common relation to the whole Church, for the promotion of higher Christian education, and asking the approval of the enterprise by this Assembly, they recom¬ mend : That, while fully sympathizing with the spirit and aims of the brethren composing the Atlanta Conference, and bidding them God- 420 Education and Relief [Book IV speed in their efforts to further the educational interests of our Church, the Assembly does not at this time deem it expedient to give its formal endorsement to the proposed scheme for establishing a university for post-graduate work in the city of Atlanta. 855. Southern Presbyterian University again 1909, pp. 58, 59. In response to an overture asking for the estab¬ lishment of a great Southern Presbyterian University as a memorial to John Calvin, the following reply was made: The Assembly recognizes the importance of a university owned and controlled by the Southern Presbyterian Church, but the way does not now seem clear to undertake the establishment of such an institution. 856. Presbyterian University in Atlanta 1911, p. 54. Plie General Assembly in answer to overtures from the Synod of Texas, and the Presbytery of Atlanta, touching the establishment of a great Presbyterian university in Atlanta, appointed an ad interim committee of five members to consider this whole question with regard to the feasibility of locating such a school in Atlanta or any other central point. 1911, p. 55. The Moderator appointed the following Committee: Walter L. Lingle, Rutherford Lapsley, J. H. Bellot, C. C. Carson, John B. Ross. 1912, p. 19. The report of this Committee (Minutes, p. 124) was approved: “We have not been able to discover any considerable demand for a great university, and it is not practicable or possible to locate such a university anywhere until there is a real demand for it” 1913, p. 63. In answer to the Presbyterian Ministers’ Association of Atlanta, we recommend that the Rev. Thomwell Jacobs be invited to address the Assembly for ten minutes on the refounding of Oglethorpe University. 857. Oglethorpe University 1915, p. 13. Rev. Dr. Thorn well Jacobs, President, was granted the privileges of the floor and addressed the Assembly in the interest of Oglethorpe University. The Moderator then led the Assembly in a prayer for the blessing of God upon this institution. 1915, p. 33. In reply to the request of Dr. Thornwell Jacobs, of Atlanta, that this Committee (Ad-Interim Committee on Education) make certain recommendations to the General Assembly regarding a Presbyterian University, the Committee having recommended in this report that the Assembly suggest the Synod as the educational unit of our Church, we therefore now recommend that the matter of a university be left to the Synods for their action. 1916, p. 18. The order of the day for hearing Rev. J. I. Vance, D. D., and Rev. D. H. Ogden, D. D., concerning Oglethorpe Uni¬ versity was taken up. Secs. 854-857] Schools and Colleges 421 The following paper on the subject of Oglethorpe University was adopted : After a conference with certain members of the Board of Directors of Oglethorpe University and certain members of the Committee of Education and of the Advisory Committee of Education and other brethren interested, it was agreed by them to ask this Assembly to appoint an Ad-Interim Committee of five, three ministers and two elders, to confer with a like committee from the Board of Directors of Oglethorpe University, to see if it is possible to come to some agreement as to the relationship of Oglethorpe University to the Presbyterian Church, U. S., which would be satisfactory to all parties concerned, and report to the next Assembly. It was also agreed to ask the Assembly to appoint the following as that committee: Rev. Walter L. Lingle, D. D., Robt. F. Campbell, D. D., C. W. Grafton, D. D., Elders Helm Bruce and Jno. S. Munce. 1917, p. 26. /The order of the day, the consideration of the report of the Ad- Interim Committee on the Oglethorpe University, was taken up. The following order of procedure was adopted: 1. Give the Chairman, Rev. W. L. Lingle, D. D., thirty minutes. 2. Give the Oglethorpe University one hour and fifteen minutes. 3. Give the Committee of Christian Education and the Advisory Committee of Education one hour and fifteen minutes. 4. Give thirty minutes for the consideration of the matter by the Assembly. P. 30. The time in item 4 was extended to one hour and thirty minutes. 1917, p. 31. The report was amended and adopted, and is as follows : This Committee was created and given instructions under the fol¬ lowing resolution, which was passed by the General Assembly in session at Orlando, Florida, in May, 1916: “After a conference with certain members of the Board of Directors of Oglethorpe University, and certain members of the Committee of Education and the Advisory Committee of Education and other brethren interested, it was agreed by them to ask this Assembly to ap¬ point an Ad-Interim Committee of five, three ministers and two elders, to confer with a like Committee from the Board of Directors of Oglethorpe University to see if it is possible to come to some agree¬ ment as to the relationship of Oglethorpe University to the Presby¬ terian Church in the United States which would be satisfactory to all parties concerned, and report to the next Assembly. It was also agreed to ask the Assembly to appoint the following as that Committee : Revs. Walter L. Lingle, D. D., Robt. F. Campbell, D. D., C. W. Grafton, D. D., Elders Helm Bruce and John S. Munce/’ (See Minutes 1916, p. 18.) In compliance with the instructions given in this resolution, your Ad-Interim Committee held a series of conferences with a similar Committee from the Board of Directors of Oglethorpe University in the City of Atlanta on February 13th and 14th, 1917. All the 422 Education and Relief [Book IV members of our Committee were present except Dr. Grafton, who was detained at the last moment. 1 First, guided by the Oglethorpe Committee, we inspected the grounds and buildings and material equipment of Oglethorpe Uni¬ versity. We found a site consisting of forty-eight and one-sixth acres of land, to which Oglethorpe will have a fee simple title after it has been used for twenty years for educational, religious, or benevolent purposes. There is no especial natural beauty about the site, but we believe that it will make an adequate and satisfactory campus when it has been properly graded and beautified. This tract of land is located north of Atlanta on the main line of the Southern Railway at Crosskeys Station, which the Southern Railway time table says is ten and eight- tenths miles from the Tenninal (Southern) Station in Atlanta. It is about five or six miles outside the city limits of Atlanta. A trolley car line at present goes within a mile of the University, and promises to go to the gate of the grounds in the near future. Only one building has been erected. It is an un¬ usually substantial and handsome building, and elegant in all of its appointments. It is built of stone, and is fire proof throughout We understand that it cost about $175,000.00. This building includes dormitories for students, class-rooms, administrative offices, dining room, and kitchen. We had the pleasure of meeting the professors and students and of looking in a general way into the courses of study. About sixty students have been in attendance during the past year. These are all in the Freshman Class, and are doing about the same grade of work that is done in the Freshman Class in the average college. It cannot be said that Oglethorpe is now doing any real university work, but the Board of Directors say they are looking forward to the establishment of post-graduate and uni¬ versity work when conditions make it possible. Your Committee also made a careful study of the Charter of Oglethorpe and the By-Laws of the Board of Directors. A full, up-to-date statement concerning the financial affairs of Oglethorpe was made to yOur Ad-Interim Committee, and the report of a reliable expert accountant was laid before us, showing clearly the assets and liabilities and expenditures of the institution to date. We have a copy of these statements, and are prepared to give such information along these lines as may be pertinent to the discussion of the subject in hand. Having put ourselves in possession of all the information that seemed necessary, we settled down to the conference which the last Assembly directed us to hold in the resolution quoted above. We would like for the members of this Assembly to study carefully the specific scope of the instructions given us in that resolution before looking at our findings. It has been rather difficult for us to interpret this resolution and to discover precisely what the Assembly wanted us to do. Your Committee, knowing something of the history of the resolution, was under the impression that the Assembly expected us to take up some Sec. 857] Schools and Colleges 423 of the larger questions connected with this subject, such as: Does our Church need a university? Can our Church afford a university and at the same time support adequately the great missionary, edu¬ cational, and benevolent enterprises which she already has? Does our Church really want a university? Does our Church want a university fashioned after the plan and ideals of Oglethorpe Uni¬ versity? We believe that such fundamental questions as these must be considered in any adequate and satisfactory discussion of the subject now before us. On the other hand, our brethren on the Oglethorpe Committee in¬ sisted on a strictly literal interpretation of the Assembly’s resolution quoted above, and firmly declined to discuss with us any of these larger questions which we have mentioned. It can be seen that their interpretation excludes these larger questions. Upon this in¬ sistence of the Oglethorpe Committee, we limited our discussions with them and have limited our findings to the narrower interpretation, and have simply tried to reach an “agreement as to the relationship of Oglethorpe University to the Presbyterian Church, U. S., which would be satisfactory to all parties concerned.” An additional reason for yielding to the strictly literal interpreta¬ tion is the fact that so recent an Assembly as that of 1912 (see Min¬ utes, p. 124) had passed upon some of these questions which we have mentioned, and at the same time had definitelv instructed the Execu- tive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief “to study the whole field in a scientific and systematic way and to report to a later Assembly whether there is any real need of a great Presby¬ terian university.” We take it for granted that the Executive Com¬ mittee of Christian Education is still working under these instructions. It is not quite clear who constitute the “all parties concerned” in the resolution. There were three parties represented in the confer¬ ence which prepared and presented to the last Assembly the resolu¬ tion under which our Committee is working. These three parties were the Board of Directors of Oglethorpe University, the General Assembly’s Executive Committee of Christian Education, and- the General Assembly’s Permanent Advisory Committee on Christian Education. We understand that the Assembly has given us the task of finding a “relationship” which will be satisfactory to all three of these parties. Another party mentioned in the resolution is the Presbyterian Church in the United States. We understand that it is also a large part of our task to find a “relationship” which will be satisfactory to the entire Presbyterian Church in the United States. It is comparatively easy to learn what is satisfacory to the Board of Directors of Oglethorpe University and what is satisfactory to the Assembly’s Executive and Advisory Committee of Christian Edu¬ cation. It is much more dfficult to discover what will be satisfactory to the entire Presbyterian Church in the United States. As we study the recent actions of Assemblies, Synods, Presbyteries, and of the Assembly’s Executive and Advisory Committees of Christian Education, we are convinced that the Presbyterian Church in the United States believes that educational institutions, built by the 424 Education and Relief [Book IV Church’s money and using the Church’s name and influence, should be owned by the Church and governed by trustees appointed by the proper courts of the Church. On the other hand, as we study the Charter and By-Laws of Oglethorpe University, and the history of Oglethorpe movement, we are convinced that those in charge of the Oglethorpe movement believe that their institution should be owned and controlled by a self-per¬ petuating board, independent of all Church courts, or that the very minimum of authority, if any, should be given to Church courts. We also realize that it would be rather difficult for Oglethorpe to recede from this view, as it has been written into the warp and woof of her Charter, and as the subscriptions which were made in Atlanta were made with that understanding. Here, then, are two parties, the Presbyterian Church in the United States and the Assembly’s Executive and Advisory Committees of Christian Education, on the one hand, and Oglethorpe University on the other hand, which hold conflicting views as to the way in which Church institutions should be governed, and the problem which con¬ fronts your Committee is to discover “the relationship” which will be satisfactory to these parties holding these conflicting views. The only possible way that we can see of solving such a problem is to find the maximum of Church control which the Oglethorpe Board would be willing to grant, and the maximum of independent control which the Assembly’s Executive and Advisory Committees of Chris¬ tian Education and the Presbyterian Church in the United States are willing to grant, and to see how near this brings the parties together. In our conference with the Oglethorpe Committee we were able to discover what would be a satisfactory relationship to them and the maximum of Church control which they seemed willing to con¬ cede. We submitted the results of this conference to the Assembly’s Ex¬ ecutive and Advisory Committees of Christian Education, to see if the proposed relationship was satisfactory to them, as they really constitute some of the parties to be satisfied in the resolution. These Committees informed us most positively that the plan of relationship offered by Oglethorpe at our conference with them was not satis¬ factory. We then asked the Executive and Advisory Committees to state clearly and concisely the action which they thought the Assembly ought to take. They placed such a statement in our hands. When we compared this statement with the plan presented by the Oglethorpe Committee in our conference in Atlanta, it was clear to us that the two were irreconcilable. After much correspondence and prolonged conferences, we were fully convinced that we could find no plan that would be mutually satisfactory to the Oglethorpe management and to the Assembly’s Executive and Advisory Committees of Chris¬ tian Education. When we reached this conviction, two courses lay before your Committee — one was to make a very brief report, saying that it was Secs. 857-858J Schools and Colleges 425 impossible for us to find “the relationship” that was satisfactory to all parties concerned; the other was to report the results of our con¬ ferences and investigations and to lay before the Assembly, without recommendation, the plan which would be satisfactory to the Ogle¬ thorpe management and the plan which would be satisfactory to the Assembly’s Executive and Advisory Committees of Christian Edu¬ cation, to discover what would be a satisfactory relationship to them and let the Assembly decide which would be satisfactory to the Presbyterian Church in the United States. We have chosen the latter course, because we believed that the Assembly wanted us to do all that we could to assist in solving this perplexing problem. (1) That the Assembly records its appreciation of Dr. W. L. Lingle and his associates in the arduous work they were called upon to perform. (2) That the Assembly commend the zeal and energy of the managers of Oglethorpe University, and wish them great success in building up an institution in Georgia which we trust will be a blessing to generations. (3 That the Assembly decline to adopt Oglethorpe University, and decline to commend it to the Churches for their contributions. (4) That the Assembly urge our Presbyteries and Synods to increase diligence in building up and maintaining their schools and colleges. For the full report of the Committee see Minutes, 1917, pp. 162ff. The Treasurer of the Assembly was instructed to pay the expenses of the Ad-Interim Committee on Oglethorpe University. 858. Church and College Property 1908, p. 60. The Assembly appointed a committee to devise a plan for securing the property of our educational institutions so as to guarantee donors that their donations will not pass out of the control of the Church. This committee consisted of Hon. F. B. Hutton, Hon. W. C. Caldwell, Hon. W. M. Cox, Rev. R. V, Lan¬ caster and Rev. C. R. Nisbet. The next year the committee asked for more time and was con¬ tinued. 1910, pp. 27, 162. The committee reported that they met in Chattanooga on the 8th day of April, 1910, all the members of the committee being present except Hon. W. M. Cox, and spent the entire day in discussing the subject committed to them by the resolutions of the Assembly, and submitted as a result of their deliber¬ ations, the following forms of deed for local Church property, for schools, and for donations of money, which, in their judgment, if followed by those who desire to give property to our beloved Church for any purpose, would prevent diversion from the purposes for which the property was given. Forms of the various papers were submitted as a part of the report, marked respectively “Local Church property,” “Deed of gift to colleges,” etc., and “Donation of money.” These forms could be followed in wills as well as by deeds with 426 Education and Relief [Book IV like effect. They were adopted by the Assembly and are as follows: Forms of Bequest “I give, devise, and bequeath to the Trustees of the General As¬ sembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States . (here insert the estate devised and bequeathed) for the use and benefit of said Church.” “I give and bequeath to the Trustees of the Presbyterian Com¬ mittee of Publication of the Presbyterian Church in the United States (incorporated under the laws of the State of Virginia) (here name the amount of the bequest) , to be used for the Publication work of said Church.” “I give and bequeath to the Executive Committee of Foreign Mis¬ sions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States (incorporated under the laws of the State of Tennessee) (here name the amount of the bequest), to be used for the Foreign Mission work of said Church.” “I devise and bequeath to the Executive Committee of Ministerial Education and Relief [now Christian Education and Ministerial Relief] of the Presbyterian Church in the United States the sum of . . dollars for the cause of Ministerial Relief.” “I devise and bequeath to the Executive Committee of Ministerial Education and Relief [now Christian Education and Ministerial Relief] of the Presbyterian Church in the United .States the sum of $ . to aid candidates of said Church in preparation for the gospel ministry.” “I hereby give and bequeath to the Executive Committee of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States (incor¬ porated under the laws of the State of Georgia) (here name the bequest) — to be used for the Home Mission work of said Church.” FORMS RECOMMENDED FOR CONVEYING PROPERTY Local Church Property This deed made and entered into this . day of . , 19. ., between A and B, parties of the first part, and C, D and E, Trustees and Elders of the local congregation of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, known as the Southern Presbyterian Church, at . , and also known as . , in the State of . Witnesseth, That for and in consideration of $ . to the parties of the first part in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, said parties of the first part hereby sell, trans¬ fer and convey (or in case of a gift, for and in consideration of the interest they feel in that Church, hereby give, transfer and convey), unto D, C and E, parties of the second part, as Trustees and Elders of the local congregation of the Presbyterian Church in the United States known as the Southern Presbyterian Church at . , in the State of . , and also known as . , and Sec. 858] Schools and Colleges 427 to their successors in office forever, for the use and benefit of the said congregation, and for the support and teaching and propagation therein of the doctrines and polity contained in the Confession of Faith and Government of the said Presbyterian Church in the United States, the following described real estate, situated, etc., (here insert description of the property). To have and to hold the said real estate unto the said D, C and E\Trustees and Elders of the said local congregation of the said Church and their successors in office forever in fee simple, for the uses and purposes aforesaid, and without power in them or elsewhere to transfer the same to any other person or organization whatsoever except for reinvestment to the same uses and purposes. And the said parties of the first part do covenant with the said parties of the second part that they will warrant generally the title to the said property hereby conveyed. Witness the signatures and seals of the parties of the first part the day and year first above written. . ( Seal.) . (Seal) (To be acknowledged according to the requirements of the State in which the property is located.) Deed or Gift to College, Etc. For and in consideration of . dollars, to me in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, I . here¬ by sell, transfer and convey . (or in case of gift, I . hereby give, transfer and convey) . unto A, B and C, Board, or the General Assembly), . and their successors in office forever, for the use and benefit of the said College (or Board, or Presbytery, etc.) as an institution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States (known as the Southern Presbyterian Church) and not otherwise, the following described real estate, sit¬ uated, etc., (describe the property). To have and to hold the said real estate unto the said A, B and C, Trustees of the said College (or Board, etc.) and their successors in office forever, for the uses and purposes aforesaid, and without power in them or elsewhere to transfer the said property to any other person or organization except for reinvestment for the same uses and purposes. Witness the signatures and seals of the parties this the . day of . 1 . , 19 . . . . (Seal) . . (Seal) • (To be acknowledged according to the requirements of the State in which the property is located.) Donation of Money I, . , hereby give and donate to A, B and C, Trustees of . College (or Presbytery, or etc.) and their successors 428 Education and Relief [Book IV in office . dollars for the use and benefit of the said College (or Board, or Presbytery, etc.) and not otherwise. This donation is to be used by the said Trustees and their succes¬ sors in office as follows: . (state how it is to be used). There shall be no power in the said Trustees and their successors in office to divert this fund or any part of it to any organization or institution or body not within and under the control and management ot the Presbyterian Church in the United States, known as the Southern Presbyterian Church. Witness the signatures and seals of the parties this the . . day of . , 19 . . . .. . (Seal) . . (Seal) (To be acknowledged according to the requirements of the State in which donation is made.) 859. Our Colleges not to be separated from church control 1909, p. 65. Recognizing that the vast majority of our candidates come from the colleges under our direct ecclesiastical control, and feeling that every effort should be put forth at this time not only to prevent any decrease, but to secure an increase in the number of our candidates, the Assembly views with alarm all movements looking to a separation of our colleges from church control and protests against the very beginning of such movements. 1909, p. 58. The Assembly accepts the challenge implied in the discriminations now made on every hand against schools owned and controlled by the Church. This challenge touches the life of the Church itself, since our schools now constitute almost the entire source of supply from which come our ministers and missionaries. With the aforesaid challenge in view, the Assembly declares its purpose to place a system of church schools upon the widest possible basis of material equipment. To this end the Assembly lays it as a solemn duty upon the hearts of all of our people to pour their gifts into the treasury in such large measure that our Church schools may be endowed in the most liberal manner. The Assembly declares its purpose in this manner to offer to the youth who attend our Church, educational advantages equal to those that may be found in any other schools. 860. Number of Presbyterian Educational Institutions 1908, p. 60. A tabulated statement of Presbyterian Educational Institutions shows a total of ninety-one. To this number should be added the Presbyterian College for Women, in Columbia, S. C., which is found upon the map in the report, but omitted from the tables. Adding this, we have a total of ninety-two institutions. Of these, four are theological seminaries, with a theological department in still another institution; fourteen are colleges for men; twenty- six are colleges for women; thirty-seven are secondary schools, most Secs. 858-862] Schools and Colleges 429 of them being co-educational ; two are co-educational colleges, and nine are orphans’ homes and schools, which are likewise co-educa- tional. This summary omits all schools for negroes and all those in foreign lands. (See Book IX, General Statistical Information.) 1914, p. 72. “Our Presbyterian Educational Institutions.” — This volume of 206 pages, with a map and several tables and numerous fine illustrations, represents a prodigious amount of work on the part of the Secretary and the Committee, and gives the most com¬ plete presentation of our Presbyterian institutions that is in existence., 861. Summer Bible Schools at Montreat and elsewhere 1906, p. 43. The Moderator appointed the following Committee to visit Montreat, North Carolina, for the week beginning June 29th, 1906, to consider and report upon the advisability of establishing a Summer School of Theology as provided in the report of the Com¬ mittee on Church and Christian Education. S. H. Chester, S. L. Morris, H. H. Sweets, A. L. Phillips, J. G. Snedecor, Thomas H. Law, W. W. Moore, W. M. McPheeters, C. R. Hemphill, R. A. Webb, T. R. Sampson, T. E. Converse, F. B. Converse, George Summey, Jas P. Smith, W. T. Waller, Chas. P. Janney, Martin F. Ansel, A. J. McKelway, A. G. Hall, Mr. Bevil, W. W. Reid, J. J. Eagan, R. W. Agee. Pile Assembly gave this Committee power to add the following persons to the Committee, if funds are found sufficient to pay their expenses : R. S. Cohn, Alex. Sprunt, J. T. Plunket, J. W. Stagg, W. Calvin Wells, Maj. C. B. Moore, J. G. Anderson, Henry Giddins, Jasper K. Smith, T. S. McPheeters. 1907, p. 61. The Assembly expressed its pleasure upon learning that there had been established at Montreat, N. C., a resort under the direct control of a corporation whose charter provides that two- thirds of its Board of Management shall be office-bearers of our own Church, where our ministe s and people may not only secure the benefits of a superb climate and delightful Christian fellowship, but also special advantages in the matter of Bible studies, training for Sabbath School and other branches of Church work. 1908, p. 49. The Assembly commended the Summer School at Montreat, N. C., in July; Crystal Springs, Miss., in July; Kerrville, Texas, in July; Searcy, Ark., in July; Nacoochee Institute, Ga., in August; and urged upon our Sabbath School workers to avail themselves of the training thus furnished so as to do the most effiicient work. The Assembly earnestly commended the Young People’s Mis¬ sionary Conference to be held in Sherman, Texas, in July, and Asheville, N. C., July 3 to 12, 1908. 862. Mountain Retreat Association ( Montreat ) 1911, p. 19. The following resolution touching the Mountain 4.S0 Education and Relief [Book IV Retreat Association was adopted: “That the General Assembly place on record its high appreciation of the generous gift of the late John S. Huyler of twenty-four thousand dollars to the Mountain Retreat Association, and also expresses thanks to the heirs and executors of his estate in their prompt and kind action in placing this gift in the hands of the association, the same gift being in the form of cancel lation of claims which Mr. Huyler held against the association. 1912, p. 70-e. The resolution touching the establishment of a Home at Montreat, was amended as follows: Provided the Mountain Retreat Association shall deed to the Pres¬ byterian Church in the United States suitable and sufficient land on which the proposed buildings shall be erected. 1913, p. 62. The report of the Mountain Retreat Association shows that the Association is in a flourishing condition, and that the work conducted at Montreat, N. C., through the Assembly’s Executive Committees and other agencies, is resulting in much good to the several causes of the Church. /1914, p. 50. The Select Committee on the address of Rev. R. C. Anderson, President of the Mountain Retreat Association, made the following report, which was adopted: 1 . The Assembly has heard with pleasure and interest the address of R ev. R. C. Anderson, setting forth the plans, purposes and scope of the work at Montreat, and we rejoice at the large proportions this work is assuming and the wide influence it is wielding for good throughout the borders of our Church in all the departments of the beneficent work of the Assembly. 2. We appreciate the generous offer made by the Mountain Retreat Association to the General Assembly to furnish us, free of cost, the use of their magnificent plant for nine months of the year, that it may be used for educational and school purposes, as may seem best and wise to the Assembly. 3. In response to this liberal offer, the Assembly does hereby ap¬ point an Ad-Interim Committee to investigate and consider the feasibility of accepting this proposition; and if, in the judgment of said Committee, it is desirable and practicable so to do, said Com¬ mittee is directed to formulate plans for control, government and support of such a school and report to the next General Assembly for its action. This Committee is to meet at Montreat, without cost of traveling expenses to the General Assembly. 1915, p. 36. The Assembly, having heard with pleasure the report of the President of the Mountain Retreat Association, and rejoicing in the prosperity of this institution, expressed to the Direc¬ tors its earnest desire that every possible measure be taken to safe¬ guard and preserve this institution for vital Christianity and the Church. 1916, p. 29. Rev. R. C. Anderson, President of the Mountain Retreat Association, was heard for fifteen minutes. The Assembly expressed its thanks and appreciation to Mr. Anderson and com¬ mended the work at Montreat. 1916, p. 57. The Assembly, hearing with pleasure of the con- Sec. 862] Schools and Colleges 431 tinued prosperity of the Mountain Retreat Association, expressed its gratification that generous friends have transferred a majority of the common stock of this Association to a board under a declaration of trust which forever guarantees Church control of this Association without direct ownership. This gift represents a controlling in¬ terest in a property worth at least $200,000. This will undoubtedly enable this enterprise to become more and more a source of vitality and strength for the life and work of our Church. 1917, p. 58. The Mountain Retreat Association was encouraged to provide itself, at the earliest practicable time, with an adequate and fitting auditorium. This Association hereafter, if it have report for the Assembly , is to make such report direct to that body instead of through the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief. 1918, p. 34. There has come into our hands a communication from the Mountain Retreat Association, which, because of the As¬ sociation’s connection with the several Synods, is received only as information, with the assurance that the Assembly is deeply appre¬ ciative of the splendid work which the Association is doing for the Church. 1919, p. 26. fWe recommend that the General Assembly endorse a campaign throughout the Church by the Mountain Retreat Asso¬ ciation for $200,000 for the proper equipment of Montreat in buildings, such as new auditoriums, hotels, cottages and lighting plant, and in macadamized roads, pavements, sewer, etc. 1920, p. 48. To an overture from the Presbytery of South Caro¬ lina, requesting the General Assembly to exercise its authority or influence to see that each Synod “be represented on the Program Committee and Board of Managers of the Mountain Retreat Asso¬ ciation, so that the conduct of the platform shall represent the entire Church,” your Committee replies as follows: From an examination of the charter of the Mountain Retreat Association, as amended January 9, 1917, your Committee is of the opinion that the General Assembly, not being in control of the Mountain Retreat Association, has no authority to do as requested by the Presbytery of South Carolina. (See Section 7, page 11; Sec¬ tion 11, page 12; Section 14, page 13; charter and amendments of the Mountain Retreat Association, January 9, 1917.) The terms of the two Trustees nominated by the General Assembly, expiring on August 15, 1917, your Committee recommends that the General Assembly nominate Dr. A. D. P. Gilmour, of South Caro¬ lina, and Mr. Chas. E. Barker, of Tennessee, as the two Trustees of the General Assembly to serve for three years from August 15, 1920. In order clearly to define and to strengthen the relation between the Mountain Retreat Association and the General Assembly, your Committee recommends that an Ad-Interim Committee of three mem¬ bers be appointed by the Moderator to make a report and recom¬ mendations to the next General Assembly looking to these ends. 1920, p. 49. The Moderator announced the following Ad-Interim 432 Education and Relief [Book IV Committee on the Mountain Retreat Association: J. D. Eggleston, A. M. Scales, T. S. McCallie. 1922, p. 75. The Committee on Bills and Overtures, to which was referred the Majority and Minority reports of the Ad-Interim Committee, of which Dr. J. D. Eggleston is Chairman, on the title to the property, commonly called Montreat, reported: The Assembly at St. Louis, by apportioning the sum of $200,000 out of the General Equipment Fund, to the Mountain Retreat Asso¬ ciation, “provided the Committee on the Mountain Retreat Associa¬ tion, of which Dr. J. D. Eggleston is Chairman, reports to the next Assembly that a satisfactory title is vested in the Trustees of the General Assembly,” justified the assumption by the majority of the Ad-Interim Committee that the Assembly desired and would be satisfied with nothing less than the absolute ownership of the prop¬ erty of the Mountain Retreat Association by the “Trustees of the ^General Assembly,” a corporation controlled by the General Assem¬ bly, This assumption actuated the report of the majority of the Committee. The minority report, [which was adopted; see below] on the other hand, is intended to submit to the Assembly two propositions, namely: (1) That the acquisition of the ownership of the property by the “Trustees of the General Assembly” was under the existing provisions of Trusteeship and charter practically unattainable, and (2) that such ownership, even if attainable, was unnecessary, as all ends sought for such ownership now existed. To sustain these con¬ clusions a summary of the provisions of the various acts constituting the Charter of the Association is given n the report. If this Assem¬ bly insists on the position the last Assembly apparently took, the majority report should be approved. Your Committee would recommend: 1. That the direct control and ownership of “Montreat,” through the “Trustees of the General Assembly,” would be neither wise nor practicable, as such control and ownership would require the exer¬ cise by the Assembly’s Trustees of political and police powers and the carrying on of various business activities. 2. That the present control and ownership is solely in the interest of and for the advancement of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. and of Presbyterianism in general; and that there is no apparent danger, nor can any remote conditions be forseen to induce or incite fear that the control and management of Montreat will ever be otherwise. 3. That the proviso to the apportionment of the sum of $200,000 out of the General Equipment Fund be removed. 4. That the minority report signed by A. M. Scales, Esq., be adopted. (See page 199, Appendix.) This report was adopted (p. 74.) 5. That the Trustees holding a majority of the stock of the Mountain Retreat Association be requested to report to the next Assembly the measures the Trustees have taken to fully safeguard Secs. 862-864] Schools and Colleges 433 the property for the benefit of our Church, and what further mea¬ sures,. if any, can, with the assistance of the Assembly, be taken. Overture from the Presbytery of Ashville, asking that the condi¬ tion upon which an apportionment of $200,000 to the Mountain Retreat Association out of the General Equipment Fund, provided for at the St. Louis Assembly, be changed so that said apportionment, when collected, would be available to the Association as soon as the Association makes “it manifest that the property is thoroughly secured to the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. for the purposes named in the charter.” We recommend the following answer: The subject of the ownership of the property of Mountain Retreat Association, commonly called Montreat, is pending before the Assem¬ bly in two reports from the Ad-Interim Committee, of which Dr. J. D. Eggleston is Chairman. If the Assembly shall approve, in whole or in substance, the minority report of A. M. Scales, Esq., of the said Ad-Interim Committee, the Assembly should remove the restric¬ tion on the appropriation, and this Committee recommends that if the minority report of Mr. Scales is approved, in whole or in sub¬ stance, that all conditions placed on the appropriation to the Moun¬ tain Retreat Association be removed by this Assembly. (See p. 432.) 863. Vote of Thanks to Mrs. Chapman 1919, p. 26. We recommend that the General Assembly pass a vote of thanks to Mrs. J. Wilbur Chapman for her gracious gift to the Southern Presbyterian Church of her home at Montreat, for the special object of supplying a home for Presbyterian ministers during the conference months. 864. Training School for Lay Workers 1912, p. 63. The General Assembly of 1911 approved (see Minutes, page 64) a recommendation of its Executive Committee of Publication (see Annual Report, 1911, page 30) that the “Assembly appoint a special committee, representing the various interests of the Church, to investigate the whole subject of training for lay service, and to report with recommendations to the next Assembly.” The Assembly of 1911 overlooked the appointment of this Special Committee. In order to carry out the spirit of this resolution and save a year’s time, the Executive Committee of Home Missions ap¬ pointed Revs. S. L. Morris and Homer McMillan; the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, Revs. S. H. Chester and D. Clay Lilly; the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Minis¬ terial Relief, Rev. H. H. Sweets; and the Executive Committee of Publication, Revs. J. P. Smith, A. L. Phillips, and Mr. R. E. Magill to constitute the Special Committee. This committee met in Atlanta, Ga., on February 9, 1912, a majority being present, and after discussion reached the following conclusions : 434 Education and Relief [Book IV 1. There is a steadily growing need for trained workers in the well-established local churches where assistants to pastors, Sunday School superintendents, and teachers, visitors, nurses, and social workers are needed. There is increasing demand for trained workers on the Home Mission fields, and in the Foreign field throughout the whole world there is a well-nigh distressing need for trained workers of large constructive ability. 2. An increasing number of persons are inquiring for an insti¬ tution that will give adequate training at the lowest possible cost. 3. There is not a single institution under the control of our Church that is giving itself chiefly to the work of training laymen and women. It is therefore recommended — - ( 1 ) That the General Assembly instruct its four Executive Com¬ mittees to appoint at their regular meetings in June, 1912, two repre¬ sentatives each to constitute a committee to establish one Training School for Lay Workers. (2) That said Committee be instructed to meet at Montreat, N. C., during July, 1912, and Mr. R. E. Magill be appointed to ar¬ range the day of the month for the meeting and act as temporary chairman ; subsequent meetings to be held at the will of the committee. (3) ;That said committee be authorized to prepare a curriculum in outline, and to define the relation of the Training School to the General Assembly somewhat similar to the relation existing between the Theological Seminaries and the General Assembly. (4) That said committee be authorized to locate said Training School after full investigation, provided that enough money shall be secured by special gifts to purchase a site, provide necessary buildings and maintain the school for at least three years; and provided , further, that the General Assembly shall not be held financially responsible for any part of the expense. (5) That in order to supply in some measure the present need for training, the General Assembly approve the plan herewith sub¬ mitted for holding a series of conferences on Systematic Beneficence to be conducted by representatives of its Executive Committees. 1913, p. 70-n. The General Assembly of 1912 recommended: (1) “That a Committee of two representatives from each Execu¬ tive Committee be appointed by the several Executive Committees to prepare a general plan and the curriculum in outline for a train¬ ing school for lay workers, and also to receive propositions as to location and receive subscriptions for the establishment of said school, to report to the next Assembly,” and (2) “In order to meet the present need of training, that the Assembly approve the plan submitted by the Committee for holding a series of conferences on Systematic Beneficence, to be conducted by representatives of its Executive Committees.” (3) The proposal of the Presbyterian Council of Charlotte, N. C., for the establishment in that city of a “Training School for Nurses for Home and Foreign Work” was referred to this Special Committee. Sec. 864] Schools and Colleges 435 In pursuance of these instructions, the Executive Committee of Home Missions appoiijted as their representatives R. O. Flinn and J. G. Snedecor. The Executive Committee of Foreign Missions appointed J. D. Blanton and C. A. Rowland. The Executive Committee of Christian Education' and Ministerial Relief appointed J. S. Lyons and H. H. Sweets. The Executive Committee of Publication appointed D. C. Lilly and A. L. Phillips, with R. E. Magill and W. L. Lingle as alternates to either. R. E. Magill, who had been appointed convener of the Committee by the Bristol Assembly, called a meeting to be held in Montreat, N. C., August 14, 1912. The Committee met in accordance with this call, and there were present Magill, Chairman; Lyons, Flinn, Snedecor, Rowland, Lingle, and E. W. Smith, of the Executive Com¬ mittee of Foreign Missions. Inasmuch as the substance of recommendation number 2, above recited, was incorporated in the Conferences on Evangelism and Stewardship, to be arranged by the Assembly’s Campaign Committee, nothing was done in regard to the Conference on Systematic Benefi¬ cence. The proposal of the Presbyterian Council of Charlotte, N. C., for the establishment of a Nurse’s Training School is declined, for the reason that training for nurses will probably be included in the curriculum of the Training School for Lay Workers, if such shall be established. As to the establishment of the Training School for Lay Workers, no definite proposal, meeting the conditions prescribed by the Bristol Assembly, was submitted at the Montreat meeting, although tentative and encouraging overtures were made by Rev. W. W. Moore for Richmond, Va., Rev. R. C. Anderson for Montreat, N. C., and Rev. C. G. Vardell for Red Springs, N. C. At meetings of the Committee held in Atlanta, Ga., May 13th and 15th, 1913, a definite proposal for the location of the training school near Richmond, Va., was made by the Presbyterian League of the city, with abundant guaranty that all’ the conditions prescribed by the Assembly were met, to-wit: A free site with adequate buildings and a competent faculty, and running expenses for three years, with¬ out involving the Assembly in financial responsibility. The Rich¬ mond brethren thinking that we had authority to locate the school without reference to the Assembly, and that the location would be decided upon before its present meeting, made their proposal con¬ ditional on its acceptance by the middle of May, 1913. Our investigations have shown clearly the need, and increasing desire, for a Training School for Lay Workers, under the control of the General Assembly, and adapted to the needs of our Church. There is a growing interest on the part of brethren in different sections of our territory, in the establishment of the school. We wish to record our sincere appreciation of the generous proposals made, especially of the overture from Richmond. 436 Education and Relief [Book IV Several reasons might be given why we do not recommend the acceptance of any of the proposals at present, but we think it sufficient to say that it does not seem wise to decide the matter of location with¬ out further notice to all who may be interested. We therefore recommend : (1st) That the Special Committee of two representatives from each of the Assembly’s Executive Committees be continued: (2nd) That said Committee be authorized to prepare a curri¬ culum in outline, and to define the relation of the Training School to the General Assembly, somewhat similar to the relation existing between the Theological Seminaries and the General Assembly. (3rd) That said Committee be authorized to locate the Train¬ ing School within one year from the date of the passage of this paper, after full investigation, provided, that enough money shall be secured by special gift to purchase a site, provide necessary buildings, and maintain the school adequately for at least three years; and provided further, that the General Assembly shall not be held responsible for any part of the expense. 1914, p. 26. In accordance with the authority given it by the General Assembly of 1913, the Special Committee on the Training School for Lay Workers met in Richmond, Virginia, February 5, 1914, for the purpose of locating the school if a satisfactory proposal meeting the requirements of the Assembly should be made. The following resolutions were adopted: 1. That after full discussion and due publicity already given, the proposal submitted by Messrs. Owsley Sanders, John S. Munce, Marshall M. Gilliam and W. S. Rhoads, on behalf of the Presby¬ terian League and the Presbyterian Ministers’ Association of Rich¬ mond, Va., and advocated by Rev. W. W. Moore, D. D., and Rev. Russell Cecil, D. D., be accepted and the Training School for Lay Workers be located at Richmond, Va., for a period of three years. The terms of said proposal are as follows: (1) “We offer a site comprising about two acres in Sherwood Park, one of the most beautiful and highly improved sections of Suburban Richmond. This tract was valued at $10,000 by ex¬ perienced and disinterested appraisers sixteen years ago and has been increasing in value ever since. (2) “We engage to provide a suitable building, or buildings, with ample accommodations for any number of students who may attend the school during the period which you specify. (3) “We engage to maintain the school for at least three years, providing a sufficient corps of instructors, approved by your Com¬ mittee or by the Board of Directors, to be appointed by the General Assembly. (4) “We guarantee that the General Assembly shall not be held financially responsible for any part of the expense of the site or of the building or buildings erected thereon within these three years, or of the maintenance of the school during these three years.” 2. That the Richmond proposal be accepted, subject to the fol- Sec. 864] Schools and Colleges 437 lowing action taken by the Assembly’s Committee on Training School, Montreat, N. C., August 5, 1913: Control The General Assembly shall appoint the Directors, and approve the Faculty and the curriculum and the general management of the Training School, concerning which an annual printed report shall be submitted. The management shall be committed to a Board of Directors of twelve (12) persons which shall include two repre¬ sentatives to be elected by each of the Assembly’s Executive Com¬ mittees. The Directors shall submit to the Assembly next following its election, a charter, constitution and by-laws for their own govern¬ ment and that of the Training School. The General Assembly’s Executive Committee of Publication formally tendered to the Richmond Committee the free use of one story in its new publishing house now in the course of erection for class rooms and administrative offices until a permanent building can be erected. This offer was accepted by the Richmond Committee, and included in their proposal. A temporary dormitory will be provided by renting a residence nearby. A building already equipped for community and institu¬ tional work for use as gymnasium, with shower baths already in¬ stalled, has been offered for payment of taxes and insurance on the building. The Richmond Committee has guaranteed a support fund of $5,000.00 a year for three years. 3. That the following tentative curriculum in outline be ap¬ proved for the guidance of the Directors in the organization of the school : (1) English Bible: Its origin, preservation, literary structure and forms, books, geography, Old Testament history, New Testament history, doctrines, use in winning souls. (2) . Church History: Apostolic, Medieval, Reformation, Mod¬ ern History of Presbyterianism. (3) . Presbyterian Standards: Confession of Faith, Catechisms, Form of Government, Rules of Discipline, Directory of Worship. (4) . The Pupil: Early childhood, childhood, adolescence, matur¬ ity. The pupil at home, the pupil and the church, the pupil at school. (5) . Organic work: 1. — Home Missions — The field in detail, house-to-house visitation, ministering to the sick, mothers’ meetings, play, music, evangelistic work. 2. — Foreign Missions — The field in detail; the non-Christian religions; educational work, academic and industrial; hospitals and dispensaries; evangelistic work, local and itinerant; training of native leaders. Special arrangements should be made with approved established medical colleges and hospitals for training physicians and nurses. (6) Christian Education and Ministerial Relief: History; pres¬ ent organization; methods of work; results; needs; prospects. 438 Education and Relief [Book IV Sabbath School Extension and Publication: History; organization; methods; needs; prospects; results. ( 7 ) Available Agencies, such as : ( 1 ) The day mission school, its organization, equipment, curriculum, management, sup¬ port; (2) The Sunday School, its history, control, organization, equipment, instruction, worship, methods of work, The Daily Vaca¬ tion Bible School; (3) The Young People’s Society, its history, control, equipment, organization, methods of work; (4) The Mis¬ sionary Society for children and adults; control, organization, man¬ agement, detailed methods of work; (5) The City Mission: (a) Hospital and Dispensary, control, support, equipment, detailed meth¬ ods, personal work; (b) The Day Nursery: control, support, equipment, methods, results; (c) Evangelism: chapel preaching, street preaching, personal work; (d) Entertainments: indoor and outdoor games and plays. (8) The Country Church: Rural conditions, difficulties, en¬ couragements, tested methods of work. (9) . Music and the Art of Reading and Speaking. (10) . Personal Service : Accompanying their studies, all pupils should be required to engage regularly, under supervision, in various forms of Christian service, and special emphasis should be given to the work of winning souls. (12). Correspondence and Extension Courses. All courses of study, as far as practicable, should be made available by corres¬ pondence. 4. That the school be opened for the work not later than Novem¬ ber 4th, 1914. 5 : That the following be appointed Directors for three years, with instructions to appoint four others: Representing the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions — Rev J I. Vance, D. D., Rev. E. W. Smith, D. D. Representing the Executive Committee of Home Missions — Rev Homer McMillan, D. D., Mr. John J. Eagan. (Representing the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief — Rev. H. H. Sweets, D. D., Rev. J. S. Lyons, D. D. Representing the Executive Committee of Publication — Rev. R* E. Magill, Rev. A. L. Phillips, D. D. . be appointed Temporary Chairman of the Board. 1915, p. 37. The Assembly, having heard with pleasure the report of the Board of Managers of the Assembly’s Training School for Lay Workers, (1) Approved the faculty and the curriculum of the School; (2) Asked that the charter be amended so as to provide that the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U. S., shall annually elect a Board of Twelve Managers for the term of one year, who shall serve until the election and acceptance of their duly qualified successors. In the event that this be contrary to the laws of Virginia, the Board of Managers is to have the power to nominate their own successors, and the selection of such persons so chosen to fill said Sec. 864] Schools and Colleges 439 vacancies shall be reported by said Board of Managers to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U. S., for its approval and confirmation. (3) Asked pastors and Sessions to co-operate with the School in discovering students for the institution, in view of the fact that the School is an enterprise of the General Assembly and is equipped to take care of a large student body, and that its usefulness depends largely upon the number of students taking training therein. (4) The Executive Committee of Christian Education and Minis¬ terial Relief invite churches, societies, and individuals to provide $100.00 scholarships for the aid of those who have not sufficient funds to enter the School and who, with a slight aid, may become efficient workers in the Church; (5) Endorsed the raising among the Sunday Schools and Young People’s Societies of the Church an A. E. Phillips Memorial Fund of $50,000 for the purposes of the School, to be raised and administered by the Board of Managers; (6) The Assembly gave authority to the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief to place candidates for the Home Mission fields on the same basis as candidates for the Foreign Mission fields, so as to enable them to obtain a loan from the Funds of Education with which to prosecute their studies in the Training School. 1916, p. 59. The Assembly expressed its pleasure at the exceptional success of its Training School for Lay Workers and commended this enterprise to the generosity of our people, and to this end the Board of Managers were authorized to appeal to the Church for funds for buildings and endowment, provided, however, that the four Executive Committees of this Assembly shall first be satisfied that funds and property so acquired can, under the institution’s charter, be safeguarded to the Assembly. Rev. F. T. McFaden, D. D., Mr. R. E. Magill, W. B. Lorraine, M. D., Rev. William Megginson, Rev. H. H. Sweets, D. D., Rev. Homer McMillan, D. D., Rev. S. H. Chester, D. D., Rev. J. S. Lyons, D. D., Prof. James Lewis Howe, Rev. Stuart Nye Hutchinson, Rev. W. L. Lingle, D. D., Mr. Robert M. Friend were elected on the Board of Managers for the ensuing year. 1917, p. 57. That the following Board of Managers of the As¬ sembly’s Training School for Lay Workers be appointed for a term of one year: F. T. McFaden, D. D., H. H. Sweets, D. D., S. IP. Chester, D. D., Homer McMillan, D. D., Mr. R. E. Magill, Mr. Robt. M. Friend, Rev. Wm. Megginson, W. B. Lorraine, M. D., J. L. Howe, Ph. D., S. Nye Hutchinson, D. D., J. S. Lyons, D. D., and W. L. Lingle, D. D. That the faculty selected by the Board of Managers for the coming year be approved. That the Assembly again commend the School for Lay Workers to the generosity of our people and earnestly show their attention to the splendid opportunity for invaluable service which lies in properly equipping and supporting this institution. 440 Education and Relief [Book IV That the Board of Managers and the four Executive Committees of the Assembly be requested to devise a form of government for the draining School which would be in line with the educational policy of the Assembly, and devise also a plan of support for the institution, and report to the next Assembly. That the change in charter of the Training School, as set forth in the report of the Managers, be approved. That the Assembly hereby put on record its appreciation of the liberality of the Presbyterian League of the City of Richmond in sup¬ porting the Training School for three years without expense to us; and of the splendid services of the faculty of that school, given without money and without price. That the report of the Board of Managers be printed in the appendix of the Assembly’s Minutes. 1917, p. 58. The report of the Training School for Lay Workers furnishes the following interesting facts: (1) There have been 70 students in attendance on the school for the past year, 35 boarding and 35 local. (2) Diplomas and certificates were awarded this year to 11 persons for work done in this school, and all the graduates were at once appropriated to positions of service throughout the Church, nor was their number equal to the demand for such trained workers. (3) The obligation of the Presbyterian League of the City of Richmond to maintain the school for three years expires June 1, 1917, so that the running expense of about $6,000.00 must needs be pro¬ vided from some other source for the coming year. (4) The most urgent need of this institution is a building to house it and its rapidly increasing number of students. Such a build¬ ing would probably cost something like $75,000. A lot estimated to be worth approximately $15,000 has been offered the school in the City of Richmond as soon as money is provided to erect a building. (5) The Board of Managers has secured an amendment to their charter which secures to the Assembly the ownership and control of the school beyond peradventure. (6) ;The faculty for the coming year is as follows: Rev. William Megginson, Dean, Christian Doctrine and English Bible; Rev. Walter W. Moore, D. D., English Bible, Old Testament; Rev. Edward Mack, D. D., English Bible, Old Testament; Rev. Eugene C. Cald¬ well, D. D., English Bible, New Testament; Mrs. John Russell Sampson, English Bible, New Testament, and Missions; Rev. Russell Cecil, D. D., Church History; Miss Katherine Heath Hawes, So¬ cial Questions and Christian Ethics; Rev. Walter L. Lingle, D. D., Sunday School Pedagogy; Miss Anna Branch Binford, Sunday School Pedagogy, Teen Age Specialist; Miss Elizabeth McE. Shields, Sunday School Pedagogy, Elementary Division; Rev. O. E. Buchholz, Christian Missions; Mr. Wade C. Smith, Personal Evangelism and Stewardship; Miss Pauline Williamson Grant, Organized Women’s Work; W. B. Lorraine, M. D., Director of Medical Course. 1918, p. 30. The work o*f the Training School during the four Sec. 864] Schools and Colleges 441 years of its existence has amply demonstrated the usefulness of the school and it bids fair to become indispensable to our Church. It is not only giving our prospective foreign missionary ladies the training they could formerly receive only by going outside our boundaries, but it is also furnishing our young women education and equipment for positions as home and city mission teachers and workers, as pastors’ assistants and for similar positions, and it offers similar opportunities to laymen. The demand for such trained workers, now already far exceeding the supply, will rapidly increase under the conditions which will confront us in the immediate future. The school has been fortunate in having the services of such a corps of skilled instructors, all giving their services without financial compensation. We feel, how¬ ever, that the Church is doing itself an injustice in giving no return for these valuable services. The school having passed with increasing success through its first quadrennium, the time has come for the Assembly to place it upon a more established basis of support. ,Your Committee would make the following recommendations: 1. That the General Assembly’s Training School for Lay Workers continue to work under its present charter and plan of government which have been fully approved by previous Assemblies. 2. Inasmuch as the large majority of the students of the Train¬ ing School will always be women, we recommend that women be elected to fill three places out of the twelve on the Board of Mana¬ gers of the Training School. 3. In order to provide for the needs of the present year, we recommend that the General Assembly place the Training School on its list of Benevolent Causes and ask the Church to raise at least $8,000.00 for its running expenses, and that the treasurer of the Board of Managers of the Training School be placed in the Assembly’s Minutes along with the names of the treasurers of the Assembly’s Benevolent Causes. (Recommendation asking for 1 per cent, in the Benevolent Budge* was referred to the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence. ) 4. We would recommend the following as the Board of Managers for the coming year: Rev. F. T. McFaden, D. D., Mr. R. E. Magill, Mr. Robert E. Friend, Rev. H. H. Sweets, D. D., Rev. S. H. Chester, D. D., Rev. Homer McMillan, D. D., Rev. S. Nye Hutchison, D. D., Rev. Walter L. Lingle, D. D., Mr. Owsley Sanders, Miss Katherine Hawes (Richmond), Mrs. H. M. Price (Baltimore), Mrs. A. W. McAllister ( Greensboro ) . 5. We would recommend the approval of the following faculty: Rev. Walter L. Lingle, D. D., Rev. Walter W. Moore, D. D., Rev. Edward Mack, D. D., Rev. W. B. Mcllwaine, B. D., Rev. Eugene Caldwell, D. D., Rev. M. Ryerson Turnbull, B. D., Rev. Charles L. King, B. D., Rev. O. E. Buchholz, B. D., Mr. Wade Smith, Dr. W. B. Lorraine, Miss Anna Branch Binford, Miss Elizabeth McE. Shields, Miss Pauline Williamson Grant, Mr. Owsley Sanders. 6. That the report of the Board of Managers be published in the Appendix of the Assembly Minutes. 442 Education and Relief [Book IV 1919, p. 27. We wish to call the attention of the members of this Assembly first, to the remarkable growth of this school, and second, to the economical management of the school's affairs by the Board; and, third, commend the school to the entire Church as a training agency of lay workers; and, fourth, present to the General Assembly five recommendations: I. Growth of the School. — The catalogue of the General As¬ sembly’s Training School for Lay Workers shows an enrollment of 49 students for the past school year. This enrollment was distributed as follows: Senior Class, 11; Junior Class, 31; and Specials, 7. The personnel of the student body represents twelve States of our country, and the countries of Japan and China. There were ten graduates from the school this year. Of the forty-nine students en¬ rolled, eleven are preparing for Foreign Mission service. The Junior Class, lacking two students, is three times the size of the Senior Class, and the President informs your Committee that he has now in¬ quires from seventy prospective students, representing all sections of the country ministered to by our Church, who desire to enter this school. The large enrollment in the Junior Class during the past school year, coupled with the fact that 70 new students were seeking admission to this school, offers abundant evidence of the need for this school, and the splendid service which it is rendering our Church. II. Economical Management of the School — During the past year there have come into the hands of the Board of Managers of the school $8,333.95 for current expenses; $15,685.74 in cash, and $10,000.00 in good subscriptions toward the permanent assets of the school, with $9,789.65 as its first payment. With these last mentioned funds, your Board of Managers have purchased a property costing $35,500.00, immediately across the avenue from Union Semi¬ nary. On this property are located two three-story buildings, which were immediately available for the use of the students and faculty. 'The fact that this purchase gives the school a permanent home, and the further fact that such a substantial payment has been made on the property as to make it a safe and economical investment, lead your Committee to commend the action of the Board in providing this permanent home for the school. ;Your Committee calls especial attention to the economical ad¬ ministration of the current expenses of the school during the past year. From the $8,833.95 which came into the hands of the Board from all sources for current expenses, the school was conducted, a deficit of $1,010.07 from the past school year was met, and there remain in the treasury $143.13. This remarkable accomplishment on the part of your Board was made possible by the sacrificial work of the President of die school, Dr. Walter L. Lingle, and the faculty of Union Theological Seminary, and Dr. Gilbert Glass, and certain people connected with our Publishing House in Richmond, all of whom served the school without pay. Your Committee received with interest the information that there has been secured a Professor of English Bible for the school, who will give full time to the work; and expresses the confident hope that Sec. 864] Schools and Colleges 443 this Assembly will take steps to provide the funds for the immediate use of the Board of Managers in the selection of a President and Dean of Women. There should also be made in the near future provision for a full faculty for this school. III. The Importance of the School. — The organization of this school by the General Assembly meets a crying need in our Church. Furthermore, it enables our Church to share in a splendid way in serving our nation. The past twenty years have witnessed the found¬ ing and growth of an increasing number of independent schools for the instruction and training of lay workers. To these schools have gone many of our own men and women, who are in training for religious work at home and abroad. They have gone to these schools because our Church has had no agency for their training. In the nature of the case, no guarantee can be had for the orthodoxy and gen¬ eral helpfulness of this training. Furthermore, it is not fair for our Church to expect our lay religious workers to secure training elsewhere and still be loyally bound to expend their energies within the bounds of our Church. The successful operation of this school means a continuous stream of trained men and women for those important places to be filled by unordained men and women both at home and abroad in the expanding program of our Church. More than this, the school offers to the men and women of our nation who are entering religious work a most splendid training in an environ¬ ment where the English Bible is taught as the Word of God and where absolute loyalty to our Lord Jesus Christ is enjoined. This in itself is no mean consideration when thought is given to some kinds of training now being offered in some religious schools of our land Your Committee would, therefore, most highly recommend this school to the General Assembly and voice the hope that all ministers in the Assembly will direct students seeking this kind of training to the Assembly’s School for Lay Workers. IV. Recommendations. — Your Committee makes the following recommendations : 1. That the General Assembly elect the following persons to compose the Board of Managers of the Assembly’s School for Lay Workers for the years 1919-1920: Rev. F. T. McFaden, D. D., President, Richmond, Va. Mr. R. E. Magill, Treasurer, Richmond, Va. Mr. Robert M. Friend, Secretary, Petersburg, Ya. Mr. Owsley Sanders, Richmond, Va. Rev. H. H. Sweets, D. D., Louisville, Ky. Rev. Homer McMillan, D. D., Atlanta, Ga. Rev. S. H. Chester, D. D., Nashville, Tenn. Rev. S. Nye Hutchinson, D. D., Norfolk, Va. Rev. Walter L. Lingle, D. D., Richmond, Va. Mrs. Hampton Fleming, Richmond, Va. Mrs. H. N. Price, Baltimore, Md. Miss Catherine Heath Hawes, Richmond, Va. 2. That the General Assembly approve the faculty as reported by the Board of Managers. 444 Education and Relief [Book IV 3. That the General Assembly authorize the Board of Managers to secure from the Church at large $180,000 for a suitable building on the campus, to meet the immediate needs of the school. 4. That the General Assembly authorize the Board of Managers to secure from the Church at large $120,000, to be invested as an endowment for the Chair of the English Bible and the salary of a president. 5. That the 'General Assembly provide for a Standing Committee of the Assembly each year, into whose hands shall go the report of this school for consideration. 1919, p. 63. The Assembly approved of the action of the Execu¬ tive Committee of Publication on March 6th, 1919, appropriating $2,500 a year,, beginning July 1st, 1919, to the General Assembly’s Training School for Lay Workers until the Training School receives an adequate support from other sources. The appropriation was made subject to the approval of the Assembly, and for the reason that the Executive Committee of Publication believes that the Assembly’s Training School is one of the most potent forces in the Church for training leaders for Sunday School and Young People’s Work. 1920, p. 35. The Assembly should have great satisfaction in this school, and deep gratitude to God, in view of the efficient and eco¬ nomical management, the wise policy, the fruitful service, the growing favor, and the bright future of the institution. The Assembly should also note the pressing needs and take steps to supply these needs as soon as possible. Your Committee recommends: ( 1 ) That the Assembly express its grateful appreciation of the services of the faculty during the past year, and approve their being selected for the coming year. (2) That the Assembly answer in the affirmative the overture of the Board of Managers and authorize said Board to secure the charter revision it desires, set forth in the overture as follows: “The Board of Managers overtures the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States to authorize the Board of Managers to (l)secure the necessary charter changes, which will be accomplished by amending Sections (d) and (e) of the charter as heretofore amended, and making said sections when amended read as follows: “(d) The number of Trustees who shall manage the affairs of the corporation shall be fifteen, who shall elect from their number the following officers: President, Vice-President, and Secretary of the corporation; and the Board of Trustees shall also elect the Treasurer, who may or may not be a member of said Board of Trustees; and shall have the power ito elect from its members, or otherwise, such other officers as may from time to time be necessary. “(e) The Board of Trustees shall be elected by the General As¬ sembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. At the first election held hereunder, the General Assembly shall elect the said fifteen Trustees, five of whom shall serve for one year, five of whom shall serve for two years, and five of whom shall serve for Sec. 864] Schools and Colleges 445 three years, and thereafter all of said Trustees shall be elected for a term of three years, provided that every Trustee shall be entitled to serve during the time for which he is elected and until his duly elected successor shall have qualified, and provided that the Board of Trustees shall have power to fill any vacancies that may occur in the Board until the next meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, at which time the General Assembly shall elect a Trustee to fill the remainder of the unexpired term, or the full term, as the case may be. “And (2) to make the necessary revision of the by-laws of the corporation, which will be accomplished by substituting for Article I, paragraph 1 of the by-lawrs the following: “Article I , Paragraph 1. There shall be a Board of fifteen Trus¬ tees, who shall be elected by the General Assembly of the Presbyte¬ rian Church in the United States for a term of three years, and who shall serve until the election and acceptance of their duly qualified successors. The Board of Trustees shall be divided into three classes, with an equal number of members in each. At the first election after this article goes into effect, those in the first class shall be elected for a term of one year; those in the second class for a term of two years; and those in the third class for a term of three years. Thereafter, upon the expiration of their term of office, the members of each class shall be elected for a term of three years. Provided, however, the Board of Trustees shall have the power to fill any va¬ cancy that may occur in the Board until the next meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States; and provided further, that the Board of Trustees shall have no authority to apply for, or make any change in the charter of the corporation, or in this Paragraph 1, Article I., of the by-laws of the corporation, except as authorized by vote of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States.” (3) That the Assembly elect the following persons as members of the Board of Managers, to serve until the next meeting of the Assembly : F. T. McFaden, Richmond, Va. R. E, Magill, Richmond, Va. Robt. M. Friend, Petersburg, Va. Owsley Sanders, Richmond, Va. H. H. Sweets, Louisville, Ky. Homer McMillan, Atlanta, Ga. S. H. Chester, Nashville, Tenn. S. Nye Hutchison, Norfolk, Va. Walter L. Lingle, Richmond, Va. Mrs. H. N. Price, Baltimore, Md. Miss Katherine Heath Hawes, Richmond, Va. Mrs. Hampton Fleming, Richmond, Va. i (4) That the Assembly elect the following persons as members of the Board of Trustees, to take their places after the charter re- 446 Education and Relief [Book IV vision has become effective, and to serve until the next meeting of the General Assembly. Geo. W. Call, Richmond, Va. Walter W. Moore, Richmond, Va. Samuel K. Phillips, Greenville, N. C. (5) That the Assembly approve the raising of $500,000 for this institution as soon as practicable (to be used for a dormitory estimated to cost $200,000, and for the endowment of five chairs in the fac¬ ulty, estimated at $60,000 each), and place the raising of this amount under the supervision and control of the Assembly’s Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship. >(6) That this Assembly request all Presbyteries to urge each treasurer of benevolences to see that the Training School gets its due percentage in the distribution of the benevolent funds of each congregation. 1921, p. 67. We recommend that the Assembly: 1. Express its hearty approval of the Training School as an institution of unparalleled usefulness for the preparation of young women and other lay workers. 2. Express its appreciation of the services of the faculty of Union Theological Seminary, the teachers from the Presbyterian Committee of Publication and other volunteers in supplying needed instructors. 3. Direct the Systematic Beneficence Committee in apportion¬ ing any equipment fund to make wise and generous provision for the Assembly’s Training School. 4. Instruct the Assembly’s Stewardship Committee to keep the Training School on the budget of the churches for its due percent¬ age of the benevolences. 5. Approve the faculty for the session of 1921-1922. 6. Elect the following trustees: For One Year Rev. S. H. Chester, D. D.; Mr. Owsley Sanders, J. Scott Parish,. Rev. Walter L. Lingle, D. D., Mrs. Hampton Fleming. For Two Years Rev. Homer McMillan, D. D., Mr. R. E. Magill, Rev. W. W. Moore, D. D., Rev. S. K. Phillips, Miss Katherine Heath Hawes. For Three Years Rev. F. T. McFaden, D. D., President; Mr. George W. Call, Treas¬ urer; Mr. R. M. Friend, Secretary; Rev. H. II. Sweets, D. D., Mrs. H. N. Price. 1922, p. 65. We have been profoundly impressed by the growth of the Training School in the short period of eight years since it was founded in 1914; by the widespread interest throughout the Church as manifested in a student body of 112 representing 15 States and four foreign countries; by the acceptable service rendered by those Sec. 86 4 J- Schools and Colleges 447 who have attended the school; by the financial support of the churches, which during the past year reached a total of more than $18,000, the equivalent in money of the income of $300,000 endow¬ ment, and worth far more to the institution as an evidence of the interest and confidence and affection of the Church; by the excellence of the faculty; and by the rich and varied and comprehensive cur¬ riculum. We note with special interest the election of Rev. F. T. McFaden, D. D., as President and his acceptance, to take effect in July, thus lifting the heavy load whch has rested on Rev. W. L. Lingle, and which he has carried in connection with his other duties, at lavish expense of his own strength and personality. We note also the wise and conservative and far-reaching program of the trustees for build¬ ing the school an adequate home. We call special attention to the fact that this institution is not a school for women only, but already numbers men in its student body and looks forward to a large increase: in the number of men students and to special provisions to meet their needs. That the school is already offering work and appeals to men is shown by the fact that an elder, a member of this Committee, has expressed his desire and intention to take the full two-year course as soon as practicable. We recommend that — 1. The Assembly endorse heartily the work of the Training School, and commend the institution to the whole Church. 2. The Assembly approve the faculty as listed in the report of the trustees. 3. The Assembly elect Mr. Owsley Sanders, Mr. J. Scott Parrish, Rev. S. H. Chester, D. D., Rev. W. L. Lingle, D. D., and Mrs. Hampton Fleming as trustees for three years, their terms expiring in 1925. 4. The Assembly, through its Stewardship Committee, put in Training School into its Progressive Program for the year 1923-24 for $28,500, beng six-tenths of one per cent, of $4,750,000, the total financial goal for 1923-24, and urge alf Presbyteries and all churches to see that in the distribution of their benevolences the Training School receives its full part. 5. The Assembly commend the Training School to our people of means as a worthy enterprise in which to make investments from the money which God has entrusted to them as His stewards. 6. The Assembly notes with pleasure the fact that the Synods of Virginia and West Virginia have included the Training School in their Educational Campaign for substantial quotas, and suggests that other Synods consider the advisability of doing likewise. 7. The Assembly, following the precedent of the 192 f Assembly, designates the last Sunday in September as Assembly Training School Day, and urges that at that time special attention be called to the great work of the Training School and special prayer be offered in its behalf, and that, in the churches which have not adopted the Pro- 448 Education and Relief [Book IV gressive Program and made an every-member canvass, an offering be taken on that day. 8. The Assembly expresses its gratification at hearing that the Rev. F. T. McFaden, D. D,, has accepted the presidency of the Training School. 9. The Assembly expresses its grateful appreciation to Rev. W. L. Lingle, D. D., for his faithful and efficient and generous services as acting president of the Traing School. 10. The Assembly refers to the trustees of the Training School overture from the Presbytery of St. Louis (asking the Assembly to make available trained Bible-teachers for the women of our churches (p. 65),) for such action as may, in the judgment of the Trustees, be deemed wise and practical. 865. Christmas Program for Sabbath Schools 1918, p. 35. That so far as practicable, our Committee's arrange¬ ment of the Christmas program be used in our Sabbath schools. 866. Week of prayer 1873, p. 337. The Assembly recommended the observance of a week of prayer for our institutions of learning, and for the youth of our Church and our country, beginning with the last Thursday of February. 867. Free-will offering 1880, p. 390. The Secretary was authorized to make a brief statement through the church papers of the condition of this cause on the 1st of April, and ask for free-will offerings of God’s people. # 868. Day of prayer for public schools 1902, p. 258. On an overture asking that the second Lord’s day in September, annually, be devoted to special prayer for the public and private schools of the United States, the recommendation of the committee, that the day above named be substituted for the third Thursday of February as the annual day of prayer for the youth in schools and colleges throughout our country, was amended so as to read, “The Assembly deems it unwise to take any action at present.” Adopted. 1903, p. 469. The Alliance asks that the second Sabbath in September be set apart as a day of prayer for public schools. We recommend that the Assembly so order it. Adopted. Same action in 1904 (p. 40). w869. Christian influences in public schools 1904, p. 38. The people of our Church are hereby counseled and exhorted to be diligent in their duties as citizens, in guarding the purity, and elevating the character of the public schools of the country, maintained by the State. The Christian citizens of a country owe Secs. 864-872] Schools and Colleges 449 it to themselves, their children, the State and their Lord, to be faith¬ ful in protecting public schools from the evils of influences unfriendly to Christianity, in the studies, the teachers, or the directors of the public schools in which the large majority of the children of the land are taught. The Assembly gratefully recognizes the fact that public education, maintained by the State, in our borders — both higher and secondary — is, in general, friendly to religious faith and life, in the personnel of the instructors and directors, and in the matter of instruction. Let our people, as citizens, see to it that Christian influences in all State schools are constantly maintained in purity and power. 870. The Bible in State Schools 1901, p. 42. The Assembly expressed the hope that the Exec¬ utive Committee having this cause in charge will continue the effort to devise some workable method of caring for the spiritual welfare of Presbyterian youths, and some worthy teaching of the Bible, in State Universities and other undenominational schools. 871. The Bible in public schools 1904, p. 94. The following recommendations of the Alliance of Reformed Churches (Western Section) were adopted by the Assembly: “(a) We recommend that this Assembly expresses its sincere gratification that so much stress is laid upon sound moral training by our school system, and that the Bible is so largely read in the public schools of this country; and it also expresses the earnest hope that this desirable condition may continue through all the days to come. (b) We recommend that this Assembly expresses its regret that confusion should have been introduced into the practice regarding the use of the Bible in our public schools by reason of the inconsistent decisions by the courts and the varying interpretations given by school authorities in different places, of practically the same con¬ stitutional and statutory provisions, and that the Church advises its officers and people that they should seek to exert a prudent Christian influence upon public sentiment in their respective localities upon this subject. (c) We recommend that this Church declares that moral instruc¬ tion and ethical training are necessary for good citizenship, and should have a place in our public school system, and that this is possible without inculcating any denominational tenets; and, further, that the Bible is the very best instrument to impart this moral in¬ struction and training in connection with our public schools.” 1916, p. 36. Similar action. 872. Recommendations of the Council of Reformed Churches in America holding the Presbyterian System 1911, p. 41. We recommend the adoption of the suggestions of 450 Education and Relief [Book IV the Council with reference to the work of Education with the fol¬ lowing changes: .Division A. Item 1. The words, “And preferably the American Standard Version,” be stricken out, and at the conclusion of Item 5, the following be added: “Subject to review and control of our General Assembly,” making the entire article to read as follows: TEXT-BOOKS FOR ACADEMIES AND COLLEGES (a) The first and chief text-book should be the Bible itself, with references, a Bible dictionary and concordance and subject index. (b) A manual of Biblical geography with maps, and references to books on Orientalisms in the Bible. (c) iA series of constructive text books on a graded basis, for use in academies, and a series for the first and second years of the college course. (d) The use of teacher- training courses, as a required or optional part of the curriculum in Church academies and colleges. (e) That each constituent body authorize each of its publishing and educational agencies, commissions and committees, to appoint one or two representatives to form a joint committee, which shall secure the preparation and publication of the series of text-books on Bible study, for use in academies and colleges, subject to review and con¬ trol by our General Assembly. 873. Care of Presbyterian students in State Universities 1903, p. 482. The Executive Committee of Education was in¬ structed to appoint from time to time prudent and skilful men to visit each college and university within our bounds (so far as prac¬ ticable), to confer with the young men of Presbyterian parentage there found on matters of personal piety and of the claims of the ministry, the proper expenses of such visitation to be paid by this Executive Committee. 1904, p. 46. The matter was again commended to the attention of the Committee. 1906, p. 55. While pressing forward with all earnestness the higher education of the youth of the Church in our own schools and colleges, we declare our purpose to discharge our duty to God and man with reference to the large number of our sons in State Universities and other non-denominational institutions. And to this end we instruct the Committee to inquire diligently into effective means for reaching our youth therein, and especially the work of “Bible Chairs” now located and to be located in close contact with such universities and colleges — the nature and scope of their work, the means whereby they are sustained, and the results hitherto ac¬ complished by providing courses in Bible Study, Lectures on the Evidences of .Christianity, and tender pastoral care for young people separated from home and exposed to many perils. This action was reaffirmed the next year. Secs. 872-873] I 451 Schools and Colleges 1909, p. 65. We urge our Secretary, our seminary professors and seminary students and pastors to continue their good work in pre¬ senting the claims of the Gospel Ministry to the young men in our State institutions, and that their work may be most effective, we urge our Synods to make the fullest possible provision for the spirit¬ ual interest of and pastoral oversight of the 2, 179 young men from Presbyterian homes who are students in their State institutions. 1910, p. 42. The Assembly expressed the hope that the Ex¬ ecutive Committee having this cause in charge (Schools and Colleges) would continue the effort to devise some workable method of caring for the spiritual welfare of Presbyterian youths, and some worthy teaching of the Bible, in State Universities and other undenomina¬ tional schools. 1911, p. 53. The General Assembly would lay particular emphasis upon that part of the work of the Executive Committee which con¬ cerns schools and colleges. This Assembly heartily approves the work of our Secretary of Christian Education in visiting our State Universities, in the interest of our Presbyterian boys in these institutions and their spiritual welfare, and recommends our Secretary to press this work through our Synods. 1912, p. 31. Your committee would recommend that the Executive Committee continue its work of sending the Secretary and others to the Schools and Colleges of our Church and to the State Universities to address the students and confer with individuals on the claims of the Gospel Ministry; arid diligently use the best literature which will be helpful in guiding into the ministry the young men whom God hath chosen for this great work. 1914, p. 72. The Executive Committee was authorized to call in conference the representatives of our Church at all the centers where State institutions are located, with the purpose of seeing what may he done to meet the religious needs of our students in these institutions. 1917, p. 59. The Executive Committee of Christian Education was urged to be constantly mindful of the interests of our many young people attending State institutions, and to seek to devise effective means for keeping them in touch with our Church and under positive Christian influence. 1918, p. 35. The Executive Committee is to assist the Synods to arouse the members within their bounds to a full appreciation of the responsibility of the Church for the boys and girls who are at¬ tending the State institutions of learning. The Committee is to labor together with the Synods to the end that a well-equipped church, with an efficient pastor, may be sustained by the side of each of the State institutions of higher learning. 1921, p. 58. [The Executive Committee shall use all of its powers to arouse the entire Church to the fundamental importance of Chris¬ tian Education and to a more thorough and faithful oversight of the studies of the Church, whether in Schools, Colleges, State or Inde¬ pendent Universities. 452 Education and Relief [Book IV 874. Catechism on Church and Church Government {1900, p. 609. In answer to an overture asking that a catechism on the Church and Church Government be prepared, the Assembly appointed a committee, with the Rev. Robt. P. Kerr, D. D., as chair¬ man, to prepare such catechism. 1901, p. 50. The Catechism on the Church was sent down to the Presbyteries for their criticism, the same to be reported to the ad interim committee by February 1, 1902, said committee to report to the next Assembly, the expense connected with it to be paid by the Publication Committee. 1902, p. 259. It was ordered that the overtures on this subject be referred to the existing ad interim committee, enlarged by the addition of the Rev. Drs. C. R. Hemphill, R. C. Reed and E. C. Gordon, and that their report be made to the next Assembly, and sent down to the Presbyteries. 1903, p. 506. The report of the ad interim committee to prepare a catechism on the Church, was taken from the docket, and after consideration was referred back to the same committee with Rev. W. A. Alexander, D. D., as chairman, to report to the next Assembly. 1905, p. 16. With regard to the report of the committee appointed to prepare a catechism on the Church, the committee recommends tha l the ad interim committee be discharged and their diligence be com¬ mended; and that the manuscript placed in our hands be put at the disposal of the Executive Committee of Publication. Adopted. 875. Catechism on the History of the Church 1902, p. 258. On an overture from the Presbytery of Western District, asking that a committee be appointed “to prepare a cate¬ chism on the history of our Church, for the especial benefit of our young people.” the committee recommend that the request be granted, and that said committee report to the next Assembly. Adopted. 1903, p. 472. The c'ommittee was continued. 1904, p. 50. Owing to the impracticability of the undertaking, greatly increased by the difficulty of the committee’s holding a meeting, the expense of which the General Assembly is not at present able to sustain, the General Assembly discontinues this committee, thank¬ ing them for the service they have rendered 876. Column in statistical reports for contributions to Orphanages 1903, p. 503; 1905, p. 54. This was declined. 1909, p. 61. The column for contributions to orphans’ homes, other than the Assembly’s Home and School, shall be put in the statistical reports in place of the column now occupied by “Baptized Non-Communicants,” and the Committee of Publication is instructed to place such explanatory notes upon these blanks as may be neces¬ sary to guide the Session in the matter and in other items when making up reports. Secs. 874-879] Schools and Colleges 453 8,77. The Florida Land Company 1886, p. 56. Your committee had information laid before it, show¬ ing that a land company, which owns a large tract of land in Walton county, Florida, was proceeding to subdivide and lay out and improve its lands in such a manner as to attract settlers, and that a consider¬ able settlement of Scotch Presbyterians was already permanently located in the immediate vicinity of said lands; and that said com¬ pany has offered to donate and convey forty acres of its lands to the Trustees of the General Assembly upon condition that the General Assembly should provide, within three years from the date of the grant, that as much as six thousand dollars should be expended in erecting upon the tract granted buildings adapted for educational or church purposes. Therefore. Resolved (1), That the Board of Trustees be directed to accept the forty acres of land offered by the Florida Land Company, near De Funiak Springs, Walton county, Florida, upon the conditions specified in the offer of said company; and that Rev. Wm. Adams, D. D., Wm. C. Sibley and S. M. Inman be appointed a committee to raise the funds, and otherwise arrange for the improvement of the property, in accordance with the conditions of the grant. Resolved (2), That this General Assembly instruct its Board of Trustees to accept the offer made by the land company of Walton county, Florida, of the forty acres of land tendered, under the con¬ ditions specified. 1887, p. 242. Presbytery of New Orleans asked the Assembly to recede from the proposition to accept these lands. Reply: For the purpose of obtaining fuller information on this matter, the overture is referred to the next Assembly for answer. ,1888, p. 420. The overture from the Presbytery of New Orleans respecting a gift of land in Florida, which overture was passed over from the last to the present Assembly, was taken up. The commis¬ sioner from the Presbytery of New Orleans stated that the opposition of that body was withdrawn; and the Assembly resolved not to re¬ cede from the action of the Assembly of 1886. 878. Receipts and disbursements to be printed 1881, p. 375. The Auditing Committee recommend that here¬ after the reports of the receipts and disbursements of the funds of this Executive Committee (Education) be printed for the use of the Assembly. Adopted. 1903, p. 481. A recommendation was made and adopted that an abstract of the Treasurer’s report be annually entered on the minute book together with the report of the committee which has audited his accounts. 879. A Three Years’ Program 1918, p. 34. The Assembly approved the three-year program as outlined by our Committee. 454 Education and Relief [Book IV The Executive Secretary, desiring to further the interests committed to it by the General Assembly in the most thorough and systematic way, suggests that the following program for the next three years be approved : 1. That the Executive Committee, through carefully planned and sustained efforts, see that all the youth of the Church are brought face to face with the problem of their life’s work, so that they may be able more clearly to discern God’s plan for their lives. In order to ac¬ complish this much desired end the Executive Committee is permitted to call into co-operation other agencies of the General Assembly, Synods, Presbyteries and the churched. To thi^ end larger use shall be made of sermons, addresses and literature in churches, Sunday schools, high schools, colleges and universities. 2. That the Student Loan Fund of the Church be increased during this period to at least $250,000. As the purpose of this fund is twofold: to assist our Presbyterian Colleges and to enable the boys and girls from poor homes of our Church to secure a higher education, the fullest co-operation of these institutions should be secured. No investment will yield larger returns than these in the lives of our boys and girls of approved character as they are being prepared for Chris¬ tian leadership in the coming age. 3. That within this period the Endowment Fund of Ministerial Relief be increased to at least $1,000,000. That the Executive Com¬ mittee during this time secure from the ministers of the Church and their families data that will furnish the basis for the future statesman¬ like handling of this sacred and binding obligation of the Church. 4. That within this period the Executive Committee put forth its utmost endeavor to assist the various Synods to perfect their educa¬ tional policies and to equip and endow the educational institutions under control of the Synods. 5. That the Executive Committee assist the Synods to arouse the members within their bounds to a full appreciation of the responsibility of the Church for the boys and girls who are attending the State institutions of learning. That the Committee labor together with the Synods to the end that a well-equipped church, with an efficient pastor, may be sustained by the side of each of the State institutions of higher learning. 1919, p. 37. This General Assembly would re-endorse the Three- Year Program of the Committee of Christian Education and Minis¬ terial Relief, and urge that it be fully carried out. 880. Four hundredth anniversity of the Reformation 1915, p. 36. The Assembly called upon the churches, Presbyteries, and Synods to unite with the other bodies represented in the Council of the Church Boards of Education in a celebration in 1917 of the four hundredth anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, seeking thereby to infuse new life into our own educational institutions and to improve and Christianize as far as possible all the educational institutions of our land. Secs. 879-883] Schools and Colleges 455 1916, p. 58. Similar action. 1916, p. 74. In this report the attention of the Assembly is directed to certain anniversaries which occur during this year and the year 1917. They are: The 500th anniversary of the burning of Jerome of Prague, on the 30th of May, and the 400th anniversary of the posting of Luther’s theses, on the 31st of October, 1917. In connection with the latter, we recommend that the Assembly, pur¬ suant to a Suggestion of the Alliance, appoint the Rev. W. W. Moore, D. D., and the Rev. R. A. Webb, D. D., to frame and submit to the churches a program of celebration befitting such a decisive event in the history of the Kingdom of God. 1917, p. 29. The Committee appointed to frame and submit to the churches a program for the proper celebration of the 400th anni¬ versary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation reported that they had proposed such a program, including a Catechism on Luther and the Reformation for use in the Sunday Schools; that most of the program was in the hands of the Committee of Publication, and that the entire program would be issued in ample time for the convenient use by our pastors, churches, and Sunday Schools. This report was approved. 1917, p. 59. The Assembly urgently laid upon the Synods the imperatively pressing needs of our educational institutions, and ear¬ nestly entreated them to persevere in measures to provide for these necessities where measures have been taken, and where not, to in¬ augurate them wTith the least possible delay, appealing to all our people to signalize the conclusion of 400 years of Reformed life in the Church by mighty forward strides in our educational equipment. 881. Centennial of the organized work of Education 1918, p. 35. In commemoration of the centennial of the organ¬ ized work of education the first evening of the next General Assembly was set apart for addresses on this department of the Church’s work. 882. Educational work among our soldiers 1918, p. 35. The Executive' Committee was directed to undertake among our soldiers in cantonments, a campaign of education, seeking to enlist students for the gospel minstry, in order that their minds may be turned definitely to this work during their service and upon their discharge; and to invite the co-operation of the Army Y. M. C. A. and the Churches of the Reformed faith in America in such a campaign. 883. Vote of thanks to the Secretary and Committee; to Dr. Melvin 1914, p. 74. (The commendation of the Secretary and Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief for their faithfulness and efficiency in their services, was adopted by a rising vote. 1919, p. 37. The Committee’s broad and statesmanlike program, 456 Education and Relief' [Book IV which is arousing the whole Church to the importance of Chrisian Education through its literature and efficient forms of publicity and through the campaign force, consisting of Dr. M. E. Melvin and his associates, demands our highest approval. 884. Thanks to Mr. John Stites |1912, p. 55. We cordially approve the recommendations of the Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief, that the thanks of the Assembly be given to Mr. John Stites, treasurer of this Committee, for his valuable services rendered without compensation. 1920, p. 27. Mr. John Stites has for more than fifteen years been the efficient treasurer of the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief. During this period his expe¬ rience and sound business judgment have been of great value to the Committee and to the Church. As Mr. Stites is now present as a Commissioner to this Assembly, your Committee believes that it is speaking for the Assembly when it expresses to him our very deep appreciation of the great service he has rendered, and is rendering, our whole Church. See also 1922, p. 52. 885. Thanks to Dr. Thomas and his helpers 1914, p. 46. The thanks of the Assembly were extended to the Rev. Trigg A. M. Thomas and his able helpers, Misses Harriet Hawker and Georgia Johnson, for their untiring labor in gathering and arranging the educational exhibits sent in by the schools and colleges, and for their unfailing courtesy and helpfulness in making this exhibit a success. V. Student Loan Fund 886. I,o an Fund The Loan Fund is for the purpose of helping poor Presbyterian boys and girls who desire an education but are not looking forward to the ministry. The plan is to lend each of these struggling students $100 a year, at a low rate of interest or with no interest at all, for the four years of their college course. The fund will be used only for those students who give promise, and who can furnish testimonials of high Christian character. By this plan it is hoped that three things can be accomplished: 1. Hundreds of our young men and women would be enabled to secure an education. 2. Our Presbyterian colleges would be built up by receiving as students those who could not otherwise go. 3. Workers would be trained for every department of our Church work — workers with an abiding loyalty to the Church which helped them in their hour of need. Secs. 883-889] Loan Fund 457 The idea is to lend the principal of the Loan Fund, not merely the interest. Thus a larger number can be aided ; and experience has shown that such loans are very safe. And as they are repaid by the beneficiaries, the funds become available for the use of others. 887. Memorial Scholarships The Memorial Scholarships have to do with the method of raising the Fund. Four hundred dollars will found a Scholarship. Any individual or family or society contributing $400 shall have the privilege of naming a Scholarship as a memorial to some friend or loved one. The $400 may be given in a lump sum or at the rate of $100 a year. At the meeting of the Assembly in 1910 it was reported that twenty-eight such Scholarships had been established, on which $2,100 had been paid in, thus enabling the Committee to award twenty-one Scholarships. In about four years the Scholarships already promised will yield about $11,200, more than one-tenth of the $100,000, which has been set as the nearest goal of endeavor. <• 888. Student Loan Fund 1908, p. 60. The Assembly approved the suggestion of the Ex¬ ecutive Committee, that the Church be called upon to raise a loan fund for the assistance of worthy young men and young women, who are not able to pay the cost of higher education; the loans to be made under such rules as may be deemed wise by that Committee. 1910, p. 42. The Assembly commended the diligence and suc¬ cess of its Secretary of Schools and Colleges in the raising of an “Educational Loan Fund,” and commended the plan adopted to individuals of our Church as a good method of helping needy stu¬ dents. 1915, p. 36. The Assembly calls upon churches, societies, Sunday Schools, and individuals to increase the Student Loan Fund as rapidly as possible, to the end that a larger number of the boys and girls of our Church, who come from homes of limited means may be en¬ abled to receive the training afforded in our Presbyterian colleges. 1916, p. 56. The Student Loan Fund, which now amounts to $20,593.11, has made it possible during the year for 72 young people to secure a higher education. 1917, p. 56. The Student Loan P'und has increased since the last annual report of the Committee by only $3,756.39. From this fund 66 of our young people were this past year assisted by loans to attend Presbyterian schools. Sixty applications for loans had to be declined because of the insufficiency of the fund. 1921, p. 57. The Assembly expressed its opinion that the Stu¬ dent Loan Fund should be speedily increased to at least $300,000. 1922, p. 54. Similar action. 889. The evolution of the Committee (From the third annual report of the Committee, 1913.) 458 Education and Relief , [Book IV (1) The Executive Committee of Educaton for the Ministry was erected in 1861. (2) The work of Ministerial Relief under the title “Invalid Fund,” was begun by the Home Mission Committee in 1867, and in 1901 was transferred to the Committee of Minis¬ terial Relief. These two agencies were consolidated into the Executive Com¬ mittee of Ministerial Education and Relief in 1904. (3) The Endowment Fund of Ministerial Relief was started in 1901. (4) The Assembly’s Home and School was organized in 1893. (5) The Permanent Committee of Church and Christian Education, erected in 1899, was changed to the Executive Committee of Schools and Colleges in 1906. At the meeting of the General Assembly in May, 1910, it was ordered that all these Committees be consolidated with the Execu¬ tive Committee of Ministerial Education and Relief, and the name changed to “The Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief.” VI. THE HOME AND SCHOOL 890. The Home and School established 1893, p. 12. An overture from East Hanover Presbytery, touch¬ ing a home and school for orphans of ministers and the children of missionaries, was referred to a special committee. P. 18. This committee submitted the following, which was adopted : 1. That the General Assembly approve the proposed plan for the organization and operation of the Home and School for Min¬ isters’ Orphans, and for the Children of Foreign Missionaries, who have to be sent home for education, and that the offer made by the Board of Managers of the Female Orphan Asylum, Fredericks¬ burg, Va., be accepted. 2. That the charter submitted for the organization and opera¬ tion of the Home and School, and the persons named in said charter as the trustees who shall administer its affairs, be approved. 3. That the Assembly heartily commend the institution to the liberal and united support of all the churches under its jurisdiction. That the Board of Trustees, appointed in the charter, be instructed to convene at the earliest convenient time for the purpose of ob¬ taining the enactment of the charter by the proper legal authority, of organizing the institution, and of obtaining the necessary additional means for its successful operation. 1894, p. 191. The following resolutions were adopted: 1. That the Assembly express its grateful appreciation of the faithfulness, diligence and wisdom of the Board of Trustees of the Assembly’s Home and School at Fredericksburg, Va., in the inaug¬ uration and successful establishment of this important enterprise of the church. 2. That in view of the great need of a training school, and the Secs. 889-890] Home and School 459 special advantages afforded by the Home and School for the eco¬ nomical and successful operation of such an enterprise, the Board of Trustees be authorized to annex this feature to their work, and that it be cordially commended to the support of all the churches. 3. That the plan of operation of the Home and School be ap¬ proved; that the ministers be urged to give to this institution in which they are so particularly interested their personal support, and that all of the churches be urged to aid in the maintenance of scholar¬ ships in the Home. 1895, p. 393. Your committee finds that the Trustees have faith¬ fully executed the trust reposed in them by the General Assembly in accordance with the provisions of its charter, and that thirty- seven of the orphans of deceased ministers and missionaries, and children of living missionaries, have received the benefits of the in¬ stitution during the past year. The committee desires to empha¬ size the following points particularly: (1), That the Collegiate In¬ stitute under the care of these Trustees is entirely self-supporting, and that none of the funds contributed to this enterprise go to the maintenance of the School; (2), That the orphans of ministers and the children of missionaries receive all the benefits of a high-class institution at the mere cost to the church of their maintenance; (3), That the Invalid Fund of the church is supplemented not only by this provision for the orphans of ministers, but by the preference given to widows of ministers in the positions required for the man¬ agement of the Home. It should be further noted, that while the rapid growth of the other features of the Home and School pre¬ vented the inauguration of a training school for missionaries dur¬ ing the past year, the plans for such a school have now been made, and the prospectus for the next session constitutes a part of ihe re¬ port of the Trustees. With regard to the needs of this institution, your committee would mention: (1), That the scholarships and contributions last year fell about $1,000 short of maintaining the Home and that in future the Trustees will only be able to receive inmates that are specially provided for; (2), That an infirmary and a home for boys — to take the place of houses now rented — are urgently demanded for the best interests of the institution. With devout gratitude to God for his blessing upon the undertaking, your committee submits the fol¬ lowing recommendations : 1. That the Assembly approves the report of the Trustees, with grateful appreciation of their wise and devoted services, and orders their report to be printed annually in the Appendix to the Minutes of the General Assembly. 2. That a Standing Committee on the Assembly's Home and School be added to the Assembly’s Standing Committees. 3. That our churches, and especially our stronger churches, be urged to assume the maintenance of scholarships in the Home, either directly by the church or through Ladies’ Societies, Young Peo¬ ple’s Societies, or Sabbath Schools. 4. That our ministers be urged to consider whether any form of 460 Education and Relief [Book IV life insurance promises such large returns for the outlay as a con¬ tribution of $5 a year toward an endowment fund for the Home and School. 5. That the need of an infirmary and a boys’ home is recognized by the Assembly, and the liberality of our people invoked to sup¬ ply these accommodations. Only in the year 1896 do we find the annual report published in the Appendix, as contemplated in Resolution 1, above. — A. 1896, p. 583. The school, now called the Fredericksburg Col¬ lege, has made gratifying progress under the presidency of Rev. T. R. Sampson, D. D., and is now furnishing such educational ad¬ vantages as fully meet the requirements of our ministers’ youth, to the honor of the church. The homes are conducted with a degree of efficiency most com¬ mendable, considering the lack of proper building accommodations. More than forty orphans of our ministers and children of our mis¬ sionaries are now receiving the benefits of the Home and School, and at least twenty-five others have applied for admission next session. The Home and School is in good financial condition, having now in its possession property and funds in excess of all obligations, to the amount of $25,250. In view of the foregoing statements, your committee would ear¬ nestly recommend the following, which was adopted: 1. That the churches of the Assembly be urged to contribute an¬ nually to the maintenance of pupils at the homes, so that the large number of applicants may be received, and all be more comfort¬ ably provided for. 2. That the pastors of our churches be urged to co-operate heart¬ ily with Rev. A. P. Saunders, D. D., in his efforts to provide the buildings necessary for the accommodation of the Home pupils. 3. See next Section on the Bible and Training School. Touching the following overture from the Presbytery of St. Louis, your committee would report as follows: “Whereas, it appears that the Board of Trustees of the Assem¬ bly’s Home and School, at Fredericksburg, Va., has accepted from the council of said city a sum of money in aid of said school; and Whereas, such use of public money is in violation of fundamental civil law, and to accept it is to repudiate a distinctive principle of our church, and its acceptance on the agreed condition that the city’s pupils shall be exempt from attendance on the religious exercises of the School commits the church to exclusively secular education, for which it has no warrant; therefore The Presbytery of St. Louis respectfully overtures the General As¬ sembly to annul said transaction, or to order its readjustment, to the end that the Presbyterian Church in the United States shall not be a party to transgression of civil law, shall not be swerved from its own pronounced principles, and shall not be entangled with the State in the discharge of secular functions.” The Assembly would re-affirm the time-honored traditions and Sec. 890] Home and School 461 cardinal doctrine of our church, setting forth the teachings of sacred Scripture concerning the absolute separation of Church and State. It would record its protest against any sort of compact between these two institutions by which either would; gain control over the other. It would also express its emphatic disapproval of the use of public state funds for purposes of sectarian education, religious propagan- dism, or in any such manner as to foster civil interference or ec¬ clesiastical aggressiveness. At the same time the Assembly is con¬ strained to answer the overture in the negative, and for the follow¬ ing reasons: 1. It does not appear from the contract that the $10,000 in question is a gift. On the other hand it is distinctly declared to be in payment for the tuition of ten students which the city may elect to send to the collegiate institue. 2. It is not a violation of a “fundamental civil law,” as appears from the fact that the Legislature of Virginia has passed a special bill authorizing the compact here involved. 3. It is not the repudiation of a “distinctive principle of our church,” unless such distinctive principle denies to the church the right of contracting with the civil authorities under any and all circumstances when a quid pro quo is given and received. 4. It does not commit the church to secular education in any sense other than that which obtained before said contract was made. Adopted. P. 600. The following protest was admitted to record: The undersigned do solemnly protest against the action of the Assembly in adopting the answer of the Standing Committee on the Assembly’s Home and School to the overture from the Presby¬ tery of St. Louis. We base our protest upon the following, grounds : 1. That we believe it to be in direct violation of our time-hon¬ ored principles and a departure from our unbroken custom of re¬ fusing to accept state aid in support of denominational and relig¬ ious work. 2. That it is inexpedient, providing a constant menace to our peace, a likelihood of frequent embarrassment and expense in de¬ fending suits at law liable to arise under the peculiar nature of the contract, and jeopardizing the interests of the Home and School before the church and world. 3. That it will be a source of grief and regret to a large con¬ stituency in our own church, and furnish occasion to our enemies to taunt us with inconsistency, and thus affix a stigma upon the fair name of the bride of Christ, whose reputation, no less than her character, should be “without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” Signed by M. B. Lambdin and thirty-six others. The following answer to the above protest was adopted: In reply to the protest “against the action of the Assembly in adopting the answer of the Standing Committee on the Assembly’s Home and School to the overture from the Presbytery of St. Louis,” said protest being signed by Rev. M. B. Lambdin and others, the 462 Education and Relief [Book IV Assembly deems it sufficient to cite a copy of the contract between the mayor and commonalty of the town of Fredericksburg, Va., on the one hand, and the Assembly’s Home and School on the other. This contract is then given in full, pages 601-603. 1897, p. 48. The Standing Committee on the Home and School, m its report, after reviewing elaborately the facts concerning the property, the work, the cost of maintenance and means of support (pp. 46-48), made the following recommendations, which were adopted : 1. That the Assembly instruct the Board of Trustees to take steps to sever at once all connection between the Fredericksburg College and the Home and Training School. 2. That the Board be further instructed to take steps to dispose of the property designated in the Board’s report as “college build¬ ings and grounds,’ so as to relieve the Assembly from all respon¬ sibility for the ownership, conduct and support of said College. o. That when the Board of Trustees shall ascertain the exact Tirnount of indebtedness now resting on . the Home and Training School, or incurred by the conduct of the same, they be authorized to make a definite appeal to the churches for money to liquidate this indebtedness. 4. That the Board be instructed to reduce the cost of support¬ ing the Home and Training School to the lowest point consistent with the benevolent care of the children committed to their trust. 5. That in view of the great importance and urgent need in our church of an institution for the care of the orphans of ministers and the children of missionaries, and in view of the imperative neces¬ sity of an institution for the proper training of our lady mission¬ aries, this institution, combining both of these offices as thus re¬ organized, is most cordially committed to the sympathy and support of our church, and this especially because of its present critical financial condition. P. 58. A dissent, signed by James R. Guy and thirty-one others, to the above action was admitted to record. P. 53. The General Assembly recommends that a collection be taken in all our churches on the fourth Sunday in December next in order to relieve the present embarrassments of the Home and School, and to facilitate the prospective changes ordered by this Assembly. P. 46. The Assembly now owns in the city of Fredericksburg real estate valued at $24,000, and personal estate valued at $13,550. The Assembly owes in connection with its work in Fredericksburg, $22,925, of which $15,000 is secured by mortgages on its real es¬ tate, $5,925 are in outstanding notes, and $2,000 in open accounts. The value of the property above obligations is $14,925. Of this excess, however, $10,000 consists in bonds of the city of Freder¬ icksburg, which are not available as general assets, inasmuch as they revert to the city in case the trustees cease to fulfill certain con¬ ditions on which they were issued. P. 47. The Home embraces three buildings, in which forty Secs. 890-891] Schools and Collegs 463 children are cared for, thirty-six of whom are orphans; three are children of foreign missionaries, and one is the child of a home missionary. Contributions to the Home and School have been for the year, $6,252.63. 891. The Bible and Training School The Section just preceding this recites (1895, p. 393), that the rapid growth of other features of the Home and School has hitherto prevented the inauguration of a training school for missionaries, but that the plans for such a school have now been made. 1895, p. 413. The plan for the Training School in connection with the Assembly’s Home and School, at Fredericksburg, Va., au¬ thorized by the last General Assembly, was placed before your com¬ mittee. We recommend that the Assembly endorse the plan of the School, and cordially commend it to the sympathy and support of all the churches. The School will be opened in September, 1895. It is admirably arranged, to give a spiritual, scriptural and sensible method of training for Christian work, especially for young women who desire to be fitted for Home or Foreign Missionaries. Adopted. The Assembly records with pleasure the fact that a charter has been obtained for a Missionary Training College at Clinton, South Carolina, in connection with the Presbyterian Church. This in¬ stitution is commended to the sympathy and support of our churches. The Assembly (p. 394) directed th£ attention of pastors and churches, and of young people expecting to engage in Christian work, either at home or abroad, to the facilities afforded by this Train¬ ing School for Christian workers at a very moderate cost. 1896, p. 583. The attention of the women of the church is called to the work of the Bible and Training School, with a view to se¬ curing their active co-operation in the endeavor to raise funds for the better equipment and maintenance of this most important ad¬ junct to the missionary enterprises of our church. P. 635. The Trustees say: The Bible and Training School was opened in September, 1895, and has met with encouraging success. There have been four young women in attendance as regular stu¬ dents, looking forward to work in the foreign or home fields, and a large number of special students from the city and collegiate in¬ stitute. The teachers (p. 583) are Rev. R. M. Hodge, Rev. T.R. Sampson, Dr. J. N. Barney, Mrs. John Boyle and Mrs. A. E. Ran¬ dolph. 1897, p. 47. The Bible and Training School provides instruc¬ tion in theology, medicine and pedagogy. Others than those pre¬ paring for missionary work have the privileges of this School. Four students preparing for missionary work were instructed this year in this School. The Training School is represented as costing the church nothing. Two of its teachers draw annuities from the treas¬ ury of the Foreign Mission Committee. The other teachers give their services free. Education and Relief 464 [Book IV 892. Separation of Fredericksburg College and Home and School 1898, p. 224. The instructions given to the Board of Trustees by the last Assembly have been carried out. All connection be¬ tween the Fredericksburg College and the Home and Training School has been severed, so that the Assembly has been entirely re¬ lieved from responsibility for the conduct and support of the col¬ lege. The property known as “the college buildings and grounds” has been sold for the amount of indebtedness upon it, the Board of Trustees reserving the right of free college tuition for as many as twenty-four orphans for ten years. The principle sources of income are from scholarships and the gifts of individuals. These will, doubtless, within a few years be sufficient, not only to defray the expenses, but also to permit the much needed increase of the facilities of the Home and enlarge¬ ment of its benefactions. But for the present, in order to supple¬ ment the income, we recommend that a collection be taken in all our churches on the last Sabbath of next December. In order that the Home may be freed from debt, which so greatly hampers its usefulness and threatens its existence, we recommend that the Board of Trustees be authorized to employ some, capable man to undertake, as soon as possible, to raise the money to liqui¬ date the debt. In view of the meagre equipment of the training school for women missionaries, and because there is no urgent demand for it, we recommend that the training school for women missionaries be dis¬ continued. See further Section 899. 893. Auditing Committee 1899, p. 426. We recommend that the Home and School at Fred¬ ericksburg, Va., be added to the list of committees for which audit¬ ing committees should be appointed. 894. Date of collection 1900, p. 618. We recommend that our ministers and churches be earnestly urged to observe the last Sabbath in December, or some date near thereto, in presenting this cause and contributing thereto, and that our Sunday Schools be urged to make a contribution dur¬ ing the month of December as a Christmas offering to this cause. See also 1901, p. 67; 1902, p. 256. 895. Apportionment of the debt 1902, p. 256. The Assembly, profoundly impressed with the good work which is being done by the Assembly's Home and School at Fredericksburg, Va., does hereby authorize the Trustees of said Home and School to make an equitable apportionment among our seventy-nine Presbyteries of the remaining debt of $6,000. 465 Secs. 892-899] Schools and Colleges 896. Proposed consolidation of Home and School with Ministerial Relief 1902, p. 267. The Assembly, recognizing the fact that the work of the Home and School at Fredericksburg, Va., is virtually a branch of Ministerial Relief, directs the Board of Trustees of the said Home and School and the Executive Committee on Minis¬ terial Relief to take into consideration the wisdom and feasibility of consolidating these two branches of our benevolent work under one management, and to report on the question to the next Assembly. Nu action was reported the next year; but in 1906 (p. 41) it was decided not to place the institution under the joint control of the Executive Committee of Ministerial Relief and Foreign Missions. 897. Efforts to increase its usefulness 1904, p. 37. That the work may not be hampered, but rather go on increasing and widening in its range of influence and blessing, this Assembly — (1) Urges upon all the Presbyteries to adopt some measures that will secure a more general dissemination of the knowledge of such an institution, and the great and good work it is doing. (2) Calls upon the delinquent Presbyteries to pay their apportion¬ ments of the debt as soon as possible. (3) Asks each presbytery to appoint a Permanent Committee on Home and School. (4) Calls upon all the churches to take the December collec¬ tion ordered by this and previous Assemblies. (5) Suggests to the Board of Trustees the expediency of taking up the question of a more economic arrangement for the tuition of the children. 898. Placed on statistical reports of Systematic Beneficence 1907, p. 37. This cause was ordered to be placed on the statis¬ tical reports of Systematic Beneficence. The Assembly separated this cause from the cause of Schools and Colleges, and restored it to its place in the scheme of our church collections, which is the last Sabbath in December. (See 1906, p. 54.) 899. Scope of the institution 1908, p. 40. We desire to emphasize the fact that this institution is not an orphanage to claim the interest of the Synod in which it is located. It is different and larger in its scope and has claims upon every part of the church alike. Through this beneficent insti¬ tution the Assembly is able (a) to furnish a home and school for the children of deceased ministers and missionaries who have fallen, wherever it may be, in the service of our beloved church; ( b ) to make it possible, by the method upon which it is conducted, for the 466 Education and Relief [Book IV widowed mothers to be with their children, to give a mother’s love and care, and to still have a home of their own; ( c ) to make a home for our missionaries while on furlough, making it convenient and comfortable for them to leave their families while visiting the churches; ( d ) to offer to the missionaries at work on the foreign field the advantages of a school of high standard and Christian cul¬ ture to which they may send their children, with the assurance that while they are receiving their education they will have thrown around them the influences of a Christian home. 900. More buildings authorized 1908, p. 41. In view of the fact of the present arrangement for the education of the children being temporary, and as it may become necessary to establish a teaching department, the Assembly author¬ ized the Board of Trustees to erect or purchase buildings for this work, whenever, in the judgment of the Board, it shall be deemed necessary or advisable. 901. Information and statistical column 1908, p. 41. The Secretary of the Board of Trustees was directed to furnish to the chairman of each Presbyterial Committee a state¬ ment of the work and needs of this cause at least three weeks before the December collection, and these chairmen are directed to supply the Session of each church with this information. A separate column shall be provided for this cause in the Sessional statistical reports to Presbytery, taking the place of the “Presbyterial column, which shall be reported in “Congregational.” 902. Consolidated with Ministerial Education and Relief 1910, p. 21. In accordance with the recommendation of the ad interim Committee on the Coordination of the Executive Committees, this cause was united with that of Ministerial Education- and Relief. 903. Regulations for Home and School 1911, p. 54. With reference to the Home and School, we recom¬ mend : (1) That no one shall be admitted to the privileges of the insti¬ tution, except upon the recommendation of the Committee of Chris¬ tian Education and Ministerial Relief of the Presbytery in which the party resides. (2) That the distribution of the aid rendered the widows and orphans in the Home and School by the Assembly’s Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief, be made (1) on the bases of need, and (2) on a per capita basis of children. (3) That the Home and School be continued for the coming year, as at present. Secs. 899-904] Schools and Colleges 467 (4) That an aa interim committee of five — three ministers and two elders, be appointed by this Assembly to take into consideration all matters concerning the work of the Home and School, in order to recommend to the next Assembly a permanent policy as to the future of its existence and work. 904. Fredericksburg College 1912, p. 121. This institution was founded by Rev. A. P. . Saunders in connection with Home and School. In 1897 the Assem¬ bly ordered that the connection between College and Home and School be severed at once and the property sold. The College from that date until January, 1910, was conducted as a separate institu¬ tion, payment for tuition of beneficiaries of Home and School being by the management, (24 inmates, by terms of sale, receiving free tui¬ tion for ten years). We find that in 1904, the management reports that they are paying for children in Primary Department, $30.00; in College, $55.00 per annum. The Assembly of that year directed Board of Trustees to take up the question of more economical ar¬ rangement for the tuition of the children. In 1908 the Assembly recommends “That it may become necessary to establish a teaching department, the Board of Trustees be authorized to erect or purchase buildings for this work whenever in judgment of the Board it shall be necessary or advisable.” Under this authority the property known as that of Fredericks¬ burg College was purchased January, 1910, for $18,000.00, and the college reopened under management of Home and School. We found this property to consist of a well located lot of ample dimensions — a dormitory in good state of repair and the College building — a dwelling (remodeled and added to) in poor condition and very inadequate to the work designed to be done by College. On this property there rests a debt of $12,470.00. In estimate of representative of management, who presented to us the financial side of the work, there is urgently needed an immediate expenditure of a like amount to give an adequate plant of even most modest proportions for carrying on work in creditable fashion. The following exhibit would seem to show that the intention of more economical tuition of children of Home as contemplated by the Assembly of 1904, has not been realized: In 1904 the Home and School cared for and and educated, under old plan, 55 children Per capita at cost of . v . $ 9,828.00 $179.00 In 1908, under old plan, 79 children at cost of... 12,651.00 160.00 In 1909, under old plan, 84 children at cost of... 13,238.00 157.00 Under the United Control of College and School. In 1911 cared for and educated 75 children at... 20,334.00 271.00 In 1912 cared for and educated 62 children at... 20,838.00 336.00 So far as we could find, that for session of 1910-11, the expense on account of College was . $12,533.58 468 Education a^d Relief [Book IV 1910- 11, the income on account of College was . 5,73 1. 95 Net cost — . . . . - . . — . $ 6,801.63 1911- 12, Expense Account on account of College was . $11,808.07 1911-12, Income Account on account of Cellege was . . 6,250.01 Net cost . . - . - . ~$ 5,558.06 We found in College from Home and School . 20 We found in Preparatory Department . *....4 . . 23 We found in Primary Department . . . . . . . . 18 Total in School . . — . - . . . - . . . . . 61 We were assured by all parties in Fredericksburg with whom we had conference, that under private ownership the College had always been a paying proposition. The above exhibit would seem to argue for mutual advantage of separate management. In view of all the facts gathered, the Committee unanimously make the following: RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Since in the 18 years of its existence only 13 families have taken advantage of the offer made by Home and School to furnish to missionaries, while on furlough, a home and free board and tui¬ tion for their children, that the contemplated Home for this pur¬ pose be erected at Montreat, North Carolina, and the management of the Mountain Retreat Association be authorized to solicit funds for building sufficient number of cottages designed for summer occu¬ pancy. 2. That the whole matter of education of children of foreign mis¬ sionaries be referred to Executive Committee Foreign Missions, with suggestion that where practicable they unite with other churches in establishment and support of preparatory schools where needed in foreign fields, and the payment of traveling expenses of teachers in reaching foreign fields be continued. 3. That the Institution known as Fredericksburg College be sep¬ arated from the Home and School, and that the buildings and grounds of Fredericksburg College be offered to the present man¬ agement free of rent for two years, under condition that they main¬ tain the College as at present organized, keep property insured and pay for repairs. The Assembly to pay interest on present indebt¬ edness, but to be in no way responsible for the management of the Institution. 4. That the policy of the Church shall henceforth be .to give equal assistance to widows and families of deceased ministers when in need of financial aid, irrespective of place of residence or agency through which help of the Church is extended. The aid in every case being so far as the Church can give it, in proportion to actual need. Secs. 904-905] Schools and Colleges 469 (This action is not to be construed as abrogating for present any understanding or agreement between Executive Committee Foreign Mission and missionaries on the foreign field.) 5. That dating from June 1st, 1914, the age limit beyond which the advantages of Home and School shall be withdrawn shall be in case of boys 16, of girls 18. 1913, p. 62. An examination of the reports of the Executive Committee shows painstaking fidelity in the effort to carry out the recommendations of the Ad Interim Committee adopted by the last Assembly, touching the conduct of the Home and School at Fred¬ ericksburg, Va. Your Committee believes that the experience of one year has demonstrated the wisdom of the Assembly’s action. 1913, p. 70j. The Special Committee, to which was referred Overtures touching the Assembly’s Home and School, would report that we have carefully considered the overture from the Synod of Virginia asking that the ownership of the Assembly’s Home and School be transferred to that Synod, and overtures from Roanoke, West Hanover, and Lexington Presbyteries, protesting against such transfer. The Committee has received valuable information from several Commissioners from Virginia and others, including Mr. J. W. Ad¬ ams, of Fredericksburg, and Secretary Sweets, of the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief. And the Committee has studied the action of the Bristol Assembly, 1912, action based upon the full report of an ad interim committee. We unanimously recommend that the Assembly take action as follows : First. After having expended a quarter of a million dollars of the Church’s money on the Assembly’s Home and School since it was founded by the Macon Assembly in 1893, the Assembly owes a duty to the Church and to this institution which it is not at lib¬ erty to evade. Therefore, the Assembly declines at present to grant the request, and asks the Synod to give the matter further consideration. Second. Attention is hereby called to the action of the Bristol Assembly, Minutes, 1912, pages 70e and 119-122, by which this institution is in future to be maintained, as originally founded, as a home and school, rather than as a community and college. 905. Transferred to the Synod of Virginia 1914, p. 22. In response to Overture from the Synod of Virginia, touching the transfer of the ownership and control of “The Assem¬ bly’s Home and School” to said Synod, the said institution was turned over to the said Synod, subject to the following conditions of transfer recommended by the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief: 1. The Synod shall so change the name that there may be as little confusion as possible. 2. No appeals for the Synodical Institution shall be made out- 470 Education and Relief [Book IV side the bounds of the Synod of Virginia. As there has constantly been misapprehension as to this institution, the work of which has been virtually the same as that of Ministerial Relief, the whole num¬ ber of beneficiaries of Ministerial Relief, both in Virginia and the other Synods, must suffer unless this plan is* strictly adhered to. 3. Money remitted from outside the Synod of Virginia for “ The Assembly’s Home and School” either directly to Fredericksburg or to the Executive Committee, shall be used, with the consent of the donors, for the work of Ministerial Relief, by the Executive Committee. 4. Any legacies becoming available for “The Assembly’s Home and School,” shall be used for the work of Ministerial Relief, un¬ less it can be clearly shown to the General Assembly that this will be contrary td the wish of the legator. 5. All debts and claims against the Institution must be assumed and satisfied by the Synod of Virginia before the transfer is made. 6. The property shall revert to the General Assembly for the work of Ministerial Relief in case the Synod abandons the insti¬ tution. We believe the General Assembly should also reaffirm its con¬ viction, that: 1. The plan of providing money for needy families without the great administrative and institutional cost of a community is the wisest and most economical way to administer the work of Minis¬ terial Relief, because, (1) families can live where it is cheapest and most healthful and agreeable; (2) where they can be near friends and relatives; (3.) where they may be free from the depress¬ ing effects of living in a community in which so many members are suffering from the same sorrow; (4) where they may have the super¬ vision of Sessions, deacons, and chairmen of Presbyterial Committees of Ministerial Relief where the husbandj was known and honored; (5) where the widow and children at their convenience can find employment. 2. That the expense of conducting a college for the children of the deceased ministers is not warranted, and that those who are willing and possess the ability to take a college education, be re¬ ferred to our well established Presbyterian Colleges which will fur¬ nish free tuition for them. In accordance with the above action, the following resolution was adopted : Resolved, That the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief be and is hereby authorized to transfer to the Synod of Virginia the property of the Assembly’s Home and School, under* the provisions of the report of the Standing Committee on Christian Education and Ministerial Relief. 1915, p. 24. Your Standing Committee on Christian Education and Ministerial Relief beg to make the following partial report: With reference to the overture from the Synod of Virginia re¬ questing that the Assembly return certain property in Fredericks¬ burg, Va., and money received from the Board of Directors of the Female Orphan Asylum of Fredericksburg, Va., to said Directors, Sec. 905] Schools and Colleges 471 1. Inasmuch as the following assurances have been given: “We, the remaining members of the Board of Directors and Man¬ agers of the said Orphan Asylum, hereby give the Assembly full assur¬ ance that the money and property will be legally administered and the Assembly will be fully absolved from any and all responsibility there¬ for and for any other obligations arising from the Assembly’s con¬ nection with the Home and School at Fredericksburg. “And we further assure the Assembly that this adjustment of the affairs of the Home and School is satisfactory to us, to our Church, and to this community. (Signed) “Mrs. M. E. Eckenrode, Treasurer. “Mrs. Geo. H. Chewing, Secretary. “Mrs. L. A. Carmichael. “T. M. Fleming. “E. M. Crutchfield. “Miss Helen H. Howison. “Mis3 Rebecca Smith, by H. J. H. “Mrs. Irene McDowell. “Mrs. S. I. Forbes “Mrs. Mary H. Beale. “We, the Session of the Presbyterian Church at Fredericksburg, Va., hereby endorse the above action as taken by remaining mem¬ bers of the Board of Directors and Managers of the Female Orphan Asylum. (Signed) “Robert Campbell Gilmore, Moderator. “Attest: (Signed) “S. G. Howison, Clerk of Session. “Done by the Session this 13th day of March, 1915.” A brief history of the Assembly’s Home and School may be found in the Appendix of the report of the Executive Committee on Chris¬ tian Education and Ministerial Relief. 2. And inasmuch as the following action has been taken by the Executive Committee: “That in view of the circumstances comiected with the Assembly’s Home and School, it will be well for the Gen¬ eral Assembly to grant the request of the remaining members, ‘the Directors and Managers of the Female Orphan Asylum,’ ” which has been endorsed by the Synod of Virginia, and return said building and funds on the conditions mentioned above, We recommend as follows: 1. That the General Assembly return the property commonly known as “Smithsonia,” in a legal manner, to trustees who may be appointed at the request of the said Directors and Session of Fred¬ ericksburg Church. 2. That all other real and personal property in Fredericksburg, Va., belonging to the Assembly be sold as soon as practicable by the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Re¬ lief, and the proceeds of said sale be used as follows: (1) To discharge any and all debts which appear against said property. (2) If any money remain after said debts are paid, to return 472 Education and Relief [Book IV to said Trustee money originally received by the Assembly, amount ing to about $10,000.00, or so much of that amount as may be realized from said sale. (3) Any money that may remain after the above provisions, shall be used by the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief for Ministerial Relief, inasmuch as the work of the Home and School has been declared by the Assembly to be virtually as that of Ministerial Relief. 906. School for Missionaries’ children 1909, p. 42. The letter from Rev. Geo. Hudson, Rev. W. H. Hudson and others, of the Mid-China Mission, reveals the fact that our missionaries find their great difficulty and suffer much anxiety about securing for their children the opportunities of educa¬ tion. Good schools on mission territory are few and very expensive. The same may be said of good governesses — they are few and very expensive. It seems a necessity that the missionaries, if they are to educate their children at all, must send them, at a tender age, to this country. Here, again, the expense is very great, and the con¬ cern of parental hearts for children so far removed from parental care is very keen. Your Committee feel that the condition of our missionaries in respect to this matter merits the sympathy of the Assembly, and that the Assembly should show a readiness to do all that it can to relieve the situation. Your Committee, therefore, recommend that the Assembly appoint an ad interim Committee of three to canvass thoroughly the whole subject of the education of the children of our missionaries with a view to ascertaining precisely what our Church is doing, whether it can and ought to do more, what other churches are doing in this line — in a word, to inform them-' selves fully on every aspect of the subject, and report to the next Assembly. 1910, pp. 130-139. From information received by this Committee there is no general call from our missionaries in the foreign field for schools located on foreign soil, but if such desire should become in any wise general the key to the solution of this problem lies in union and co-operation with other missionary bodies of like evangel¬ ical faith and like views on methods of school teaching. From information received by the Committee there is a desire that two schools here in the home land be established, one for girls and one for boys, which shall be both home and school, and that they be, if practicable, in connection with some of our regular established colleges. It is felt that the ideal is a home and school for boys and a sepa¬ rate home and school for girls, the curriculum of whose studies in both shall end with the grade of a high school; that they be thor¬ oughly good schools; that they do their work well and under good moral influences and then the parents be left free to send to college where they may elect. 1. We recommend that the General Assembly approve the action Sec. 906] Schools and Colleges 473 of the Committee at Nashville, in paying traveling expenses of teachers to the foreign fields where they are desired by our mission¬ aries and supported by them after their arrival. 2. That wherever missionary parents ask it, the Committee at Nashville be authorized, as far as their finances allow, to grant increased aid for the education of children up to the limit of $200 per child per annum and upon further request to continue that aid through the college term of the child. 3. We recommend most heartily to the care of this Assembly the Home and School at Fredericksburg, and the work they are doing in the education of the children of our missionaries. From the information we have before us, we recommend it as a Home most warmly. We recommend it as a School, furnishing a good educa¬ tion that compares favorably with the work done in our smaller colleges. We would, in the interest of the children of missionaries, advise that a curriculum be prepared limited to a high school grade, and leave to the choice of tha parent a college at Fredericksburg, or wherever desired by the pupil and its parents; especially in view of the fact that we have so many first-class denominational colleges in our bounds. 4. We recommend that in view of the call of our missionaries for a separate school for girls, to be established in the home land, your Committee on Schools and Colleges be directed to make special effort to raise means, and as soon as finances will permit, to estab¬ lish a school for girls of foreign missionaries’ families and make it a home as well as a school, carrying its pupils through a high school grade. We would suggest, as the request comes from mis¬ sionaries themselves, that it be in connection with some college for women under Presbyterian control. On February 27th your Chairman received, in answer to our letter of July 8, 1909, from the Mid-China Mission, a paper re¬ questing that land be purchased at Kinchiang, and $15,000 be ap¬ propriated to the building of a school edifice, and that $2,500 per annum be given to the support of said school for a term of years. When this communication was received, our report was already made up, and it was too late to deal with this paper from China, send our report to Japan for approval or criticism of our fellow-com¬ mitteeman, Rev. R. E. McAlpine, and get it back in time to have it printed in April, as requested by Dr. T. H. Law, our Acting Secre¬ tary. We therefore submit this supplemental report, signed by the two committeemen in this country: 1. That our Secretaries of Foreign Missions be directed, at the Conference of Secretaries of Foreign Mission Boards, held annually in New York City, to take up this matter of the education of children in foreign lands and endeavor to secure union effort in the estab¬ lishment of schools of primary grades in all foreign fields, where they are needed and when union of effort is practicable. 2. We recommend that our missionaries in the foreign field con¬ fer as to their needs, their difficulties and the opportunities open to 474 Education and Relief [Book IV them, and that our Secretaries at Nashville keep our Assemblies advised of the progress made in the matter. 3. We recommend that the precedent set us by the Reformed and Congregational churches in India be followed. The friends of those schools in India raised twenty thousand dollars in this country and established at Kodar-Kunal, Madura District, South India, just such a school as this one desired by these brethren in China. We recommend that the General Assembly commend this endeavor to establish such a school, and place the raising of the amount needed for its establishment in the hands of the Mid- China Mission and commend it to all the friends of missions in this country. We would advise that the co-operation and union with other evangelical denominations laboring in China be sought and thus the burden on each be lightened. As to the support of such a school, both these churches above referred to in India — the Reformed and the Congregational — give $300 each per annum to the support of the school. Our Executive Committee at Nashville could do the same, if, when the school was actually put in operation, the recommendation in item No. 2 of first report did not furnish sufficient means in the hands of our mission¬ aries themselves to maintain the school. P. 61. The report of the ad interim committee was referred to the Standing Committee on the Home and School, but no action was taken by the latter in view of the proposed consolidation of the Home and School with Ministerial Education and Relief. CHAPTER IV Theological Seminaries 907. Union Seminary This Seminary was founded in 1812, and opened January 1, 1824, with one professor, J. H. Rice, D. D., and three students. No build¬ ing had been completed. In 1830-’31 an additional professor had been secured; the number of students was about fifty, and buildings had been erected, affording accommodations for two professors, a steward and sixty students, and also containing a chapel, a library and lecture rooms. Since that time three buildings for professors’ residences and a spacious library have been erected. At the request of the controlling Synods of Virginia and North Carolina, the Assembly assumed the right of review and control in 1861. After the war, funds were raised to replace those which had been lost, special mention being made of $30,000 given by Mr. Cyrus H. McCormick, of Chicago. Further additions were made to its en¬ dowment from time to time. In 1898 the Seminary was removed from Hampden Sidney to Richmond, Va. In 1900 a new chapel was erected on the grounds at Richmond. Since 1910 the following appointments have been approved by the Assembly: 1912, p. 63. Rev. W. L. Lingle, D. D., Professor of Hebrew'. 1914, p. 33. Rev. Eugene C. Caldwell, D. D., Professor Hebrew and Interpretation of the Old Testament. 1914, p. 33. Rev. Eugene C. Caldwell, D. D., Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Exegesis; Rev. E. C. Caldwell, D. D., Professor of Biblical Literature and New Testament Exegesis. 1914, p. 33. The readjustment in the faculty of Union Theological Seminary in Virginia was approved. 908. Completion of one hundred years, of service 1913, p. 34. The Assembly extends its congratulations to Union Theological Seminary upon the completion of a full century of devoted service for the Church and of soundness in the faith. 909. West Virginia to share in control of the Seminary 1915, p. 80d. The Assembly approved the association of West Virginia with the Synods of North Carolina and Virginia in the sup¬ port and control of Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, and of its representation on the Board of Directors. 476 Education and Relief [Book IV 910. Death of Mr. George IV. Watts 1921, p. 75. That the Aissembly express its sympathy with the Union Seminary in the loss by death of Mr. George W. Watts, President of the Board, a great friend and benefactor of the insti¬ tution. 911. Columbia Seminary This Seminary was established in 1828, by the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, its title then being “The Theological Semi¬ nary of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia.” Upon the division of the Synod into the two Synods of South Carolina and Georgia, the Constitution was so modified as to continue to each of the Synods a share in its control. It was chartered by the Legsi- lature of South Carolina in 1832. The Synod of Alabama, at its sessions in the fall of 1857, received and accepted overtures offering it a joint interest in the Seminary. So that the institution was under the joint control of these three Synods until it was given over to the Assembly. The plan is essentially the same as that of Prince¬ ton. (See Baird’s Digest, Chapter on Princeton Seminary; also Book V, Section 242, on Columbia Seminary.) In 1863 it was transferred to the General Assembly (Min¬ utes, pp. 125, 142). In 1881 it was restored to the Synods of South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, the Assembly retaining only the right of review and control. In the same year the Synod of South Georgia and Florida was invited to co-operate in the manage¬ ment of the Seminary and agreed to do so. 912. Endowment of Columbia Seminary A large part of the endowment having been lost by reason of the war, additional funds were secured from churches and from indi¬ viduals. The Professors also, at one time, voluntarily relinquished a part of their salaries that remained unpaid and requested that their salaries be reduced. In this way the work was carried on without interruption. 913. The removal of Columbia Seminary 1866, p. 32. The following resolution was introduced, discussed, and indefinitely postponed: That a committee be appointed to take the necessary steps, with the concurrence of the Synods of South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, as soon as practicable, for the re¬ moval of the Theological Seminary at Columbia to some point west of the line dividing the States of Alabama and Georgia. P. 22. This movement would require the consent of the Synods of South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. 1876, p. 217. Overture of the Synod of Missouri, calling atten¬ tion to the fact that there is no theological seminary connected with our Church west of the xAlleghany Mountains, and asking that the Secs. 910-917] Seminaries 477 General Assembly consider the propriety of removing the Seminary at Columbia to some point in the West. Your committee are unanimously of the opinion that this propo¬ sition for the removal of the Seminary at Columbia should not be entertained at the present time. Adopted. 914. Professors to be elected by Board of Directors 1877, p. 439. By a change in the Constitution the Assembly lodged with the Board of Directors the power of electing professors, reserving the right of review and approval. 915. Attendance upon chapel service. 1874, p. 676. The General Assembly recommended to the Fac¬ ulty, that in the event of services in the chapel on Sabbath morning being deemed desirable, the attendance on said services on the part of Faculty and students, be voluntary. 916. Temporary closing of the Seminary Owing to vacancies in the Faculty, the decreasing number of students, the insufficient income, together with other matters, it was deemed best to close the institution in 1880. Rev. George Howe, D. D ., was put in charge of the grounds and buildings. The Seminary was reopened in 1882. Since 1910 the following appointments have been approved by the Assembly: 1911, p. 27. Rev. Thornton Whaling, D. D., President and Professor of Didactic and Polemic Theology. 1912, p. 63. Rev. R. G. Pearson, D. D., Professor of English Bible, Pastoral Theology, and Sacred Rhetoric. 1914, p. 33. Rev. James O. Reavis, D. D., Professor of English Bible, Pastoral Theology, and Sacred Rhetoric. 1915, p. 80c. Rev. Samuel Hutson Hay, Jr., Professor of Chris¬ tian Ethics and Apologetics. 1920, p. 49. Rev. Hugh R. Murchison, Executive Secretary, and Director of Religious Work. 1922, p. 27. Rev. John M. Wells, D. D., President and Pro¬ fessor of Practical Theology; Rev. James B. Green, D. D., Pro¬ fessor of Didactic and Polemic Theology; Rev. Edgar D. Kerr, D. D., full Professor of Hebrew and Cognate Languages. 917. Study of the English Bible 1883, p. 84. The Board directed the Faculty last fall “to pro¬ vide for a more complete study of the Bible as a whole, and through the English version of the Scriptures.” This direction has been carried out, and the study of the English Bible constitutes an im¬ portant feature in the departments of Didactic Theology, Church 478 Education and Relief [Book IV History and Sacred Rhetoric. Moreover, the Board have directed the Executive^ Committee to secure special instruction in Elocution during the coming session. 918. The age limit removed 1898, p. 234. Whereas, It is provided in the Constitution of the Columbia Theological Seminary that the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States has “the right of general supervision over the interest of this seminary,” and “can advise and recommend measures for its welfare” (Constitution, Sec. 1, Art. 2); and, Whereas, It is likewise provided in the same Constitution that, “should the Assembly see reason, at any time, to object to any of the acts of the Directors or other authorities of the institution, it shall send down in writing to the Synods its opinion in the premises, but shall have no controlling negative, nor the right to originate any measures for the management of the seminary;” and Whereas, The so-called age rule, Section 3, Art. 12, Par. 33 (p. 8), is deemed harmful to the seminary and to the church and its ministry, and seems plainly to be founded on the false principle that a definite age may be set as a limitation of service in said seminary of the church, therefore, Resolved, That this General Assembly advises and would approve the action were the Synods in charge of this seminary to do away with said age rule (Constitution, Par. 33). 2. In earnestly and affectionately giving this advice, the General Assembly would, in doing so, make mention, as was done by the Synods of Georgia and Alabama in their actions for the repeal of the aforesaid age rule, of the understood fact that Par. 15 (Art. 12, Sec. 2) of the “Plan of Government,” would still remain in full force as “a sufficient provision of authority for the Board of Direc¬ tors in the matter of retiring professors.” 3. That, as is provided in the Constitution of the seminary, the Clerk of this General Assembly is directed to send down in writing this advisory deliverance to the four charter Synods, with the assur¬ ance that it is expressive of our sincere, fraternal and abiding inter¬ est in the welfare of this venerable institution of our church, for whose prosperity and extended usefulness we will ever pray. 1899, p. 419. The age limit was removed by the authorities of Columbia Seminary. 919. Reports from other institutions requested 1892, p. 424. There are several established literary institutions within our bounds, Presbyterian in origin and patronage, but not officially known to this body, which have theological departments in their courses of study. There are also one or two theological Semi¬ naries, under Presbyterial or Synodical control, that send to the Assembly no annual reports. In order that there may be uniformity Secs.. 917-922] Seminaries 479 of practice and that the “supervisory’ jurisdiction,” expressly claimed by the Assembly (Alexander’s Digest, p. 264) over these corpora¬ tions may be maintained, it is the sense of the Assembly that it is proper that reports, similar to those received from Columbia and Union Seminaries and Tuscaloosa Institute, be furnished annually to the General Assembly by the Schools of Theology at Richmond, Ky., Clarksville, Tenn., Batesville, Ark., and Austin, Tex.; and that the Synods or Presbyteries responsible for the institutions be urgently recommended to have such reports forwarded; and that the Stated Clerk furnish a copy of this action to these bodies. 920. The Southwestern Theological Seminary 1867, 140. Resolved, That the General Assembly decidedly adopts the views of the Presbytery of North Alabama, that it is inex¬ pedient to take measures for establishing a third theological semi¬ nary. 921. Divinity School of the Southwestern Presbyterian University at Clarksville, Tenn. This school was opened in 1886. Since 1910 the following appointments have been approved by the Assembly: 1913, p. 34. Rev. A. R. Shaw, D. D., Professor of Theology. 1915, p. 80c. John Robert Dobyns, A. M., LL. D., President. 1913, p. 34. The assembly expressed its appreciation of the long and devoted service of Rev. Robert Price, D. D., recently made Pro¬ fessor Emeritus. 922. Louisville Seminary 1893, p. 53. The first and second articles of the Constitution explain its ecclesiastical relation to the Assembly and to the Synods. The said articles read as follows: Article 1. The Seminary shall be under the direction and con¬ trol of the Synods of Kentucky and Missouri and such other Synod or Synods as may hereafter be associated with them through the incorporated body known as the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Article 2. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States shall have the right of general supervision over the interests of this Seminary and for this purpose the Directors shall lay before the Assembly at its annual meeting a report setting forth the existing condition of the Seminary, and the Assembly may advise and recommend measures for its welfare. Should the As¬ sembly see reason at any time to object to any of the acts of the Directors or other authorities of the institution, it may send down, in writing, to the Directors or Synods its opinions in the premises; but it shall have no controlling negative except in the election or 480 Education and Relief [Book IV transfer of professors, nor the right to originate any measures for the management of the Seminary. The General Assembly welcomes most cordially this new and vigorous foundation of theological learning, accepts the right of general supervision over this Seminary proposed in the terms of its Constitution, and commends it most heartily to the love and sympa¬ thy and support of our entire church. This institution was opened in October, 1893. 1922, p. 28. The Assembly approved the change in the Charter whereby the controlling Synods representing the Southern Presbyterian Church shall have two-thirds of the Directors, the total number being increased from 24 to 36. 923. Consolidation of Louisville and Danville Seminaries 1901, p. 38. While the Assembly may not wholly approve the wisdom of the consolidation of the two Seminaries, yet, in view of the fact that there was practical unanimity in the Synods of Kentucky and Missouri as to the measure, and because of the safeguards thrown about the compact, this court hereby interposes no bar to such con¬ solidation; but gives its assent thereto, leaving ffie entire responsi¬ bility thereof to the Synods of Kentucky and Missouri. For articles of Agreement for Consolidation, see p. 97ff. (As¬ sembly Minutes). 1902, p. 269. In regard to an overture asking this Assembly to “decline to recognize any official or ecclesiastical oversight of the Kentucky Theological Seminary,” and an overture asking this Gen¬ eral Assembly to reconsider the action of the last Assembly, and withdraw its assent to the consolidation of the two Seminaries in Kentucky, the committee recommends that the Assembly answer these two overtures in the negative, thus leaving the action of the last Assembly undisturbed. Adopted. Since 1910 the following appointments have been approved by the Assembly: 1911, p. 27. Rev. J. Gray McAllister, D. D., Professor of Bibli¬ cal Introduction, English Bible, and Biblical Theology. 1920, p. 49. Rev. Jno. M. Vander Meulen, D. D., President, Rev. A. R. Shaw, D. D., acting Professor of Theology, Rev. D. H. Ogden, D. D., Acting Professor of Elocution. 1922, p. 27. Rev. Thornton) Whaling, D. D., Professor of Systematic Theology. 924. Approval of effort to raise $100,000 The Assembly gives its approval of the efforts of the Theological Seminary of Kentucky to raise an endowment and scholarship fund of $100,000. Secs. 922-928) Seminaries 481 925. The Synod of Appalachia to share in the Management of the Seminary 1917, p. 72. The Assembly approved the steps taken to amend the Charter and Constitution so as to admit the Synod of Appalachia to a share in the management of the Seminary. 926. Austin Seminary The Seminary was opened for students October 1, 1902. Since 1910 the following appointments have been approved by the Assembly: 1911, p. 27. Rev Thomas W. Currie, assistant Professor in the English Bible course. 1914, p. 33. Rev. W. A. McLeod, D. D., Professor of Systematic Theology. 1918. The Seminary was closed on account of the war and financial condition (1919, p. 24). It was hoped that it would be able to resume its work not later than September, 1921. (1920, p. 50.) 1914, p. 33. The Assembly expressed its sincere appreciation of the long and faithful service of Rev. Samuel A. King, D. D., LL. D., Professor of Systematic Theology in Austin Seminary, recently made Professor Emeritus. 1921, p. 75. Austin Seminary was commended for the establish¬ ment of a Spanish-speaking department. 1922, p. 28. The following appointments were approved: Rev. T. W. Currie, D. D., Professor of English Bible and Church His¬ tory; Rev. Arthur D. Jones, D. D., Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology; Rev. A. H. Perpetuo, M. A., Professor of Hebrew and Special Director of the Spanish-speaking Department, also Pro¬ fessor D. A. Penick, Ph. D., Professor of Greek. 927. Inspiration of the Scriptures in the Seminaries 1867, p. 150. The Assembly would earnestly impress on the minds of all having in charge the government and instruction of our Theological Seminaries, the vital importance of training our future ministers not only to be able and faithful ministers of God, but also to be fully imbued with an implicit faith in the plenary and literal inspired authority of the sacred Scriptures. 928. Standard of ministerial education 1 87 2r p. 158. The Committee of Bills and Overtures report over¬ ture from West Hanover Presbytery, respecting the standard of quali¬ fications for the sacred office. Your committee believe that the Presbyteries faithfully carry out the requirements of our Form of Government; that the standard of qualification for licensure and ordination actually reached among us was never higher than at 482 Education and Relief [Book IV present; that the measures proposed in the overture would embarrass the Committee of Education, and introduce invidious distinctions among candidates for the ministry. Your committee therefore recom¬ mend that the further consideration of the overture be dismissed. Adopted. , • * The purport of this overture was, that Presbyteries should be earn¬ estly enjoined by the Assembly to take order by which all candidates for the ministry under their care shall be induced to prosecute full courses of both academic and professional study preparatory to licens¬ ure; and that the Committee of Education be required to refuse render¬ ing aid to any candidate, unless the Presbytery recommending such candidate shall, with the application for such aid, furnish evidence that the candidate on whose account the application has been made has come under the obligation of a written pledge to pursue such a course of study as the Presbytery may have prescribed in accordance with the provisions of our Form of Government. — A. 929. No change in the mode and standard of theological education 1869, p. 373. A memorial from the Rev. R. L. Dabney, D. D., on theological education, was presented and referred to the Com¬ mittee on Theological Seminaries. P. 385. The committee have had under consideration the me¬ morial of Dr. Dabney on theological education, and find therein many important suggestions on several features of this general sub¬ ject. The respected author obviously contemplates radical changes in the process of theological education, embracing changes in the relations of the Theological Seminaries to the Assembly, changes changes in the methods of imparting instruction by the professors, in the recognition of grades of proficiency among the students by the faculty giving instruction, in the organization and powers of the Directory of the Seminaries, and as to the subject of the Natural Sciences, instruction in which is imparted in one of our institutions. It will be seen at once that these topics, as they are treated by the memorialist, waxild constitute a necessity for remodeling the whole plan of our Seminaries. As far as known to the committee, these sub¬ jects have not been under general consideration in the Church, and their importance forbids at the session of the present Assembly that mature judgment which they deserve. The committee therefore recommend that the miemorial be referred to the Faculty and Directors of each Seminary, and that they report to the next Assembly the results of their deliberations at their discretion. Adopted. 1870, p. 510. The committee have considered the memorial of Rev. Dr. R. L. Dabney, and the report of the Directors and Faculty of Columbia Seminary in relation to the matters contained therein; but as no report has been received from the Directors and Faculty of Union Seminary on this subject, we respectfully recommend that, in view of the desirableness of uniformity in the management of our Theological Seminaries, of the importance and, difficulty of the whole subject, these papers be referred, together with any report on the same topic that may be received from Union Seminary, to a committee, whose duty it shall be to consider whether any changes are necessary Secs. 928-929] Seminaries 483 or expedient in the general management of the Seminaries, and re¬ port to the next General Assembly. We further recommend, that this committee be composed of the following persons; Rev. J. L. Kirkpatrick, D. D., Rev. J. L. Girardeau, D. D., Rev. R. L. Dabney, D. D., Rev. Prof. James Woodrow, Prof. John L. Campbell, Prof. W. C. Kerr, and Prof. W. H. Waddell; and that this committee meet at Greensboro, N. C., at the call of the chairman. 1871, p. 18. The committee report to the Assembly an overture of the Trustees of Union Theological Seminary, Virginia, calling the attention of the Assembly to a memorial on the improvement of theological education, and requesting that the subject may not fail to receive attention. A,s a committee of the Assembly exists upon this subject, if is recommended that this committee be advised to examine the matters submitted to them; and no further action of this Assembly at this time is needed. 1872, p. 154. Rev. Dr. Kirkpatrick submitted a report on the improvement of theological education. (P. 159.) Referred to the Committee on Theological Seminaries. P. 178. This committee, to which was referred an overture from Augusta Pesbytery on theological education, and also a communi¬ cation from the chairman, Dr. Kirkpatrcik, of the committee, ad interim, appointed by the Assembly of 1870 to consider a memorial signed by Rev. R. L. Dabney, D. D., touching the government of theological seminaries, and the more effective conduct of education pursued in them, made a report, which 'was laid on the table, and the committee was discharged. 1874, p. 484. Overture from the Presbytery of Augusta com¬ plains of the defectiveness of the present system of ministerial train¬ ing, and requests the appointment of a committee to make provision for certain specific changes. P. 486. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inquire whether any changes in the methods of conducting the education of candidates for the ministry in our Theological Seminaries be advis¬ able; and if any, what changes should be made. The committee to • report to the next General Assembly. Rev. Messrs. B. M. Smith, D. D., Geo. Howe, D. D., C. A. Still¬ man, D. D., B. M. Palmer, D. D., Stuart Robinson, D. D., and J. L. Kirkpatrick, D. D., were appointed such committee. (P. 492). 1875, p. 45. The committee was continued until the, next Assem¬ bly. 1876, p. 208. The committee appointed last year on the theo¬ logical education of candidates for the ministry made a report, through its chairman, the Rev. B. M. Smith, D. D., and the follow¬ ing resolution, offered by the Rev. Dr. Robinson, was adopted, viz. : Resolved , That action on the recommendation of this report be deferred to the next General Assembly; meanwhile, that so much of it as sets forth the proposed modifications in our methods of educat¬ ing candidates be printed in the Appendix to the Minutes of this Assemblv. * ¥ 484 Education and Relief [Book IV From, this report we extract one or two sentences, together with the recommendations made at the close. The Seminaries should so> arrange their courses and programme of studies, that a student of fit preparation, ordinary diligence and mental culture can prosecute the whole successfully in the usual period of three sessions of eight or nine months each. The whole course shall be of such extent that it shall comprise, as a minimum, all that is required by our Form of Government. Recommendations : 1. The Assembly recommends to the authorities of the Semi¬ naries more effectual tests of the attainments of candidates in the course of study; suspending the passing them from a lower to a higher stage on the ascertained satisfactory standing of the student on each, and the attainments on the whole by similar tests on the final stage of the course. 2. That the injunction to Presbyteries (Minutes, 1875, p. 28, bottom) be repeated, and urged on the attention of Presbyteries. 3. That Presbyteries take order in a wise discretion for supply¬ ing to candidates deemed to need training in the art of the minister’s pastoral work, services which will, with this purpose, also be so remunerative as to aid such in the means of self-support while en¬ gaged in preparatory study. 1877, p. 416. This General Assembly, in view of the suggestions of the report on theological . education referred to it by the Assembly of 1876, respecting the desirableness of sundry modifications in our methods of training candidates for the ministry, hereby solemnly recommends to the Presbyteries, and to the Theological Seminaries under its care, to take order, in their respective spheres of service in such training, for carrying forward that training in the methods herein commended: 1. 1. The Presbyteries shall observe, with increased strictness, the provisions of our Form of Government, Chap. XIV., Secs. III- VI.; and, to avoid precipitate action in the licensing of candidates, they shall be required to pass through a probation of at least one year, involving an attendance on at least two meetings of Presby¬ tery, at each of which a portion of their examinations shall be held. The examination of candidates in the Seminary shall in no case supersede the examination by Presbytery. 2. Every candidate, except as regarded as an “extraordinary case,” (Form of Government, Chap. XIV., Sec. VI.,) shall be re¬ quired to prosecute satisfactorily the scholastic course prescribed in the Form of Government, and, at the discretion of Presbytery, ex¬ hibit any other evidences of piety, literature, and aptness to teach which may be required by Presbytery. 3. To improve candidates in “aptness to teach,” the Presbyteries are advised to provide opportunities for such as need additional ad¬ vantages for that purpose, by granting them permission, for a limited period and prescribed field of labors, to conduct public religious ser¬ vices involving the exposition of the Scriptures, and provide for the Seminaries 485 Sec. 929] adequate superintendence of such candidates, and no candidate shall assume such privileges except by leave of Presbytery. 4. Candidates whose residences are at an inconvenient distance from a Seminary for a properly frequent attendance on Presbyteries may be temporarily placed under the care of some Presbytery more convenient to the Seminary; but ordinarily such candidates shall be required to pass their final examinations and receive licensure by the Presbytery under whose care they had been first taken. II. 1. The Presbyteries are advised so to arrange their pro¬ gram of study that candidates may abridge or extend the tim^e of scholastic study, according to previous preparation and ability for its successful prosecution; but in no case shall such program lessen the requisitions of our Form of Government. 2. In no case, except under the authority of Presbytery, shall a candidate be allowed to pass a higher grade of study till he shall have sustained a satisfactory examination on the studies of the grade preceding. 3. The authorities of the Seminaries shall annually report to the Presbyteries with which candidates may be connected, by a for¬ mal relation, or by residence, their scholastic progress, and whatever else respecting their merit the Presbyteries may request. 4. They shall also provide a course of “vacation study,” of such a character that it can be successfully prosecuted in private and on which the student shall pass a satisfactory examination. This pro¬ vision is designed to meet the wishes of candidates who, in the judgment of their Presbyteries, ought to complete the prescribed course of study in a less period than three years, either to enter on the work of the ministry or to spend an additional year in prosecuting such a post-graduate course of study as the Faculties of the Semi¬ naries may prescribe. Adopted. In adopting this report the General Assembly distinctly disclaims any purpose to exercise any right not clearly given by the Con¬ stitution, or to restrict in the slightest degree the rights of the Presbyteries in the premises. The report is advisory only. 1882, p. 564. A series of resolutions were introduced into the Assembly by Rev. C. W. Lane, D. D., proposing to raise a com¬ mittee to consider and report to the next General Assembly certain matters specified in said paper. P. 565. The following was adopted: “With regard to the paper introduced by Rev. C. W. Lane, D. D., your committee would recommend that Resolutions 1, 3 and 4 be adopted, with the ex¬ ception that the committee contemplated in Resolution 1 be com¬ posed of seven members, viz. : four ministers and three ruling elders.” The paper thus amended and adopted is as follows: 1. That a committee consisting of seven members, viz. : four minis¬ ters and three ruling elders, with alternates, be appointed to report to the next General Assembly on the following points relating to the preparation of candidates for the gospel ministry, and on any related topics which may suggest themselves to the committee: 486 Education and Relief [Book IV (a) Whether the Constitution of the Church should not be changed so that, as to the general education of a candidate for the ministry, it be deemed sufficient that he be a graduate of any respectable college or university, or military institution whose cur¬ riculum equals in extent that of an average college, even though the course of study has not included Latin and Greek. (b) Whether, in such case, the study of Hebrew, or an equivalent study of the English Scriptures, shall be left optional to such stu¬ dent in his theological course. ( c ) Whether, in case the above changes be made in the Constitution, it shall not still be required of candidates taken under care of Presbytery, at or before begin¬ ning their college course (if under nineteen years of age), to study Latin, Greek or Hebrew, as now required. ( d ) Whether, if a candidate be between nineteen and twenty-five years of age, he shall not be allowed to take an elective course for graduation at a re¬ spectable college or university, or a course of study elsewhere equiv¬ alent to one of the courses required for graduation at a respectable college or university. ( e ) Whether, when a candidate who is twenty- five or more years of age presents himself to be taken under care of Presbytery, anything more shall be absolutely required of him for licensure and ordination than a good English education (such as can be obtained at a good academy or high-school), and the study of divinity in English for at least two years under an ap¬ proved divine or at an approved theological seminary. (/) Whether, among “the parts of trial,” an analysis in English of one book of the Old Testament and one of the New shall not be substituted for the “Latin Thesis.” (g) Whether the systematic and daily study of the entire Bible in English shall not, so far as is practicable, be required of all candidates for the ministry in their theological course; and whether there shall not be a classical divinity course and an Epglish divinity course, either of which may be pursued by the candidate according to his previous course of study. 2. That the professors in our Theological Seminaries and de¬ nominational colleges, and the Secretaries of the Assembly’s Execu¬ tive Committees be requested, and the whole Church be invited, to communicate their views in writing on the above and related topics to the committee. 3. That this paper be published in the Minutes of the Assembly and a copy furnished to each of our Church papers for publication. In accordance with Resolution 1 the following committee was ap¬ pointed, viz.: J. H. Nall, H. M. Smith, C. W. Lane, W. E. Boggs, ministers; W. W. Lumpkin, W. G. Vardell, W. A. Clarke, ruling elders. 1883, p. 18. The report of the committee appointed by the last Assembly on proposed changes in the education of the ministry, to¬ gether with a minority report, was read and received. Upon a mo¬ tion to adopt the minority report, a paper was introduced by the Rev. Dr. C. W. Lane as a substitute. P. 21. The substitute was lost. Sec. 929] Seminaries 487 The report of the Committee on Bills and Overtures, in answer to Presbyterial overtures that have reference to ministerial educa-. tion, together with the substantive propositions of the majority report on this subject, was adopted as follows: It is deemed unnecessary by this General Assembly to make any change in our standard of ministerial education or qualifications. The report may be found in the Minutes for 1883, pp. 89ff. See also Alexander’s Digest, pp. 254ff. 1880, p. 192. The Committee on Theological Seminaries have been charged by the General Assembly with the duty of consider¬ ing the following overture from the Presbytery of Tuscaloosa: Asking the Assembly to consider the propriety and practicability of so arranging the course of study of our candidates for the min¬ istry, that our theological students may be required to spend six months of each year, or a period approximating that, in active ser¬ vice in the vacant churches or in destitute neighborhoods. We are aware that the subject has already been before the Assembly, but in view of the fact, first, that it has never been very fully discussed; and second, that there is an extensive desire in the Church for some such variation from our present method of training our ministers, we ask for a renewed consideration of it. The complaint is fre¬ quently urged that our young men, on being licensed to preach, are, from their long confinement and strictly scholastic pursuits and their comparative privation of contact with the people, often, if not generally, deficient in that practical knowledge and tact which are necessary to give them free access to the people, and facility in the active work of the ministry. It is believed that, if they could spend half, or nearly half, of the last two years of their preparatory course in supplying vacant churches and other destitute fields with such instructions and other religious exercises as they could conduct, they would acquire much practical knowledge of the work before them, and that their studies at the Seminary would be rendered more profitable to them. Another benefit, not wholly incidental to such a plan, would be the supplying with gospel privileges of large numbers of people whom we are at present unable to furnish with a regularly licensed ministry. It is believed, also, that this work could be so guided and con¬ trolled as to avoid the evils which pertain to an unordained min¬ istry. The experiment has often been made on a small scale, and we believe with acceptance and profit, and without giving rise to complaint or alleged abuse. But the Presbytery does/' not assume to argue the question. We simply state a view quite prevalent and, we think, growing in our Church, and we trust the subject will not be summarily dismissed. Answer : With respect to the subjects presented in the forego¬ ing overture, it is recommended that the General Assembly decline to express any opinion. The first, namely, the terms of study in our Theological Seminaries, it would seem most judicious to leave 488 Education and Relief [Book IV to the experience and sound discretion of the directors of those in¬ stitutions. The second, namely, the employment of students of the¬ ology during their vacations “in supplying vacant churches,” prop¬ erly belongs to the Presbyteries. 1883, p. 44. An overture from the Presbytery of Tuscaloosa, praying the Assembly “to consider again the propriety of so arrang¬ ing the theological training of our candidates for the ministry that one-half the time shall be spent in active labor, especially in vacant churches and destitute regions, under Presbyterial direction.” Answer : Resolved, That the Faculties of the Union and Colum¬ bia Theological Seminaries be constituted a committee, of which the Rev. B. M. Smith, D. D., shall be chairman, to consider the expediency and practicability of the proposed arrangement, and if they deem the same expedient and practicable, that they suggest in detail the methods by which it can be carried into effect, and re¬ port to the next Assembly. 1884, p. 232. The Committee on Theological Seminaries would respectfully report to the General Assembly, concerning the reports referred to them from the committee consisting of the professors in Union and Columbia Theological Seminaries, concerning the pro¬ priety of a change in the course of studies in training candidates for the ministry: That two reports were presented, one signed by the professors of the Columbia Seminary, in which the ground is taken that nothing can be done without a change in the organic law. Another — a minority report — signed by Rev. B. M. Smith, D. D., recommending (1,) That more care be taken by the Presby¬ teries in the examination of candidates seeking the gospel ministry; and (2,) That Presbyteries should provide work for their candi¬ dates under certain restrictions. In view of this conflict of opinion among these learned profess¬ ors, and also in view of the dangers arising from frequent change in the established customs of the Church, your committee would sug¬ gest that it is advisable for the Assembly not to recommend any change at this time. Adopted. The subject was again presented the next year, and the Assembly took the following action: 1884, p. 246. The General Assembly deems it unnecessary and inexpedient that any change be made in those provisions of our Constitution which refer to the licensure or ordination for the gospel ministry. 1885, p. 414. The Committee on Bills and Overtures reported overtures from three Presbyteries, and from sundry individuals, min¬ isters and ruling elders, asking the appointment of an ad interim committee to consider whether any change should be made in the standards of ministerial qualifications and methods of training. The committee recommended the adoption of the following answer, viz.: Inasmuch as the General Assembly of 1882, in compliance with a request similar to the one contained in these overtures, did ap¬ point an ad interim committee to consider and report upon this Secs. 929-931] Seminaries 489 whole subject; inasmuch as the General Assembly of 1883, after an able and full report of this committee, did decide, after due delib¬ eration, that (see Minutes, 1883, p. 21) “It is deemed unneces¬ sary by this General Assembly to make any change in our stand¬ ard of ministerial education or qualifications;” and inasmuch as the General Assembly of 1884 did, in answer to overtures from sundry Presbyteries and individuals, answer again in its wisdom that (Min¬ utes of Assembly, 1884, p. 246) “The General Assembly deems it unnecessary and inexpedient that any change be made in those pro¬ visions of our Constitution which refer to the licensure or ordina¬ tion of candidates for the gospel ministry;” and inasmuch as the judgment of this court coincides with that of the two grave and ven¬ erable bodies preceding it, the General Assembly declines to appoint such committee, or to take any other step which looks to the open¬ ing up of this subject for future discussion. Adopted. (P. 419.) 930. Length of course of instruction 1894, p. 242. The Assembly advises that the Directors of the different Seminaries consider the question of making the course of instruction extend over four years, with sessions of six months. 1895, p. 399. The Divinity School of the Southwestern Pres¬ byterian University and the Louisville Seminary make no reply. The Columbia Seminary Board say that they deem any change at this time inexpedient. The Board of Union Seminary say they have appointed a committee to correspond with other seminaries on this subject, with directions to report to the next meeting of the Board. 931. The English Bible in the Seminary 1881, p. 370. The Presbytery of Bethel respectfully overtures the General Assembly: “1, That in view of the increasing dangers that environ the cause of truth, the Assembly urge upon the Presbyteries the necessity of a closer examination of all applicants for licensure as to their familiar and thorough acquaintance with the Bible itself. “2, That the Assembly recommend and urge upon the attention of the Boards of Directors of our Theological Seminaries the pressing de¬ mand for a more copious, thorough and direct study of the book they are to preach, on the part of our theological students, not merely in private, but under the direction and lead of the professor. “3, That with a view to effect this result, as well as to put the op¬ portunity of a thorough training for the ministry (subject to such re¬ strictions and limitations as the Assembly shall deem necessary) within the reach of that numerous class of active, able and highly competent young men who have never enjoyed the advantages of a classical edu¬ cation; and in view, furthermore, of the speedy re-organization of the Columbia Seminary, Bethel Presbytery would urgently pray the General Assembly to lend its sanction and approval to the plan of substituting, in that institution, for the exegetical study of the Scrip- '490 Education and Relief [Book IV tures in the original Hebrew and Greek, that of the English Bible, old and new versions, confronted with and corrected upon the original in all cases of real or supposed error, or other serious difference of opinion. “Bethel Presbytery would not be understood as desiring or sanc¬ tioning any proposal to supersede or neglect the study of the orig¬ inal languages of Scripture on the part of such as are qualified for it; but only to make the direct study of the Bible, as a whole (which can be effected only in that form which is most familiar, to-wit: its English dress), the basis, practically, as well as theoretically, of our system of theological instruction, at least so far as regards the Seminary about to be reorganized. “We would not be understood as desiring the appointment of a special professorship with reference to the purpose proposed; but rather that this feature be engrafted upon our system of theolog¬ ical education, and superadded to the ordinary studies of the Semi¬ nary course, with the exception indicated.” After a careful consideration of this overture, the committee would recommend to the General Assembly the following action, viz.: 1, That the Assembly call the attention of the Directors of our two Theological Seminaries to Section 2 of said overture, express¬ ing their hearty approval of any practical measure which will se¬ cure a more careful study of the English Bible by our Seminary stu¬ dents, as a part of their theological training. 2, That the matter presented in Section 3 of said overture in¬ volves a change in our Constitution (see Form of Government, Chap. VI., Sec. VI., Art. VI.), and such change must be made, not by authority of the General Assembly, but by the action of the Presbyteries. 1882, p. 564. An overture from the Presbytery of Fayetteville relative to the “establishment in our Seminaries of a course of ex- egetical study of the Scriptures in the English language.” P. 656. In reply to the overture from the Presbytery of Fayette¬ ville, it is recommended that the Presbytery be referred to the action of the General Assembly of 1881 (see Minutes, pp. 370, 371), as meeting the case presented; that the attention of the Directors of the Theological Seminaries be again earnestly and respectfully called to this matter, and that they be requested to report to the next Gen¬ eral Assembly any results which may be reached. Adopted. 1883, p. 85. lire Directors of Columbia Seminary report that this direction has been carried out, and that the study of the English Bible constitutes an important feature in the departments of Di¬ dactic Theology, Church History and Sacred Rhetoric. P. 34. The Trustees of Union Theological Seminary ask the attention of the Assembly to the following resolution of the corpora¬ tion, adopted May 2, 1883: Resolved, That the Trustees of Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, fully concurring with the General Assembly as to the importance of such study of the Bible as suggested by that body, yet, in view of the onerous duties now resting on the professors of Secs. 931-933] Seminaries 491 the Seminary, and the insufficiency of our existing income for the support of a separate chair, do not see the way open at the present time for the introduction of any measures for the end proposed be¬ yond the considerable instruction in the English Bible which is already distinctively imparted in this institution. At the present meeting of the corporation, however, plans have been inaugurated for an increase of income from further endowment, which, if suc¬ cessful, may accomplish the wishes indicated by the Assembly, and in which the Trustees sympathize. P. 82. In response to a resolution of the Synod of Virginia (Min¬ utes of 1882, p. 168), and impressed with the importance of initiat¬ ing, at the present meeting of the Trustees, measures for the en¬ dowment of a Fifth Professorship in this Seminary, to be known as the Chair of English Biblical Study and Pastoral Theology, a committee (Rev. Drs. C. White, Rumple, Richardson, Dabney and Peck) will address the Christian public, asking contributions (to an amount not less than $50,000) to endow this Chair. 932. Extraordinary recruit for the ministry 1869, p. 390. Overture from Rev. Dr. Dabney, that the As¬ sembly direct all its moral and spiritual powers in an appeal to the Christian consciences of your educated members among liter¬ ary and professional men, for an extraordinary recruit to our ministry, who, by receiving licensure as soon as they can comply with the constitutional requirements as to scholarship, may be ready to meet our exigencies earlier than the pious youth now in acad¬ emies and colleges. Answer : This Assembly would earnestly appeal to the Chris¬ tian consciences of the educated members of the Church among lit¬ erary and professional men, as well as among our young men who are now considering the particular profession or life-work for their future pursuit, to seek, in solemn and earnest, humble prayer to God, the answer to the question, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” and that they watch the providences of God as they open before them; and that, by every available means, they strive to as¬ certain God’s holy will in reference to this great matter, without allowing themselves either presumptuously to seek this holy office from the mere possession of external gifts, however great, or suffer¬ ing themselves to be deterred from it by obstacles and difficulties, however apparently formidable. 933. Health in the Seminaries 1833, p. 44. The attention of Directors and Professors in our Seminaries is called to the great importance of cultivating the phys¬ ical health of the students in these institutions, and of providing such means of convenient and pleasant bodily exercise as shall pro¬ mote that robustness and vigor of constitution so needful to the highest measures of success in after life. 492 Education and Relief [Book IV 934. Students should attend our own Seminaries 1881, p. 364. Resolved, That whilst the Assembly does not dis¬ courage that laudable aspiration which seeks the best culture, not only within our pale, but in other parts of Protestant Christen¬ dom, no candidate for the ministry should resort to such exterior sources of learning until he shall have been grounded in that of his denomination; and therefore the Presbyteries are hereby exhorted to exert all their legitimate power to cause their students to go through the curriculum of our own Seminaries before studying in learned institutions without our bounds. 1911, p. 27. Your committee urges that the Presbyteries, as far as practicable, should see to it that candidates for the ministry under their care, pursue their studies in our own Seminaries, especially those candidates who have received assistance from our Executive Committee during their collegiate course. 935. What control the Assembly has over our Theological Seminaries 1886, p. 15. On motion of ruling elder W. W. Henry, “The Committee on Theological Seminaries is directed to report to this Assembly what control, if any, the Assembly has over the Boards and Faculties of our Theological Seminaries.” P. 43. This committee reported as follows: In reply to the injunction laid upon us to find and state the re¬ lation existing between this General Assembly and the Theological Seminaries organized within the pale of our Church, we report: 1. That this Assembly sustains very important relations to all such institutions; yet these relations differ somewhat according to the constitution and practice of each institution as ratified by the Assembly. 2. That by the very genius of Presbyterianism the Assembly is bound to maintain a supervisory jurisdiction over these and all other like corporations, and also* over all schemes for religious work, so far as they affect the practice or doctrine of the Assembly’s constituencies, and especially the office-bearers of the Church. 3. That this jurisdiction must in every case enable the Assem¬ bly, through the proper channels of authority, to keep all such in¬ stitutions free from everything inconsistent with the spirit of our system, and, of course, free from all teaching inconsistent with the Word of God as expounded in our Standards. Adopted. 1887, p. 233. Overtures respecting the jurisdiction of the Gen¬ eral Assembly over all the affairs, institutions and proceedings of the lower courts. The Committee on Bills and Overtures recommended the follow¬ ing reply: Touching the subject-matter referred to in these overtures, this Assembly declines to formulate any detailed explanation of the acts of the last Assembly, as any such statement, however expressed, Secs. 934-937] Seminaries 493 could only be regarded as a new deliverance on the same subjects, which this Assembly does not feel called upon to make. Two members of the Committee offered a minority report as a substitute, but this was indefinitely postponed. 936. Evolution in the Theological Seminaries A. 1884, p. 280. From the report of the Directors of Columbia Seminary : In May, 1883, the Board requested Professor James Woodrow' to publish in the October (1883) number of the Southern Presby¬ terian Review, or as soon thereafter as possible, his teachings om Evolution, in regard to the world, the lower animals and man. Im May, 1884, he sent a communication, stating that it had been im¬ possible for him to prepare the article for the October (1883) num¬ ber of the Review, but that he would deliver an address to the Alumni Association on that subject on May 7th, 1884. The statement was accepted as satisfactory, and he was again requested to publish his teachings on that subject in the Southern Presbyterian Review . P. 231. Resolved, That this Assembly commends the action of the Board of Directors of Columbia Theological Seminary in re¬ questing the Perkins Professor of Science in connection with Rev¬ elation to lay before the Church, for its information, his views as held and taught in that institution touching Evolution as it respects the earth, the lower animals and man. 1886, pp. 41, 44. Resolved, That whereas the General Assembly is convinced that Rev. James Woodrow, D. D., one of the Profess¬ ors in Columbia Theological Seminary, holds views repugnant to the Word of God and to our Confession of Faith, as appears both by his address, published in the Southern Presbyterian Review for July, 1884, and in other publications, and by his statements made upon the floor of this Assembly, therefore this Assembly does hereby, in accordance with its action yesterday in regard to the oversight of Theological Seminaries, earnestly recommend to the Synods of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and of South Georgia and Flor¬ ida, which direct and control the said Seminary, to dismiss the said Rev. James Woodrow, D. D., as professor in the said Seminary, and to appoint another in his place, and speedily to take such other steps as in their judgment will be best adapted to restore this Sem¬ inary to the confidence of the Church. Adopted — Ayes, 65; nays, 27. Several who voted nay put an explanation of their votes on record. 937. Training in Elocution 1894, p. 242. The Assembly commends the training given in three of the Seminaries in Elocution, thus seeking to train the stu¬ dents to read the word of God with more power and to preach more effectively. 1914, p. 33. The Assembly would heartily commend the semi¬ naries for the introduction in recent years of courses of instruction 494 Education and Relief [Book IV in voice culture and expression, and also in the training in prac¬ tical Christian work. 938. Seminaries to teach Sociology , Sabbath School Work, and Management of Young People's Societies 1911, p. 27. In view of the growing importance of many social questions, we earnestly recommend that all our Theological Semi¬ naries adopt and teach a brief, practical course in Sociology. Recognizing on every hand the importance of work among our young people, we advise that our Seminaries give special instruc¬ tion in Sabbath School work, and in organizing and managing young people’s societies. , 939. Lectureships and new courses 1913, p. 34. The Assembly would express its gratitude to the great Head of the Church that He has led consecrated men of wealth to establish lectureships, like the Smyth and Sprunt Courses in Columbia and Union, for the benefit not only of the students, but also of the Church at large. 1915, p. 80d. The Assembly approved the establishment of the special lecture courses provided for in several of our Seminaries, of the increasing additions made from these sources to the Christian literature of our Church, and commended these valuable publica¬ tions to our ministers and membership. 1915, 80 d. The Assembly approved the establishment of the four new courses of study in the Theological Seminary of Ken¬ tucky, namely: Christian Sociology, Christian Ethics, Religious Education, and Christian Missions; the establishment of the Chair of Christian Ethics and Apologetics in Columbia Theological Sem¬ inary; and of all the efforts made for increasing the efficiency of our Theological Seminaries. 1922, p. 28. The Assembly would look with favor on any move¬ ment among the Synods looking toward a centralization of our Seminaries. 940. Need of course in Pastoral Theology 1916, p. 69. The suggestion already adopted by this Assembly is repeated and emphasized, viz. : The necessity for arranging the course in Pastoral Theology, so as to give adequate instruction in Church finances in those institutions where this is not already pro¬ vided for. 941. Additional endowments urged 1916, p. 69. In view of the work done, the constant and pressing need of funds for additional equipment for this ever-increasing number of men in training, the controlling Synods are urged to make Secs. 938-942] Seminaries 495 an especial and continued effort to add to their endowment, and thus aid a larger number of deserving men. 942. Scholarship Funds 1916, p. 69. The General Assembly is asked to take notice of the difficulties and possible abuse of scholarship funds, and sug¬ gests a conference of all our seminaries to consider and, if possible, find a just and satisfactory method of securing the best results from funds given for student aid; also, if possible, to place the scholarship funds on the same basis as the general funds for min- isterial education, and that, in accordance with previous deliver¬ ances of the Assembly, these be held and distributed as loans. The following officials are appointed to arrange for this conference: Presidents: W. W. Moore, D. D., Chairman; C. R. Hemphill, D. D., Thornton C. Whaling, D. D., and W. A. McLeod, D. D., and Dr. J. R. Dobyns, with H. H. Sweets, D. D. Alter¬ nates: J. G. McAllister, D. D., W. L. Lingle, D. D., and R. C. Reed, D. D. And that they be requested to> report their action to the next Assembly.’ 1917, p. 18. This Committee reported progress and was con¬ tinued for another year. 1918, p. 16. The report of the Presidents of our Theological Seminaries who were appointed to consider the method of admin¬ istration of scholarship funds was read and referred to the Select Committee on licensure. 1918, p. 57. The Committee, composed of representatives of the several Theological Seminaries, is of the opinion that this question cannot be dealt with satisfactorily in the present disturbed condi¬ tions in which our young men, including candidates for the min¬ istry, are placed. We therefore recommend to the Assembly that the subject be not pursued further at this time. The Committee, however, does make certain recommendations which are here given, together with recommendations of this [Select] Committee touching the same. “First. Should a student marry during the progress of his Sem¬ inary studies without the explicit consent of the Presbytery under whose care he has placed himself, he should not be entitled to any further aid from the Seminary.” Concerning this, we recommend that inasmuch as it treats of matters wholly within the jurisdiction of the several Seminaries, no action be taken by the Assembly beyond the approval of the policy suggested. “Second. The General Assembly instruct the Executive Commit¬ tee of Christian Education to request the Council of the Presby¬ terian and Reformed Churches in the United States of America to bring to the attention of their highest courts the value and impor¬ tance of more through comity and co-operation among the theolog¬ ical institutions of the several Churches, and the desirability of eliminating any evils that may have grown up in connection with the 496 Education and Relief [Book IV administration, of the aid to students for the ministry from Semi¬ nary scholarships or other funds of the Church.” We recommend the adoption of this by the Assembly. “Third. The Committee recommends to the General Assembly that it earnestly exhorts the Presbyteries to a more careful and con¬ stant oversight of their Candidates for the Ministry, and to a closer and more sympathetic co-operation with the Theological Seminaries in promoting the best standards of Christian attain¬ ments, fidelity to study and economy in expenditures on the part of the young men under their care.” . 943. Bachelor of Divinity 1894, p. 242. The Assembly commends the establishing in two .of the Seminaries of the degree of Bachelor of Divinity. The Southwestern Presbyterian University from the inception of its Divinity School conferred this degree, requiring for it gradua¬ tion not only in all the separate schools of instruction distinctively theological, but also in all those academic and literary branches prescribed by the Book of Church Order as essential to licensure and ordination to the ministry. Louisville Seminary conferred this degree on its first full graduates in 1894. In 1897, p. 74, the Board of Union Seminary took steps looking to the amendment of its charter so as to empower it to confer literary degrees on its graduates. The Directors of Columbia Seminary also resolved, in 1897, to confer this degree. — A. 1903, p. 479. It is recommended that, in order to create and conserve definite relations of comity among our several Theolog¬ ical Seminaries, and to provide for concerted action by the Semi¬ naries in all matters in which it is important that harmony and uni¬ formity should prevail, the Assembly hereby recommend to each and all of the controlling Boards and Faculties to unite in a rep¬ resentative conference on the basis of one member of the Faculty and one of the Board of Trustees of each institution, to be held at such intervals as may be determined at the first conference, the initial meeting to be held at the time and place of the next meet¬ ing of the Assembly. The Assembly would further recommend that this representative body consider, and if found expedient, formulate a non-resident post-graduate course suitable for the degree of Bachelor of Divin¬ ity. And that they report upon this item at the meeting of the Assembly of 1904. 1908, p. 39. We commend to the attention of the several Boards of Trustees of our Seminaries, the wisdom of establishing and ex¬ tending a course of instruction in Missions, Sabbath Schools and Young People’s Work. *944. Students leaving seminary with insufficient reason 1892, p. 423. The Directors of Union Seminary having noted Secs. 942-949] Seminaries 497 the fact that during the session some of the students left the sem¬ inary upon insufficient reasons, the Assembly called the attention of the Presbyteries to this evil and urged them to use their authority to correct it. f 945. Students urged to complete their courses 1918, p. 33. We urge, in accordance with the recommendation of our President and those that are best acquainted with the needs of the times, both in the Church and State, the young men in our colleges and seminaries to complete their courses of study, in order that they may render to their country and to the Church the most efficient service possible, remembering that the statute still holds “that they that tarry by the stuff” are worthy of equal honor with those who go to the front. 1921, p. 75. Our Seminaries should urge all students, where at all possible, to complete the prescribed course, looking to the de¬ gree of Bachelor of Divinity. 946. Claims of the ministry to he presented in Colleges and Univer¬ sities 1907, p. 27. The committee recommends that the Professors and Directors of our Seminaries take steps, through men well qualified to address bodies of students, to present to the young men in our colleges and universities the claims of the Gospel ministry upon young men. We suggest to the Boards, that not only our under-graduates attend the state and denominational institutions of learning for the purpose of presenting the claims of the gospel ministry, but that the professors continue to seek opportunities to lecture before the schools in the bounds of the Synods controlling them, on this important subject. 947. Professors in Seminaries to canvass for students 1911, p. 27. Your committee respectfully recommends that the Professors in our Seminaries make an active personal canvass in their respective fields for students. 948. Mission work for theological students 1907, p. 27. Your committee would recommend to the young men gathered in our Seminaries that they, under the supervision of the Faculties of their respective Seminaries, exercise their gifts in min¬ istering, as far as possible, to the destitute, both among the white and colored population, as furnishing a field for doing good and of training for their life’s vocation. 949. IA) summer school 1897, p. 50. Recognizing the splendid equipment of the professors of the schools for their work, taking note of the times as to theological 498 Education and Relief [Book IV thought and Bible study, and being mindful of the need felt by many of our pastors for help in meeting the questions of the day, the General Assembly was desirous of establishing, at some con¬ venient centre, of salubrious climate, and where living would be cheap, a summer school for Bible study, in which these professors of our various seminaries might be utilized for helping the average pastor and thoughtful elders to prepare for more efficient service. To carry out this desire, the General Assembly appointed an ad interim committee of four ministers ^nd three elders, to arrange a plan for such a school, and ascertain the best place for its location, and to report to the next Assembly. 1898, p. 234. Your committee recommends the adoption of the plan for a summer school of Bible study proposed by the ad interim committee with the following changes, viz. : that the sixth para¬ graph of their report be stricken out, and the seventh paragraph be amended by adding the words, “travelling expenses,” after the words, “such as,” in the second line. 1899, p. 426. It was resolved to discontinue the effort to es¬ tablish a Summer School of Theology. For summer Bible School at Montreat, see this Digest, p. 429. 950. Items to be included in reports to the Assembly 1915, p. 80d. The Assembly directed the Board of Trustees of our several Theological Seminaries, in making their annual reports to the General Assembly, to furnish full information on the following matters : (1) The names and addresses of Trustees; (2) the names of the members of the faculty; (3) the names of newly elected members of the faculty, together with their respective chairs; (4) the total amount of endowments; (5) the estimated values of buildings and grounds; (6) the additions to endowments and equipment during the year; (7) the total annual income from all sources; (8) the total annual expenditures; (9) the number of students and their distribution in the several classes; (10) the installation of new professors; (11) the names of those receiving degrees, diplomas, and certificates; (12) a detailed list of the courses of study offered by the institution. 951. The Seminaries commended to the people 1915, p. 80d. The Assembly most cordially commended all our Theological Seminaries to our people as worthy of their patronage, financial support, and most earnest prayers. 952. Ecclesiastical status of the Theological Seminaries 1919, p. 26. “The Faculty and Board of Directors of the Columbia Theological Seminary hereby respectfully overtures the General Assembly, in session at New Orleans, La., May 15th, 1919, requesting that the Assembly be pleased to appoint an Ad-Interim Secs. 949-952 Seminaries 499 Committee, consisting of one professor and one director from each of our Theological Seminaries, to consider and report to the suc¬ ceeding General Assembly, meeting in May, 1920: “First — As to the propriety of inserting a new chapter in the Book of Church Order defining the ecclesiastical status of the Theo¬ logical Seminaries, with the full statement of the power of control possessed by the General Assembly, the curriculum which ought to be taught, the degree of control possessed by the Seminary over the candidates, and all other questions which may seem to the Com¬ mittee necessary in order to define clearly the relation of the Sem¬ inary to the General Assembly and to the life of the Church; and to prepare such chapter, if in its judgment there be sufficient need for it, reporting to the next succeeding Assembly. “Second — To consider the question of appointing a Permanent Committee on Theological Education, whose duty it should be to supervise the interests of the Church in this great field, seeking to develop Theological Scholarship and to promote, in a wise and efficient way, the production of books of Theological and Biblical Scholarship, meeting the needs and issues of our own day in a satis¬ factory and conclusive way. “Third — To consider and report to the next General Assembly upon any other questions relative to Theological Seminaries and Theological Education, and the interest of the Church therein, which it may seem wise to this Ad-Interim Committee to incorporate in its report.” We recommend that this overture be placed on the docket for consideration by the General Assembly of 1920, and that copies of said overture be sent by the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly to the Faculty and Board of Trustees of each of our Theological Seminaries, to wit: Austin, Columbia, Louisville and Union, for their information. 1920, p. 50. As to the matter docketed for consideration by this Assembly, touching the control of the Seminaries and the standard¬ ization of theological education (Minutes, 1919, pp. 25 and 26,) your Committee reports that only one reply to same, transmitted to the several Seminaries, has been received, viz. : from Union Semi¬ nary, and this stating that its constitution makes it impracticable to comply with the proposals of the overture. Your Committee, there¬ fore, recommends that the overture be replied to with the statement that the Assembly does not see its way clear to inaugurate the changes proposed. CHAPTER V PUBLICATION AND SABBATH SCHOOL WORK I. Publication 953. An Executive Committee appointed for Publication 1861, p. 39. Whereas the press is one of the most powerful agencies characteristic of modern times for influencing, . either for good or evil, the minds of men; and whereas it is incumbent upon the Church, in obedience to the precept of our Saviour to be “wise as serpents,” as well as “harmless as doves,” to command and wield the most efficient instrumentalities for the advancement of the Re¬ deemer’s kingdom in the world; therefore, Resolved, 1, That the General Assembly will engage in the work of publishing and circulating religious books and literature, as one of its evangelical agencies, under the name and style of “The As¬ sembly’s Executive Committee of Publication.” Resolved, 2, That the Executive Committee (to be annually ap¬ pointed by the General Assembly) shall consist of a Secretary, to be styled the “Secretary of Publication,” who shall also be editor; a Treasurer, and nine other members in communion with the Presby¬ terian Church, four of whom at least shall be ruling elders, deacons, or private members; six of whom shall be necessary to a quorum, competent to do business. Resolved, 3, That no book, tract, pamphlet, paper, or other publi¬ cation designed for general and permanent circulation, shall be printed and published without the sanction of at least seven members of the Committee. Resolved, 4, That the Committee be, and hereby is empowered, to frame a code of by-laws for the regulation of its own proceedings, which shall be subject to the revision and approval of the General Assembly. Resolved, 5, That said Committee shall keep a faithful record of all its proceedings, and send the same, together with a written report, up each year to the Assembly for its review and control. Resolved, further, That the seat of the operations of the Assembly’s Executive Committee of Publication be the city of Richmond, in the State of Virginia. 1921, p. 74. That the election of officers of the Executive Com¬ mittee of Publication and Sabbath School Work, other than the Executive Secretary, be left to the Committee itself. 954. The rule about examining books 1863, p. 146. Resolved , That the stringent rule which requires Secs. 953-955] Publication 501 every issue of the Committee to be carefully examined by at least seven members, involving, as it does, an amount of labor which practically defeats the very end intended to be secured, be so far modified, or rather interpreted, as that any book or tract examined by three of the Committee, and sanctioned by an adopting vote of at least seven members, may be published. 1866, p. 27. It is provided that when objection is made to a work, the concurrence of seven members shall be requisite to its publication. 1871, p. 23. That, as to the request of the Executive Committee that the Assembly so modify the rule with reference to the examina¬ tion of books as to permit them to ask and accept the services of other brethren in the examination of republications, we recommend that said request be granted, under the restrictions set forth in their annual report. These restrictions are: That the names of those who have exam¬ ined and recommended a book for republication be recorded in the Minutes of the Committee; and in cases of doubt, it shall be examined and approved by the Committee itself under the present rule (p. 71).— A. 955. Plan for resuscitation, including depositories and an endow¬ ment 1865, p. 400. The Executive Committee reported that, by the fire which, on the third of April last, laid in ashes so much of the city of Richmond, their office with all its contents was entirely con¬ sumed. Not even the office books were saved. With reference to re-organizing the entire work the following was adopted: 1865, p. 373. That in view of the great need of religious litera¬ ture among us, both for Sabbath Schools and general reading; in view of the difficulty of publishing anything like an adequate supply for some time to come; and also in view of the advantages to be derived from a judicious selection of suitable books, both in this country and in Europe, the following resolutions are offered: Resolved, 1, That the Publication Committee be charged with the duty of most carefully selecting from every available source, whether in Europe or America, the very best tracts and books suited for Sabbath Schools and general reading, and have these books stamped with their imprimatur, so that they may be known to our people as bearing their endorsement. 2. That the Executive Committee be directed to establish de¬ positories for these books at such points as, in the judgment of the Committee, may best facilitate their circulation. That these books be sold at a small advance on the cost, and the proceeds of the same be re-invested in other books that may be in demand. 3. That an effort be made to raise $50,000 (as soon as practicable) for the purpose of setting this scheme in operation, to supply the des¬ titute with books and tracts, and to print such books and tracts as may be in special demand; and further, that annual collections be taken up in all our churches for sustaining this general cause. 502 Education and Relief [Book IV 956. Life of Rev. James Waddell, D. D. 1915, p. 46. Overture from the Presbytery of Lexington, relative to the publishing of a Life of the Rev. James Waddell, D. D. We recommend that it be answered in the affirmative, with the exception that the rule of the Assembly relative to the previous pro¬ vision for the expenses of the publication be not waived. 957. Simplified Language and Bible Helps, by Rev. J. W. Shearer, D. D. 1916, p. 45. We recommend that the paper from Dr. J. W. Shearer, touching the publication of his book on Simplified Language and Bible Helps, be referred to the Executive Committee of Publi¬ cation. 958. Writings of Dr. R. A. Webb 1920, p. 62. From the Presbyteries of Nashville, Memphis, Muhlenburg, Paducah, and Louisville, asking that the Executive Committee on Publication be instructed to take steps looking to the publication of a volume of the writings of the late Dr. R. A. Webb. We recommend that these overtures be answered in the affirmative. 959. Works of Zwingli 1916, p. 74. Our attention is called to the fact that it is proposed by the Western Section of the Reformed and Presbyterian Alliance to publish the remaining works of Zwingli, the first founder of our family of Churches, in connection with the 400th anniversary of the Reformation, which occurs next year. Our Assembly is asked to co-operate in this effort, and the sum of $225 has been apportioned to us as our part of the expense. We recommend that the Assembly approve this proposal, and that we appoint the Rev. R. C. Reed, D. D., and the Rev. W. L. Lingle, D. D., to secure the needed funds and otherwise co-operate in this movement. 1917, p. 27. After devotional exercises, Rev. R. C. Reed, D. D., Chairman of a Committee appointed by the last Assembly to secure funds to publish the works of Zwingli, reported that the Committee had been successful in this effort. The Committee was continued. 1918, p. 20. A communication from Rev. R. C. Reed, D. D., with reference to the publication of an English translation of the works of Zwingli was presented. In as much as the work is not complete the Committee of which Dr. Reed is Chairman was con¬ tinued. 1919, p. 21. Rev. Dr. R. C. Reed, appointed by a former Assem¬ bly to raise funds for the printing of the works of Zwingli, made a report, stating that he had in hand the sum of $180.00, and request¬ ing that he be? authorized to place this in the hands of the Treasurer Secs. 956-961] Publication 503 of the Western Section of the Presbyterian Alliance, and that the Committee be discharged. The request was granted. 1i , j 960. N on-denominational books 1869, p. 395. Resolved, That the Executive Committee of Publi¬ cation be authorized, at their discretion, to publish Sabbath School books, and others of a character not denominational, without placing on them the “Presbyterian” stamp, but with such other title as will clearly indicate our own publishing house in Richmond. 1908, p. 50. In response to a memorial concerning “the character of literature and books sold by your Executive Committee on Publi¬ cation,” we would make the following answer: Under the rules and regulations of the Assembly governing the Executive Committee of Publication, it is instructed to do a general book business for the benefit of the church and to publish such mat¬ ter as the Assembly may place in its hands, and any other matter which comes within the scope of the Assembly’s regulations. In order to render the best service to the church it is necessary for the Executive Committee to conduct depositories, sell books of leading home and foreign publishers, and to send to its patrons announce¬ ments of such publications. It has been repeatedly stated in advertising matter sent out by the Executive Committee, as well as in reports to the General Assem¬ bly, that no responsibility is assumed for the contents or teachings of outside publications, other than those recommended as suitable for Sabbath School libraries. In the past the Assembly has approved such reports, and hence endorsed this policy of the Executive Com¬ mittee of Publication. The Assembly well knows the impossibility of the Committee or its officers personally examining new books which come from the press at the rate of one every hour in the calendar day, to say nothing of the countless issues of the past. It would seem to be an invasion of the rights of individual judgment and con¬ science to say what books or periodicals the constituency of our church should buy and read. The Assembly therefore commends the policy of the Publication Committee, and expresses confidence that the judg¬ ment and zeal of the Committee and its officers will effectually pre¬ vent them from pressing the sale of books that would be hurtful to the interest of our church. 961. Heretical books 1911, p. 65. In answer to overtures from the Presbyteries of Louisiana, Louisville and Paris, touching the advertising of heretical books, we recommend that, after a careful consideration, we find that our Committee of Publication at Richmond, according to the direc¬ tions of the General Assembly of 1908, is complying with the wishes of these overtures as far as is practicable. 1913, p. 70. The Committee of Publication was urged to exercise 504 Education and Relief [Book IV constant and jealous care over the character of the literature that it keeps on sale and offers to our people in its advertisements. 1916, p. 46. Overtures from the Presbytery of Pine Bluff, from the Presbytery of Charleston, from the Presbytery of West Hanover, from Potosi Presbytery, from the Presbytery of Ouachita, from Con- garee Presbytery, from the Presbytery of St. Louis, from the Presby¬ tery of Lexington: All these asking the Assembly to consider and investigate, matters touching the work and character of books commended by our Commit¬ tee, we recommend, in answer to all these overtures, ( 1 ) that our 'Com¬ mittee be urged to use the utmost care and caution in presenting to our people, through our various mediums of advertising, any and all publications; (2) that the request for the appointment of an official censor be answered in the negative, as being unwise and impracticable; (3) to all our ministers and members, when they observe any matter or action of the Committee of Publication and Sabbath School Work that they deem unwise, imprudent, or unortho¬ dox, that complaint be first made to the Committee direct, thus avoid¬ ing, in so far as possible, the publicity that comes through the form of overtures that result often in injury to the Committee and to the Church. Overture from the Presbytery of Ebenezer, asking that the Com¬ mittee of Publication confine its sale and distribution of books, to those that are wholesome and uplifting and thoroughly in harmony with the great fundamental doctrines of the Church: We recommend that it be answered, that, while our Committee may have made some mistakes, we are sure that it is their purpose to distribute only wholesome and uplifting literature. We do not deem it practical to say they shall sell or distribute no books save those that are thoroughly in harmony with the fundamental doctrines of the Church, *as that would shut them out entirely from a general book business. 1920, p. 63. The two following resolutions were presented. They were referred to an Ad-Interim Committee to be appointed by the Moderator : That the Presbyterian Committee of Publication be requested not to sell, recommend, or keep as samples for sale, any book or other publications that are not in full accord’ with the fundamental belief of our Evangelistic Churches. Substitute for above resolution: We again urge our Committee of Publication to exercise scrupulous care as to the character of the books advertised and commended to our people. P. 65. Following is the Committee: Rev. D. J. Woods, D. D., Rev. Leroy Gresham, D. D., Rev. W. Me White, D. D., and Elder W. H. Mann. 962. Advertisements in Earnest Worker 1921, p. 73. Overture from West Hanover Presbytery protesting Secs. 961-965] Publication 505 against the publication in the Earnest Worker of February, 1921, of certain advertisements of one J. H. Kuhlman of four “Easter spe¬ cialties” and against religious exercises for Easter Sabbath in general. We recommend that our Committee exercise scrupulous care as to the character of pamphlets and tracts which it advertises and commends to our people, and we recommend that the question of religious exer¬ cises for Easter Sabbath in general be referred to each Session. See also 1922, p. 37. 963. Romanism 1912, p. 7 Oi. The report of the Ad-Interim Committee on Roman¬ ism was taken from the docket. The following resolution touching the report was adopted: Resolved , 1. That this Assembly, recognizing the ability and pains¬ taking diligence with which the Ad-Interim Committee on Romanism, a Menace to Liberty, has discharged its duty, hereby tenders sincere thanks to the Committee. 2. That the Assembly instruct the Executive Committee of Publica¬ tion to publish the first two divisions of the Ad-Interim Committee’s report in pamphlet form for the information of our people. (Minutes, p. 125ff.) 3. That in meeting the menace of Romanism, this Assembly would recommend no other means than the dissemination of knowledge and the faithful, earnest preaching of the Gospel of Christ. 1914, p. 25. Overture from the Synod of Virginia, asking the Assembly to readopt portions of its action on Romanism in 1912 and to arrange for a wider distribution of this report. Answer: The Assembly approves, reaffirming the action on this question of the 1912 Assembly and instructing the Publication Com¬ mittee to print and send a copy of the report of the Ad-Interim Com¬ mittee to that Assembly to all the ministers, elders and deacons of our church. The Assembly declines to approve that part of the Overture which contemplates an Inter-Church Bureau of Information on this subject. 964. The depository property of the Synod of Mississippi tendered to the Assembly 1861, p. 40. Resolved, That, whereas the Synod of Mississippi has offered to this Assembly (under certain restrictions) the use of their property in the city of New Orleans, La., for the benefit of the Assembly’s scheme of Publication, the Assembly hereby acknowledges their obligations to the Synod of Mississippi for their generous offer; and should the future operations of the Committee render it expe¬ dient, they will gratefully accept the same. 965. Change of locality Several propositions were made at different times, to change the location of the Committee, but were declined. (1862, p. 14; 1867, 506, Education and Relief [Book IV p. 147; 1868, p. 27 3; 1872, p. 169; 1875, p. 44; 1889, p. 604; 1895, p. 416.) 966. Our imprimatur to be placed on other publications 1863, p. 147. Resolved, That the Executive Committee be em¬ powered at once to make a discriminating selection of religious books, wherever they may be found, and to make arrangements with the publishers of such works, by which the imprimatur of our Com¬ mittee shall be stamped upon them; and that for the accomplishment of this end the Committee shall proceed at once, and with vigor, to raise as large an amount of money as possible, which they shall invest and hold in whatever form shall be most safe and productive, until it can be employed in the purchase of the editions contemplated. (Substantially repeated, 1865, p. 374.) 1866, p. 27. The insertion of any book on the catalogue shall be regarded a sufficient evidence of its approval by the Committee. 967. Publishing books by our own ministers or members 1918, p. 37. An overture offered by Rev. J. M. Wells, D. D., touching the publication by the Executive Committee of Publication of a book each year and appropriating $500 for this purpose was adopted. It is as follows: I hereby overture the Assembly to authorize its Committee of Pub¬ lication to use each year $500.00 or so much thereof as shall be necessary in this way to guarantee the publication of those books of a religious or theological nature that in the judgment of a carefully selected committee shall be most worthy of publication. The purpose of this shall be to encourage the writing of such books by the people of our Church. The terms of the competition and all details connected with the matter to be left in the hands of our Publication Committee. The book to be published each year shall be the work of a minister or member of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. 1919, p. 59j. The following resolution, offered by Rev. J. M. Wells, D. D., was adopted: - Whereas , There was an overture adopted by the General Assembly of 1918, and printed on page 37 of said Minutes, touching the publish¬ ing of one book each year by our Committee of Publication; and, Whereas, The Committee has not clearly understood the order of the Assembly, and has not therefore carried out the Assembly’s order; Therefore, the said Committee is again directed to publish one book each year, as authorized in said Minutes of the General Assembly of 1918, page 37, under the conditions and upon the terms there laid down. 968. Publication Committee to pay the entire salary of the Secre¬ tary of Education and Publication 1 1864, p. 265. Resolved, That the salary of the Secretary (of Education and Publication) be raised by the Committee for the Secs. 966-970] Publication 507 ensuing year to an amount sufficient for his support, and that it be paid entirely from the treasury of the Committee of Publication. This order was complied with until 1867, when the Committee of Education paid a part of the salary, i. e., $750. After that it was equally divided between the two funds, until 1872, when the Commit¬ tee of Publication for that year again paid the full salary, which was approved by the Assembly. — A. 969. Publishing Agent — Assistance for the Secretary 1864, p. 306. The Assembly having authorized the appointment of a publishing agent, Mr. William D. Cooke was selected for that office, and employed for his entire time. 1866, p. 64. At the suggestion, and with the entire consent of the Secretary himself, the Committee unanimously charged him with the duties and responsibilities of publishing agent. This assignment was fully approved by the Assembly (p. 27). 1868, p. 273.. The Committee is authorized, as soon as other financial obligations will warrant it, to employ an assistant or assis¬ tants to the Secretary, in such departments of his work as he may recommend. 970. Branch depositories 1866, p. 68. The subject of branch depositories, included in the plan of the last Assembly, received early attention. Regulations for their management were adopted; but the funds were not secured to justify the establishment of a branch at any of the points deemed desirable. At Columbia, S. C., a branch depository has been estab¬ lished, without involving the funds of the Committee, but securing to that part of the Church great and important advantages. P. 27. Resolved, That we withdraw the recommendation of a former Assembly touching the establishment of branch depositories, unless, as in the case of the depository at Columbia, they may be established without expense to the Committee. 1868, p. 273. Resolved , That it be recommended to Presbyteries to make arrangements, wherever practicable, by depositories or other¬ wise, for the introduction of the books and publications of the Com¬ mittee within our bounds. 1870, p. 534. Resolved, That the question of establishing a depot in some great centre of trade, so as to bring our books into the markets of the world, be left to the wisdom of the Executive Com¬ mittee. 1882, p. 551. Other Presbyteries have overtured the Assembly on the convenience of having a depository for our books either at St. Louis or Memphis. As a committee we realize that no positive instructions can be now given the Executive Committee on the sub¬ ject, but it is laid before them for such action as they may deem advis¬ able, as soon as the difficulties now in the way are removed. 1884, p. 216. Overture from the Presbytery of Palmyra, viz.; “We earnestly request that the General Assembly instruct its Committee 508 Education and Relief [Book IV of Publication to open a depository of our literature in St. Louis, if the way be at all clear. This request is made with great urgency, from the fact that nearly one-third of our Church is practically cut off, by high express charges, from our publications in quantities too large to mail. Our literature is too powerful an agent in dissemi¬ nating our principles to be shut up in one corner of our Church out of reach of a large proportion of our membership.” Not granted, as the finances of the Executive Committee do not at present warrant the establishment of a depository at St. Louis. 1888, p. 396. The Assembly declined an overture from the Synod of Missouri, asking that there be established, at the expense of the church, a depository of books at St. Louis, and annexed reasons for such refusal. 1889, p. 604. The Presbytery of Palmyra asks the Assembly, if it does not see its way clear to remove the Committee, to some central point in the church, to put a depository in some convenient central point in the southwest. Declined. 1896, p. 609. The Presbytery of Atlanta asks the Assembly to consider whether it would not be well to establish depositories of our publications in Atlanta and other cities. Reply : The Assembly cannot see its way clear to establish such depositories. 1905, p. 55. Similar action was taken. 1906, p. 27. We recommend that the Executive Committee be empowered to establish, if the way be clear, one or more branch depositories at such time and place as they may deem wise. 971. Depository at Texarkana The depository was opened in October, 1906. (See Alexander’s Digest 1910, p. 339.) 1912, p. 39. We regret to note that although the Texarkana De¬ pository has had an increase in sales over the previous year, yet it is still being operated at a small cost. It is encouraging to note that although a splendid business is being built up at Texarkana, yet the sales at Richmond have not been affected, and show a steady increase each year. 1912, p. 56. We recommend that the Assembly again urge the churches in the Synods west of the Mississippi to give the branch at Texarkana their undivided patronage, that it may be placed on a self-sustaining basis. 1913, p. 70a. Overture from the Presbytery of Palmyra, Mis¬ souri, asking that the depository at Texarkana be discontinued. Your Committee recommends that this overture be answered in the neg¬ ative. 1920, p. 63. In the interest of increased efficiency and prompt¬ ness of service, we recommend that the Assembly suggest to the churches in our Western bounds the wisdom of sending their orders to the Texarkana Depositor}7. Secs. 970-973] Publication 509 972. The use of both depositories commended to our people. 1911, p. 64. We approve the work and commend to all our peo¬ ple the use of our depositories at Richmond and Texarkana. 1915, p. 44. We recommend — That the Presbyteries call the attention of our churches and peo¬ ple to the great usefulness of our Book Department in Richmond and Texarkana as a medium for securing sound, moral, and re¬ ligious literature. If our people were to make the same use of our Publication Department as is made by people of sister Churches, there wtould be a largely increased amount of money for the use of our Sabbath School and Extension Work. 1917, p. 40. The attention of pastors and Sessions is again called to the facilities of the Publication Committee for furnishing books and literature of a helpful character, and it is urged that our membership give the depositories a liberal support by ordering from them all the supplies needed for their homes, churches, societies, and Sabbath Schools. 1918, p. 47. We recommend that our people give the depositories at Richmond, Va., and Texarkana, Tex., a mpre liberal patron¬ age, and that pastors be urged to call the attention of their congre¬ gations to the facilities of the Committee to furnish wholesome and helpful literature and to explain that the profits of the business are devoted to the extension work of the Church. 1921, p. 73. Overture from the Synod of Texas requesting the Assembly to investigate the conditions which cause the widespread complaint in the Texarkana Depository concerning the inability to secure Church helps and literature from said Depository without un¬ told delays and misfilled orders. After investigation we recommend that our Committee spare no pains or expense to make any reorgani¬ zation of its office force that may be necessary to bring the business methods of its houses, both at Texarkana and Richmond, up to the very highest degree of efficiency possible, and that since the disor¬ ganization due to the war is now past, it take these steps immediately. 973. Depository in Birmingham and Atlanta declined 1911, p. 65. In answer to the overture from the Presbytery of North Alabama, asking that a depository be located in Birmingham, Ala., this Assembly does not see its way clear to do this. 1918, p. 47. From the Presbytery of Atlanta, asking that the Committee of Publication at Richmond, Va., be authorized to es¬ tablish a distributing station in Atlanta, Ga. After careful con¬ sideration and consultation, it has been discovered that this venture would prove very expensive, with little hope of any increase in in¬ come and an actual loss of time in delivery of literature; and there¬ fore the Committee recommends that the overture be answered in the negative. 510 Education and Relief - [Book IV 974. Our own printing plant not recommended 1916, p. 46. In view of the fact that the report of our Publica¬ tion Committee shows such splendid growth in the circulation of all our publications, and the further fact that there is now expended annually by our various executive departments the sum of almost one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for printing and pub¬ lishing, we request the General Assembly to appoint an Ad-Interim Committee, consisting of the following: Messrs. E. D. Veach, John. W. Friend, and T. S. Bryan, to investigate the practicability and advisability of establishing and maintaining at Richmond, Va., our own mechanical plant for the production of all our Church’s lit¬ erature. 1917, p. 43. Having considered the majority and minority re¬ ports of the Ad-Interim Committee appointed by the last General Assembly to report on the advisability of establishing our own print¬ ing plant, we recommend that no further investigation is necessary at the present time, and that the said Committee be discharged. 975. Annual Catalogue 1916, p. 46. Overture from Congaree Presbytery, asking the Assembly to direct the Committee of Publication to issue an annual catalogue in which shall be listed, with its own publications, worthy publications of approved Presbyterian ministers and members: We recommend that this overture be answered — the Assembly com¬ mends to the attention .of the Publication Committee the suggestion that the Annual Catalogue make larger provision for listing meri¬ torious books published by Southern Presbyterian authors. 976. Endowment for the Committee 1873, p. 334. 1. The General Assembly declares its sympathy with the Committee of Publication in the trials and perplexities, arising from a lack of adequate funds, which they have heretofore experienced, and in their desire to be relieved of pecuniary embar¬ rassment and furnished with larger means and facilities for the pros¬ ecution of their work in time to come. 2. In response to the memorial asking that one grand united effort be made throughout the whole. Church to raise the money nec¬ essary to meet the wants of this cause at this time, and to place this important and growing interest on a broad and permanent founda¬ tion, the General Assembly directs that a special collection be made in all the churches on the first Sabbath in December, 1873, or as near thereto as practicable, and hereby calls the especial attention of Presbyteries, ministers, church Sessions, and the entire membership of the Church, to this matter, with the earnest desire and strong hope that, by concerted action and liberal offerings, the amount needed will be obtained. 3. As an auxiliary method of promoting the object in view, the Secs. 974-980} Publication 511 General Assembly recommends that application be made, in the name and with the sanction of the Executive Committee of Publica¬ tion, to individuals of known benevolence and liberality, for spe¬ cial contributions. 1876, p. 223. The Committee is hereby authorized to add to the working capital whatever portion of the annual collections may be in excess of that needed in the missionary department of the work. For additional steps looking to the creation of a working capital, see in article on Publishing House what is) said about the issue of bonds. (Sec. 723.) 977. A monthly paper for the Executive Committees 1867, p. 146. Resolved, That the question of publishing a monthly paper by the Committee, to serve as an organ of communication be¬ tween the Executive Committees and the churches, be referred to the Executive Committees, to report to the next General Assembly. This suggestion did not meet the approval of the Committees at Columbia; therefore it was — 1868, p. 273. Resolved, That the proposition for the establish¬ ment of an official newspaper, to be the organ of communication be¬ tween the Executive Committees and the churches, not being called for unanimously by these Committees, be deferred until the enlarged scale of the operations, and the increased resources of the Church, may seem to require such an organ. 1905, p. 55. Similar action was taken. 978. Publishing the annual reports 1868, p. 273. Resolved, That the Executive Committee of Pub¬ lication be directed to publish the annual report m pamphlet form, together with such statements about the funds contributed for that object, and the expenses incurred, as may be needful to present the whole matter fully to the Church; also, that an abstract of the re¬ port be made by the Secretary of Publication, and inserted in the Appendix to the Minutes. This direction was renewed 1869 (p. 387). 979. Attendance of the Treasurer upon the Assembly 1870, p. 534. Resolved, That the order of the Assembly requir¬ ing the Treasurer of Publication to be in attendance upon the meet- * ings of this body be rescinded. 980. Separate fund for benevolent work — Applications for aid to be endorsed 1871, p. 23. Resolved, That the Treasurer keep a separate ac¬ count ©f donations to the missionary and benevolent work of the Committee, to which shall be credited all contributions not other¬ wise directed, which shall constitute a fund, from which grants 512 Education and Relief [Book IV shall be made to ministers, churches and Sabbath Schools, when they need them, and are not able to pay for them; whenever the grant exceeds $5 in value, the request shall be endorsed by the chair¬ man of the Presbyterial Committee. 981. Publication money to be used only for Publication 1900, p. 639. It was resolved that the Committee of Publica¬ tion is hereby authorized to use any money donated specially for publication work exclusively for that purpose. 982. The Committee9 s ecclesiastical year 1876, p. 223. The Assembly grants the request submitted by the Committee, for the reasons assigned, respecting a change in the ec¬ clesiastical year; and authorizes it to begin hereafter on the first day of April, and end with the last day of March. 983. Management of the Committee and Secretary endorsed 1868, p. 273. In response to enquiries contained in an over¬ ture, this Assembly would express its conviction, as a result of full investigation conducted by the Standing Committee, that the expen¬ ditures of the Executive Committee have been graduated by a care¬ ful regard to justice and economy, and are, considering the contin¬ gencies and embarrassments connected with a new enterprise, be¬ low, rather than above, the amount to have been anticipated, and that the Committee and Secretary have evinced an aptness in finan¬ ciering and an efficiency in management, which entitle them to the confidence and commendation of the churches. 1875, p. 44. In reply to an overture touching the retrenchment and reduction of the expenses of the Executive Committee, the As¬ sembly adopted a paper, exonerating the Committee, approving its expenditures, and testifying to their prudence and economy in man¬ agement. 1876, p. 222. Overture asking that the Executive Committee be required to present a detail- of assets, etc. ; another, asking the ap¬ pointment of an ad interim committee to examine into all the op¬ erations of the Executive Committee. Answer: Inasmuch as all that is asked for is covered by the general report and accompanying documents presented to this As¬ sembly, and inasmuch as no charges of any kind have been pre¬ ferred reflecting against the Executive Committee’s management of these matters, the Assembly deems that the object of such overtures has been substantially accomplished, and that therefore nothing fur¬ ther is needed; but the Assembly would request the Committee of Publication to persevere in introducing into its administration such measures of economy as, in their more enlarged experience, they may find consistent with the efficient working of the Committee. Secs. 980-984] Publication 513 984. Charter of incorporation for the Committee of Publication The Committee having obtained from the Legislature of Virginia an act of incorporation, which act would not he of force until accepted by the Committee, the Committee in its report (1873, p. 372) asked that they he authorized to organize under it. The necessity for such incorporation, and the special features of the charter, are explained at length in the report. The following action was taken by the As¬ sembly: 1873, p. 325. While we think that the “incorporation’’ of the Committee of Publication is a question of grave importance, yet. after patient and earnest consideration of the whole matter, we are satisfied that, should the General Assembly decline to go forward in this enterprise, serious embarrassments in the prosecution of its labors and efficiency must arise. We therefore unanimously rec¬ ommend the approval by this General Assembly of the charter ob¬ tained from the Legislature of Virginia. 1874, p. 520. The Executive Committee, acting under author¬ ity conferred by the last Assembly, having obtained a charter from the Legislature of Virginia, have organized as a Board of Trustees, and accepted the charter, thus making it secure so far as it may be judged proper by the Assembly to use it, but have not yet placed the property of which it has charge in the legal custody of the cor¬ poration, continuing to hold the property and to do its business as heretofore, and awaiting final instructions from this Assembly. Your committee is of opinion that this measure has been wisely taken, to remove great inconvenience in the transaction of the business of the Committee, to enable the Committee to receive devises or bequests in Virginia, and to prevent failures of devises or bequests, which might occur without the incorporation of the Committee. We judge that there is no reasonable ground for apprehension of the corporation becoming independent of the Assembly, as members of the corporation must be members of the Assemblv’s Executive Committee, who are appointed and removable by the Assembly. We are further of opin¬ ion, after careful consideration, and using the most satisfactory sources of information, that the charter obtained is valid, and that there is not the shadow of a ground for distrust, or question of the safety to the Church of all the property that may be covered by it. Therefore, Resolved, That the General Assembly approves the organization of the Executive Committee under the act of incorporation obtained from the general Assembly of the State of Virginia, and orders the Committee to put the property of which it has charge in the legal custody of the corporation. 1875, p. 65. On the 15th day of April the Committee met and adopted the necessary minute, ordering the transfer of the property to the corporation. The Board of Trustees thereupon accepted the trusts involved, and ordered the deeds to the real estate, which were in the hands of the Treasurer, to be recorded. 514 Publication [Book IV 985. The Publishing House For details of the purchase of a publishing house and the rea¬ sons therefor, see Alexander’s Digest, 1910, p. 343. 1873, p. 326. While declining to express an opinion as to whether the Executive Committee was authorized to contract for the pur¬ chase of a publishing house, yet because of the seeming necessity of the case, and to prevent any possible evil consequences which would result from the want of such a building, this Assembly does hereby approve the contract or purchase as negotiated by the Executive Com¬ mittee, and does hereby authorize the Executive Committee of Pub¬ lication to consummate said purchase of the building specified in the report of the Secretary, when an organization shall have been effected under the act incorporating the Trustees of said Committee. No funds shall be used in payment for the Publishing House but such as* are especially contributed for such purpose. 1874, p. 521. The Assembly recommends to all the churches to make collections for the Publishing House fund on the first Sab¬ bath in December next, and especially commends this important en¬ terprise to the liberality of persons of means. 986. The business of the Committee to be done by contract 1877, p. 440. Resolved, That the Executive Committee be in¬ structed to carry on the sale, as well as the publishing, of books by contract, if it be found practicable to effect such contract. 1878, p. 646. The following contracts were effected: The print¬ ing of the Earnest Worker and Children’s Friend is done by Whit- tet & Shepperson, who pay to the Executive Committee a fixed amount for every subscriber, and a certain per cent, on the gross receipts for advertising. The printing and selling of books is done by the St. Louis Presbyterian Publishing Company, who pay a royalty on their sales. The wisdom of this plan is clearly seen in the fact that the income from the contract with Whittet & Shepper¬ son is even now sufficient to pay about one-half of the expenses of the Committee. 1881, p. 386. The judgment of this committee is respectfully of¬ fered for the approval of the Assembly, that it is desirable that ©ur Secretary, under the direction of the Committee, should, as soon as practicable, be charged with the responsibility of filling the orders of the churches and of our people generally for books and papers. Adopted. 1882, p. 548. Your committee would recommend that, as the last Assembly did recommend, the Executive Committee of Publi¬ cation do resume the direct control of the publishing and sale of books, and various overtures having been sent up to this Assembly from different Presbyteries urging this course, that this Assembly renew the instructions given the Executive Committee last year, but in more explicit form, viz. : that the Committee be instructed to annul the contract with the Presbyterian Publishing Company, at as Secs. 985-987] Publication 515 early a day as the terms of the contract and the means of the Com¬ mittee will permit, or earlier if the parties agree. Adopted. 1884, p. 270. The contract with the Presbyterian Publishing Company, of St. Louis, was terminated on the ninth of July 1883, twelve months’ notice having been previously given. 987. Assuming entire control of the issuing of our Sabbath School literature 1895, p. 416. The Executive Committee was directed to con¬ sider the advisability of assuming the entire control, as publishers, of the issuing of our Sabbath School literature, as there seems to be a demand for reduction in cost. 1896, p. 269. To this the Executive Committee make the fol¬ lowing reply: 1. We find that our present plan of issuing our Sabbath School literature by contract was adopted under imperative instructions from the General Assembly, and that these instructions have been re¬ peated from time to time. 2. The Executive Committee were enabled, providentially, to carry out these instructions, and to make what was then regarded as a very favorable contract with printers of established reputation and character, who have not only faithfully discharged their duty un¬ der the contract, but have from time to time added to the list of our papers and improved them in size and quality beyond the re¬ quirements of the contract, and have in all respects met the just expectations of the Executive Committee. 3. The Executive Committee have, from the beginning of this contract, received a yearly royalty on the papers from the contract¬ ors, which has increased from time to time as the subscription lists have grown, until it has reached the amount reported last year, viz., $4,014.29. This is believed to be a fair income from this depart¬ ment of our work, and is a great help to us in the prosecution of the general work. We do not believe that the conduct of this de¬ partment by the Committee directly would give any better results. 4. Your committee have carefully examined the statements of ac¬ count furnished us by the contractors from their books, showing ac¬ curately the income from the papers and the expenditures, and are satisfied that they could not, in justice to themselves, do more than they have been doing. 5. Should the Executive Committee undertake the issue of the. papers, it would still be obliged to make contracts for all the print¬ ing, or make a large investment of capital in the necessary plant for this purpose. Such capital would need to be borrowed. 6. The whole work is, in fact, though it be carried on by con¬ tract, under the direct control and oversight of the Executive Com¬ mittee, so that no advantage could be realized in this respect by any change. The result, therefore, of the investigation made by your Commit¬ tee is: That we deem it exceedingly unwise to entertain the prop- Publication 516 [Book IV osition referred to the Executive Committee by the General Assembly. 988. Provision for expense of publication 1904, p. 48. The Executive Committee of Publication was urged to exercise great caution in accepting MSS. of books, etc., and in providing for two-thirds of the expense of the publication, of such as are doubtful as to profit, in cash or advance subscriptions, etc., and to use every endeavor to build up the business of the book de¬ partment. Repeated in 1905, p. 53. 989.* Changes in the headings of statistical columns 1894, p. 205. The Assembly ordered that the column known as Sustentation be designated “Assembly’s Home Mission;” the one designated Church Erection, as “Local Home Missions.” It declined to order a column for receipts for Orphan Homes. It refused to order that only those who come from other communions be put in the column, “Added on Certificate,” and to add, in con¬ sequence, another column for those from our own churches, to be designated, “Transferred.” 990. Certificates of dismissal ■y 1895, p. 416. The Assembly requested the Committee of Pub¬ lication to prepare and keep on hand a form of certificate of dis¬ missal of members. 991. Colportage 1863, p. 147. Resolved, That* the subject of colportage be re¬ mitted for further consideration by the Church, it being impossible in the present condition to institute any efficient system, and it be¬ ing desirable that the mind of the Church should first be formed and expressed as to the manner in which it may best be conducted, whether through an army of colporteurs immediately appointed and superintended by the Executive Committee, or by the voluntary and concurring agency of our respective Presbyteries; for which reason alone the subject is referred to in this report. 1866, p. 27. That we recommend the Committee to appoint agents for the sale of books, the advice and concurrence of the Pres- •byteries within whose bounds they are to labor having first been obtained. We likewise recommend that, whenever practicable, Pres¬ byteries shall make arrangements with booksellers to keep for sale a supply of the books of the Committee, and that each Presbytery appoint one of its own members to act as a corresponding member of the Committee, and to take special oversight of its operations within the bounds of his Presbytery. 1867, p. 198. From the Executive Committee’s report: The plan adopted by the last Assembly has not yet had a very thorough trial, as but little has yet been done on the subject. About twenty have Secs. 988-991] Publication 517 been commissioned, on the recommendation of their respective Pres¬ byteries or Synods, or of corresponding members on behalf of their Presbyteries. . . . While the plan has not been thoroughly inaugurated, it has developed itself sufficiently to show that it re¬ quires revision in some respects. The Committee is not able to fur¬ nish large supplies of books, to lie idle for months, in charge of an inefficient agent; and hence authority is requested to withdraw the commission of any agents who may be found inefficient, or who fail to comply with our business regulations. P. 146. Resolved, That the Presbyteries be cautioned in the mat¬ ter of the choice of book agents or colporteurs, and that the Execu¬ tive Committee be authorized to withdraw the commission of an un¬ suitable agent, after conference with the Presbyterial Committee of Publication. 1869, p. 387. That the plan for colportage recommended in previous reports by this committee, recommended also by the Gen¬ eral Assembly of last year — which plan has been adopted by some of our Presbyteries — and which is again set forth in this report of the Executive Committee, be approved, and recommended to all the Presbyteries for adoption. The nature and details of this plan are not given in the Minutes, nor in the abridged report of the Committee published in the Ap¬ pendix. — A. 1870, p. 565. The Executive Committee reported: So far no arrangement has been made with colporteurs in any part of the Church which has proven itself practically advantageous to the general cause, or which has promoted the interests of this Com¬ mittee in any adequate degree. Thereupon the Assembly (p. 534), Resolved, That the Executive Committee shall settle up outstanding accounts with colporteurs, and that the whole matter of colportage be committed to the Presbyteries, to carry on as they may deem best. And, with a view to the largest possible distribution of our books among the people, the Committee will make sales to Presbyteries on the most favorable terms, and grant donations for distribution through Presbyterial agents whenever and to as large an extent as it can be properly done. 1871, p. 64. The amount expended, up to date, in grants of books and expenses of colporteurs, is $19,846.26. 1876, p. 223. The Assembly urges upon the Presbyteries the importance and advantage of arranging and executing some plan of colportage among their churches respectively, and for information as to a plan which has worked well and profitably, would refer them to that adopted by the Winchester Presbytery, and which the Ex¬ ecutive Committee is instructed to publish in the appendix of its report. 1877, p. 479. The Executive Committee says: As the most feas¬ ible method, the Committee urged the Assembly to transfer the whole matter to the Presbyteries, and thus not only gave them the appoint¬ ment of the colporteur, but also aimed to throw on them the whole pecuniary responsibility. Of course this plan saved the Committee 518 Publication [Book IV from the evils thus endured; but it has evils of its own, or, at all events, it has produced undesirable results. While the Presbyteries nominally support the colporteur, in point of fact, in most instances he is supported by this Committee. It is rare that a Presbytery raises a sufficient capital to support the colportage work, but gen¬ erally they rely on us for the capital to do it with. With much self- sacrifice we have aided them to the full extent of our ability. Ac¬ cording to this plan the colporteur is supported by his sales. But the books are ours, usually bought by the Presbyterial Committee on credit, at the highest possible discount, thus taking away from us all the profit, and transferring it to the Presbytery to pay their colporteurs. Now, if the Presbyteries paid cash down, this might be safe and profitable, because wie could immediately invest the money so as to become productive. As it is, we are out of the cap¬ ital until the colporteur; sells the books and gets his own salary, when he turns over to us enough to satisfy our claim. In other words, it is our capital which is employed, but the advantage and profit is that of the Presbytery, ancf while the Committee by its funds does the work, the whole of the credit goes to the Presbytery. 1884, p. 217. Resolved, That the Executive Committee be di¬ rected to prepare and submit to the next General Assembly a plan of colportage, to be operated by said Committee in those Presby¬ teries desiring such work. 1885, p. 417. Resolved, That the work of colportage be referred to the Executive Committee of Publication, to take whatever action may be deemed advisable; but it is understood that they shall not assume any control in a Presbytery without its permission. 1887, p. 211. Resolved, That the Executive Committee of Pub¬ lication be authorized and instructed to inaugurate and prosecute the work of colportage as their resources may permit, and in such fields within our bounds as the providence of God may indicate. 1888, p. 450. In obedience to the instructions of the last As¬ sembly, that the Executive Committee inaugurate and prosecute the work of colportage, the Committee adopted and put in operation a plan of colportage. The plan sought to guard against anything that might even seem to trench upon the rights of the Presbyteries or appear to be in any way a failure to recognize their authority. The Committee estimated that it would probably be able to put at least one colporteur in each Synod. It asked of the Synods the appoint¬ ment of a synodical committee, made up, if thought best, of the brethren of the different Presbyteries appointed to represent the pub¬ lication work, whose duty it should be to select and recommend to the Executive Committee persons suitable for the work, and who should take oversight of their work. A body of instructions for colporteurs was drawn up and copies of the same sent to all our ministers. The plan did not take shape early enough to secure the attention of all the Synods, but wherever it was considered, it was warmly welcomed and adopted. Abridged. P. 395. This plan met the approval of the Assembly. P. 396. The Presbytery of Abingdon requests the Assembly to Sec. 991] Publication 519 abandon the work of colportage, and remit it to the Presbyteries. Answer : 1. The Assembly’s plan of colportage has just been inaugurated. It would not be seemly to abandon it before giving it a trial. 2. The plan is not supposed to trench upon the work or rights of the Presbyteries, but just the contrary, to co-operate with and aid them. Practically, under this plan, the Presbyteries have the •control and oversight of the work. 3. The plan has the further advantage, that it carries the work into the weaker Presbyteries, and extends it to fields which would otherwise be left destitute. For these reasons the overture is declined. 1896, p. 608. Under the policy of the Executive Committee, the colporteur was never meant to be merely a seller of books. While there were to be good books in his saddle-bags, he was meant to be a gospel missionary in every sense of the term. The establish¬ ment and strengthening of Sabbath Schools was made a specialty of the work. We speak particularly of this because of the late discussions of Sabbath School interests in our Presbyteries. For nine years, at least, in the forefront of instructions to what are sug¬ gestively called “missionary colporteurs,” are specified such duties as these: “1. To organize Presbyterian Sunday Schools in such destitute localities in your field of labor as need such effort, and to furnish such schools with supplies of our Sabbath School Literature. 2. To visit Presbyterian Sabbath Schools already established, and to furnish them our literature, and, when opportunity offers, to address them.” 1891, p. 251. The colportage work, which was commenced sev¬ eral years ago, and which promised such good results, has beeen crippled for lack of funds, and must be abandoned unless means are provided for its support. The colportage work has been largely sustained by funds drawn from the publishing house. As this was crippling the work of this department, the Committee have decided to confine the support of the colportage work to such funds as may be contributed for that cause. This action of the Committee was approved, and it was ordered that after the present contract with the colporteurs has expired, ap¬ propriations for colportage work be made only from funds contrib¬ uted for this specific work. 1892, p. 433. Ordered: That the Synodical committees only rec¬ ommend men as colporteurs, leaving it to the Executive Comimittee to employ them. That, while working in any Presbytery, the colporteur shall be under the direction of the Colportage Committee of that Presby¬ tery. That all our Presbyteries be requested to give special attention to this work during their fall meetings, and to appoint an efficient committee on colportage. 1893, p. 20. Overture from the Holston Presbytery, asking that the Assembly authorize the Presbytery to draw from the Assembly’s Publication 520 [Book IV Publication Committee the amount contributed by its churches to the committee. Reply : As some of our Presbyteries elect to carry on the colport- age work under their direction, and retain in their own treasury the funds contributed for this purpose, the Assembly recognizes the right of Holston Presbytery to pursue the same course hereafter; and we further recommend that, in case Holston Presbytery de¬ sires during the current year to prosecute the colportage work in its own bounds, the Executive Committee of Publication be author¬ ized to furnish for this purpose a stock of books equal in value to the last annual collection for this cause from that Presbytery. Adopted. 1894, p. 205. Overture from the Presbytery of Dallas, asking that it be permitted to draw from Publication Committee, annually, books to the amount of their contributions to the cause of Publication, for the purpose of establishing a depository. Ansiver: Inasmuch as an affirmative answer to this overture would establish a precedent that would be hurtful to the colportage work, in that it would open the way for a similar request from all the Presby¬ teries, and would practically amount to the Presbytery of Dallas giving nothing to the general colportage wTork, we recommend the request be not granted. x\dopted. 1896, p. 608. It is recommended that the Executive Committee put emphasis, as far as they can, upon the Sabbath School idea in their colportage work, keeping prominently in view the fostering of w7eak, and the planting of new Presbyterian schools, and that the funds in the Committee’s hands be used as liberally as possible in this direction. P. 609. It is recommended that men be selected as colporteurs who have other gifts and graces than merely those of book agents. 1893, p. 24. The Assembly directed that hereafter the Collec¬ tion for Publication be designated the Collection for Publication and Colportage. 992. Candidates as colporteurs 1871, p. 19. Overture of Presbytery of Western District, pray¬ ing the General Assembly to recommend that the Committee of Pub¬ lication employ candidates for the ministry as colporteurs during their vacations. Answer : While fully recognizing the utility of the colportage work to the churches and students, we also remember the rare and peculiar qualifications required for this work. We can therefore only remit the request to the favorable attention of the Committee of Publica¬ tion. Adopted. See also 1909, p. 27. 1877, p. 440. The restrictions as to the terms on which the pub- 993. Restrictions as to sales removed lications of the Committee are sold are hereby removed, and the whole subject left to the discretion of the Executive Committee. Secs. 991-998] Publication 521 994. Regulations for the Committee 1877, p. 442. Resolved, That the Assembly refers the recommen¬ dations of the Executive Committee of Publication, found on page 28 of their annual report, touching certain “regulations for the ad¬ ministration of the affairs of the Committee,” to the said Committee itself, recommending that they be put into effect as far as practicable. The following are the regulations alluded to, as given in the Appendix : That the Secretary and Treasurer each be required to give bond and proper security for the faithful discharge of the duty; that the Treasurer only shall receive all moneys belonging to the Committee, keeping separate accounts of each fund; that all moneys, as soon as they are received, shall be deposited in bank to the credit of each fund; that no money shall be paid out except upon the check of the Secretary, countersigned by the Treasurer; that no money shall be borrowed' except by authority of an express vote of the Committee; and that all obligations of the Committee, as well as all debts contracted in its behalf, shall be listed and reported to the Committee at its next meeting thereafter. 995. The Manual 1905, p. 53. The Assembly approved the “Manual of Rules of the Executive Committee,” with such modifications on pages 3, 4 and 16 as shall harmonize the Manual with the recent enactments of the General Assembly. 996. The Secretary made Treasurer 1878, p. 647. Resolved, That the work of the Treasurer be transferred to the Secretary, who shall be designated as the Secre¬ tary and Treasurer of Publication. ’ 997. The Secretary to visit Synods and Presbyteries 1879, p. 48. We recommend that the efficient Secretary and Treasurer of Publication visit the Synods and Presbyteries, as far as practicable, to give detailed information concerning the operations of the Committee, to r,emove the difficulties which now hinder the success of this work among the people, and thus to enlist their hearty sympathies, their prayers, and their liberal gifts in its behalf. 998. Provision for gratuitous distribution 1880, p. 205. With the improved condition and brightening pros¬ pects of the Executive Committee, it is recommended that one-tenth of the receipts from donations be applied to gratuitous distribution, at the discretion of the. Committee; but it is expressly to be under¬ stood that nothing be allowed to interfere with the speediest possible payment of the debt. 522 Publication [Book IV 1881, p. 386. The Assembly authorized this year fifteen per cent, of receipts from donations to be used in gratuitous distributions. 1884, p. 215. Resolved, That the Executive Committee be directed to comply, as far as possible, with the implied pledge made by the last Assembly, viz. : “If the churches continue to contribute to this cause as hitherto, that as large an amount as $4,000 per year — equivalent in books at catalogue prices to about $7,000 — may be devoted to this object, and distributed according to the plan of the Committee, to our feeble churches, mission fields and Sabbath Schools; and we request that notice be given in the papers of the Church when this literature will be ready for distribution, and how application should be made in order to obtain it.” 999. A copy of every book published to be donated to members of the Executive Committee 1892, p. 444. As the members of the Executive Committee of Publication do a great deal of gratuitous work, in carefully examin¬ ing manuscripts presented for publication, we recommend that, as a token of our appreciation of such service, one copy of each book hereafter published by our Committee be presented to each member of said Committee. Adopted. 1000. No donations of books to Seminaries but of Assembly Minutes 1912, p. 41. Overtures from Central Texas Presbytery, from Eastern Texas Presbytery, and from Western Texas Presbytery, all asking for donations of books and tracts to the Theological Semi¬ naries. It is recommended that these be answered in the negative because of the large cost involved. 1913, p. 70. That from year to year the Committee of Publica¬ tion present to the Libraries of each of our Theological Seminaries a complete set of the annual reports of our several Executive Com¬ mittees, together with the Minutes of the General Assembly, bound in one substantial volume. 1915, p. 45. Overture from the Presbytery of Mississippi, asking that copies of the Minutes of the Assembly be sent to members of the graduating classes in our theological seminaries. We recommend that this overture be answered in the affirmative, and the Stated Clerk be instructed to secure the names and addresses of these graduates and to send to them free copies of the Minutes. 1001. The business capital and its proceeds not to be used in benevolence 1895, p. 416. The Assembly approved the following statement of the Executive Committee: “The safe conduct of the business will not for the present admit of the use of our business capital or of the small profits of the business in the benevolent features of the Secs. 999-1005] Publication 523 work.” It recommended that if a reduction had to be made in the benevolent work, it be in the department of colportage rather than in the donation work. 1002,. Property in Richmond 1914, p. 66. The old property, which in former reports has been listed at its net cost — $47,974.05 — has been sold for $158,473.50. A new lot has been purchased on Sixth street, between Main and Franklin streets, at a cost of $32,500.00, and a new five-story, fire¬ proof building is now being constructed which will cost $80,000.00, exclusive of furnishings. The Committee expects to move into the new plant by September 1st, 1914. The total sales of books and periodicals last year amounted to $227,475.50, making a net profit of $11,307.26. 1920, p. 75. The original signed certificate of the Presbyterian Committee of Publication, of Richmond, Va., was submitted to us. This was audited by E. A. Leitch, of Richmond. The only criticism we would make is that they have charged off a depreciation of furni¬ ture and fixtures, $500.00, when the whole furniture and fixtures amount to $1,585.53. This is charging off nearly 33 per cent., when the United States government only allows 10 per cent, to be charged off for depreciation of this kind of property. 1003. Cheaper publications 1894, p. 416. Resolved, That the Executive Committee consider the practicability of issuing less expensive editions of the various works published, larger and smaller, in order to bring them within reach of larger numbers of our people. 1004. Consolidation with other Boards, inexpedient 1886, p. 47. To the overture of the Presbytery of Palmyra, asking the Assembly to appoint a committee to confer with a like com¬ mittee to be appointed by the Northern branch of the Presbyterian Church, to institute measures looking to a union or consolidation of the Board of Publication and the Committee of Publication, this is recommended as the answer: It is inexpedient. 1915, p. 45. Overture from the Presbytery of Concord, asking for the union of our Sabbath School and Publication Work with that of other Churches. We recommend that, believing that the control and direction of our Sabbath School and Publication Work should be entirely in our own hands, and is now being conducted in a most satisfactory way, this overture be answered in the negative. 1005. Proposed consolidation of the Committees of Publication and Education 1880, p. 215. The report of the Committee on Bills and Over- 524 Publication [Book IV tures: An overture asking for the consolidation of the Committees of Publication and Education, was referred to the next General Assembly in connection with the subject of Reform and Retrenchment. 1881, p. 367. The Assembly adopted the majority report on Retrenchment and Reform, which provided that the five Executive Committees be continued as at present. 1006. Consolidation of Sabbath School extension and Home Mis¬ sions declined 1911, p. 65. We recommend that the overture from the Presby¬ tery of Macon, asking the consolidation of Sabbath School Exten¬ sion and Home Missions, be answered in the negative, for the reason that it is the judgment of this Assembly that the Sabbath School Extension Work more properly belongs to the Publication department of the work of the Church, and this work has been and is being so well performed that any change seems wholly unneces¬ sary. 1007. Name of Committee not to be changed 1913, p. 70a. Overture from West Lexington Presbytery, Ken¬ tucky, requesting that the name of the Assembly’s Committee be changed from “the Committee of Publication and Sabbath School Work” to “the Committee of Sabbath School Work and Publication.” Your Committee recommends that for legal and other reasons this overture be answered in the negative. 1008. The Kennedy bequest for Bibles and tracts 1873, p. 337. It was ordered that the bequest of Judge Kennedy,, which is to be spent in procuring Bibles and tracts, be paid over to the Executive Committee of Publication. 1009. The Treasurer to show an itemized statement 1885, p. 419. The Committee recommend that the Treasurer, at the end of each year, show in his ledger an itemized statement cover¬ ing the amounts received and disbursed under each subject from which money is received, and on account of which money is dis¬ tributed. Adopted. 1010. Salary of the Secretary 1884, p. 216. Resolved, That the salary of the Secretary be placed at $3,000 per annum. 1011. Religious literature for freedmen 1866, p. 26. The Assembly would enjoin the publication, with funds given especially for that object, of works designed for the use of freedmen. Secs. 1005-1015] Publication 525 1867, p. 197. The Committee says: “The sum of $422.25 has been given for the benefit of our colored brethren, either for general distribution or for Sabbath School uses. Every application made for their benefit has been granted. . . . The means requisite to stereotype and print large editions of such works (the preparation of which was ordered by the last Assembly), we have not had; but under our auspices a Primer, a First Book, and a Spelling Book have been prepared, well adapted to the end desired, and will be published as soon as we have the funds in hand to meet the expense. 1875, p. 43. Two Catechisms, prepared by Mr. Samuel B. Schieffelin, of New York, a ruling elder of the Reformjed Church, have, after careful examination by the Committee, been approved for publication, and will in. a short time be added to our Sabbath School facilities. We notice with pleasure the fact that Mr. Schieffelin has authorized, at his own expense, the gratiutous distribution among the freedmen of as many copies of these Catechisms as can be judiciously disposed of. The titles of these two books are “Milk for Babes’’ and “Children’s Bread.” 1012. Literature for the Indians 1882, p. 550. An overture has been placed in our hands, asking that some measure be adopted so that the urgent need of the Chicka¬ saw and Choctaw churches and people may be supplied with books in their own language. It is recommended that the Executive Com¬ mittee confer with the Committee of Foreign Missions and the mis¬ sionaries among these tribes, and that this urgent call be attended to as soon as deemed practicable, with a proper regard for other claims. Adopted. 1013. Date for Publication collection 1885, p. 416. We can recommend nothing as a remedy for the inconvenience this Committee suffers for want of money on account of the collection coming in so near the close of the ecclesiastical year, but that this Assembly do now say to all contributors to the cause of Christ, “This they must do, and not leave the other undone.” Adopted. 1014. Assembly s new financial plan aided 1912, p. 39. The promotion of the General Assembly’s new finan¬ cial plan has been assisted in a vigorous campaign of education, conducted by the circulation of literature and pamphlets at a con¬ siderable cost. 1015. Book of Church Order 1921, p. 80d. The following resolution on revising the Book of Church Order was referred to the Executive Committee on Publica¬ tion : We recommend the revising and publication of a new Book of 526 Publication [Book IV Church Order, as it now stands amended, at the earliest date prac¬ ticable, and that the members of Session and Diaconate of our churches be urged to secure copies of same when published. 1016. The Secretaries 1911, p. 80. The following have served the Church as Secretary of Publication by election of the Assembly since the organization of the work. Rev. William Brown, D. D., from 1861 to 1863. Rev. John Ley- burn, D. D., from 1863 to 1865. Rev. E. T. Baird, D. D.} from 1865 to 1876. Rev. J. K. Hazen, D. D., from 1877 to time of his death in 1902. Mr. R. E. Magill, from 1903 to date. t . 1017. Summaries of the work 1911, p. 89ff. An outline of the work of the Committee since the beginning of this department. 1922, p. 35. The annual report of the Executive Committee [pp. 129-141 of Minutes] gives a review of the past twenty years’ work. There has been substantial improvement and progress in every department of the work, and we call attention to the following out¬ standing features of the past year’s work in this department: 1. The total sale of books and periodicals amounted to $489,353. 2. In addition to the above, books, Bibles, tracts, Sunday School periodicals, etc., have been contributed to pastors, churches and Sun¬ day Schools to the amount of $54,693. 3. The periodical circulation has grown to the enormous number of 13,894.743. 4. During the year the Committtee has printed 50,000 Life and Service Hymns, 65,000 Shorter Catechisms, 101,140 Introductions to Shorter Catechism, 412,890 Rally Day programs, 60,000 Family Altar leaflets, together with thousands of tracts and booklets con¬ cerning every department of the Church’s work, 1,583 Bibles and 4,877 Testaments for the recitation of the Catechisms were awarded, a larger number than in any year in the past. 5. The total Sunday School enrollment is 396,850, an increase of about 15,000. 6. Thirteen thousand, five hundred and forty Sunday School pupils joined the Church on profession of faith — over 50 per cent, of the total number so joining. 7. The total contributions through our Sabbath Schools were $740,788, of w|hich $222,368 were to the benevolent causes of the Church. 8. The number of persons engaged in field work in connection with our Sabbath School Department is 63, an increase of 14 over last year. 9. The Committee continues its efforts to encourage authorship among our own ministers. 10. The Young People’s Societies of our Church reported a total Secs. 1016-1018] Sabbath Schools 527 membership of 51,692, together with contributions to all causes of $74,069. 11. The work among the young peoplei of our Church has been promoted in a most earnest and effective way and there are signs of continued progress. The employment of Rev. Wesley Baker as Field Director for the whole Church will increase the efficiency of this Department by the promotion of Sabbath School Institutes and Schools of Methods within the bounds of our Assembly. The rapid development of the Young People’s Conference mpvement, including the General Conference at Montreat and Synodical Conferences ini every Synod except one, has meant much to the spiritual development of our young people. The Efficiency Charts published by our Com¬ mittee for every department of our work are acknowledged to be the best of their kind in this country. 1922, p. 37. In nominating again for three years Mr. R. E. Magill as Executive Secretary, your Committee would take knowledge of the fine services of Mr. Magill and record with gratitude to God the splendid success and progress that has marked his career as Execu¬ tive Secretary. We would nominate for three years as members of the Executive Committee the following: Rev. T. H. Rice, D. D., to succeed himself. Mr. James W. Gordon, of Richmond, Va., to succeed Mr. John S. Munce. Mr. D. K. Kellogg, to succeed Mr. M. M. Gilliam, deceased. Rev. A. M. Frazer, D. D., of Staunton, Vir¬ ginia, and Rev. William McC. White, D. D., of Raleigh, North Carolina, to succeed Mr. A. S. Johnstone and Rev. H. J. Williams, of Richmond, Virginia, whose terms of office have expired. The Committee would record the faithful and efficient work of Mr. Magill, Dr. R. A. Lapsley, and Dr. Gilbert Glass, together with their splendid corps of workers, which merits the esteem and com¬ mendation of the whole Assembly. II. SABBATH SCHOOLS 1018. What is the Sunday School? 1875, p. 42. Resolved , 1, That the Sunday School is but the more formal organization of catechetical classes, which have been known to the Church in all ages, and should be so conducted as to secure a thorough drill and training in the Scriptures, and in the hymnology and standards of the Church. 2. That the pastor and elders of the Church, with the help of such others as they may select and, approve, are the divinely appointed catechists or teachers, and the work should devolve upon them in all well regulated congregations. 3. That the obligation of family training by the parent is in nowise modified by the Sunday School, nor in any way transferred to it; but the additional obligation rests upon the parent to sustain Church officers in this peculiar form of their work, and co-operate, as far as possible, in it. The one is a family and the other a pas¬ toral function, and each is supplemental to the other. 528 Sabbath Schools [Book IV 1880, p. 214. The Sabbath School is not something apart from the Church, but the Church, old and young, studying the Bible. Also 1881 (p. 380). 1870, p. 512. There exists in the minds of many parents a dis¬ position to evade their personal obligations to their children, and practically to make the Sabbath School a sort of substitute for the instruction of the family. This is a very great error, and one that cannot be too strongly condemned. And it will be a sad day for the Church, and fatal as well to the usefulness of the Sabbath School, when such a disposition and practice come to be general. The Sab¬ bath School is simply an assistant to the parent in the religious in¬ struction of his child. It is not adapted, and never was intended, to do the parent’s work. The parent, therefore, cannot delegate to it his responsibilities. Also 1872, p. 175. .1019. Parents should go with their children to Sabbath School 1883, p. 55. We w7ould most earnestly urge upon parents .the serious consideration of their duty to go with their children to the . Sabbath School whenever it is possible for them to do so, even at the cost of some inconvenience or sacrifice of personal comfort, thus teaching their children, both by their precept and example, to love and profit by the privileges here afforded them. L: i 1020. Schools should embrace adults 1885, p. 408. Resolved, That the ministers and Sessions be en¬ couraged to so enlarge the Sabbath School and Bible-class instruc¬ tion as to embrace, as far as practicable, the adult portion of the congregations, and train them for useful officers and workers in the Church. 1886, p. 45. Sessions should use all diligence to' secure the at¬ tendance of older persons on the Sunday School, that the school may be what it ought to be, the Church studying the Word of God. 1021. What the Sabbath School should embrace 1896, P- 615. The Sabbath School is not intended for children only, but is a valuable and very important means of developing Chris¬ tian life, as well as bringing souls to Christ. Every school should have a teachers’ meeting for the study, not only of the lessen, but also of the school itself; should have a normal class for training teachers; should have a home department, in which should be en¬ rolled every person, old; and young, who cannot personally attend the school. P. 589. The Assembly recommended that a home-class depart¬ ment be established in connection with each Sabbath School under our care. 1888, p. 419. The Sabbath School is nothing more nor less than the church, the whole church studying the Word of God. Secs. 1018-1025] Sabbath Schools 529 1022. Separate rooms in the Sabbath School 1888, p. 419. Wherever it is practicable separate class-rooms should be provided for the very young children, and also for the advanced classes. 1023. Home Department 1899, p. 438. The Assembly directs that there be added to the blanks for Sunday School Reports this question: “How many of the scholars reported belong to the Home Department?” 1901, p. 36. Concerning an overture asking the Assembly to direct the Assembly’s Executive Committee of Publication to print a column in the Sessional report on Sabbath School blanks for re¬ ports on the Home Class Department of the Sabbath School, your committee recommends the following answer: That such a column is not needed, for the reason that the mem¬ bers of the Home Class should be enrolled as a part of the Sabbath School membership. 1903, pp. 496, 503. That the Sessions see that their schools have properly organized home departments for promoting the home study of the Bible. It is recommended that the request asking that suitable blanks be provided for reporting the Home Department of the Sabbath School work, be not granted. 1906, p. 22. In answer to overtures touching the enrollment in statistical report of the Home Department and Cradle Roll we recommend that the overture be answered in the affirmative. (Not in separate column.) (1910, p. 37.) 1024. Thorough organization recommended 1912, p. 40. Sessions and Sunday School officers are strongly en¬ couraged to organize their Intermediate, Senior, and Adult Depart¬ ments more thoroughly. 1025. Attendance of children upon public worship 1875, p. 42. Those having charge of the Sunday School work ought so to regulate the hours of instruction as to interfere the least possible with the children’s attendance on the public ordinances of religion on the one hand, and with family instruction at home on the other, both of which ought to be attended to by all on every Lord’s day. 1882, p. 533. Your Committee recommend that the Assembly call attention to the importance of training our children to attend the regular services of the sanctuary. We fear that there is a growing idea that the Sabbath School is an all-sufficient agency for the in¬ struction and conversion of our youth. We invoke the aid of parents and teachers in securing an attendance upon the public worship of God and the ministrations of the sanctuary, and lift up our solemn 530 Sabbath Schools [Book I\ remonstrance against our children being permitted to withdraw from them. 1913, p. 70. The Executive Committee is directed to investigate and report its findings with recommendations to the next General Assembly on the subject of Church Attendance by the children and young people of our congregations ; Sunday iSchool officers and teachers are urged to emphasize the duty and privilege of attendance on the worship of the sanctuary, and pastors are exhorted to lay this matter on the consciences of parents and to keep the needs of children in view in the public exercises of God’s house. 1914, p. 67. The Assembly of 1913 directed the Executive Com¬ mittee of Publication and Sabbath School Work to investigate and report its findings to this Assembly on the subject of “Church At¬ tendance by the Children and Young People of Our Congregations.” This Committee has prepared a special report in leaflet form cover¬ ing this important question, and we take pleasure in recommending that this leaflet be, given the widest circulation; and that this Assem¬ bly heartily endorse the recommendations of the Committee touching this matter, to wit: 1. That those who are responsible for the direct conduct of our Sunday Schools and Young People’s Societies be solemnly exhorted to use every proper means to induce the children and young people to form the habit of church attendance. 2. That our pastors be urged to give the most; serious attention to this vital matter, to the end that the children may be fully in¬ structed and mightily drawn to the house of God. 3. That our theological seminaries be respectfully requested to give special attention to the training of their students in the art of speaking attractively to children. 4. That parents be charged in the sight of God to organize their family life and to govern their children so that the courts of God’s house may be filled with their sweet voices in rejoicing and praise. 1026. Schools must he under the control of the Sessions 1870, p. 512. Resolved, That the Presbyteries be directed to urge it upon all their churches, wherever it is practicable, to establish schools directly under the control of the church Sessions. 1872, p. 174. Resolved , That the injunction be emphatically reiterated, that Presbyteries act efficiently in bringing all our church schools directly under the control of the church Session, so that the superintendent and teachers shall hold their positions only by their appointment and consent; that all the operations and interests of the school be under their guidance. 1874, p. 511. Resolved, That the supervision and control of Sessions over Sabbath Schools, so often pressed upon the attention of churches, should be exercised, even in the minutest details, so far as to enable Sessions promptly to correct any evils that may arise, and make any necessary changes for the wellbeing of the Sabbath School. Secs. 1025-1029] Sabbath Schools 531 See also 1880, p. 214; 1871, p. 27. 1871, p. 28. Overture, that .the General Assembly will define precisely what is to be understood by a Sabbath School being under the control of the church Session, in order that the direction given to Presbyteries in the third article, page 512, of Minutes of the General Assembly for 1870, may be clearly understood and uni¬ formly interpreted. Answer : This Assembly deems that the Assembly of 1870 intends that the church Session shall select the superintendent, who shall nominate, with their approbation, the teachers, ordain the methods of instruction, and direct the selection of books. 1915, p. 44. Presbyteries are directed to be very careful! to see that all of our Sabbath Schools are under the control of the Session. 1027. Presbyterianism to be distinctly taught in Sunday Schools 1877, p. 437. Resolved , That in the conduct of the Sabbath Schools, no matter what system of lessons may be used, it is earnestly enjoined upon our church Sessions to see to it that not only the great truths of the gospel, about which all evangelical denominations are agreed, but also the distinctive doctrines of the Presbyterian Church, are faithfully taught. 1870, p. 512; 1872, p. 174, and elsewhere, it is enjoined that the Catechisms, Confession of Faith, and Form of Government be made prominent objects of study. 1028. Catechism on Chart of Efficiency 1917, p. 42. In answer to overture from Winchester Presbytery, asking that instruction in the Catechism and the Sabbath be included in the Sabbath School chart of the “Standard of Efficiency,” we answer that the first of these, the Catechism, is included in Section IV, “Graded Organization and Instruction,” as interpreted by the Manual of Graded Instruction, 1917 Edition, and that the latter is provided for in Section IX-D, “Use of Our Own Literature,” in which our editors take advantage of every opportunity to enforce this important teaching of the Bible; but to give it greater emphasis, we suggest to the Committee of Publication that the Catechism be given a space in the next edition of the chart. 1029. Supplemental and graded lessons on the Standards 1889, p. 603. With a view to providing facilities for more sys¬ tematic and thorough instruction in our Sabbath Schools, it is recom¬ mended to our Committee of Publication to prepare, or have pre¬ pared, a graded course of lessons in the Catechisms, Confession of Faith, and Form of Government, to be taught in connection with the International Scripture Lessons. 1895, p. 419. Resolved, That the General Assembly appoint a committee of five, which shall include our Secretary of Publication, to prepare a scheme of graded lessons for use in our Sabbath Schools, 532 Sabbath Schools [Book IV which shall be supplemental to the International Lessons, and which shall develop more fully our denominational doctrines and principles of government; said committee to be continued from year to year at the will of subsequent Assemblies. 1896, p. 589. On the report of this committee the Assembly resolved : 1. That without setting aside or disturbing the International Les¬ sons as now used in our Sunday Schools, the General Assembly direct the ad interim committee, appointed by this General Assembly at Dallas, to proceed at once to prepare a supplemental course of study for use in all the grades of our Sunday Schools, in which shall be developed more fully our denominational doctrines and principles of government, and embracing the course of study outlined in their report. 2. That as soon as these lessons are prepared and issued, the Presbyteries encourage our young people in the study of the said system of graded lessons by giving a certificate to all who will finish the course and stand a satisfactory examination upon the same, and a diploma to those who complete a normal course; said diplomas and certificates to be given by the Presbyteries or church Sessions, as the former may prescribe. 1897, p. 57. This course of lessons, as prepared, was com¬ mended to the use of our schools. 1896, p. 603. Overture asking the Assembly to order to be pub¬ lished in the Earnest Worker one lesson every quarter on the dis¬ tinctive Calvinistic doctrines of the church. Answer : It is not expedient to publish an extra lesson in the Earnest Worker, but the petition of the overture can best be accom¬ plished by supplemental lessons. 1030. Graded Sabbath School Lessons 1911, p. 65. In answer to the overture of the Synod of Texas, concerning preparation of a system of graded Sabbath School lessons by our Committee of Publication, your committee would recommend that the Assembly answer that the committee is now endeavoring to carry out such a suggestion, and is at work preparing graded lesson work on the basis of the uniform lessons, and has already issued an intermediate quarterly, b®ginning with April. The committee con¬ templates further work along this line. 1912, p. 40. The Assembly sent out to all pastors, Church Ses¬ sions and Sabbath School superintendents the pastoral letter sub¬ mitted as a part of this, report, setting forth the views of the Assem¬ bly concerning the International Graded Lessons, and urging our people to confine themselves to the use of the Uniform Lesson Courses as presented in our oWn periodical literature. 1913, p. 70a. The efforts of the Executive Committee to adapt the treatment of the International Uniform Lessons to the varying needs of pupils are commended, and it was encouraged to perfect as soon as possible its plans for the further improvement of the same. For such schools as wish to use a series of graded lessons our Secs. 1029-1031] Sabbath Schools r* 'i 7 Committee now provides a complete set of helps prepared by editors of our own selection, which meet the requirements of educational experts and at the same time they are free from doctrinal errors which mar many publications of a similar character. They are com¬ mended to our schools as the only complete and satisfactory helps now available for schools which desire a special lesson for each department. The Assembly particularly warns our Sessions of the great danger in using graded or other lesson helps not prepared by men of our own faith. 1918, p. 47. Sessions and pastors are again enjoined to see that the splendid course of Uniform Lesson Helps published by our Com¬ mittee and edited by approved writers of our own Church' are used in our schools to the exclusion of periodicals of doubtful or harmful character. Our own course of Departmental Graded Lesson helps, which will on October 1st be complete for all grades and departments should be adopted in all our schools which prefer to use a separate lesson for each department; and the Assembly would again warn our Ses¬ sions against the danger of putting into the hands of our young peo¬ ple publications not edited by writers of our own selection. 1031. Sabbath observance to be taught in Sabbath Schools 1921, p. 73. From the Presbytery of Arkansas requesting this Committee to insert at least two lessons yearly on Sabbath Observance in the regular lesson courses. We recommend that this be answered in the affirmative, and call attention to the fact that the International Committee has already taken measures to do this very thing. 1922, p. 36. From the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Roanoke, Virginia, in regard to printing Shorter Catechism ques¬ tions in the graded lessons of the Sabbath School. That while we feel the great need of having the Catechism taught in our Sunday Schools and the publication of at least one question weekly in the graded literature used, yet because of the prohibitive cost of publication, we recommend that the overture be answered in the negative. We would also call their attention to the answer of the resolution of the Editorial Advisory Committee of the Committee of Publication and Sabbath Schools. In answer to the Editorial Advisory Committee of the Committee of Publication and Sabbath Schools relating to Uniform and Depart¬ mental (or Group) lesson and lesson helps, to suggested changes, additions and enlargements to our literature, We recommend the following: In view of certain serious conse¬ quences likely to be involved in any attempt to bring our Church to the adoption of the Department Graded Lessons, at present almost universally in use among us, the Assembly instructs the Executive Committee of Publication and Sabbath School Work to adhere to the preparation and publication of the lesson helps at present being furnished the Church, and that the Committee of Publication and Sabbath School Work be instructed, by this Assembly 10 study thor¬ oughly the whole question of lesson systems and lesson helps and 534 Sabbath Schools [Book IV report its findings and any recommendations which may seem wise to the next General Assembly. In answer to the overture from the Presbytery of Upper Missouri, protesting against a tendency on the part of our Publication and Sabbath School Committee to place in the Sabbath Schools of the Church literature which tends to drift away from the Bible text itself, we would call their attention to the answer of the resolution of the Advisory Editorial Committee of the Executive Committee of the Publication and Sabbath School Work, recommending that this be corrected as soon as possible. 1032. Catechism on church polity 1891, p. 247. The Committee of Publication was directed to take into consideration the expediency of securing the preparation and publication of a brief catechism on the polity of our church, suitable for use in our Sabbath Schools, and especially in those schools established in the more destitute parts of our country, where the principles of. our church government are unknown. It is recom¬ mended that such catechism shall contain the Scripture references which inculcate the principles therein taught. 1033. Department Quarterlies and supplemental work That our Sabbath Schools use the quarterlies prepared for each department by our Committee of Publication in their respective departments and urge the use of the supplemental work as suggested therein. 1034. Who should be teachers 1873, p. 323. Resolved, That Presbyteries be recommended to urge upon Sessions to secure, as far as possible, exclusively the ser¬ vices of pious teachers. 1035. Standard of Efficiency • 1912, p. 39. “The standard of efficiency” as suggested, in the report of the Executive Committee is commended to every school in our Church. This standard is not too high and can be easily reached by every school by adopting a progressive policy and working with a determined effort to reach the goal. 1913, p. 70. Presbyteries are urged to give constant and earnest attention to utilizing the Sabbath School as a missionary agency, and to perfecting the efficiency of the schools already established within their bounds. 1916, p. 44. We recommend the adoption of the following Ten- Point Standard in order that we may conform to the practice of the Sunday School forces of America: 1. Cradle Roll and Home Department. 2. Organized Class in both Secondary and Adult Divisions. Secs. 1031-1037] Sabbath Schools 535 3. Teacher Training Class. 4. Graded Organization and Instruction. 5. Missionary Instruction and Offering. 6. Temperance Instruction. 7. Definite Decision for Christ Urged. 8. Workers’ Conference Regularly Held. 9. Full Denominational Requirements. 10. Full Sunday School Association Requirements. 1917, p. 41. The Standard of Efficiency approved by the last Assembly has greatly stimulated many of our schools to improve the form of their organization and vitalize the instruction of their workers, and all our schools are urged to keep before them the goal set by the Standard and strive to become^ 100 per cent, efficient. 1918, p. 48. In answer to overtures from the Presbyteries of Mecklenburg and East Hanover, asking the General Assembly to instruct the Committee on Publication to include in its standards of efficiency for the Sunday School a definite and1 ample credit for a systematic plan of memorizing the Bible, catechisms and hymns, the Committee recommends that the overture be answered in the affirma¬ tive. 1036. Use our own literature 1912, p. 40. The Assembly renewed its oft-repeated commenda¬ tion of our own literature for the use of our Sabbath Schools and called the attention of our people especially to the careful adaption of our lesson literature to the fullest requirements of the best graded schools; and the Committee’s plan for graded uniform lessons, as outlined in the pamphlet presented to this Assembly, was commended and the Committee urged to complete this system as speedily as possible. 1913, p. 70. The General Assembly specially commended to our people our series of Uniform Lesson Helps as presented in our graded system of Quarterlies, and earnestly urged the more perfect grading of our schools by the intelligent use of our entire Quarterly series. 1915, p. 44. In view of the partial use of other literature than our own by some of the Sabbath Schools, we recommend that Presby¬ teries be directed to urge upon the Sessions to use the Sabbath School literature of our Church as far as possible. 1919, p. 63. The “Lesson Periodicals and Story Papers for Children and Young People” issued by the Richmond Committee are commended to all our Sessions and Sunday Schools as particu¬ larly adapted to the needs of our Church. While the great majority of our schools are using our own literature exclusively, in many cases they are not securing such a complete set of graded helps as is necessary for the best work. 1037. Against the use of the syndicate treatment of the Inter¬ national Graded Lessons 1912, p. 41. Pastoral letter to the pastors, Sessions, and Sabbath 536 Sabbath Schools [Book IV School superintendents of our Churches. — It has come to our knowl¬ edge through the annual report of the Executive Committee of Pub¬ lication, as well as from other sources, that there is a growing per¬ plexity in the minds of many of our people as to the best course of study to be used in our Sabbath Schools. Attention is called to the fact that the only course of lessons having the sanction of our Assem¬ bly is the uniform course of International Lessons, together with supplemental material, such as the Catechisms, instruction in Bible History, Bible Geography, Bible Literature, Bible Doctrine, Church History, and the Missionary Activities of our own Church. The Lesson Periodicals and Helps prepared and issued by our Publica¬ tion Committee have presented this uniform course of lessons with an adapted treatment receiving an increasing acceptance, and our schools have made remarkable progress both in enrollment and in the effectiveness of their work, while using this system of lessons. Quite recently a persistent and adroit effort has been started by prominent Workers in the Sunday School world to displace the Uniform Course of Lessons with what is known as the International Graded Lessons. This agitation has become so widespread, and such exaggerated claims have been made as to the progressiveness and superiority of this new course of Graded Lessons, that here and there the Sabbath Schools of some of our churches have been persuaded to introduce the new course of study and to use lesson helps not published by our Publication Committee or endorsed by our Assembly. There are so many grave objections to the new course of lessons, and particularly to the treatment of the course now available, that we feel constrained to warn pastors, Sessions and superintendents against the \ise of the system, and we especially pro¬ test against the introduction of the course as treated in the helps known as “The Westminster Graded Sunday School Lessons.” The course of lessons now being so industriously exploited by interested publishers and inter-denominational Sunday School work¬ ers is open to the following fundamental objections: First — They fail to emphasize sufficiently the redemptive element, and the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration; and some of the leading advocates of the system openly avow that a child can be brought into saving relations with Jesus Christ by a process of education. Second — The graded course in general use contains much ma¬ terial not taken from the Bible, such as Nature Study Lessons, bio¬ graphical studies of such characters as Judas Maccabeus, Francis of Assisi, Roger Williams, Frances Willard and others, thus prac¬ tically claiming that such material is of equal value with the Word of God for the purpose of religious education. Third— The treatment of the course of lessons under considera¬ tion indicates plainly a bias toward the theories of the school of radical criticism, and authorities freely quoted, such as Kent and Driver, openly cast doubt on the inspiration of portions of God’s Word. Quotations directly attacking the inspiration of the Bible are for the most part carefully omitted in most of the helps offered Sec. 1037] Sabbath Schools 537 for the use of pupils and teachers, but reference to the complete works from which citations are made clearly shows the radical views of the authors quoted with approval. Fourth — The theory of the development of child life upon which the new graded course is based calls for dividing the school into seventeen separate grades and teaching at one time a different les¬ son to each grade. The claim is made in effect that at each year of the pupil’s life the presentation of a different phase of truth is re¬ quired, and they undertake to say what special passage of Scripture is best suited to present the particular truth that the fixed year in the child’s life is supposed to need. The use of such a minute classification is impossible in the aver¬ age school, and is contrary to the conclusions Qf the best educational authorities. Fifth — The cost of the material for such a minute classification or subdivision is a serious obstacle to the introduction of such a course of lessons in the large majority of our schools, and any system, of re¬ ligious instruction of real merit should be available for schools of every class and condition. The criticisms directed against the first course of graded lessons was so vigorous and widespread that a second or modified course was prepared which eliminated all extra Biblical matter; but a satisfactory treatment of this course is not available, and our conviction is that it is utterly impracticable to attempt to use seventeen distinct lessons at one time in our schools; and in addition the large cost for a sat¬ isfactory series of lesson helps will make the use of such a system impossible for a great majority of our schools. The principles that underlie gradation are recognized as applicable in proper measure to the course of religious instruction. The Uniform Course of Inter¬ national Lessons conducts the pupil in an orderly manner through the whole Bible, leaving no important areas of God’s revelation un¬ touched. Proper adaptation of the truths of the Uniform Lessons has been found easily possible, and the carefully graded series of lesson helps prepared by trained and scholarly workers in our own Church and published by our Publication Committee, will meet the demands of the most progressive school, and yet be possible of use in the small school with limited equipment and untrained but con¬ secrated workers. We therefore exhort our pastors, Sessions and superintendents to see to it that only the lesson courses and helps provided by our Execu¬ tive Committee of Publication are used in the schools of our Church, feeling assured that the use of these helps will exalt the Bible to its proper place as the one infallible rule of Faith and Duty, and establish and strengthen the faith of our people in the great doc¬ trines of our Church. To the end that the will of the Assembly may be made known to all our people, we earnestly request that this pastoral letter be read by all the pastors to their congregations, and by the superintend¬ ents to their schools at as early a date as possible. 1922, p. 37. We would urge our Committee to closely guard and 538 Sabbath Schools [Book IV supervise all courses of study, books and literature used in Sab¬ bath School Institutes and Conferences, so that the “faith of our fathers” be not disturbed by the introduction of so-called destruct¬ ive modernist views. We would further instruct our Committee not to handle the Shorter Bible. Your Committee would recommend to the churches the use of literature and supplies furnished by our own Committee of Publication and to avoid the use of literature of questionable orthodoxy furnished by houses of which we know little. 1038. Co-operate with other Presbyteries and Reformed Sabbath School agencies 1913, p. 70. The Assembly approved the action of the Execu¬ tive Committee in co-operating with other Presbyterian and Reformed Sabbath School agencies in the United States and Canada in the effort to produce a series of Graded Lessons that will be true in all their parts to the standards of our Church and to a sound philoso¬ phy of education, and adapted to the needs of all our schools, and re¬ corded its appreciation of the aggressive action of our Executive Committee in its effort to protect our schools from false doctrine. * 1039. Salvation of the pupils the primary aim of the Sabbath School 1913, p. 70a. Sessions are encouraged to give earnest heed to the fact that the salvation of the soul of every pupil is the primary aim of the Sabbath School and should engage their chief attention; the purely educational features of the school should be made secondary to its evangelistic purpose; while at the same time these educational features are made as perfect as possible. 1916, p. 44. Unceasing and devoted labor and prayer on the part of the teacher, officer, and pastor for the conversion at the earliest moment of the pupils under their care and guidance. 1917, p. 41. The Presbyterial Reports indicate that in many churches, some of them with large membership, there were no addi¬ tions on profession of faith. Wei believe that the real facts are not revealed by these reports, and the Assembly again enjoins church Sessions to see that the evangelistic purpose of the Sunday School is always emphasized and that full and accurate reports are made annually to the Presbytery as to conversion of pupils and their ad¬ mission to the church. 1040. A Standing Committee on Sabbath Schools in the Assembly — Annual reports, to be made by Presbyteries 1868, p. 269. Resolved, 1, That Presbyteries be enjoined to send up annually special reports on the extent and character of the Sab¬ bath School work within their bounds. 2. That there be added to the Standing Committees of the Gen¬ eral Assembly a Committee on Sabbath Schools. Secs. 1037-1045] Sabbath Schools 539 1041. Presbyterial committees 1870, p. 512. Resolved, That those Presbyteries which have not already done so be directed to appoint executive committees to take the oversight of the Sabbath School work in their bounds. 1880, p. 214. Resolved, That our Presbyteries appoint each a Superintendent of Sabbath Schools, or a Permanent Committee, whose special duty it shall be to promote the Sabbath School work. 1042. Presbyterial and Synodical Superintendents of Sabbath Schools % 1887, p. 241. Each Presbytery is advised to appoint a standing superintendent of Sabbath Schools, whose business it shall be, by correspondence, and, it mlay be by visitation, to ascertain the con¬ dition of the schools, stimulate the diligence of those in charge of them, collect the statistics, and with the assistance of such com¬ mittee as the Presbytery may appoint, prepare the reports for the General Assembly. 1921, p. 74. We respectfully recommend that each Synod con¬ sider earnestly the advisability of securing a Synodical Superintend¬ ent for Sabbath School and Young People’s Work in order to develop in a more intensive way these fundamentally important enterprises within its bounds. See 1922, p. 37. 1043. The Executive Committee of Publication to have general oversight of Sunday School work 1878, p. 651. Your committee recommend tnat the general over¬ sight of all the Sabbath School interests of our Church, and the advancement of the work in all practicable ways, be laid upon the Executive Committee of Publication. 1044. Presbyterial Sabbath School and Publication Committees 1896, p. 609. The Assembly recommended that the Presbyteries combine their Sabbath School and Publication Committees. 1903, p. 504. That the Assembly’s Standing Committees of Pub¬ lication and of Sabbath Schools and Young People’s Societies be consolidated into one committee, to be called the Standing Commit¬ tee of Publication and Sabbath School Work; that the Synods and Presbyteries be requested to make a similar change in the interests of simplicity and effectiveness of organization. 1045. The “ Children’s Friend” 1861, p. 9. On motion of R. Mclnnis, the question of establish¬ ing a Sunday School paper was referred to the Committee on Pub¬ lication. P. 40. Resolved, That the (Executive) Committee be instructed 540 Sabbath Schools [Book IV to publish, as soon as convenient, a suitable Sabbath School paper. 1863, p. 173. The Executive Committee say: “The first copy of the Children’s Friend appeared in August, 1862. It began with a circulation of about 3,000, which has reached 10,000. dhe Com¬ mittee has been unable to procure engravings to embellish its pages.'’ Its circulation rose in 1865 to 12,000, but owing to the state of the country, had fallen to 3,000, when its publication was discontin¬ ued, in consequence of the Committee’s suspending all operations after the burning of Richmond. 1865, p. 374. Resolved, That the Committee be further instructed to recommence, as soon as practicable, and under such arrangements as they may think best, the publication of a newspaper for the use of our children and Sabbath Schools. 1866, p. 65. The publication of the Children’s Friend was re¬ sumed January 1st, 1866, Rev. William Brown, D. D., temporary editor. By November of that year its circulation was 10,500. In July, it was changed from a monthly to a semi-monthly paper, with¬ out any change in price. The Committee had the formal co-opera¬ tion of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday School Society of Rich¬ mond, in the prosecution of this work, which aided much in gain¬ ing a circulation. This arrangement ceased with the expiration of the year. 1872, p. 171. The application of the missionaries in Brazil to have one page or more of the Children’s Friend printed in Portu¬ guese, in a sufficient number of copies to meet the wants of the mission, is referred by the Executive Committee to the General As¬ sembly for its direction. This committee recommended that the Assembly authorize the Executive Committee to comply with this request. Adopted. 1885, p. 416. Overture from Presbytery of Columbia, which asks this General Assembly “to instruct the Executive Committee of Publication to have the Sabbath School lessons printed in the Children’s Friend, as heretofore was the custom.” Answered in the affirmative. This custom was authorized by the Assembly of 1870, in order to facilitate the introduction of the plan of uniform instruction into our Sabbath Schools upon the graded system (p. 534). The use of the International series was authorized in 1875. The pub¬ lication of such lessons in the Children’ s Friend was discontinued after five or six years, but later resumed again at the solicitation of many Presbyteries. 1889; p. 604. The Presbytery of Paris asks this General As¬ sembly to take steps toward providing an illustrated weekly paper for the intermediate classes in our Sunday Schools. We refer this matter to the Executive Committee, that it may re¬ port upon it to the next General Assembly. 1890, p. 82. With reference to this the Executive Committee reported that on investigation they reached the conclusion that the wishes of our patrons, as expressed to us through the action of the General Assembly and in other ways, would best be met by the Secs. 1045-1046] Sabbath Schools 541 issue of four numbers of the Children's Friend each month, instead of two, as has been done hitherto. This would meet the desire of many to have a paper for distribution for each Sabbath day, ex¬ cept when a fifth Sabbath occurs in any month. In attempting to meet the overture referred to above, we had this difficulty: the Children’s Friend, in its contents, hitherto has, in our view, been rather adapted to the intermediate than to any other classes in our Sabbath Schools. It seemed best, therefore, to make, if possible, provision for both primary and intermediate scholars. As it did not seem to us practicable to issue a separate paper, we have con¬ cluded to have one department suited to the primary and one suited to the intermediate scholars. P. 41. The action of the Committee in adapting the Childrens I'riend to the use of the primary and intermediate scholars was approved. 1900, p. 635. It was recommended that a column of The Chil¬ dren’s Friend (published by our Committee of Publication) be de¬ voted to the topics and interests of the Young People’s Societies, and in simpler language than the matter now printed therein ap¬ pears, and so call the attention of a wider circle of our young peo¬ ple to this very important department of Christian labor, to the end of a more abundant fruitage for good. 1901, p. 49. Attention is called to the fact that the Children’s Friend, published by our Committee of Publication, devotes suit¬ able space to the topics and interests of the Young People’s Socie¬ ties, in accordance with the recommendation of the last Assembly. 1902, p. 285. The Assembly decided to omit from The Chil¬ dren’s Friend the Sunday School lessons. They were restored the following year (1903,- p. 466.) 1046. The “ Earnest Worker” 1870, p. 534. Resolved, That the matter of a Sabbath School journal for teachers, be referred to the Committee, the Assembly expressing its approval of the idea of publishing a Sabbath School journal whenever, in the judgment of the Committee, the enterprise can be successfully carried out. The publication of the Earnest Worker in the Sabhctith-school and in the Family was begun in October, 1870, Rev. S. J. Baird, D. D., pre¬ paring the expositions and questions on the lessons. 1871, p. 22. Resolved, That the Earnest Worker be sent, with¬ out charge, for one year to each minister who is engaged regularly in preaching the gospel. 1872, p. 171. Resolved, That the Committee be advised to add a brief abstract of religious news to the columns of the Earnest Worker for the benefit of those whose means do not allow them to take any other religious paper. 1875, p. 43. Since the meeting of the Assembly last a plan of business operations has been unanimously agreed upon in refer- 542 Sabbath Schools [Book IV ence to our own Publishing House and that of the Reformed Church in America. This plan will take effect during the approaching summer, provided the proposed scheme of co-operation, now pend¬ ing before the General Synod of the Reformed Church and our own Assembly, should meet the approval of those bodies. Both churches will have the same Sabbath School paper, and into this new paper the Children’s Friend is to be merged. The Earnest Worker and the Sower and Gospel Fidd are to become one paper, for circula-. tion among both denominations. This scheme carries with it nec¬ essarily the publication of the International series of Sabbath les¬ sons. The Assembly recognizes in the plan of co-operation be¬ tween our Reformed brethren and ourselves, and in the publication of the International series, a happy solution of the difficulties that have surrounded our periodicals for a year or two past. 1876, p. 222. This Assembly learns with gratification that the plan of co-operation, touching the publishing interests, between the Reformed and our own Church, has been in part consummated with mutual advantage; and while recognizing the fact that it takes time to carry out such a plan, the hope is hereby expressed that meas¬ ures will be adopted for its full consummation as soon as possible. The Gospel Sower took the place of the Earnest Worker for the year 1876. This publication was jointly issued by the Board of Publication of the Reformed Church in America and this Committee, under the plan of co-operation adopted by the chief judicatories of the two churches. Its circulation was over 8,000 oopies. But this joint periodical not exactly meeting the wants' of either Church, it was deemed best to discontinue it; and the Earnest Worker was revived on the first of January, 1877. 1877, p. 440. That the Earnest Worker shall hereafter be pub¬ lished monthly, and devoted exclusively to the exposition of Scrip¬ ture lessons and other subjects promotive of Sabbath School work. 1889, p. 604. We commend the determination of the Committee to limit advertisements in its pages to those of our publications, and such as have been approved and recommended by the Executive Committee. P. 638. For The Earnest Worker additional editorial help has been secured, by which we have been enabled to add a Practical and illustrative department to our Lesson Comments, and a Teach¬ er’s department. These departments have been placed in the hands of brethren thoroughly qualified for the work, Rev. W. A. Camp¬ bell, D. D., and Rev. E. C. Gordon, D. D. 1905, p. 51. The Earnest Worker was enlarged from a 32 to a 40 page form, with a promised enlargement at the first of July to a 48 page form. 1916, p. 46. Overture from East Mississippi Presbytery, ask¬ ing the insertion of lessons on Sabbath observance in the yearly lessons : We recommend that this be answered in the negative, but, at the same time, asking our Committee, wherever possible, to call at¬ tention in the various publications to the Sabbath obligations. Secs . 1046-1051] Sabbath Schools 543 1917, p. 41. The Assembly approved the action of the Commit¬ tee in providing space in the Earnest Worker for definite notices concerning the objects of beneficence each month, and directed that a similar course be pursued in the publications that are put in the hands of younger classes, if suitable material is available. 1047. Editor authorized *» 1903, p. 503. The Executive Committee was authorized, as soon as the way be1 clear, to elect an editor to have charge of the editorial department. 1048. Editorial Staff and Secretary commended 1912, p. 39. In our Publication department the amount and character of the work done in the past year is very commendable and reflects great credit upon the editorial staff and the Secretary. 1049. An infant paper 1876, p. 222. Inasmuch as information has been received by the Standing Committee, from the Secretary, that many persons have expressed a desire for the publication of an infants’ paper, this Assembly authorizes the Executive Committee to issue such a paper as soon as a sufficient number of subscribers can be secured to meet the expenses of its publication, and recommends that speci¬ men copies be sent out among the churches and Sunday Schools, to bring it into notice and secure patronage. 1050. Pearls for the Little Ones, and other papers 1893, p. 66. At the beginning of this year the issue of a weekly paper for the smaller children of our Sabbath Schools, Pearls for the Little Ones, was begun. It has been favorably received. (P. 21.) 1895, p. 447. A Primary Quarterly has been added to the list of our Sabbath School papers; also a series of Bible Picture Les¬ sons for the little ones. The total issue per annum; of all the Sab¬ bath School periodicals in 1897 was nearly 4,500,000 copies, yield¬ ing a royalty to the Committee. of more than $4,000. The Assem¬ bly, in 1895, (p. 416), recommended that the annual report should show the circulation of the various publications, such as the Ear¬ nest Worker, Children’s Friend, etc. 1051. Another paper — “Onward” 1885, p. 416. Overture from Presbytery of Eastern Texas, which asks this Assembly to “instruct the Executive Committee of Pub¬ lication to issue another Sabbath School paper, of good quality and low price.” Answered in the negative. 1903, p. 495. An overture from the Presbytery of Upper Mis- 544 Sabbath Schools [Book IV souri asks the Assembly to direct the Committee of Publication to publish a paper for the aid of our young people and larger pupils of our Sabbath Schools. We recommend that the overture be not granted. 1907, p. 40. The Assembly formally expressed its gratification at the consummation of plans for publishing a high-grade paper for young people, and all pastors and Sessions were urged to lib¬ erally patronize this paper. P. 41. It was decided not to make this paper ( Onward ) an organ for the benevolent causes of the church. 1052. Presbyterian Church Newspaper 1908, p. 50. The Assembly declined to undertake the publica¬ tion of such a periodical. 1919, p. 62. From the Presbytery of Greenbrier, asking that the Assembly take such action as may be necessary looking to the publication of a religious newspaper, published daily except Sun¬ day. Realizing the impracticability of such an enterprise, we rec¬ ommend that it be answered in the negative. 1053. Year Book 1906, p. 22. In answer to an overture asking for the publica¬ tion of a year book, it was recommended that it be answered in the affirmative and that the Committee of Publication be instructed to prepare the same. 1907, p. 41. The Assembly . recommended the continuance of the publication of the Year Book, and that the Executive Committee be authorized to place a price upon this publication which shall cover the cost of its publication, and that the Stated Clerk be re¬ quested to furnish the Executive Committee full data concerning all official actions of the General Assembly. 1909, p. 25. Your Committee endorses the recommendation of the Executive Committee to discontinue the publication of the Church Year Book, for the reason that “the Church does not appreciate the value of the book,” and its free distribution is too great a tax upon the resources of the Committee. 1054. Missionary Literature 1910, p. 36. The Committee of Publication was directed to prepare and circulate Missionary literature for Sabbath Schools and Young People’s Societies. 1055. The International Lessons 1873, p. 309. Overture from the Presbytery of Arkansas, ask¬ ing the Committee of Publication to adopt the International text for Sabbath School lessons for 1874. The whole subject was re- Secs. 1051-1055] Sabbath Schools 545 ferred to the Executive Committee of Publication, to act as they think best. 1874, p. 512. In response to overtures from the Synod of Ala¬ bama, and from the Presbyteries of South Alabama and Central Texas, all of the same purport, asking for the incorporation of the text of the “International Lessons,” in the Earnest Worker, and in view of the reference of the same subject to this Assembly, made by the Committee of Publication in their last annual report, w/e recommend the following action: Resolved, That the Assembly respectfully decline the request of the overtures, and direct the Committee of Publication to pursue the course hitherto followed in the selection and exposition of the Sabbath Schools lessons. 1875, p. 64. The Executive Committee report that there has been a great falling off in the circulation of the two papers, caused chiefly by the refusal of the last Assembly to order the Committee to adopt the International course of lessons. When the Assembly and the Reformed Church adopted a plan of joint publications for Sabbath Schools, the latter was using this series in the Gospel Sower and her other papers, and the plan car¬ ried with it the provision that the Assembly would accede to the policy of the Reformed Church, and also adopt this series for her schools. This was agreed to (p. 43). — A. 1899, p. 439. A request was made that the International Lessons be given up, and that a system be prepared suitable to our church. Answered in the negative. 1900, p. 637. In answer to an overture, the Assembly appoints a committee of five, with Rev. E. C. Murray, D. D., as chair¬ man, and including the Secretary of the Assembly’s Committee of Publication, to consider the best methods of securing the end con¬ templated, and, if possible, to submit to the next Assembly for ap¬ proval a comprehensive, progressive and graded system of Bible Study. 1901, p. 50. Three reports were presented, and all were referred to the next Assembly. 1902, p. 276. Two main questions were considered, viz.: First, Is it possible to introduce into our Sabbath Schools a graded sys¬ tem of instruction? Second, Is the present International System of Lessons satisfactory, and shall it be continued? There was but one mind in the ad interim committee respecting the first of these points. All' favored a graded course of instruction. Regarding the second point the majority report advocates the retention of the International Lessons, and sets forth various reasons therefor, but argues for a more strict and extended system of grading, while both minority reports recommend that the Assembly endeavor, by what¬ ever means may be necessary, to have the present International Lessons so changed as to make them a comprehensive, progressive and graded system. It is the judgment of your committee, that while there is a dif- 546 Sabbath Schools [Book IV ference of opinion in the details of the reports, notwithstanding there is substantial agreement on the main questions. 1056. Advanced course 4*.^ ■ * 1903, pp. 495, 542. A memorial from the Executive Commit¬ tee of the Western Section of the Alliances of the Reformed Churches, touching an advanced course of Sabbath School Lessons, was referred to the committee; and carefully considered. The As¬ sembly adopted the plan set forth in the memorial. 1057. Lessons on the Sabbath and on Missions 1907, p. 42. In response to an overture requesting that a spe¬ cial lesson on the Sabbath, similar to the special lessons on Temper¬ ance and Missions, be provided for in the regular course of in¬ struction, the Assembly expressed its sympathy with the objects of this overture, but believed the conditions sought to be remedied by this action desired could be better met by the systematic study of the Word of God than by special lessons devoted to such special topics. 1906, p. 21. The Executive Committee was authorized to sub¬ stitute two special missionary lessons for two of the temperance les¬ sons during the year. 1909, p. 27. Central Mississippi Presbytery asked that as many as twelve supplemental lessons on missions be given annually in our Sabbath School lesson papers. We recommend that it be an¬ swered in the negative, and respectfully refer the Presbytery to the “Supplemental Graded Course,” where may be found a large number of lessons on missions adapted to all the departments of our Sabbath Schools. % 1058. Sunday School Missionary Aims 1914, p. 67. The Executive Committee has been emphasizing the importance of promoting missionary education in the Sabbath Schools, and they have submitted the following “Sunday School Mis- sicnary Aims for 1914”: 1. A missionary superintendent and, committee. 2. Officers and teachers developed in missionary leadership. 3. A missionary impression every Sunday through Bible read¬ ing, prayer, song or formal program. 4. Graded missionary material used in every department. 5. Missionary literature regularly circulated. 6. The school trained in intercession. 7. The school instructed in Christian stewardship and contribut¬ ing systematically to missions. 8. The school engaged in some form of Evangelism and Social Service. Secs. 1055-1061] Sabbath Schools 547 9. The school a recruiting agency for Christian leaders in So¬ cial Service and Missions. 10. The school actively participating in Home and Foreign Mis¬ sionary Campaigns. 1059. Authorized Version in Sabbath School Exercises 1903, p. 503. In answer to an overture asking that the Assem¬ bly direct the Executive Committee of Publication to use the lan¬ guage of the Authorized Version in their selections . of Scriptures for optional forms for Sabbath School exercises, we recommend that the matter be left to the discretion of the Committee. 1904, p. 50. Your Committee, after investigation, believes that there is an error; that a substitute was moved for the recommenda¬ tion, “leaving this matter to the Committee,” to the effect that “the Committee be instructed to use only the Authorized Version in such optional forms,” which substitute prevailed. We recommend that such is the judgment of this Assembly. Adopted. 1060. Catechism and doctrinal questions on the lessons 1894, p. 225. The Executive Committee is requested, in the preparation of the questions and comments on the lessons, to indi¬ cate and enforce more clearly the doctrines of our church, and to incorporate the questions in the Shorter Catechism which are ger- main to the lesson in hand. 1901, p. 20. Overture asking that the General Assembly au¬ thorize the Committee of Publication to return to the old system of completing the Catechism in two years instead of one; your com¬ mittee recommends that this overture be answered in the affirma¬ tive, and that the change asked be ordered. 1061. The Missionary Survey 1911, p. 70g. In view of the loss entailed by the publication of The Missionary and The Home Mission Herald, these maga¬ zines are to be combined into one magazine that will represent not only these causes, but all the causes of the Church, and that it be published by the Committee on Publication. 1912, p. 39. The new Church publication, The Missionary Sur¬ vey, authorized to be published by the last General Assembly, has been successfully launched and is being ably edited by Mr. W. C. Smith, a ruling elder. This splendid new publication is cordially commended to the favor of the people, -and we urge pastors, Ses¬ sions, and the missionary organizations to aid in the effort to place this publication in every home in our Church. 1915, p. 46. We especially recommend the Missionary Survey to our Sabbath Schools as an excellent text-book for missionary in¬ struction, and ask that an* effort be made to increase its subscrip¬ tion through the Sabbath Schools. 548 Sabbath Schools [Book IV 1916, p. 45. We recommend that the Missionary Survey be placed in every home in our Church, and that the pastors make spe¬ cial effort to interest the members of their churches to this end. 1062. Responsive readings in the Sunday School 1893, p. 35. Overture respecting the responsive readings in the exercises for Children’s Day Missionary Festival. Answer 1. These programs of exercises for the observance of Children’s Day are prepared by the Secretaries of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions by direction of the Assembly, though the form thereof is not submitted to the Assembly; and their use is not oblig¬ atory, but is left to the discretion of the Sessions. 2. The New Testament recognizes the simplest form of worship, and this the Presbyterian Church seeks to maintain. Responsive readings in the exercises prepared for our| Sabbath Schools in the Missionary Festival for Children’s Day, and in The Earnest Worker for ordinary use in the school, in which instruction and missionary intelligence are given, as by question and answer, are not unsuited to the purpose, nor, as used in our Sunday Schools,- inconsistent with the spirit of our mode of worship. 1916, p. 71. In answer to the overture from the Presbytery of Concord, touching responsive readings in the opening of the Sab¬ bath Schools, etc.: We recommend that the Assembly sees no danger of introducing ritualism by responsive readings in the Sabbath School. 1063. Contributions of Sabbath Schools for benevolent causes 1871, p. 27. Resolved, That collections be taken up in Sabbath Schools for all the benevolent schemes of the Church, on such days as are ordered by the Synods, to the end that the children may have their minds trained to sustain those great objects of the Church’s ag¬ gressive work. 1872, p. 174. Resolved, That the children of the Sabbath Schools be encouraged to contribute to all the benevolent schemes of the Church, in the order and at the times designated by the General Assembly, i. e., on each alternate month; and that pastors and super¬ intendents be careful to explain to them, at the time, the object to which they are invited to contribute; so that they may be trained to an intelligent giving to these objects of the Church in her aggress¬ ive work. See also 1870, p. 512, and 1877, p. 434. 1884, p. 230. Resolved, That Presbyteries request Sessions, as far as practicable, to presient all the causes of the Assembly to those schools under their care, and that at least one collection for each cause be taken up during the ytear. 1885, p. 408. As very few schools talce up collections for all the objects, as enjoined by last Assembly, and some object to the in- Secs. 1061-1065] Sabbath Schools 549 junction, we recommend that the matter be left to the discretion of Sessions. 1917, p. 41. We note with gratitude the increased interest on the part of our Sunday Schools in the benevolent causes of the Assembly, and we take occasion to further heartily commend our great causes to the full consideration of all our Sunday Schools. 1064. Collections for the Assembly’ s causes in Sunday Schools ♦ 1892, p. 448. The attention of our schools is called to the order of a previous Assembly to the effect that the schools be trained to take up collections for the various causes of benevolence under the care of the Assembly. (See 1888, p. 419, et passim.) 1899, pp. 418, 419. The Assembly declined to require that Sun¬ day School reports be so itemized as to show to what causes they had contributed. 1908, p. 52. The Assembly believes that the children in our Sab¬ bath Schools should be trained in their interest in, and their gifts to, all the benevolent causes of our church, and it therefore in¬ structs the Committee of Publication to add to the present blanks used in making Sabbath School reports, spaces for the other be¬ nevolent causes of our church in addition to those now on the re¬ port, and that pastors and Sabbath School superintendents be urged to train the children in their interest in, and liberality to, these causes. 1912, p. 41. Sabbath Schools are enjoined to contribute to all the benevolent causes commended by the Church Courts. 1065. Sabbath School Extension 1908, p. 52. We recommend that the offering taken in the churches and Sabbath Schools in March and October be desig¬ nated the offering for Sabbath School Extension and Publication, instead of Sabbath School Missions and Publication, as now. 1911, p. 64. That the first Sabbath in October be continued as the day for annual contributions in Sabbath Schools to the Sab¬ bath School Extension Work. That the General Assembly adopt the recommendations of the Assembly’s Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence for this cause, i. e., that $30,000 be raised for Extension Work during this year. 1913, p. 70. The churches and schools of the Assembly are asked to raise as the minimum for the Extension Work of the Publication Committee the sum of $37,500. 1914, p. 67. Your Committee, recognizing the fact that Sabbath School extension means Church extension, and, believing that our Church is not willing to take a backward step with regard to this important cause, would recommend that the churches and Sabbath Schools of our Assembly be asked to raise, as the minimum for the extension work of this Committee, the sum of $37,000.00 for the 550 Sabbath Schools [Book IV years 1913-14 and 1915-16; and we further recommend that the churches be asked to provide, as soon as possible, the sum of $75,- 000.00 per year for the adequate development of this work. 1915, p. 44. The sum of $48,000 was approved by the Assem¬ bly for this cause. 1916, p. 45. The same amount was approved. 1917, p. 41. The amount asked for 1918-19 was $52,800. 1918, p. 45. A summary of the visible results of the fifteen years’ activity of the Sunday School Extension Department of the Com¬ mittee is most encouraging, and should persuade the . Church to make a yet larger investment in this most fruitful field of effort which lies at the very foundation of our growth as a Church or¬ ganization. 1921, p. 74. That the exceedingly great importance of our Young People’s Work be called to the attention of all Synods and Presby¬ teries and local churches, and that they be requested and urged to do everything possible to give the very best training to our young people, that the Church of tomorrow may be stronger and better than the Church of today. 1918, p. 47. We recommend that $75,000.00 be raised during 1919-20 for the work of Sunday School Extension, and that Pres¬ byteries, Church Sessions and Pastors make a sustained effort to educate our people as to the importance of this work and secure from every Church, Sunday School and Society an offering for this cause. 1919, p. 63. The Sunday School as an evangelistic agency is commended to the loyalty, liberality and co-operation of our peo¬ ple, and all churches, Sunday Schools, Women’s Societies and Young People’s Societies are urged to contribute the amount of $80,000, apportioned by the General Assembly to the Publication Committee for Sunday School Extension. 1920, p. 63. Following the action of the Systematic Beneficence Committee, we recomjnend that the quota of Sabbath School Ex¬ tension for 192 1-’22 be $90,000, or 2 per cent, of $4,500,000. 1916, p. 44. Each Presbytery is urged to employ, if practicable, a man who shall devote his entire time to the work of* Sabbath School Extension, where support can be found for such a worker; but where this is not possible, it is suggested that a worker be em¬ ployed who can do the work of an Evangelist and Sunday School Missionary. 1919, p. 62. From the Presbytery of Congaree, to enlarge the Committee on Sunday School Extension so that there may be in each Synod at least one Sunday School expert giving his time to developing our Sunday Schools, etc. Believing that what is asked in this overture is already in the power of the Assembly’s Commit¬ tee to grant, we recommend that it be answered in the negative. 1921, p. 73. From the Presbytery of West Lexington request¬ ing the Assembly to enlarge the force of Sabbath School workers by the addition of some lay workers who shall go among the churches to teach the most effective methods of Sabbath School Work. We Secs. 1065-1066] Sabbath Schools 551 recommend that this request be approved in principle, and call at¬ tention to the fact that our Committee is already making use of many lay workers. 1066. Bible Day 1907, p. 41. The Assembly recommended the universal celebra¬ tion of Bible Day — the first Sabbath in December. 1910, p. 51. The first Sabbath of September was recommended as Bibje Day. 1067. Children’s Day or Sabbath School Day, or Rally Day — First Sabbath in October 1900, p. 633. We recommend that the first Sunday in October of each year be observed by all the Sunday Schools of our church as the day when special effort shall be made to bring all the forces of the individual churches to the support of their schools, and when definite plans shall be presented for reaching the children and young people of the community, who are not in any Sunday School. 1901, p. 49. While the Assembly sanctions a proper observance of Children’s Day, it would respectfully request all churches under its care to avoid, as far as possible, all exercises in which the prom¬ inent feature is mere display, or which, by the introduction of the spectacular, may lead to the desecration of God’s house and His holy day. 1905, p. 53. Special attention is called to Sabbath School Day, the first Sabbath in October, and pastors and churches are urged to make it an occasion with the following ends in view: (a) To bring every member of the Church into vital touch with the Sabbath School, and enlist them in some of its activities. (b) To reach and enroll the children and young people in the vicinity who are not members of any Sabbath School. (c) To plan for better methods of work and a specific endeavor to quicken the spiritual life of the members of the school. (d) To make a generous offering for the support of the Sabbath School mission work of the Assembly. 1912, p. 5. Last Sabbath in September. 1913, p. 39. According to the repeated request of the Executive Committee of Publication and Sabbath School Work, the first Sun¬ day in October is adopted as Sunday School Rally Day. 1918, p. 48. In answer to an overture from, the Presbytery of Paris, asking that Rally Day be changed to the last Sabbath in September, the Assembly answers that the first Sunday in October was established in 1900 as the most suitable date for Rally Day in the schools of our Assembly, and various attemtps to change the date have proven unsatisfactory to our schools and detrimental to the cause of Sunday School Extension. We therefore answer this overture in the negative and direct that the first Sunday in October remain as our Rally Day* date. 552 Sabbath Schools / [Book IV 1608. Union Sunday Schools 1879, p. 59. As many Presbyteries report Union Sabbath Schools in their bounds, and do not give the number of the children of our Church who are in such schools, it is earnestly recommended that the number of such scholars shall be "reported, and that, as soon as possible, schools distinctively Presbyterian shall be organized and such children gathered into them. 1884, p. 230. That Presbyteries urge upon Sessions the impor¬ tance of establishing and maintaining schools under their own care, and where it is not practicable to do this, to encourage their elders and members to unite with other Christians in forming schools for the religious instruction of children and others who may desire to be taught. 1881, p. 380. Resolved, That the Presbyteries earnestly discour¬ age Sessions from co-operating with Union schools, wherever it is at all practicable to have schools of their own. 1069. Sabbath School Institutes and Conventions 1873, p. 323. Resolved, That it be recommended • to the Pres¬ byteries to call Conventions once a year of Sabbath Schools within their bounds, composed of persons appointed by the Sessions from the schools, under such regulations as the Presbytery may deem expedient. 1886, p. 45. Presbyteries are earnestly and affectionately rec¬ ommended to devote one day during the fall or spring meeting of Presbytery, as to them may seem best, for holding a Sunday SchooJ Convention, or Institute, under a program previously prepared by the Presbyterial committee. 1893, p. 50. The Assembly recommends that Sabbath School Conventions be encouraged, and that mission schools be organized wherever the way may be opened. 1896, p. 616. We urge upon Presbyteries to encourage the hold¬ ing of Sabbath School Conferences and Teachers’ Institutes. 1900, p. 633. We recommend that there shall be held in con¬ nection with, or under the direction of the Presbytery, at least one Sunday School Institute each year, in the bounds of every Pres¬ bytery, to which delegates shall be sent from each church and Sab¬ bath School, and that special prominence be given, in such Insti¬ tutes to training teachers for better methods of work, and inspir¬ ing a more intelligent interest in the cause of Systematic Benefi¬ cence commended by our church. 1912, p. 41. Presbyterial and Synodical chairmen of Sabbath Schools and Young People’s Societies are urged to arrange for at least one Sabbath School Institute, each year. 1918, p. 47. That the Presbyterial Committees of Sunday School Sabbath Schools 553 Secs. 1067-1071] work be requested to arrange for Sunday School Institutes and Conferences where our workers may be instructed in modern meth¬ ods of organization and activities, and where possible delegates should be sent to our Summer Conferences at Montreat, N. C., Kerr- ville, Texas, Jackson, Miss., and Lewisburg, W. Va. 1919, p. 63. Presbyteries and Synods are urged to utilize the resources of the Publication Committee and the Department of Sun¬ day Schools and Young People’s Work in the holding of confer¬ ences and institutes for the promotion of efficiency within their bounds. 1920, p. 62. An overture asking that our Committee on Sab¬ bath School Work be requested to arrange to hold, in conjunction with the Presbyterial Committees, at least one Sabbath School In¬ stitute within the bounds of every Presbytery during the coming year. We recommend that this overture be answered in the affirm¬ ative. See also 1922, p. 37. 1070. Vacation Bible School and Organized Adult Bible Class 1913, p. 70. Our pastors and Sessions are urged to study and put to a thorough test the possibilities of the organized Adult Bible Class and of the Vacation Bible School. 1915, p. 44. Presbyteries are urged to push the organization of Adult Bible Classes, in view of the large endeavor being now put forth for the turning of adult life to the study of the Bible. 1071. Teachers' Meetings 1873, p. 323. Resolved, That Presbyteries enjoin upon church Sessions to have in each school regular and stated meetings of super¬ intendents and teachers held, and where practicable, that the pas¬ tors and Sessions meet with them for prayer and conference, in or¬ der that greater efficiency may be secured in the prosecution of this work, and a deeper sense of responsibility awakened in looking to the conversion of the children and youth as the great object of Sabbath School instruction. 1886, p. 45. Presbyteries are recommended to urge upon Ses¬ sions to see that, where practicable, teachers’ meetings are held weekly for the study of the lesson; that teachers’ prayer meetings are held weekly for a short service before the opening of the school, and that the Bible readings accompanying the lessons are used at family worship. Also 1874, p. 512; 1880, p. 214. 1888, p. 418. Your committee recommend that the Pres¬ byteries urge upon the Sessions to see that preparatory weekly meet¬ ings are held; for the study of the Sabbath School lesson, so that the teaching in all our schools shall be conducted, as far as possi¬ ble, by competent persons. Approved. 1893, p. 50. Your committee recommend that teachers’ meet¬ ings for study of the lesson and for conference be held in all our 554 Sabbath Schools [Book IV » schools as far as practicable, believing that greater efficiency and more uniformity in teaching the word of God will be thereby secured. 1072. Memorial to Dr. A. L. Phillips 1915, p. 44. We would record our unfeigned sorrow at the death of our Superintendent, Rev. A. L. Phillips, D. D. In every department of our work his boundless energy, cheerful good sense, and consecrated gifts made themselves felt; and, while his taking away at this juncture seems strange, we can but feel that his works do follow him, and our Sabbath School and Young. People’s Work can never go backward. A fitting tribute of esteem will be spoken by his friends and fellow-laborers, the Rev. F. T. McFaden, D. D., and Mr. R. E. Magill. 1915, p. 42. The Assembly entered upon a memorial service of the late Rev. A. L. Phillips, D. D. Addresses were delivered by Mr. R. E. Magill and Rev. F. T. McFaden, D. D. Short addresses were made by members of the Assembly. The Assembly was then led in prayer by Rev. D. H. Ogden, D. D. 1915, p. 37. We endorse the raising among the Sunday Schools and Young People’s Societies of the Church of an A. L. Phillips Memorial Fund of $50,000 for the purposes of the School, to be raised and administered by the Board of Managers. 1916, p. 46. The Publication Committee is authorized and di¬ rected to continue its co-operation in the effort to raise the A. L. Phillips Memorial Fund for the enlargement of the work of the Assembly’s Training School. 1073. Teacher Training 1916, p. 45. In view of the importance of thoroughly trained teachers, the Assembly urges the organization of Teacher Train¬ ing Classes wherever possible and the enrollment of individuals in the Correspondence Course in Teacher Training offered by the Pub¬ lication Committee. The use of our own Teacher Training text¬ books is urged on all our workers. 1917, p. 41. We hail with pleasure the new course in Teacher’s Training now offered by the Publication Committee. The compre¬ hensive course of instruction it offers will prepare graduates for greater efficiency in the work of teaching, and the study of the new course is strongly urged upon the workers in our Sunday Schools. 1918, p. 47. That our teachers and officers may become more ef¬ ficient, they are urged to take the training provided in the new Teacher Training Course, “Trained Workers,” and where study classes cannot be organized, individual workers should take the cor¬ respondence course provided by our Committee. 1919, p. 63. The new Teacher Training Course, “Trained Work¬ ers,” is commended to all our Sunday Schools as a valuable and helpful study and reading course, and that they be urged to form Secs. 1071-1078] Sabbath Schools 555 classes for the training of officers and teachers without delay where this has not already been done. 1075. Libraries 1864, p. 265. Resolved, That the Executive Committee be in¬ structed to make early preparation for supplying our Sabbath School libraries with suitable books for children, and thus to meet a want which begins already to be felt. 1076. Circulating libraries 1900, p. 609. The Standing Committee of Publication reported recommending that the Assembly answer in the negative an over¬ ture asking the institution of circulating[ libraries. 1901, p. 20. The question of establishing a circulating library for the use of our ministers was referred to the Executive Committee. 1906, p. 20. The attention of the weaker churches was called to the circulating libraries, which enable all to secure good reading at small cost. 1077. The Hymn Books 1861, p. 31. In response to an overture a committee of five was appointed to revise and prepare for the use of our church a suit¬ able Hymn Book, and report the same to the next Assembly. This book was published in 1866. In 1869 a movement was started to publish a Hymn and Tune Book. (For details see Alexander’s Digest, 1910, p. 373.) In 1882 the Assembly authorized the placing of our imprimatur on Dr. Robinson’s Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs. In 1898 the Executive Committee of Publication was directed to purchase from Dr. R. P. Kerr the copyright and plates of the Hymns of the Ages. In 1898 it was decided to prepare a new Psalms and Hymns. 0 1078. Supplement to Hymn Book 1911, p. 65. In answer to the overture from East Hanover Pres¬ bytery on a new edition of the Psalms and Hymns, the committee recommends that this be answered in the negative, and that the supplement of 32 pages be granted. That the Committee of Pub¬ lication be instructed to publish this. 1913, p. 70a. Overture from the Presbytery of North Alabama, asking that a committee be appointed by the Assembly to revise the tunes in the Assembly Hymn Book. Your Committee recommends that the attention of this Presbytery be called to the fact that pro¬ vision has already been made for changes of tunes along the lines suggested by this overture. See Minutes of General Assembly, 1911. 1917, p. 43. In answer to Overture from the Presbyterian Min¬ isters’ Association of Atlanta, touching the issue of a new hymn 556 Sabbath Schools [Book IV book, the following answer was adopted: That the entire question of the issuance of a new hymn book be left to the judgment of the Executive Committee of Publication. 1079. Sunday School Hymn Books In 1870 the preparation of a, Sunday School Hymn Book was proposed. From time to time the following books have been issued by our Committee: The Voice of Praise (1872), Songs of the Covenant (1892), Standard Songs (1907), Assembly Songs (1911), Life and Service Hymns (1918). 1916, p. 45. The request of the Committee for authority to com¬ pile and issue a new book on the same general line that was followed in Assembly Songs was granted, also the request for syndication with one of the Presbyterian or Reformed Churches on one of their Stand¬ ard Hymn Books for Church Service. 1080. Book of Prayers 1911, p. 32. In response to the suggestion of the Permanent Com¬ mittee on Sabbath and Family Religion that the Publication Commit¬ tee be directed to publish a book containing short prayers for each day of the year, we recommend: 1. That a small and popular priced volume containing sugges¬ tions for short forms of prayers for family worship, be published by the Publication Committee as soon as material can be assembled. 2. We call the attention of pastors, Sessions, and the Church at large to the helpful suggestions now being published by the Pub¬ lication Committee in the Home Department Quarterly, designed to stimulate systematic study of the Bible, and to promote family wor¬ ship through the use of short forms of prayers printed for each day of the month. 3. We recommend that our pastors and Sessions commend to all families not now observing family worship the use of the helps offered in the Home Department Quarterly, and that the Publica¬ tion Committee be requested to incorporate similar helps in the Ear¬ nest Worker. 1081. Pastors should preach to the children 1871, p. 27. Resolved, That all the Presbyteries be enjoined to urge greater fidelity upon the part of pastors in preaching to the children of their respective charges. 1893, p. 50. The Assembly was asked to interpret the meaning of the question in the Assembly’s Form of Sessional Report: “Does vour pastor preach regularly to the children of the Sabbath School?” Answer: The question seems simply to mean what it says, viz.: “Does your pastor preach sermons specially adapted to the chil¬ dren at regularly recurring periods?” 1897, p. 57. The Assembly recommends that Sessions and par- Secs. 1078-1084] Sabbath Schools 557 ents be urged to see that the children of the church attend regularly upon the preaching of the word and other services of the sanctuary, and that pastors preach specially to the children. 1082. The Pastor in the Sabbath School 1901, p. 49. The pastor has an ex officio primacy as teacher of the Sabbath School, and should be recognized and honored as such by the whole school. But as the superintendent is principally charged with ruling and not with teaching the school, the pastor is not ex officio superintendent, but exercises just authority over the school as a member of the Session. 1083. Mission schools 1868, p. 269. Resolved, That our Presbyteries be enjoined to see that mission schools, under the care of churches, be established in all cases when it is practicable. Repeated, 1871 (p. 27). • 1912, p. 40. Each Session is urged to establish as many Mission Sunday Schools as possible and make earnest efforts to raise their apportionments for the Assembly’s work of Sunday School Extension. 1916, p. 44. The sustaining of mission schools in the vicinity of our churches, to reach those who are deprived for any reason of the advantages of the regular Church schools. 1918, p. 47. Our churches are urged to establish outpost Mission Sunday Schools, using members who need definite duties to develop their Christian life and thus meet the duty of giving the gospel to neglected people at our very doors. 1084. Sensational methods and literature 1875, p. 42. We note with pleasure the reaction setting in against the false theories and methods so prevalent in Sunday School work; and we would record our solemn testimony against all that is purely sentimental, sensational, or formalistic, as well in the music and liter¬ ature, as in those devices which are invented merely to popularize the Sunday School work. The child, once intoxicated with these things, will, in maturer life need to drink yet deeper draughts at the same fountain. We are firmly of the opinion that fidelity and concentra¬ tion on the part of pastors and Sessions will, in the end, secure a far higher success than can be hoped for by the most enthusiastic use of mixed methods and unconsecrated appliances. 1882, p. 550. We recommend the adoption and use of the Earnest Worker, Children’s Friend, and Lesson Quarterly in all our Sunday Schools and families, in preference to those cheap un¬ authorized and unreliable Sunday School publications which are so often and so persistently thrust upon us. 1880, p. 215. Presbyteries should instruct Sessions to use our own Standards and literature, and thus shut out so-called helps 558 Sabbath Schools [Book IV whose doctrines are often false, and for which no one is responsible. See also 1884, p. 230; 1888, p. 418; 1895, p. 419; 1904, p. 48. In answer to overtures in regard to the publication of Easter cards, the Assembly disapproved the use of Easter cards and like literature in our Sunday Schools. 1917, p. 40. The Assembly again enjoins the Sessions and pas¬ tors to supervise very carefully the periodicals used in their Sabbath Schools, and to see that they do not place in the hands of our young people story papers of a colorless or doubtful character. 1085. Social and religious activities for Sunday School pupils 1916, p. 45. The introduction of social, recreational, and spirit¬ ual activities into the week-day life of the organized classes; also a studied and persistent and prayerful effort to turn the pupils of the Sabbath School into the services and activities of the Church. 1086. Christmas and Easter Lessons not approved 1913, p. 70a. Overture from the Presbytery of North Mississippi, asking that the Committee of Publication and Sabbath School Work be instructed not to publish Christmas and Easter Lessons, but in their place the regular International Lessons. Your Committee recommends that the attention of the Editor-in-Chief of our Sabbath School publications be called to the action of the Assemblies of 1899 and 1903, which already give the instruction requested by the over¬ ture. 1916, p. 44. We discourage in every respect the growing tendency of celebrating special days in the Sabbath School other than those recommended by the Assembly. 1921, p. 73-. We recommend that the question of religious exer¬ cises for Easter Sabbath in general be referred to each Session. 1087. Scholars should use their Bibles 1886, p. 46. The Assembly would suggest that superintendents and teachers shall insist upon the scholars using their Bibles in the preparation of the lesson, and bringing them to the class. (See 1884, p. 230.) 1889, p. 603. While recognizing the necessity and the value of helps in the study of the Sabbath School lessons, the Assembly would at the same time urge the use of the Bible itself in the teaching of the lessons. Your committee feel it their duty to ask the Assembly to use all its influence and power to induce our teachers .and scholars to take their Bibles with them to the Sabbath Schools and the house of God, and to study the blessed word with the Book in their hands, as the Book of God in its entirety, and not in fragments and scraps, or by any substitute. Adopted. 1893, p. 50. We recommend that each scholar who can read be furnished with a copy of the Bible, to be used in the class during the recitations. Secs. 1084-1090] Sabbath Schools 559 1088. Bibles for Children who repeat the Shorter Catechism 1891, p. 251. We approve the action of the Executive Committee to induce the children to commit the Shorter Catechism, by promis¬ ing as a reward a Bible to every child who will repeat perfectly, from memory, the whole Shorter Catechism. 1892, p. 444. The Executive Committee was instructed to give a Bible, or some suitable book on Presbyterian history, to every child who shall commit to memory and recite perfectly the Shorter Cate¬ chism, and a New Testament, or some suitable book on Presbyterian history, to every child who shall commit to memory and recite per¬ fectly the Introduction to the Shorter Catechism. 1908, p. 51. Concerning the supplying of those schools desiring the American Revision of the Bible and Testaments as rewards for memorizing the Catechism, we recommend that it be answered in the affirmative. 1089. What should be embodied in a Sabbath School report 1869, p. 379. The items to be reported are recommended to be the number of schools, teachers, scholars, the amount of contributions and for what purpose, the number added to the Church from the Sabbath Schools, and their plans of working. 1871, p. 27. Resolved, That the following questions be added to the blanks furnished churches and Presbyteries to make their reports, for the purpose of gathering more information about the management and conduct of the schools: • (a) Is your school under the supervision and control of the pastor and Session? (b) Do your pastor and elders attend upon the services of the Sabbath School? and does your pastor preach regularly to the chil¬ dren of the Sabbath School? (c) Are the Confession of Faith, Catechism and Form of Church Government, taught in every school? (d) Are the Children’s Friend and Earnest Worker taken in all your schools? 1887, p. 242. Question ( b ) was so changed as to read: “Does your pastor preach frequently to the children ?” 1090. Blanks for Sunday School statistics 1896, p. 590. The Assembly ordered a change in the blank in use by adopting a form suggested by the Presbytery of Nashville, which form is referred to, but its nature and scope not given in the Minutes. 1897, p. 25. The Assembly ordered the Committee of Publica¬ tion to correct a discrepancy between the Sabbath School blank and that used in the statistical reports. The Presbytery of Nashville asked for a column in this blank for “Number of copies of Sunday School literature taken.” Declined, because the form adopted last 560 Sabbath Schools [Book IV year already has twenty-three columns for statistics and fifteen printed questions, which is sufficient for the present. P. 26. The Presbytery of Winchester asked for a careful revision of all blanks. In response, a revision was made, which recommended as to Sabbath School reports that they shall embrace: (a), Number of schools; ( b ), Number on roll — officers and teachers, scholars; ( c ), Average attendance — officers and teachers, scholars; ( d ), Scholars admitted to communion; ( e ), Contributions of the school; for your own school; other objects. Questions 1. Is your school under the supervision of the Session, and do its members attend and take part in the services? 2. Do the scholars generally attend public worship? 3. Are the Standards of our church taught? 4. Do the scholars memorize the Scriptures and the Catechisms ? 5. Are the publications of our church used in your school, and to what extent? 6. Has there been any special religious interest during the year? 7. Have you teachers’ meetings? The Assembly ordered that this blank should supersede all for¬ merly in use. 1904, p. 49. Your Committee recommends, 1. That in view of the defects, inaccuracies and omissions in both the reports on Sab¬ bath Schools and Young People’s Societies, rendering it impossible to submit to your body a fair report, the Clerks of Presbyteries be urged to secure uniform blanks furnished by the Executive Commit¬ tee, and that the General Superintendent be instructed to reduce to as few a number as possible the questions on said blanks. 1915, p. 45. Overture from the Presbytery of Atlanta, asking for an additional column in the Sabbath School report blanks for “Mis¬ cellaneous” benevolences. We recommend that the same be answered in the affirmative. 1916, p. 44. In the Presbyterial Statistical Report of the Sab¬ bath School the column now marked “Other than Benevolences” is to be consolidated with the one beaded “Miscellaneous.” 1917, p. 41. Some Stated Clerks have failed to fill out the ques¬ tionnaire on the reverse side of the statistical table. We therefore urge that the attention of all Clerks be called to the importance of this matter, and that they be urged to answer all questions in full. 1091. The Assembly to devote an ei’ening to the Sunday School cause 1885, p. 408. Resolved, That the Assembly be requested to take special order to devote one night of this session to this important work, and henceforth put it on a level in this respect with the other great enterprises of the Church. Secs. 1090-1094] Sabbath Schools 561 1092. Adult scholars to be reported 1880, p. 215. Overture that inasmuch as there are in our Sun¬ day Schools many adult scholars, that the word “scholars” be sub¬ stituted for “children” in the column of statistics headed “No. of children in Sunday Schools and Bible classes.” Granted. 1093. Sunday Schools for colored people 1873, p. 323. Resolved, That Presbyteries be recommended to have established, under the direct supervision of the churches, Sun¬ day Schools for the colored population; in all instances to be con¬ ducted by superintendents appointed by the Session. See 1874, p. 512; 1877, p. 434. 1876, p. 237. It is required that separate reports of all such schools be sent up for information to the General Assembly. 1094. General Superintendent of Sunday Schools 1891, p. 246. In answer to an overture the Assembly decided that, on account of the expense, the way was not clear at present for the employment of a Superintendent of Sunday Schools. 1892, p. 476. The same action was taken. 1894, p. 225. An ad interim committee was appointed to con¬ sider the matter and report to the next Assembly. 1895, p. 419. The report of this committee was considered by the Standing Committee on Sabbath Schools. It called attention to the fact that 900 churches have made no Sunday School report, and that there are 3,000,000 white children and young people in the territory of our Assembly not in any Protestant Sabbath School, that aggressive missionary work on the part of our Sabbath Schools is confined to a comparatively small number of churches and a few of the Presbyteries, and that our Sabbath Schools as a missionary agency should be stimulated. On the recommendation of the Standing Committee, the Assembly overtured the Presbyteries to express themselves as to whether in their judgment the time has not arrived for the Assembly to employ a General Secretary of Sabbath Schools. 1896, p. 589. A majority of the Presbyteries voted against hav¬ ing a Sunday School Secretary. It was ordered that the Committee of Publication be directed to employ a suitable man who shall devote his whole time to the pushing and development of the Sunday School and colportage work, especially as a missionary agency. P. 604. It is ordered that the Executive Committee of Publica¬ tion be directed to provide for the salary of the Special Superinten¬ dent of Sabbath Schools and Colportage; and to aid in his support the Committee is authorized to appoint a rally day, and ask a col¬ lection in our Sabbath Schools each year. 1897, p. 25. On the subject of a Superintendent of Sabbath 562 Sabbath Schools [Book IV Schools, in view of statements in the report of the Executive Com¬ mittee, it was resolved that no action be had at present. TTie statements alluded do recite the efforts of the committee to se¬ cure a suitable man, and, their failure; the failure of the churches to respond financially on the rally day, which was in October; and the expressed disapprobation of many of the Presbyteries of the appoint¬ ment of such an official. — A. t 1900, p. 633. We recommend that the matter of employing a man who shall devote his entire time to the development of our Sunday School, Young People’s Society and colportage work, the salary and expenses of this office to be paid from the Sunday School Day col¬ lections, be submitted to the Presbyteries for approval at Fall Meet¬ ing, and if a majority of the Presbyteries approve of the institution of said office, the Committee of Publication be, and is hereby, au¬ thorized to place such a man in the field, provided sufficient funds are raised by the Sunday Schools and Young People’s Societies to meet expenses of such office. See also 1901, p. 47. 1902, pp. 276, 277. It was reported to the Assembly that Rev. A. L. Phillips, D. D., had been chosen Superintendent. The choice was approved by the Assembly. 1903, p. 479. It was decided not to combine the office of Secre¬ tary of Publication with that of General Superintendent of Sabbath Schools and Young People’s Societies. 1903, p. 495. An overture asking that the Young People’s work be taken from the General Superintendent and left to the individual churches. Answered in the negative. 1904, p. 49. The work of the year, as outlined by the General Superintendent in his report, contemplates several features — 1st. Organization of Synodical and Presbyterial Committees. 2nd. Education, by means of correspondence; the religious publi¬ cations; Sabbath School Institutes, etc. 3d. District Organization. The territory is divided into three districts, with a District Superintendent over each district. Twenty- one field workers have been employed, some for all their time, others for the summer months only. 1905, p. 52. Under the able leadership of our General Superin¬ tendent of Sabbath Schools, this work has been positive and ag¬ gressive. Following the policy outlined to the Assembly in 1904 and approved by that body, the energies of the work have been devoted to the perfection of Presbyterial, Synodical and District organization, and in conducting an educational plan looking to an improvement in the quality of work done by our Sabbath Schools. In this connection we would call attention to the splendid service rendered by Revs. Wm. Megginson and A. O. Browne, District Superintendents of Sabbath School Work for Districts No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. One hundred and seventy-six Institutes have been held by the superintendents. Teacher training has been emphasized, so that 47 Secs. 1094-1095] Sabbath Schools 563 classes in 12 Synods have been organized, with an enrollment cf 651 teachers. We would commend this as a work of vital importance. 1916, p. 47. We desire to express our great gratification at the appointment of Rev. Gilbert Glass, D. D., to undertake the super in¬ tendency of Sabbath Schools and Young People’s Work, left vacant by the death of our beloved Dr. Phillips. 1920, p. 63. In view of the importance of the work, we are con¬ vinced that the Superintendents of the Sabbath School Department and the Editorial Department should be elected by the Assembly, and for a term of three years, rather than by the Executive Committee annually. We therefore recommend that the Executive Committee of Publication and Sabbath School Work be instructed to nominate to the Assembly of 1921 men for these offices, to be elected for a term of three years. 1095. Sunday School Policy 1905, p. 54. We recommend the adoption for the ensuing year of the policy outlined by the General Superintendent of Sabbath Schools and Young People’s Societies, which policy is as follows: (1) The development of the district work as rapidly as the funds in hand permit. (2) Vigorous effort to organize Teacher Training Classes in every school. (3) Systematic effort to develop the missionary interest of the young throughout the Sunday School. (4) The universal celebration of Sabbath School Day, first Sun¬ day in October, with large collections for Sabbath School missions. (5) Special effort to enlarge our schools by the organization of Cradle Rolls, Home Departments and Young Men’s and Young Women’s Bible Classes during the month of October, 1905; and special effort under the direction of the superintendents and pastors in connection with each communion season, to bring pupils to a sav¬ ing knowledge of Jesus Christ. (6) Assembly’s plans for Young People’s Societies again com¬ mended to the churches. (7) The more effective organization of Synodical and Presby- terial Committees. 1906, p. 22. In order to give definiteness to the departments of Sabbath School work for the year, the following policy is recom¬ mended for adoption: (a) The development of the organization as now planned; (b) the vigorous prosecution of the work of teacher training; (c) the introduction of our graded supplemental lessons into every school; ( d ) the organization of a missionary department in every school; (e) the planting of Sabbath Schools in all spiritually destitute regions; (/) the making of an adequate effort to organize the Covenanters, the Miriams and the Presbyterian Brotherhood in every church; ( g ) special efforts on the part of the Executive Committee, pastors and superintendents to provide liberally for the support of Sabbath 564 Sabbath Schools [Book IV School missions; ( h ) the constant use of all biblical methods of bringing our children and youth into captivity to Christ. 1907, p. 40. We recommend the approval of the following policy for our Sunday School work as submitted by the Executive Com¬ mittee : ( 1 ) A Sunday School in each church open twelve months in the year. (2) The vigorous development of the organization and work of the Presbyterial Committees. (3) The establishment of a Teacher Training Class in every Sunday School. (4) The introduction of Graded Supplemental Lessons into every Sunday School. (5) The development of the missionary spirit and activity of every Sunday School by the organization of a Missionary Depart¬ ment. (6) The extension of Sunday Schools into every available spirit¬ ually destitute neighborhood within our bounds. (7) The universal celebration of Bible Day the first Sabbath in December, and the holding of Institutes and Conferences in the interests of Bible and Christian literature extension. (8) Adequate effort on the part of all concerned to increase the offerings from the Sunday Schools and churches for a large exten¬ sion of the work of Sabbath School Missions. (9) The wise use of communion seasons for bringing the children and youth of the churches to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. 1910, p. 36. That the following policy be emphasized by the Sabbath School Department for the following year, and approved: 1. Organization; 2. Home Department; 3. Organized Adult Bible Classes; 4. Missions; 5. Teacher Training; 6. Extension; 7. Young People’s Societies. 1912, p. 41. Each Presbytery is as soon as possible to place a Sunday School Missionary within its bounds to do general Sunday School work and Young People’s Society work. 1916, p. 45. Attention without endorsing is again called to the ' plan of so organizing and directing the different departments of the Sabbath School that they will perform all the functions of the Young People’s Society. 1096. Expenses of Sabbath School should be provided by the Church 1916, p. 44. The churches should seek to provide for the cur¬ rent expenses of the Sabbath Schools, in order that the offering may go to the benevolent causes of the Church, thus educating the chil¬ dren in the causes of the Church and training them in the principle of giving. 1097. Community Surveys for Sunday School 1916, p. 44. All schools are urged to make Community Surveys, Secs. 1097-1099] Sabbath Schools 565 for the purpose of ascertaining those not connected with a Sunday School, this to be followed by definite individual effort to secure such persons. 1098. Activities of Church and Sunday School to be taught in Schools and Colleges 1916, p. 45. The movement initiated by our Committee to have courses of study concerning the activities of the Church and Sunday School introduced in the schools and colleges of the South gives promise of sending back to their homes leaders who will be helpful factors in making more efficient the work of their home churches; therefore, the Assembly commends to all our Church schools the introduction of the courses of study now available and in course of preparation. 1920, p. 63. Recognizing the urgent need of trained leadership in the Sabbath School and Young People’s Work of our local 'Churches, and in consideration of the fact that many of our promis¬ ing young people are receiving their education in colleges under the control and support of the Church, we recommend to our Church schools and colleges a careful study of the advisability of their includ¬ ing courses in religious education in their curricula. These courses to include studies in Child Study, Religious Pedagogy, Bible Study, and Organization and Methods in Sabbath School and Young People’s Work. 1099. u Sunday School” Assembly 1919, p. 63. The next General Assembly is to be recognized as a “Sunday School Assembly,” and the Publication Committee is directed to take such steps as may be necessary to carry out this idea and emphasize the importance of the Sunday School as a teaching and evangelizing agency of the Church. 1920, 14. This having been appointed to be “A Sunday School Assembly,” Secretary R. E. Magill presented a program for popular meetings for the Assembly. The report was adopted, and is as follows : SPECIAL MEETINGS Thursday, May 20, 8.00 P. M. — Subject — “The Task of the Church in Religious Education.” Speakers — Rev. Gilbert Glass, D. D., Rev. W. L. Lingle, D. D. Friday, May 21, 8.00 P. M — Subject — “The Sabbath School Extension Task of Our Church.” Illustrated by stereopticon views. Speakers — R. E. Magill and Rev. W. E. Hudson. Saturday, May 22, 8.00 P. M. — Subject — “Endowment Fund for Ministerial Relief.” Program in charge of Henry H. Sweets, D. D., Secretary. 566 Young People's Societies [Book IV Monday, May 24, 11.00 A. M. — Address — On Evangelism. Speaker — Rev. John McNeill, D. D., Birmingham, Ala. Tuesday, May 25, 8.00 P. M. — Subject — “Assembly’s Home Missions.” Program in charge of S. L. Morris, D. D., Secretary. Wednesday, May 26, 8.00 P. M. — Subject — “Foreign Missions.” Program in charge of Egbert W. Smith, D. D., Secretary. III. YOUNG PEOPLE’S SOCIETIES 1100. Formation of Young People’s Societies — Westminster League 1892, p. 435. (1), The Assembly would encourage the formation of such societies by our church Sessions and under their immediate care (Rules of Discipline, Chap. II., Sec. 11., Par. 147), and advise that Sessions have a wise oversight of the literature read by them; (2), In view of the importance of wise and carefully considered action in this matter, the Assembly appoints an ad interim commit¬ tee to consider the whole matter contained in these overtures, and to report to the next Assembly. 1893, p. 16. This committee made a report which was referred to a committee of five. P. 34. This committee submitted majority and minority reports. P. 46. On the consideration of these reports, the following action was taken. Resolved, That the report of the ad interim Committee on Young People’s Societies be published in the Appendix to the Minutes of the Assembly, and that the majority and minority reports of the special committee of this Assembly be referred to a special committee of five, to report to the next General Assembly. The report of the ad interim committee may be found in the Sup¬ plement to Alexander’s Digest, pp. 1071 1894, pp. 186, 191, 238. The report of the special committee (ad interim ) was finally adopted. 1895, pp. 42 Iff. A Form of Government for such Societies was adopted. 1896, p. 574. In answer to an overture asking -that provision be made for annual reports from the churches of the work and con¬ dition of Westminster Leagues, or Young People’s Societies, and that the Executive Committee of Publication be instructed to pre¬ pare and send to the Presbyteries suitable blanks for this purpose, it was ordered that the overture be granted, and the Assembly’s Executive Committee of Publication be directed to prepare a blank for the purpose indicated, to be sent to the Stated Clerks of Presby¬ teries. P. 609. Answer to an overture asking the Assembly to direct the Executive Committee of Publication to have prepared for the Sec. 1099] Young People’s Societies 567 use of the Westminster Leagues, or Young People’s Societies of our church, a series of topics for study, with such suggestions as may add to their usefulness, and to furnish them at such a cost as will secure for them general circulation. Ordered that the Assembly give the direction requested. 1897, p. 53. Resolved, 1, That hereafter a committee, to be known as Standing Committee on, Sabbath Schools and on West¬ minster Leagues, be appointed as one of the Standing Committees of the Assembly, to which committee shall be referred all papers concerning Sunday Schools, Young People’s Societies and West¬ minster Leagues. 2, That the Assembly’s Executive Committee of Publication be instructed to prepare, or have prepared, blank forms of reports for Westminster Leagues, from Session to Presbytery, and from Presby¬ tery to Assembly. P. 57. Your committeee would recommend that a change be made in Section II. of the Constitution of the Westminster League, which is as follows: “2. While the Assembly does not forbid affilia¬ tion for certain purposes between societies of our churches and those of other evangelical bodies, yet it enjoins upon Sessions to maintain a careful oversight of the nature and influence of such association, and, in the exercise of their discretion, to guard their young people against influences and teachings which are inconsistent with the principles of our own church. The Assembly would utter a special warning against the danger to which young and inexperienced per¬ sons are exposed from attendance upon large and promiscuous con¬ ventions which are not under ecclesiastical control.” The language is vague and indefinite. It is recommended that the entire Section be stricken out, and that the remaining Sections be numbered 2, 3, 4 and 5, so as to make the Constitution consistent with itself. Adopted. A dissent to this last action, signed by Francis R. Beattie and twenty-one others, was admitted to record. 1898, p. 239. 1. We recommend to our Sessions and ministers the importance of giving to our young people encouragement and help in the organization of societies calculated to train and develop them in every good work; and in all cases where societies have been organized antagonistic or in any way unfriendly to our system of doctrine or government, we recommend, not the destruction of such organizations, but an earnest effort to bring them into active sympa¬ thy with the true spirit of Presbyterianism. 2. The Presbytery .of Arkansas having overtured the Assembly to instruct the Executive Committee of Publication to enlarge the Con¬ stitution and By-laws of the Westminster League so that a congre¬ gation of young people can be organized thereby with all the com¬ mittees and officers necessary to an active and efficient society, as the present Constitution is regarded as wholly inadequate, we recom¬ mend the following reply: The Assembly does not deem it wise to make any change in the form of government of the Westminster League 568 Young People’s Societies [Book IV 1101. Change in Form of Government of Westminster League 1902, p. 278. The following amendment to the Form of Gov¬ ernment of the Westminster League was adopted: “The addition to the end of Art. II. of the following: ‘Such as the study of the Bible; of prayer; of the religious uses of money; of missions; of personal religious work; the singing of sacred songs; the visitations of strangers and sick people; bringing new pupils to the Sabbath School; the distribution of wholesome literature.’ “Let Art. III. be amended so as to include the following items: “ ‘Divide the members into two branches, one for males and one for females, holding their meetings separate, except as hereinafter provided.” “Let it adopt the ‘Covenanters’ as the name of its male branch. Let each company be sub-divided into bands, that each band may have a special work, and each individual may be reached. “Let the General Superintendent select a name for the female branch of which a chapter may be formed in each congregation. Let the chapter be divided into circles for special and individual work. “Let there be joint meetings of these branches on the 4th of December (our denomination’s birthday), and on the . of June (six months after, and just before vacation), at which there may be special features in addition to reports presented, through the secretary of the joint meeting, concerning work done by each branch, #ith a suitable brief address.” That the Committee of Publication prepare blanks for the Young People’s Societies, separate and distinct from all other societies, em¬ bracing all subjects approved and recommended by the Assembly. That the Synods and Presbyteries make suitable provision for holding conventions of young people where denominational fellow¬ ship and loyalty may be developed by our own ministers and other proper persons. That the Committee of Publication be directed to provide for sale, abundant literature for every phase of the young people’s work. 1906, p. 23. It was resolved (a) That for all societies composed of both sexes and whose purpose is the cultivation of efficiency in Christian service the churches continue to use the name “Westmins¬ ter League;” that where Sessions prefer to keep the sexes separate, societies for boys under sixteen years of age be called “Covenanter Companies,” and societies for girls and young women be called “Miriam Chapters.” (b) That reports from Sessions on Young People’s Societies em¬ brace “Westminster League,”. Covenanters, Miriams and Presbyte¬ rian Brotherhoods, in separate items. ( c ) That the Executive Committee of Publication be authorized to revise the Constitution and By-laws of the Westminster League so as to meet the present requirements of young people’s work, keep¬ ing in view the principles governing such work hitherto adopted. (d) That the Executive Committee of Publication be directed to prosecute the young people’s work with the utmost vigor. Secs. 1101-1103] Young People's Societies 569 1102. Young People's Societies on denominational lines 1908, p. 50. Overture calling for the organization of our “Young People’s Societies on denominational lines, that their activity may be guided into channels most helpful to the church.” We would answer the overture in the affirmative, and again call attention to the former action of the Assemblies of 1894, 1895 and 1906, announcing the principles, and suggesting methods of work for such societies. We would further urge the Sessions of churches to use fully the ex¬ cellent resources of the Young People’s department of the Executive Committee of Publication, to organize and nurture their young people in Westminster Leagues and Christian Endeavor Societies, organized along Presbyterian lines, for both sexes, in Covenanter Companies for boys only, and in Miriam Chapters for girls only, and in Brother¬ hoods for men. 1103. Importance of Young People's Societies 1911, p. 66. 1. We note with regret the difficulty the committee has had in securing information for making up its report of Young People’s Societies and Brotherhoods. These interests are vital to our Church. . Therefore, we urge upon our pastors and Sessions to furnish this information with greater fullness in Sessional Reports. 2. Recognizing the importance of Young People’s Organizations in the development of the spiritual life and strengthening the agencies of the Church for service, we would recommend to our pastors and Sessions their organization wherever and in whatever form they may find practicable. 1912, p. 39. We regretfully call the attention of the General Assembly to the large number of Presbyteries and Synods that have no definite progressive plans for advancing the Sabbath School and Young People’s Work during the interim of the meetings of these courts. This lack of efficiency seems to be due to three causes, to-wit: Short time of service by the chairman, which is often caused by removals; failure to understand what may be done through effective organization; and lack of a definite plan or program. There is a lack of organized Adult Bible Classes in our Sabbath Schools which is a serious defect, and the committee urges that the attention of the Assembly be called to this fact with a hope that conditions may be bettered. 1912, p. 41. Sessions should review carefully the whole work among young people in order to organize them for training for efficient service. Synods and Presbyteries are requested to give particular attention to the selection and work of their committees on Sunday Schools and Young People’s Societies, in order to secure better organization and larger fruits. 1912, p. .41. The work of organizing Young People’s Societies has made some progress during the year, but the progress made does not reveal a greatly increased appreciation on the part of Presbyteries 570 Young People’s Societies [Book IV or Church Sessions of the value of such work in training our young people for active service and develoring their gifts of leadership. 1104. Manual for Young People’s Societies 1915, p. 79. We recommend that the Executive Committee of Publication and Sabbath School Work be instructed to consider the advisability of preparing a manual giving a uniform standard as to name, age, and object of all young people’s societies, missionary and devotional; and,, if deemed wise, to issue the same. 1105. Christian Endeavor 1899, p. 421. The Assembly declined to appoint a trustee to rep¬ resent our church in the United Society of Christian Endeavor. 1916, p. 63. There have come into the hands of your Committee an overture from the Synod of Texas, requesting the Assembly to adopt the name Christian Endeavor for the Young People’s Societies of the Church, and an overture from the Presbytery of El Paso, re¬ questing that the identity and organic life and administrative relation of our Young People’s Societies be preserved and continued, and that any action on the overture from the Synod of Texas shall not nullify the denominational responsibility of our Young People’s Societies. 1916, p. 65. We recommend (1) that the Assembly approve the work of the Young People’s Societies as covering a sphere of activity occupied by no other organization within the Church. (2) That Sessions be urged to undertake the formation of such Societies where they do not now exist, and to officially supervise their work as well as sympathetically stimulate the interest of their young people. (3) In response to the overture from the Synod of Texas, we recommend that, while the Assembly does not see its way clear to adopt the name Christian Endeavor at this time for all its Young People’s Societies, inasmuch as this organization, known as the United Society of Christian Endeavor, embodies the essential prin¬ ciples of absolute Sessional control, is so adaptable to the princples that must govern such work in a Presbyerian Church, and has been so greatly owned of God in its service throughout the world, this Assembly does most cordially and earnestly commend the Christian Endeavor to all of its pastors and Sessions, urging them, wherever they do not now exist, to establish a Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor. (4) That the above recommendations, 1 and 2, be regarded as the answer of this Assembly to the overture of the Presbytery of El Paso. 1917, p. 61. We note with interest that the first year of recog¬ nized Christian Endeavor work among our young people has been marked by the assignment to them for support of Dr. and Mrs. Stixrud, of the African force, and that the indications are that they will soon be asking for others. Secs. 1103-1106] Young People's Societies 571 1918, p. 47. The training of our young people for efficient Chris¬ tian service should have a larger place in the plans of the Church, and we note with pleasure the marked increase in the number of Christian Endeavor and other Societies reported in our Churches; and these forms of organization and activity are again commended to our Sessions as providing an effective method for developing the spiritual life of our young people. 1919, p. 61. We note with pleasure the indications of the pro¬ gressive policy in Young People’s Work, as shown in the proposed Standard of Efficiency for Southern Presbyterian Christian Endeavor Societies and the proposed “Young People’s Council” for the local church. 1919, p. 63. The Southern Presbyterian Christian Endeavor Standard proposed by the General Superintendent in the annual re¬ port is approved and adopted as authoritative for Senior and Inter¬ mediate Christian Endeavor Societies, and the Department of Young People’s Work is directed to issue such literature as may be neces¬ sary to promote its use and effectiveness. The plan proposed for a “Young People’s Council” in the local church is approved as outlined in the annual course, and commended to the Sessions of our churches. 1922, p. 51. In answer to the overture of the West Lexington Pres- byterial, asking that a movement be inaugurated for the larger train¬ ing of our young people in the history and wiork of our Church and especially in making them familiar with the Progressive Program, we recommend the following: That the publishers of Onward, in addition to the -splendid help they have given in the Young People’s Department, be asked, in the presentation of the Prayer Meeting topics, to provide definite and concrete material concerning the work of our own Church. And that this material be so arranged that Prayer Meeting leaders and Program Committees can make use of them in preparing pro¬ grams for each meeting of the Society. That our Church papers, viz. : The Christian Observer, The Presbyterian of the South, and The Presbyterian Standard, be requested to follow the same course in the treatment of the weekly topic of the Young People’s Societies. 1106. Blanks to include all church societies. 1900, p. 635. 1. In response to an overture asking that the blank forms for statistical reports on Young People’s Societies be so changed as to embrace all church societies under the super¬ vision of Sessions, we recommend that the request be granted, and that the Committee of Publication be directed to prepare a com¬ bined blank, or separate blanks, for such information, as economy in printing may dictate. 2. We recommend that the overture asking for a separate col¬ umn in Minutes for statistics on Young People’s Societies, be granted, and that such reports be incorporated in the additional 572 Young People's Societies [Book IV tables to be published in the Assembly Minutes, as provided for in our report. Adopted. 1915, p. 59. Overture from the Presbytery of St. Louis, asking that the reports on the Sabbath School and Church Societies pro¬ vide a column for contributions other than benevolent. We recommend that it be answered in the affirmative. 1107. Summer Conferences 1907, p. 39. Two conferences, one at Asheville, N. C., and the other at Siloam Springs, Ark., were held last summer in the in¬ terest of the Young People’s Movement, and conferences will be held at both places this year. These conferences have been fruitful of much good in arousing the zeal and interest of the young people within the range of their influence. 1108. Covenanters 1903, p. 524. Eighty-nine Covenanter Companies have been or¬ ganized since March 27, 1896, when Company No. 1 was formed in the Second Church, Richmond, Va. In spite of earnest efforts to secure reports from them all only thirty-one have reported. These have 589 members, 110 honorary members; have added 183 new members in last year; have dropped 7# members; have had 75 members to join the church, and contain 228 church members; have had 196 business meetings, with an average attendance of 308; 222 missionary meetings, with average attendance of 315; have contributed to Home Missions, $288; to Foreign Missions, $313; to all other purposes, $225. Twenty new companies were organized in the last year. 1109. Presbyterian Brotherhood 1906, p. 21. Because of the vast importance of men’s work in the church, we recommend that the Executive Committee be authorized to prepare a Constitution, and to take all necessary steps to the organization of associations in the churches, of men Over sixteen years of age, to be known as “The Presbyterian Broth¬ erhood. 1907, p. 39. In accordance with the instructions of the last As¬ sembly the Executive Committee has prepared a Constitution and provided literature necessary for the organization of the Presbyte¬ rian Brotherhood. This work has been done with care and only after a study of similar organizations in other churches. Special attention, however, should be called to the fact that the Consti¬ tution is intended merely as a manual of suggestions for the or¬ ganization of these Brotherhoods, and that the plans and policies as developed by the local Brotherhoods, established under the authority qf the Sessions, are more likely to meet the needs of the Secs. 1106-1112] Young People's Societies 573 men than any plans adopted for them by an^ outside parties whatsoever. It should be distinctly understood that any organization of men in any of our churches that is in sympathy with the purposes of the Brotherhood may be chartered without surrendering its name or special work. P. 41. The Assembly authorized its Executive Committee to arrange for the holding of a convention for men of the Southern Presbyterian Church to discuss and confer about the men’s work in the church, the expense of such convention to be provided for by the Brotherhoods or individuals interested in the work. 1110. Superintendent of Brotherhood and Covenanter Work 1908, p. 51. The Assembly authorized the employment of a Superintendent for this work. 1909, p. 27. The appointment of Mr. R. W. Davis, as Super¬ intendent of Covenanter and Brotherhood Work, was approved, and the Executive Committee of Publication was directed to se¬ cure, if possible, his financial support without interference with other regular collections. 1910, p. 36. Owing to failure to secure a special fund for the expense of this work, the labors of Mr. Davis in this connection were given up. 1111. Committee on Young People’s Work in each Presbytery and Synod 1919, p. 62. Request from the Southern Presbyterian Christian Endeavorers of Georgia and South Carolina, requesting that each Presbytery and Synod appoint a Committee on Young People’s Work, to deceive and forward statistical information, to promote the efficiency of existing Societies, and to procure the formation of new Societies. We call attention to the fact that such committees have already been appointed in some Presbyteries and Synods, and recom¬ mend that other Presbyteries and Synods follow this plan. 1112. Women’s Societies ( Woman’s Auxiliary) 1904, p. 55. In answer to an overture asking the appointment of a Standing Committee on Women’s Societies, and that blanks be prepared for Sessions and Presbyteries, the Committee recommended that the Committee be appointed, and that the Committee of Publi¬ cation be instructed to prepare a blank for reports on Women’s Societies for the use of Church Sessions and Presbyteries. 1911, p. 66. We note with gratitude thel steady growth in the number of societies and membership, as well as largely increasing contributions, and we rejoice in the zeal manifested by the noble women of our Church for the extension of the Gospel both at home and abroad. 574 Young Peopie’s Societies [Book IV We would urge the organization of Synodical Conferences, along the lines heretofore approved (Assembly Minutes 1910, p. 47), for the co-ordination and stimulation of the work of the Presbyterial Unions, and particularly in the arranging of consecutive meetings of the Presbyterial Unions in a Synod so as to avoid conflict in dates and secure speakers for all. We recommend the adoption of the report of the Aid-Interim Com¬ mittee on Women’s Missionary Unions, as follows: “The right of a Presbytery to control a Woman’s Missionary Union inheres in the very genius of Presbyterian law, and the definite warrant for such right is found in our form, of government. Chapter 5, Paragraphs 60, 62, and 77, where it is stated respec¬ tively that Church courts ‘have power to establish rules for the ex¬ tension of the Church’; that these courts ‘possess all the adminis¬ trative authority necessary to give effect to the power’; that ‘the Session exercises jurisdiction over a single church, the Presbytery over what is common to the ministers, Sessions and churches within a prescribed district’; and that ‘the Presbytery has power to con¬ cert measures for the enlargement of the Church within its bounds; in general to order whatever pertains to the spiritual welfare of the churches under its care.’ “While the Session, therefore, has control of the individual so¬ ciety within the local church, when a number of such societies in different congregations within a given Presbytery band together for common work, they naturally and necessarily, according to our law, come under the supervision and control of said Presbytery. “The same principles would apply to the formation and control of Women’s Synodical Missionary Unions. The Assembly, there¬ fore, in its frequent approval of Women’s Missionary Unions un¬ der the control of Presbyteries and its approval of Synodical Unions in 1910 (Minutes, p. 47), appears to your committee to be safely within the spirit and letter of our constitution. “As to the manner of such supervision, it should be indirectly through the Session having control of the local society, and directly, through ‘review and control,’ of the Unions themselves, by requir¬ ing their constitutions and an annual report of theiq proceedings to be submitted to the Presbytery for approval, and by further re¬ quiring that their contributions should be sent through the regular channels of the Church. “A Woman’s Missionary Union is not an organization apart from and outside of the Church, but is a hand of the Church itself at work for a specific purpose, and as such is entitled to the fullest supervision, sympathy and support of the Church.” 1912, p. 23. In answer to overtures from the Presbyteries of Lex¬ ington, Winchester, and Mississippi, asking that a secretary for women’s work be not appointed, and from the Synodical unions of Missouri and Virginia, and four other Synodical and forty-one Presbyterial unions endorsed by the Synod of Missouri, and from the Presbyteries of Columbia, Atlanta, Knoxville, and Suwanee, Sec. 1112] Young People’s Societies 575 asking that such secretary be appointed, we recommend the fol¬ lowing : That the four Executive Committees be directed to select a woman possessing suitable gifts, who under their direction, shall give her whole time to the work of organizing our women into Synodical and Presbyterial unions and local societies under control of Synods, Presbyteries, and Sessions, respectively; co-ordinating Women's and Young People’s Societies as now organized; stimulating interest by gathering and disseminating needed information in order that this mighty auxiliary in our Church’s life and growth may become even more fruitful of good than in the past. 1913, p. 70c. In compliance with this mandate, the Executive Secretaries of the four Executive Committees were appointed by their respective Committees to act as a Supervisory Committee and organize the Woman’s Auxiliary and select a Superintendent. The Supervisory Committee met at Montreat, N. C., in August, 1912, and after conference with the Presidents of Synodical Unions and ther leading workers among the women of the Church, a de¬ partment of Woman’s Work was established and designated as the Woman’s Auxiliary. Mrs. W. C. Winsborough was elected Super¬ intendent, and headquarters were located at Kansas City, Mo. An advisory body, known as the Woman’s Council, was created, which is composed of the Presidents of the Synodicals. A few principles for the guidance of the Auxiliary and its offi¬ cers were formulated, and the organization began its work with the cordial sympathy and co-operation of the four executive agencies of the Assembly and the earnest support of leaders of Woman’s Work in the Church. The Superintendent has shown rare skill and executive ability in directing the work of the Auxiliary through the trying days of or¬ ganizing a new department of work, and the results accomplished during the seven months are highly encouraging and indicate that the organization is projected upon lines which promise to promote greater efficiency in the work of the women of the Church. 1913, p. 70e. 1. The Assembly desires to express its apprecia¬ tion of the faithful and efficient services of Mrs. W. C. Winsborough, Superintendent of the Woman’s Auxiliary, and its approval of the Auxiliary and its work. 2. The Assembly would urge pastors and Sessions to induce their Woman’s Societies to connect themselves with the Presbyterials, and Presbyteries to induce the Presbyterials to unite in Synodicals. 3. The Assembly urges that Woman’s Societies be encouraged to contribute to all four of the Assembly’s causes, on the basis of the percentage adopted by the Assembly, so far as this can be done without reducing the contributions which have hitherto been given to any of these causes. 4. The Assembly enjoins upon each Presbytery and Synod to appoint a Permanent Committee on Woman’s Work to serve as a link between the Woman’s Societies and these bodies, and to rep¬ resent the interests of the local work of Presbytery and Synod. 576 Young Peofle’s Societies [Book IV 1915, p. 45. Overtures from the Presbyteries of El Paso and East Alabama, asking for an additional column under the report of Woman’s Societies for contributions that are not missionary or benevolent. We recommend that these overtures be answered in the affirmative. 1915, p. 79. 1. We recommend that the women be asked, as far as compatible with their obligations, to adjust themselves to the present financial system of our Church. 2. That the local Sessions be instructed to decide the avenues and methods of giving in the local societies. 3. As to whether the moneys contributed by the women through the envelopes shall be credited to the gifts of the societies and sep¬ arate account be kept of same are matters clearly within the control of the Session, and therefore the Assembly does not see its way clear to declare itself upon this point. 4. That the Assembly transmit this preamble and these resolu¬ tions to the various Sessions and to the. Woman’s Auxiliary, with the advice that this be the goal toward which they are urged to move. 5. At the request of the Woman’s Auxiliary, we recommend that each Presbytery and Synod appoint, if the way be clear, a Perma¬ nent Committee on Woman’s Work, to be the avenue of intercourse and counsel beween the Presbytery and Synod and the Woman’s- Work. 6. We recommend that the Executive Committee of Publication and Sabbath School Work be instructed to consider the advisability of preparing a manual giving a uniform standard as to name, age,, and object of all young people’s societies, missionary and devotional;, and, if deemed wise, to issue the same. 7. That each Session be urged to bring its local societies into touch and membership in the Presbyterials and Synodicals. 1916, p. 64. We recommend that the Assembly approve the plan of organization embodied in the constitution of the Women’s Auxiliaries and the adoption of a uniform name for the various constituent bodies,, namely “Local Women’s Auxiliary,” “Presbyterial Women’s Auxil¬ iary,” “Synodical Women’s Auxiliary,” “Women’s Advisory Com¬ mittee.” 1919, p. 33. 1. That this Assembly express its hearty approval of the splendid financial, educational and spiritual work of the Aux¬ iliary during the past year. 2. That the Assembly recommend the “Woman’s Auxiliary Circle Plan” as a practical and workable method, with such modifications as local conditions may justify, for every church to consider in the organization of its women’s work. 3. That the Assembly call the attention of pastors and Sessions to the importance of having their local Women’s Societies aligned with the Auxiliary by active connection with their respective Pres¬ byterials. 4. That the Assembly recommend to the Women’s Societies that only such contributions as come through the channels of the women’s Sec. 1112] Young People’s Societies 577 organizations of the churches, and not through the regular church envelopes, should be reported as the gifts of the Women’s Auxil¬ iaries or Societies. 5. That the Synods and Presbyteries strive to bring about closer relations with their respective Synodical and Presbyterial Auxil¬ iaries; and that the Committees on Women’s! Work in Synods and Presbyteries advise and keep in touch with these Auxiliaries. Woman’s Auxiliary 1922, p. 49. We wish first of all to express the warm congratu¬ lations and earnest felicitation of this Assembly, on the tenth birth¬ day of the Auxiliary, which happy occasion is now being celebrated throughout the bounds of our Church. Our Church has just and abundant cause for pride in the wonder¬ ful and rapidly growing accomplishments of our Auxiliary during this decade. Authorized by the General Assembly in 1912 to begin its work, yet looked upon in many quarters with fear and misgiving, it is now acclaimed everywhere with enthusiasm. In 1912, its membership was 24,000 and the gifts $384,000. For the year just closed the reported membership is 89,000 and the gifts $1,144,000. We call attention to the great success which has followed the establishment of the Auxiliary Circle plan, yet notwithstanding the rapid increase in Auxiliaries, there are still more than 50 per cent, of our women outside the Auxiliary. We therefore urge the adop¬ tion by every church of this plan as soon as practicable. A large record of accomplishments is reported by the Auxiliary, in the supply of free literature for the monthly programs, the Sum¬ mer Conferences for Young People, the three Conferences for Col¬ ored Women, the establishment of the Tuscaloosa Industrial School for Colored Girls, and the willing and effective co-operation with the Assembly’s Committees in all of their plans and efforts. The Statistical Report shows a total of 2,108 Societies, with a combined membership of 89,000, and total gifts to all causes of $1,143,318, which were distributed as follows: Foreign Missions . $ 246,939 Assembly’s Home Missions . . . 74,663 Synod’s Home Missions . + . 34,576 Presbytery’s Home Missions . . . , . 53,865 Congregational Home Missions . . . 47,715 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 50,806 Sunday School Extension and Publication . 12,609 Educational Institutions . +. . . . 64,319 Bible Cause . „ . 4,844 Orphans’ Homes . +. . * . 76,263 Total Benevolences . - . $ 666,599 578 Young People’s Societies [Book IV Miscellaneous . . $ 242,572 Current Expenses and Contingent Fund . 234,147 — 476,719 Grand Total for All Causes . $1,143,318 We recommend: 1. That the action of the Assembly of 1920 be reaffirmed, to wit: that the members of the Women’s Societies make their regular con¬ tributions through the regular collections of the Church. 2. That additional and sacrificial offerings (over and above the individual gifts through the Church) be made through the Societies, and that only such gifts be reported by the Societies. 3 .That each Auxiliary accept a definite part of the Church’s quota, as the basis of its annual budget, adding to this such sums as may be desirable for the support of Presbyterial and Synodical Auxil¬ iaries, and other legitimate objects. 4. We call special attention to the following section of the Consti¬ tution for the local Woman’s Auxiliary: No funds shall be given to causes outside the denomination until the budget of the local church for the year has been paid. 5. We reaffirm the recommendation of the Stewardship Com¬ mittee, asking for a close co-operation between Synodical managers and officers of Synodical Auxiliaries. See annual report, Minutes of 1922, pp. 141 ff. 1922, p. 51. “This General Assembly extends to Miss Jennie Hanna its warmest appreciation of, and thanks for, her untiring and most efficient labors in the early organization of Presbyterials and in the creation of the Woman’s Auxiliary.” 1113. Stated Clerk to tabulate reports 1909, p. 26. We recommend that all the statistical reports from the Presbyteries relating to Sunday School work and that of our Young People’s Societies and Brotherhoods be referred to the Stated Clerk of the Assembly for tabulation and publication in the Ap¬ pendix to the Minutes. 1114. Publication Committee to co-operate with publishing agencies of other churches 1911, p. 42. The publishing agency of the Presbyterian Church in the United States is hereby authorized to co-operate with the pub¬ lishing agencies of the other Churches of the Council of Reformed Churches in the publishing, purchasing and distributing of liter¬ ature and supplies. 1115. Preserving Church records 1914, p. 34. Overture from the Presbytery of Knoxville, asking the Assembly to make provisions for the better preservation of the records of churches and Church courts. Secs. 1112-1119] Young People’s Societies 579 Answer : The Assembly refers this question to the Executive Committee of Publication and Sunday School Work, with the re¬ quest that they report on it at the next meeting of the Assembly. 1116. Revision of Digest 1920, p. 62. From Rev. Thos. H. Law, D. D., Stated Clerk,, asking that the Executive Committee of Publication be authorized and recommended to consider and arrange for, if the measure appear feasible, the preparation and publication of another revision of or supplement to Alexander’s Digest. We recommend that the over¬ ture be answered in the affirmative. 1117. Use of cigarettes 1920, p. 62. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States urges its pastors, missionaries, and teachers in the Church educational institutions to discourage the rapidly grow¬ ing habit of smoking, especially of cigarettes, by our young people. 1118. Offerings for War Work to he put under “Miscellaneous” 1918, p. 48. In answer to the overture asking that a column be added to statistical reports for offerings to War Work, we recom¬ mend that the Committee of Publication be requested to provide a special space in Sessional report blanks for gifts for our own War Work Committee, and that clerks of Presbyteries be directed to add as a footnote on the Presbyterial Summary blank the total of such gifts, and that the grand total be printed in the Assembly Minutes Summary. It is ordered that all contributions for Red Cross and Y. M. C. A. work which pass through the hands of the Treasurer of a Church shall be included in the column for miscellaneous. 1119. Boy Scouts 1921, p. 73. From the Presbytery of Knoxville, asking the As¬ sembly to endorse the Boy Scout program. We recommend that the Assembly endorse the ideals of the Scout movement and commend it to the churches as a useful agency in the development of our boys when under the control of the Session. CHAPTER VI PERMANENT COMMITTEE ON SYSTEMATIC BENEFI¬ CENCE AND STEWARDSHIP 1120. Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence 1909, pp. 60, 61. In response to overtures (1) that the Assem¬ bly consider the advisability of consolidating; some of the Execu¬ tive Committees in the interest of economy, (2) that the number of collections be reduced, (3) that the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Systematic Beneficence be made a Permanent Committee with enlarged duties, the Assembly decided that an ad interim committee of seven, consisting of four elders and three ministers, be appointed to consider, and if there should appear to (be need, report to the next Assembly, plans by which the work of our Executive Com¬ mittees may be more thoroughly co-ordinated, and, that this ad interim committee invite members of the various Executive Committees to confer with them, and that they be authorized, likewise, to call into conference such other ministers and laymen as may seem advis¬ able. This committee consisted of Rev. J. W.' Bachman, D. D., Rev. W. R. Dobyns, D. D., Rev. R. O. Flinn, D. D., Messrs. W. T. Hardie, John S. Munce, John Stites and G. W. Watts. 1910, pp. 21, 22. The report of this committee was adopted and is as follows: Your Committee has held three meetings, at which examination has been made of the work and needs of all the departments of our Church. At one of these meetings representatives from each of the Executive Committees were present, except two — namely, the Evan¬ gelistic Committee and the Committee on Schools and Colleges. The Secretaries of these Committees were seen by representatives of the ad interim committee at another time. Your Committee has also followed instructions and has sought in conference and by correspondence the views of ministers and lay¬ men in various parts of the Church. Many matters have been brought to the attention of the Com¬ mittee, and while all have been considered, your Committee has confined its recommendations to the matters contained] in the over¬ tures and instructions mentioned above, in accordance with which is submitted the following: 1. (a) That the number of Executive Committees be reduced to four, namely — Executive Committee on Foreign Missions, Execu¬ tive Committee on Home Missions, Executive Committee on Minis¬ terial Education and Relief, Executive Committee on Publication and Sabbath Schools. (b) In accordance with the foregoing arrangements the Execu¬ tive Committee on Home Missions shall include as departments the Sec. 1120] Systematic Beneficence 581 work of Colored Evangelization and that of the Committee on Evan¬ gelistic Work. (c) The Committee on Ministerial Education and Relief shall in¬ clude as departments the work of the Committee on Schools and Colleges and the work of Assembly’s Home and School. (d) The Executive Committees on Foreign Missions, and Pub¬ lication and Sabbath Schools shall remain as at present. (e) In consolidating these Committees due regard shall be paid to proper legal preservation of the property, funds, and trusts now held by these bodies. 2. (a) We recommend that the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Systematic Beneficence be made a Permanent Committee, with enlarged duties. (b) That the Committee on Systematic Beneficence be composed of 14 members, 7 ministers and 7 laymen, one member from each Synod chosen by the Assembly, seven for one year and seven for two years, and that their successors thereafter be elected for 2 years. (c) That the time and place of the first meeting of this) Com¬ mittee shall be designated by the Assembly, at which time the Committee shall be organized and shall elect its own officers. (d) That 7 shall constitute a quorom, provided that notice has been mailed to each member twenty days previous to the date of meeting. (e) That the Committee on Systematic Beneficence shall meet at least once each year for conference with the Secretaries of the Assembly’s Executive Committees, at which meeting the needs of the entire church and the management of the several Committees shall be considered and discussed. (f) That the various Executive Committees of the Assembly shall submit by the 22nd of April each year to the Committee on Sys¬ tematic Beneficence their annual reports, together with estimated requirements for the ensuing year, the reasons therefor and suggested method of securing same. (g) That the Committee on Systematic Beneficence shall meet prior to the convening of the General Assembly and carefully con¬ sider the annual reports of the several Executive Committees and the Assembly’s beneficences in general. And that they shall sub¬ mit to the Assembly these reports of the Executive Committees with recommendations thereon. (h) That the Secretaries and members of the Executive Com¬ mittee shall be elected by the General Assembly, and the Committee on Systematic Beneficence shall submit nominations for the same. 3. That with regard to the method of raising funds for the As¬ sembly’s causes we recommend: (a) That the stated beneficences of the Church be separated from its current expenses and local work of charity. (b) That, instead of depending on special Sabbath collections for the benevolent causes, each Session appoint a Beneficence or Missionary Committee with a separate Treasurer. 582 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV (c) That a canvass be made by this Committee of every mem¬ ber of the congregation for subscription to these causes, to be paid at stated periods, weekly if possible, through duplex envelopes, or some other system approved by the Session. (d) Whether there shall be one canvass for all the causes, or two canvasses, one for work at home and the other for work abroad, shall be left to the judgment of the Session of each church. 4. That as some churches may not be able to immediately inaug¬ urate this plan we recommend: * (a) That the number of special collections ordered by the As¬ sembly be reduced to eight, as follows: Two for Foreign Missions. TWo for Home Missions. Two for Ministerial Education and Relief. One for Sabbath School Missions and Publication. One for Bible Cause. (b) Each collection shall be given a specified month, the month to be determined by the Assembly upon the recommendation of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence. (c) The collections shall be taken in the months assigned to them and remitted promptly to the Treasurer. 5. That the foregoing recommendations (3 and 4) are not to be interpreted as in any way interfering with the liberty of repre¬ sentatives of Executive Committees in the prosecution of their in¬ spirational or educational work during any time of the year. 6. That the Standing Committees on Systematic Beneficence in Presbyteries and Synods should be changed to Permanent Com¬ mittees, corresponding to the Assembly’s Committee. P. 23. The following resolutions, completing the report of the ad interim Committee, were adopted: Resolved, 1. That the Permanent Committee on Systematic Benefi¬ cence be instructed to meet in Chattanooga, Tenn., on the earliest day convenient for the largest number of the Committee, and that Rev. J. W. Bachman, D. D., be authorized to call this meeting and to preside until a permanent organization is effected. 2. That the Executive Committee of Home Missions be directed, after due conference with the Secretaries and such members of the Committees of Colored Evangelization and Evangelistic Work as may seem desirable, to formulate a detailed plan for the consolida¬ tion of these Committees as ordered by the Assembly, and that they be directed to submit these plans to the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence at their meeting in Chattanooga. 3. That the Executive Committee on Ministerial Education and Relief be directed, after due conference with the Secretary of Schools and Colleges, and such members of the Committee of Schools and Colleges as may seem desirable, and after conference with Mr. S. W. Somerville and such members of the Board of Trustees of the Home and School as may seem desirable, to formulate detailed plans for the consolidation of these Committees as ordered by the Assem- Sec. 1120] Systematic Beneficence 583 bly, and to submit these plans to the Committee on Systematic Beneficence at their meeting in Chattanooga. 4. That the Committee on Systematic Beneficence be directed to receive these plans from the Executive Committee of Home Missions and from the Executive Committee of Ministerial Education and Relief, perfect them if necessary,, and ;after approving of them to order the consolidations provided for by this Assembly at the earliest date which in their judgment seems practicable. 5. That the Executive Committees of Home Missions and Min¬ isterial Education and Relief, with the advice and Consent of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence, be empowered to enlarge their Committees and add new members to them if they find it necessary in their work of Consolidation, these new mem¬ bers to hold office until the next Assembly. 6. That those members of the Permanent Committee on System¬ atic Beneficence who are present at this Assembly be constituted a committee to bring in a report to this Assembly specifying the months in which the eight collections ordered by this Assembly shall be taken. 7. That the Executive Committee of Ministerial Education and Relief be directed to take the necessary legal steps to have its r name changed to that of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief. 8. That the expenses of the Permanent Committee be paid by the Assembly. P. 31. It was decided that the present collections and the dates of the collections for the various causes remain as at present until April 1, 1911. P. 37. The following were appointed members of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence. For the term of two years: Rev. J. W. Bachman, D. D., Tennes¬ see; Rev. W. R. Dobyns, D. D., Missouri; Rev. R. O. Flinn, Geor¬ gia; Elders W. T. Hardie, Louisiana; John S. Munce, Virginia; John Stites, Kentucky; G. W. Watts, North Carolina. For the term of one year: Rev. Thos. P. Hay, D. D., Florida; Rev. T. S. Clyce, D. D., Texas; Rev. J. C. Williams, Arkansas; Rev. J. W. Moseley, Jr., Oklahoma; Elder D. S. Henderson, South Carolina; Elder J. L. Dean, Alabama; Elder W. C.' Smith, Mis¬ sissippi. P. 62. Alternates: Elder John Frye, Birmingham, Ala. J. E. Latham, D. D., Batesville, Ark. Rev. L. R. Lynn, Jacksonville, Fla. Elder J. R. Dobyns, Jackson, Miss. Rev. E. Hotchkin, Durant, Okla. Elder T. B. Fraser, Sumter, S. C. Rev. Robert Hill, D. D., Dallas, Tex. The committee was empowered to fill any vacancies that may occur by death or resignation. P. 55. Resolved, That the members of the ad interim Committee on the Co-ordination of Executive Committees, which were charged 584 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV with the duty of reporting to this Assembly the months in which the eight collections named by that report are to be taken up, be dis¬ charged from that duty at this Assembly, and that it be referred to the new Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence with in¬ struction to name these months at their first regular meeing and publish the same as soon thereafter as possible. P. 69. The Assembly requests the Committee on Systematic Benefi¬ cence to examine into the present method of making the apportion¬ ments to the Presbyteries for the benevolent causes and Assembly expenses, and see if a more equitable method cannot be devised. 1121. First Meeting of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence Wednesday, August 10th, 1910. 10 A. M. The members of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Benefi¬ cence appointed by the General Assembly at Lewisburg, W. Va., May, 1910 (See Minutes, pp. 20-24), having been duly notified of their elec¬ tion and' having officially accepted the same, were at the order of Rev. J. W. Bachman called to meet at Montreat, N. C., August 10th, 1910, this place being selected instead of Chattanooga, as directed by the Assembly. At the appointed time eleven members assembled and, being called to order by Rev. J. W. (Bachman, Temporary Chairman, were led in prayer by Rev. W. R. Dobyns. There were present: — Rev. J. W. Bachman . Rev. W. R. Dobyns . Rev. Thos. P. Hay.. . Rev. T. S. Clyce . . Rev. J. W. Moseley, Jr. Rev. R. O. Flinn . Mr. Jno. S. Mtjnce . JVIr. W. T. Hardie . Mr. D. S. Henderson.... Mr. J. L. Dean . Mr. W. C. Smith . The absent were: — Rev. J. C. Williams . Mr. John Stites . Mr. Geo. W. Watts . Chattanooga, Tenn . St. Joseph, Mo. . Gainesville, Fla. . Sherman. Texas . Durant, Okla. . Atlanta, Ga. . Richmond, Va. ....New Orleans, La. . Aiken, S. C. . Opelika, Ala. . Ridgeland, Miss. . DeQueen, Ark. . Louisville, Ky. . Durham, N. C. ORGANIZATION. Seven being a quorum and eleven being present, an organization was effected, Rev. J. W. Bachman being chosen as permannt chairman, Rev. W. R. Dobyns as vice-chairman, and Rev. R. O. Flinn as secretary. Communications were read from Judge John Stites and Mr. G. W. Watts, presenting excuses for absence. |By motion their excuses were sustained. Rev. J. E. Latham appeared as a representative of Rev. J. C. Williams, of DeQueen, Ark., ready to sit as an alternate, Mr. Williams having wired him at the last moment, requesting him to represent him on account of his own providential detention. The resignation of Judge Stites, which was tendered in order to allow ,Mr. Jas. Quarles (who also appeared as his alternate) to be seated, was not accepted. Mr. Quarles was invited, however, to sit with the Committee as a visitor during the conference held between those interested in the consolidation of, the Committee on Schools and’ Colleges, and of The Assembly’s Home and School, with the Committee on Ministerial Education and Relief. Sec. 1121] Systematic Beneficence 585 SEATING OF ALTERNATES. In regard to the legality of allowing Mr. Jas. Quarles, of Kentucky, to sit as an alternate to Judge Stites, and of Rev. J. E. Latham, of Arkansas, to sit as an alternate to Rev. j. C. Williams, the following resolution was adopted: “It is the sense of this Committee, after consideration of the Assem¬ bly Minutes, that those members of this Committee who have been elected by the General Assembly and have accepted, are permanent members and have no alternates, and their places can only be filled by the Committee on Systematic Beneficence in case of -their death or resignation." INSTRUCTIONS TO SECRETARY. It was ordered that all the actions of the General Assembly at Lewis- . burg, W. Va., relative to the appointment and duties of the Committee on Systematic Beneficence, should be inscribed upon our Minutes. The secretary was instructed to purchase a suitable book for keep¬ ing the official records of the Committee. REPORT OF HOME MISSIONS COMMITTEE ON CONSOLIDATION READ. The reports submitted by the Executive Committees of Home Mis¬ sions, and of Ministerial Education and Relief, giving detailed plans for the consolidation of these respective Committees, with such others as were ordered by the Assembly (page 23), were read’ for information. FIXING ORDERS OF' THE DAY. Conference with the Secretaries and members of the Assembly's Executive Committees on Home Missions, Colored Evangelization, and the Permanent Committee on Evangelism was made the first order of the day for 3 P. M., and the conference with,' the Secretaries and members of the Executive Committees of Ministerial Education and Relief, Schools and Colleges, and the Trustees of the Assembly’s Home and School for 4:30 P. M. Rev. J. W. Bachman reported that the Executive Commission of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., desired to meet with us and that he had arranged for a meeting at 7:30 P. M. This action was approved. CONFERENCES WITH SECRETARIES. In accordance with the order of the day, the Committee recon¬ vened for conference with the Secretaries and members of the Execu¬ tive Committees on Home Missions, Colored Evangelization and the Permanent Committee on Evangelistic Work. The following were present: — Rev. S. L. Morris, Rev. W. L. Lingle and Rev. J. G. Snedecor. At 4:30 P. M. a conference was held with the members of the Executive Committees on Ministerial Education and Relief, Schools and Colleges and the Trustees of the Fredericksburg Home and School — (Rev. H. H. Sweets, Rev. W. E. Boggs, Rev. W. L. Lingle and Mr. Jas. Quarles being present. After a full conference with the repre¬ sentatives of the Commitees affected by the consolidations ordered by the Assembly, the Committee adjourned until 9 A. M. Thursday. COMMITTEE ON METHOD OF PROCEDURE. By motion, the chairman appointed a committee, consisting of Mr. John S. Munce, Rev. Thos. P. Hay and Mr. J. L. Dean, to formulate and suggest to the Committee on Systematic (Beneficence a method of procedure and lines of work. This Committee reported as follows: 586 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV “An examination of the Assembly’s Minutes shows that the follow¬ ing items of work are given to your Committee: — DUTIES ASSIGNED TO PERMANENT COMMITTEE ON SYSTE¬ MATIC BENEFICENCE. 1. To perfect and approve the plans for the consolidation of the Executive Committees; 2. To name the months for each of the eight collections for the Assemblyfs causes; 3. To hold an annual conference with the Secretaries of the Execu¬ tive Committees in order to discuss: — (a) The needs of the entire Church: (b) The management of the Executive Committees. 4. To hold a meeting before the meeting of the General Assembly: — (a) To consider the annual reports of the Executive Committees of the Assembly and make reports to the Assembly thereon; (b) To consider the Assembly’s beneficences in general and report to the Assembly thereon; (c) To nominate to the Assembly the Secretaries and members of the Executive Committees. 5. To secure the general adoption of the Assembly’s plan of raising funds by a personal every member canvass as the best means of in¬ creasing revenues needed for the prosecution of the Assembly’s benefi¬ cent work. 6. To examine into the present methods of making appropriations by the Presbyteries for the benevolent causes and the Assembly’s ex¬ penses, and to1 2 3 4 see if a more equitable method cannot be devised. (.Page 69.) Of these matters, items 1 and 2 have been disposed of at this meet¬ ing of the Committee. Item 6 has been referred to a sub-committee for investigation and report to the full Committee at its next meet¬ ing. Items 3, 4 and 5 cover the permanent work of the Committee that shall continue from year to year. 1. CONSOLIDATION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES. A. Home Missions, Colored Evangelization and Evangelistic Work. The paper submitted by the Executive Committee of Home Missions, suggesting the detail plan for consolidation, was taken up seriatim, perfected and adopted in the following resolution: — “The Permanent Committee on Systematic (Beneficence, having re¬ ceived, in accordance with the instructions of the General Assembly (page 23), the detail plan for the consolidation of the Executive Com¬ mittee on Colored Evangelization and the Permanent Committee on Evangelistic Work with the Executive Committee on Home Missions, hereby approves said plan as perfected, and orders that same shall be¬ come effective October 1st, 1910.” The secretary was directed to notify the respective Committees of this action. The plan as perfected and adopted is as follows: 1. The Executive Committee of Home Missions shall be enlarged by the addition of four new members. 2. Rev. J. E. Thacker, Rev. Charles R. Nisbet, Mr. John J. Eagan and Judge J. H. Miller shall be members of the Committee to fill these four new places. 3. A quorum of the Committee shall consist of eight members. 4. Rev. S. L. Morris, Rev. Homer McMillan and Rev. J. G. Snedecor shall be co-ordinate Secretaries of the Executive Committee of Home Missions until the meeting of the next General Assembly, and their duties are defined as follows: (a) Rev. S. L. Morris shall have charge of the administration of the office, and the general superintendence of the whole work. Sec. 1121] Systematic Beneficence 587 (b) Rev. Homer McMillan shall have charge of the field work In securing funds. (1.) It shall be his duty, with the advice of the Committee on Pub¬ licity, to present the cause in person, to direct the labors of such as¬ sistants as he may have in this department, to create and distribute Home Missionary literature, and in general to conduct a constant Home Mission educational campaign throughout the whole Church. (2.) It shall also be his duty, in connection with another sub-com¬ mittee associated with him, to make special study of the mountain work, the mill work, and city missions, and to bring in to the whole Committee such recommendations concerning work in these depart¬ ments as he and' his Committee shall think wise. (c) The salary of Rev. J. G. Snedecor shall be at the rate of $2,500 per year until the next meeting of the Assembly. (d) Rev J. G. Snedecor, in connection with a sub-committee asso¬ ciated with him, shall have charge of the work among the colored people and the work among foreigners. (1.) It shall be his special duty to superintend the work of Still¬ man Institute, with his residence at Tuscaloosa. (2.) It shall be the duty of Dr. Snedecor and his sub-committee to make a special study of the work among the colored people and the foreigners, and to bring before the whole Committee from time to time recommendations concerning work they think ought to be done. (3.) It shall also be the duty of Dr. Snedecor to present the cause of Home Missions in the Church at large as he shall have time and op¬ portunity. This he shall do under the direction of the Committee on Publicity. 5. While special assignments are made to the Secretaries, it is un¬ derstood that they are to be interested in every department of the work, and that they are to be ready to undertake any work that may be assigned them by the Committee from time to time. 6. Rev. J. E. Thacker shall be general Evangelist. It shall be his special duty, under the direction of a sub-committee associated with him, to conduct general evangelistic meetings for reaching the masses of the unsaved, and stir up, as far as possible, a spirit of evangelism throughout the entire Church. (a) After the consolidation is effected, all money collected by Dr. Thacker in his meetings shall be forwarded to the Treasurer of Home Missions and kept as a separate account. (b) The arrangements which the Committee on Evangelistic Work have made with Dr. Thacker as to salary and plans for evangelistic campaigns shall remain as they are until the next meeting of the Assembly. 7. The arrangements made by the Permanent Committee on Evan¬ gelistic Work, with Rev. R. A. Walton, and approved by the Lewis- burg Assembly, shall be continued until the meeting of the next Gen¬ eral Assembly. 8. It shall be the policy of the Committee of Home Missions to ap¬ point sub-committees to have charge of specific departments of the work, in order that, the work being thus subdivided, matters pertain¬ ing to each department may be carefully considered by the sub-com¬ mittee before being presented to the whole Committee. (a) It shall be the duty of these several committees to make them¬ selves familiar with the whole field of work covered by their respective departments, not only with the work that they are doing, but with th° work that is undone; and to bring into the full Committee well digested written reports concerning this work, and to make recom¬ mendations concerning work which they believe the Committee of Home Missions ought to do. (b) This assignment of special work shall not in any way relieve any member of the Committee of Home Missions from the duty of making himself familiar with the whole work of the Committee of Home Missions, or from the duty of doing all that is in his power to further the interests of every department of the work. 588 .Systematic Beneficence [Book IV (c) The number and names of these sub-committees are to be left to the discretion of the Committee of Home Missions. 9. It shall be the policy of the Executive Committee of Home Mis¬ sions to use all its influence in urging the churches to adopt the new system of collections ordered by the Assembly. 10. If necessary, the charter of this Committee shall be amended to conform to the changes made by this consolidation. 11. If the way be clear, all property now held by the General As¬ sembly’s Executive Committee of Colored Evangelization, the Trustees of Stillman Institute, and that held for them by the Trustees of the General Assembly, shall be deeded to the Executive Committee of Home Missions and held by them for the Assembly. 12. After the consolidation is effected, all money collected for the work of Colored Evangelization shall be forwarded to the Treasurer of Home Missions and kept in a separate account. B. Education and Relief, Schools and Colleges, and Home and School. The plan of consolidation submitted by the Executive Committee of Ministerial Education and Relief was taken up seriatim, perfected and adopted in the following resolution: The Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence, having re¬ ceived, in accordance with the instructions of the General Assembly (page 23), the detail plan for the consolidation of the Executive Com¬ mittees of Ministerial Education and Relief, Schools and Colleges and the Assembly’s Home and School into the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief, hereby approves said plan as perfected and orders that same shall become effective October 1, 1910. The secretary was directed to notify the respective Committees of this action. The plan, as perfected and adopted, is as follows: 1. According to the direction of the General Assembly, the necessary legal steps shall be taken to change the name of the existing Com¬ mittee to The Executive Committee of Christian Education and’ Min¬ isterial Relief of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, with such amendments to the charter as may be necessary to carry out the purposes in view. 2. The Committee shall be enlarged by the addition of Rev. W. L. Lingle, Rev. F. H. Gaines and Mr. K. G. Matheson, of Atlanta, Ga.; Rev. Russell Cecil, Judge Geo. L. Christian and Mr. Geo. R. Cannon, of Richmond, Va., who shall hold office until the meeting of the next General Assembly. 3. The Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief shall seek to carry out the directions of the General Assembly with regard to every department of the work as far as possible, every part of the same being under the direct control of the General As¬ sembly. 4. Rev. H. H. Sweets and Rev. W. E. Boggs shall be co-ordinate Secretaries of the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief until the meeting of the next General Assembly. 5. Rev. H. H. Sweets shall have charge of the administration of the office and the general superintendence of the work. 6. Rev. W. E. Boggs shall continue in charge of the School and Col¬ lege work, laying special emphasis upon the raising of the Student Loan Fund and doing such other work in connection with our schools and colleges as the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief may direct. 7. Rev. W. L. Lingle, Rev. F. H. Gaines and Mr. K. G. Matheson shall constitute a sub-committee on Schools and Colleges. 8. It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Department of Schools and Colleges to submit to this sub-committee written reports of his work and’ policies, with such recommendations as he wishes to sub¬ mit to the whole Committee. It shall be the duty of the sub-committee Sec. 1121] Systematic Beneficence 589 to study these reports and recommendations and submit them to the whole Committee, with such recommendations as may seem wise to them. 9. The salary of the Secretaries shall remain as at present until the meeting of the next General Assembly. 10. The property and trust funds now held by the trustees of the Assembly’s Home and School at Fredericksburg, Va., shall be trans¬ ferred to the Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Re¬ lief at Louisville, Ky., provided such transfer can be effected legally and without in any way imperiling the property and trusts. If this transfer is found to be legally impossible, we direct that the property and trusts in Virginia continue to be held by the present Virginia corporation, but the support, management and operation of the As¬ sembly’s Home and School shall be transferred to the Committee on Christian Education and Ministerial Relief at Louisville, Ky. 11. A committee, consisting of Rev. Russell Cecil, Judge Geo. L. Christian, Rev. H. H. Sweets and Mr. Jas. Quarles, was appointed to carry out these instructions and report to Rev. J. W. Bachman, the chairman of the .Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence. 12. Mr. S. W. Somerville shall be retained as superintendent of the Home and School at Fredericksburg, Va., until the meeting of the next Assembly, and matters of detail in regard to local management shall be referred to a sub-committee, consisting of Rev. Russell Cecil, Judge Geo. L. Christian and Mr. Geo. R. Cannon. 13. The offices of Treasurers of Schools and Colleges and of the Home and School shall be combined with that of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief, and all funds forwarded to Mr. John Stites, of Louisville, Ky. 14. All funds now held to the credit of Ministerial Education and Relief, Schools and Colleges, and the Assembly’s Home and School shall be held separate, and’ for the exclusive use for which they were given. . The Treasurer shall be directed in the future to hold any funds given specifically for any cause for the exclusive use for which they were given. 2. MONTHS FOR SPECIAL COLLECTIONS. A conference was held with Revs. S. L. Morris, J. O. Reavis, W. E. Boggs and H. H. Sweets, concerning the assignment of months for sp cial collections, after which the Committee ordered the following schedule: Foreign Missions . May and October. Home Missions . June and November. Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . April and December. Sabbath School Extension and Publication . March. (Bible Cause . September. 3. ANNUAL CONFERENCE WITH SECRETARIES. (1.) The annual conference with the Secretaries shall be held each year in the month of January. (a) These m?etings shall be held in rotation at the offices of the Executive Committees, and if possible at the regular time of meeting of that Executive Committee at whose office it is held'. (b) The first meeting shall be held in January, 1911, in the office of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, Nashville, Tenn. (c) All the Secretaries shall be present at this meeting, and each Secretary shall bring written reports, giving the organization of his Committee, the present condition of the work under his charge, and the outline of any suggestions or special plans he may have for its enlarg ment or by which he expects to secure greater efficiency. (2.) In order that the Committee on Systematic Beneficence may be thoroughly acquainted with the work of the Executive Committees, 590 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV the following sub-committees shall he appointed to consider in detail the various phases of their work and report upon same: t Committee No. 1, on Work. The duty of this committee shall be to consider the scope of the work committed to each Executive Committee and of the plans pro¬ jected by them for its accomplishment; to ascertain whether in their judgment proper and systematic efforts,- are being made by each Execu¬ tive Committee to cover the whole field’ which has been assigned to it by the Assembly. Committee No. 2, on Methods. The duty of this committee shall be to ascertain whether, according to their judgment, the methods adopted and the system employed by ‘each Committee for the prosecution of its work are such as to secure the highest possible efficiency. Committee No. 3, on Publicity. The duty of this committee shall be to consider the way in which the work of the various Executive Committees is kept before the Church. It shall ascertain what is being done by each Committee along educational and inspirational lines, and what methods are being employed for the raising of funds. Committee No. 4, on Business. The duty of this committee shall be to carefully consider the general business management of each Committee, including the care and hand¬ ling of funds, the character of its investments, the system, economy and efficiency of its office work and all other such administrative details. Committee No. 5, on Every Member Canvass Plan. The duty of this committee shall be: (a) To prepare brief statements showing how this plan may be applied or put in operation in every congregation. (b) To furnish the Church papers with detailed information con¬ cerning this plan. (c) To correspond with Chairmen of Committees on Systematic Beneficence in Synods and Presbyteries, regarding the financial plan of the Assembly, the needs of the benevolent causes, and the best methods of prosecuting their work. (d) And in any other way that may seem wise prosecute the work of publicity committed to them. These sub-committees, just named, shall have authority to ask the Secretaries of the various Committees at any time for any informa¬ tion regarding the work of their respective Committees. 4. ANNUAL SPRING MEETING OF PERMANENT COMMITTEE ON SYSTEMATIC BENEFICENCE. 1. The time for the yearly spring meeting, in which the annual re¬ ports of the Executive Committee to the General Assembly shall be considered and the report of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence shall be framed, shall be the Tuesday preceding the As¬ sembly at its place of meeting and at an hour to be fixed by the chairman. 2. Every member of the Committee on Systematic Beneficence is expected to give faithful study and careful attention to each of the reports mailed to him by the four Executive Committees on or before Sec. 1121] Systematic Beneficence 591 April 22nd, that all may be thoroughly familiar with the same before their attendan.ee upon the spring meeting of the Permanent Com¬ mittee on Systematic Beneficence. 3. Every member of each of the sub-committees before named shall, in his study of the yearly reports of the Executive Committees, give careful attention to all that bears upon the special detail committed to him. 4. The reports of all the Executive Committees shall be considered before recommendations on the report of any one Executive Commit¬ tee shall be sent to the General Assembly. 5. Before any recommendation shall be made concerning the amounts asked of the Assembly by any Committee for the prosecution of its work, the needs of all the benevolent causes, as a whole, shall be care¬ fully weighed, together with any new or special causes which have come to light. Thus the specific claims of each cause shall be con¬ sidered in relation to the needs of all, and the claims of all in the light of the needs of each. 6. Each Executive Committee shall be requested to enclose with the annual report, submitted on April 22nd to each member of the Per¬ manent Committee on Systematic Beneficence, the names of all the members of their Committee, the time of the expiration of their office, together with a record of the attendance of ea>ch upon the meetings of the Committee during the year. * 5. METHODS TO BE EMPLOYED IN THE INAUGURATION OF THE EVERY MEMBER CANVASS PLAN. 1. The interests of the Every Member Canvass Plan shall be especially entrusted to a sub-committee, whose duties have been defined above. 2. Each member of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Benefi¬ cence shall, if possible, attend the meetings of all the Synods and Presbyteries; or, if prevented from so doing, shall take such steps as may enable him to secure the carrying out of the Assembles recom¬ mendation that Permanent Committees on Systematic Beneficence be established in all the Synods and Presbyteries. Each member shall also endeavor to secure the adoption; of the Assembly’s Every Member Canvass Plan in the individual churches as far as he may be able, by fully explaining this plan and its ad¬ vantages. 3. The Executive Committee of Sabbath School Extension and Pub¬ lication shall be requested to: (a) Publish leaflets prepared by the Committee on The Every Mem¬ ber Canvass Plan, and also all necessary forms, blanks, envelopes, etc., to illustrate to the churches the various ways in which this plan may be applied. (b) Furthermore, they shall be requested to diligently employ all, available means to bring this plan to the attention of pastors, officers and congregations. 4. The Secretaries and members of the various Executive Commit¬ tees shall be requested to use every available means to spread informa¬ tion concerning The Every Member Canvass Plan through their in¬ dividual publications and literature and when personally appealing for support for their cause. 6. SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON APPORTIONMENTS. In accordance with the action of the Assembly (page 69, Assem¬ bly’s Minutes), in which “The Assembly requests the Committee on Systematic Beneficence to examine into the present method of mak¬ ing the apportionments to the Presbyteries for the benevolent causes and the Assembly’s expenses and see if a more equitable method cannot be devised,” a committee, consisting of Rev. T. P. Hay, Rev. W. R. Dobyns and Mr. W. C. Smith, was appointed, to which this 592 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV matter was committed for consideration, to report upon same to the Committee on Systematic Beneficence at its next meeting. EXPENSES OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS. 0 It was ordered that the expenses of the members of this Committee be certified to by the secretary and forwarded for payment to Rev. Thos. H. Law, Spartanburg, S. C., the Stated Clerk and Treasurer of the General Assembly. MAILING OF ANNUAL REPORTS. With reference to paragraph f, page 22, of General Assembly Minutes, 1910, it was moved that the Secretaries of the various Executive Com¬ mittees be requested to mail a copy of their annual reports direct to each of the fourteen members of the Permanent Committee on Syste¬ matic Beneficence, together with their estimated requirements' for the ensuing year and their suggested methods of securing same, immedi¬ ately upon their preparation and not later than April 22nd of each year. MINUTES TO (BE PRINTED. By order of the Committee, the secretary was instructed to have the full Minutes of this meeting printed in pamphlet form to the number of not less than fifty copies, and to furnish each member of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence with a copy of the same. LETTER FURNISHED PRESS. A paper, having been prepared for publication, was; adopted as amended, and the chairman was instructed to furnish same to the press. It is as follows: The Assembly’s Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence held a meeting at Montreat, N. C., August 10th-12th, 1910, to act upon matters referred to it by the Lewisburg General Assembly. In obe¬ dience to the Assembly’s direction, the consolidation of the following Executive Committees was ordered to take effect October 1st, next, namely — the Executive Committee on Colored Evangelization and' the Permanent Committee on Evangelistic Work, with the Executive Com¬ mittee of Home Missions; the Committee on Schools and Colleges, and the Assembly’s Home and School, with the Committee on Chris¬ tian Education and Ministerial Relief. The Assembly also directed, with reference to the method of rais¬ ing funds for the Assembly’s causes, that the stated beneficences be separated from the current expenses and local work of charity; and that, instead of depending on special Sabbath collections for the be¬ nevolent causes, each Session should appoint a beneficence or mission¬ ary committee with a separate Treasurer; that a canvass should be made by this committee of every member of the congregation for sub¬ scriptions to these causes to be paid at stated periods, weekly if possi¬ ble, through the duplex envelope or some other system approved by the Session. The number of canvasses — (whether there shall be one for all; or two — that is one for current expenses, and another for benevolences; or three — that is one for current expenses, one for all benevolent work in America, and another for all benevolent work abroad), and all other details are left to the judgment of the officers of each church. As some churches may not be able to immediately inaugurate this plan, it was so arranged that the old system of special collections might be temporarily continued, but that the number of these special collections was to be reduced to eight, as follows: Two for Foreign Missions. Sec. 1121] Systematic Beneficence 593 Two for Home Missions. Two for Christian Education and Ministerial Relief. One for Sunday Schools and Publication. One for the Bible Cause. Each of these collections was to be given a special month, which month, by the Assembly’s instructions, was to be decided by the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence. Accordingly, the following assignments were made: Foreign Missions . May and October. Home Missions . . . June and November. Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . April and December. Publication and Sabbath Schools . March. American Bible Society . September In view of the above statement concerning the consolidation of the Committees and the proposed plan for collections for the benevolent O.Flinn, Rev. A. L. Phillips, Rev. Hlenry H. Sweets, Chas. A. Rowland. Conferences — Chas. A. Rowland, Rev. Rutherford Lapsley, E. H. Scharringhaus. Literature — Rev. Henry H. Sweets, Rev. W. W. Akers, Chas. A. Rowland. Publicity — R. E. Magill, Rev. Henry H. Sweets, Rev. A. L. Phillips. Finance — Jno. J. Eagan, E. H. Scharringhaus, R. E. Magill. Equipment — Rev. Homer McMillan, Rev. Lacy I. Moffett, Chas. A. Rowland, J. P. McCallie. The Educational Campaign. — The educational campaign planned and carried out included conferences in each Presbytery possible, leaflets and other literature printed and distributed, and many letters to pas¬ tors, officers, and representatives at conferences. Eighty-nine confer¬ ences on Evangelism and Stewardship were held in 75 different Pres¬ byteries in all 14 Synods of the Assembly. There were 12 conference leaders associating with them over 300 conference speakers. In every Presbytery holding a conference, a conference committee was appointed by the Presbytery to continue after the conference as a Campaign Com¬ mittee. The conferences were in four sessions, two nights, a morning 628 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV and an afternoon, the last two given up* to conferences on Evangelism and Stewardship, respectively, with the nights to inspirational ad¬ dresses. The attendance at the conferences , was approximately 30,000 for all four sessions. About two thousand representatives of churches signed cards, promising to make an effort to have their churches carry out* the evangelistic program, and about fifteen hundred signed cards, prom¬ ising to make an effort to have the Every-Member-Canvass conducted in their churches. Gharts were used to show the work of the Ex¬ ecutive Committees, and also to show what had actually been ac¬ complished by the Presbytery during the past year in Evangelism and Stewardship of means. These charts giving the facts about each church opened the eyes of many and were most helpful in stir¬ ring up an earnest spirit to overcome the past indifference. There were twelve different leaflets, totaling over 100,000 copies, printed especially for this campaign and distributed at the conferences, be¬ sides many other leaflets descriptive of the work of the different Executive Committees and on Evangelism and Stewardship. More than 12,000 letters were written to pastors, clerks of Ses¬ sions, chairmen of Beneficence Committees, representatives of churches at conferences, to Presbyterial Committees, and to delegates at the Memphis Convention, asking for co-operation in aggressive evangel¬ istic work and in getting the Assembly’s plan of beneficence adopted and the Every-Member-Canvass conducted. The Evangelistic Woi'k. — T\vo special leaflets were printed for this part of the campaign: “The Greatest Privilege in the World.” bv Dr. A. L. Phillips, and “The Evangelistic Pastor, f’ by Dr. Egbert W. Smith. These leaflets were sent to all pastors and seminary stu¬ dents. Letters were written to every pastor in the Assembly setting forth facts with reference to the small increase in membership in the past. An evangelistic program for the individual church, containing seven different heads, was printed and distributed. A questionnaire on Evangelism was constructed, using this program as a basis, and great interest was shown in all the evangelistic conferences. The morn¬ ing session given up to the discussion on this questionnaire and evan¬ gelistic program never proved sufficiently long to cover the ground. The 2,000 representatives at the conferences who promised to make an effort to have evangelistic services conducted in their churches have been written to and will be followed up. To these conferences and appeals there has been a hearty response and a general renewed effort at evangelism throughout the Church. Reports of many different special evangelistic services have come in, and it is believed that the conferences are bearing fruit in this di¬ rection that amply repays all the effort put forth. The Simultaneous Every-Member-Canvass. — The Simultaneous Every- Member-Canvass was planned for March, 1913. Special literature and letters were sent out in preparation of this canvass. Exhibits on the canvass and the work of the (Beneficence Committee were held at the conferences. A leaflet, “How to Conduct an Every-Member-Can¬ vass,” was printed and widely distributed. This leaflet, together with samples of Duplex Envelopes, Pledge Cards, and an explanatory let¬ ter, enclosing blanks for report of canvass and return postal to give information as to whether the canvass would be held, was sent to every minister and every clerk of Session in every church in the As¬ sembly. Complete reports have not yet come in. Many have come in, and indicate a splendid response all over the Church. Many churches that had never before undertaken the canvass have done so during March. Of those churches reporting whether they will undertake the canvass or not, 88% are in the affirmative. Of these 22% are conducting the canvass for the first time. These are only preliminary reports, but they give some indication of the nature of the final report. Those reports of the results of the canvass that Sf,c. 1129] Systematic Beneficence 629 have come in are most encouraging, indicating an increase of 100% ovei last >ear s gifts to Assembly's causes. It must be remembered, too, that these pledges do not include gifts of societies, organizations and Sunday Schools, or special donations, all of which would largely increase the above percentage. The Presbyterian Committee of Publication reports that the or¬ ders from the churches for Duplex Envelopes, both at the Richmond and Texarkana offices, are double those of any previous year. An earnest effort is being made to secure a report from every church that has conducted an Every-Member-Canvass that the total pledged for Assembly’s causes may be known. By the time of the meeting of the Assembly about 800 churches were reported as having conducted an Every-Member-Canvass. These churches, however, have more than 40% of the total membership. The Canvass for Special Equipment. — The canvass for the Special Equipment Fund of $500,000 was of necessity left as the last part of this campaign. A Special Committee on Equipment Canvass reported favorably on the increase of the total amount from $500,000 to $1,000,- 000, so as to include reinforcement on all mission fields at home and abroad as well as equipment. As an indication, of the favor with which this proposition was met, an expense funcl with which to con¬ duct the canvass for one year has been raised, so that the Execu¬ tive Committees may not be handicapped by increased burdens. The Canvass for Equipment and Reinforcement at Home and Abroad. — It is planned that a team of four or five missionaries or repre¬ sentatives of mission work visit every center of Presbyterianism and present the work and the opportunities in all the fields of all the Executive Committees in every church without making any appeal whatever to the church as such to give. This would be followed up by a personal presentation of the opportunity to' take part in this great work to those who are able to give largely. No gifts less than $100 a year for three years would be taken, and these must be made above and beyond regular gifts through ordinary Church chan¬ nels. This work is supplementary to the Every-Member-Canvass, which secures from all the members, especially those who are able to give only small amounts, gifts each week to all causes, but does not as a rule secure large gifts from those of larger means. All subscriptions will not only be credited to the individual subscrib¬ ing, but to the church to which the subscriber belongs. In order to prevent any unsafe additions to the annual expense budget of any one of the Assembly’s Executive Committees, the fol¬ lowing rules were approved to guide those who take part in this campaign: 1. The entire fund is to be raised through personal subscriptions from individuals or groups of individuals, the general rule being to accept no subscriptions of less than $100 per year from an individ¬ ual or group. 2. That part of the fund which provides for the support of ad¬ ditional reinforcements shall be pledged upon a basis of continuous support, and all such pledges must be acceptable to the Executive Committee concerned. The choosing, appointment, assignment, and sending out of all reinforcements shall be entirely in the hands of the Executive Committee concerned as heretofore. 3. The remainder of the fund shall be raised in subscriptions pay¬ able through three years from April 1st, 1913. 4. All subscriptions shall be made in addition to and not in re¬ duction of regular gifts heretofore made to the various causes. The following list shows approximately the distribution of the funds to be subscribed: 630 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV Equipment Fund Foreign Missions . $300,000 Home Missions . 105,000 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief .... 70,000 Sunday Schools and Publication . 25,000 $ 500,000 Reinforcement Fund Foreign Missions — Salaries 140 missionaries at $1,200 per year, first year . $168,000 Outfit and traveling expenses . 63,000 Maintenance and Home Develop¬ ment Fund . 34,000 Home Missions — Men and Equipment . 90,000 Christian Education — Student Loan Fund . 35,000 Sunday School Extepsion Work . 10,000 Training School for Christian Workers . 100,000 $ 500,000 $1,000,000 1130. Report of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence 1914, p. 133. Your Committee has met twice since the Atlanta As¬ sembly, in Richmond, Virginia, February 3 and 4, 1914, and in Kansas City, Missouri, May 19-21, 1914. The following members were present: Richmond Synod Kansas City S. D. Weakley Alabama . Arkansas L. Ross Lynn Florida Richard Orme Flinn Georgia A. J. A. Alexander Kentucky W. T. Hardie Louisana Mississippi Trigg A. M. Thomas Missouri A. M. Scales N. Carolina J. M. Clark Oklahoma A. E. Spencer S. Carolina Jas. I. Vance Tennessee Robert E. Vinson Texas W. S. Currell Virginia John Van Lear L. Ross Lynn Richard Orme Flinn A. J. A. Alexander W. T. Hardie Oscar Newton Trigg A. M. Thomas J. M. Clark A. E. Spencer Jas. I. Vance Robert E. Vinson W. S. Currell Officers and Organization. — James I. Vance, Chairman; Trigg A. M. Thomas, Vice-Chairman; Richard Orme Flinn, Secretary; Rob¬ ert E. Vinson, Recording Secretary. Committees: No. 1. On Scope — Robert E. Vinson, Chairman. No. 2. On Methods — W. T. Hardie, Chairman. No. 3. On Education and Publicity — S. D. Weakley, Chairman. No. 4. On Administration — A. M. Scales, Chairman. No. 5. On Assembly’s Budget and Financial Plan — A. J. A. Alex¬ ander, Chairman. Printed reports of the four Executive Committees, the Campaign Committee and the Woman’s Auxiliary have been placed in our hands and have been carefully considered. The Committee has also had conferences with the Executive and other Secretaries at both Sec. 1130] Systematic Beneficence 631 its meetings, and at the Kansas City meeting with Mrs. Winsbor- ough, Superintendent of the Woman’s Auxiliary. We. find, in gen¬ eral, that the organization of the various Executive Committees is well adapted to the work outlined for each Committee by the Gen¬ eral Assembly. After careful consideration of the information gained from all sources, your Committee presents the following data and recom¬ mendations: I. Foreign Missions In the face of great difficulties, the Executive Committee of For¬ eign Missions, in its business management, has displayed an in-* creased efficiency. It has, however, been badly crippled by lack of funds, and is embarrassed! by the challenge of ever-enlarging oppor¬ tunities and pressing needs, coupled with the inability to do any more than barely hold its own. We, therefore, recommend: 1. That the Assembly adopt a declaration to the Church emphasiz¬ ing the necessity of a, generous increase in offerings for our For¬ eign Mission work, to the end that the present pressing needs may be met and the missionary platform adopted by the Birmingham As¬ sembly may be speedily overtaken. 2. We call the attention o£ the Assembly to the fact that one of the greatest needs of our Foreign Mission administration is a re¬ serve fund of $100,000, which could be drawn on for the maintenance of the work during those seasons in which the Committee is now com¬ pelled to borrow money. Such a fund is provided by some of our sister churches, and would save our Committee, in interest, some $6,000.00 annually. This reserve fund would, of course, need to be raised over and above all present support funds. We recommend that the Assembly strongly approve of such a re¬ serve fund, and commend it to those in our Church whom God has blessed with means. 3. In calling the attention of the Assembly to the perils that threaten our Foreign Missions work through forced retrenchment, we recommend that the Executive Committee be instructed to make every effort to send out the reinforcements which are most sorely needed; and in case another shortage of funds should threaten, the Committee be authorized to use such means as may seem legiti¬ mate and wise to increase the Foreign Mission income. 4. In making this recommendation, however, we believe that if the Assembly’s plan were generally adopted and the Every-Member-Can- vass properly and urgently prosecuted, the possibility of such emer¬ gencies would be removed; therefore, we also recommend that the Assembly instruct the Executive Secretaries to co-operate in com¬ mending the plan to the churches and promoting its adoption by every congregation, and urge the churches to see to it that their contributions to each of the causes reach or exceed their propor¬ tions of the amounts requested by the Assembly. 5. We heartily approve the action of the Executive Committee on Foreign Missions in withdrawing from the Mission Treasurers au¬ thority to make overdrafts. 6. We recommend that the Assembly reiterate its request for a detailed statement of the material equipment of the mission sta¬ tions, to be published in the Annual Report; and that such informa¬ tion as can be obtained in regard to this equipment be published next spring. 7. We recommend that one Secretary and one member of the Ex¬ ecutive Committee of Foreign Missions attend the annual sessions of the Conference of the Secretaries of the Foreign Missions Board of the United States and Canada. 6S2 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV 8. We recommend the amount of $678,333.33 (55%) as the mini¬ mum need of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions for each of the years 1914-1915 and 1915-1916. 9. The following nominations are made for vacancies on the Ex¬ ecutive Committee of Foreign Missions for a term of three years: Rev. C. E. Diehl, Rev. E. D. McDougall, Rev. L. E. McNair, G. A. Baskette, J. P. McCallie, Rutherford Lapsley, W. A. Dale, and B. F. Moore. Rev. W. L. Caldwell to fill unexpired term of Rev. Josiah Sibley. Rev. David M. Sweets to fill out the unexpired term of E. H. Schar- ringhaus. Rev. Egbert W. Smith is nominated as Executive Secretary of Foreign Missions for a term of three lyears. II. Home Missions We are pleased to note the vigorous policy of the Executive Com¬ mittee of Home Missions. Along several lines, however, we would urge a more aggressive effort, namely: in work for Jews, Foreign¬ ers and Negroes, and in the endeavor to assist in solving the prob¬ lem of the country church and to promote Synodical Home Missions. 1. Work, Among the Jews. — We recommend that the Executive Com¬ mittee of Home Missions proceed at once to investigate the needs of work among the Jews in the bounds of our Assembly; ascertain the best methods to be pursued in meeting these needs, and suggest in their next report to the General Assembly a definite program for this work. 2. The Country Church. — We believe that the problem of the coun¬ try church is essentially a local one, and must be solved largely in the light of local conditions; however, as aid to the solution of this problem, we recommend that the Home Mission Committee collect all the available data upon this subject, and put it into such form as may be useful to local committees in our Church in solving this problem. 3. Development of Synodical Home Missions. — We recommend: (a) That the General Assembly urge every Synod to organize the work thoroughly within its own bounds in order that the needs of the weaker Presbyteries may be supplied through Synodical assistance. (b) That as a general policy, wherever it is found practicable, each Synod be urged to elect a Synodical Superintendent of Home Missions, as has been done in Virginia, North Carolina, South Caro¬ lina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Missouri. (c) That the Executive Committee of Home Missions stimulate and encourage the Synods in such Synodical organization. 4. We recommend that one Secretary and one member of the Ex¬ ecutive Committee of Home Missions attend tha annual sessions of the Home Mission Council; the expenses of such attendance to be borne by the Executive Committee. 5. We recommend the observance of Home Mission Week in No¬ vember in all of our churches for the purpose of educating our peo¬ ple in the work and needs of this great cause. 6. We recommend the amount of $333,000.00 (27%) as the mini¬ mum need of the Executive Committee of Home Missions for each of the years 1914-1915 and 1915-1916. 7. The following nominations are made for vacancies on the Ex¬ ecutive Committee of Home Missions for a term of three years: John J. Eagan, W. M. Everett, C. J. Martin, Rev. A. R. Holderby, Rev. J. G. Patton, and J. R. McCain Rev. W. E. Hill to fill out the unexpired term of Rev. H. K. Walker. Sec. 1130] Systematic Beneficence 633 III. Christian Education and Ministerial Relief Your Committee would commend the excellent management dis¬ played by the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Min¬ isterial Relief. Its endowment funds are well invested and the busi¬ ness entrusted to it has been wisely administered. The greatest need of the Committee at present seems to be a large increase in the Student’s Loan Fund. 1. We recommend the amount of $172,666.67 (14%) as the mini¬ mum need of the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief for the years 1914-1915 and 1915-1916. 2. The following nominations are made for vacancies in the Exec¬ utive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief for a term of three years: Rev. T. M. Hawes and Messrs. W. J. Rubel, Garland H. Mourning, Wade Sheltman and Dr. A. J. A. Alexander. IV. Publication and Sabbath School Work During the meeting held in Richmond, Virginia, your Committee visited the buildings of the Executive Committee of Publication and Sunday School Work. The Secretary, Mr. R. E. Magill, and the other members of the Executive Committee showed your Committee through the different departments. The Committee is divided into three sub-committees, each looking after its own department, and, according to our judgment, all- are well organized. The methods adopted and the system employed are such as to secure efficiency and economy. 1. We recommend that the Executive Committee of Publication and Sunday School Work be directed to encourage the Sunday Schools to make a study of the benevolent activities of the Assembly, and to this end that space be given in the Sunday School periodicals to material which can be used to interest and instruct pupils of all ages in the whole work of the Church. In view of the fact that there is an immense potentiality in the men of our Church, as yet undeveloped, we recommend that the Gen¬ eral Assembly request the Executive Committee of Publication and Sunday School Work and the Executive Committee of the Laymen’s Missionary Movement to confer' and' report to the next Assembly a constructive program for the men of the Church, whereby their full activities may be developed in the local congregations. 3. We recommend the amount of $37,000.00 (3%) as the minimum need of the Executive Committee of Publication and Sunday School Work for each of the years 1914-1915 and 1915-1916. 4. The following nominations are made for vacancies on the Ex¬ ecutive Committee of Publication and Sunday School Work: Rev. W. E. Hutchinson to fill out the unexpired term of Rev. G. B. Strickler. W. S. Currell to fill out the unexpired term of George (Bryan. Rev. Wesley Baker to fill out the unexpired term of Rev. D. Clay Lilly. Rev. J. P. Smith, Rev. Russell Cecil, Rev. J. C. Stewart, John W. F'riend, Jr., and M. M. Gilliam to setrvei for three years. V. Campaign Committee on Evangelism and Stewardship The report from the Campaign Committee on Evangelism and Stew¬ ardship manifests faithful work on the part of this Committee. Their efforts were along three lines: First, the promotion of an interest in Evangelism throughout our Assembly, second, the fur¬ therance of the Assembly’s plan; and, third, -an effort to raise an endowment of a million dollars for reinforcement and equipment. 634 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV In the first two of these lines a considerable service was rendered in the way of following up and extending, by means of correspond¬ ence, the work inaugurated through conferences the previous year. The effort to raise the million dollar endowment, after a fair trial, was abandoned', as the time seemed inopportune. Your Committee approves of the decisions reached by this Com¬ mittee, by which the work of Evangelism is committed to the Exec¬ utive Committee of Home Missions, and the raising of the funds for their reinforcements and equipments to the four Executive Com¬ mittees. In view of the fact that, so far, of our 3,400 churches only 930, representing a membership of 147,047 (approximately 50%), have adopted the Assembly’s plan, we recommend: (a) That the Campaign Committee, as formerly organized, be con¬ tinued; and (b) That this Corqmittee be charged with the definite task of ad¬ vancing the interests of the Assembly’s financial plan and of secur¬ ing its adoption in all of our churches. VI. Woman’s Auxiliary We note with gratification the good results accomplished by the wo¬ men since their fuller organization. On account of the efficiency and enthusiasm which they have displayed, several practical ques¬ tions have emerged which affect the relationship of their contribu¬ tions through their societies to the general financial plan of the Church. First : Of these is the question as to whether the women should be encouraged to subscribe liberally to the budget and give through the church treasury, or whether they should' be encouraged to give chiefly through the societies and only a minimum through their en¬ velopes. Second : As to whether the amounts pledged by the women to* the budget and contributed through the church envelopes should be credited to their societies as is the custom in some congrega¬ tions. Concerning these questions: 1. We recommend that, as these and all other special organiza¬ tions are but auxiliary to the Church, and as the first allegiance of the members of the Church should be to their Church rather than to any special organization, the Assembly advise all such organiza¬ tions to make their societies a means of encouraging their mem¬ bers to give the heartiest and most intelligent support to the Church and to contribute weekly through the envelopes, and that the con¬ tributions made through such special organizations be over and above their pledges made to the budget through the Every-Member-Canvass. 2. As it is manifestly undesirable that each society in the Church should have all the gifts made by its members through the church envelopes credited to the society to which the member1 belongs, and as this system prevents us from seeing just what special work our societies are doing, and as this is likely to result in confusion and inaccuracy, we recommend that this practice be discouraged. 3. In regard to the Relationship of the Woman’s Auxiliary to the Systematic Beneficence Committee: We recommend that, inasmuch as it is necessary for the Systematic Beneficence Committee to have before it a full statement of the be¬ nevolent work of our Church, the Woman’s Auxiliary be requested to submit for information reports of their work to the Systematic Beneficence Committee at its stated' meetings. Sec. 1130] Systematic Beneficence 635 VII. General 1. Concerning Executive Committees : We recommend: (a) That the four Executive Committees be composed of not less than fifteen nor more than twenty members. (b) That all Secretaries, except the Executive Secretaries, and all superintendents and officers of the Executive Committee be elected by their respective Committees. (c) That any member of an Executive Committee who isi absent from three consecutive meetings without a sustained excuse shall be automatically dropped from the Committee; and the vacancies thus created shall be filled by a quorom of the remaining members of the Executive Committee. (d) That in all matters which involve no change of policy or in¬ crease of expenditures (that is, the regular routine work for which precedent has been established), the Executive Secretary shall be expected to proceed without constant reference of such matters to his Executive Committee; but that where change of policy or in¬ crease of expenditure may be involved’, he shall act only after con¬ sultation with his Executive Committee, and in accordance with its instructions. (e) That in its report to the General Assembly each Executive Committee present: (1) a detailed statement of facts, tabulated if possible; (2) such a series of recommendations as will outline the policies of the Committee for the coming year; and (3) the attend¬ ance of members at the monthly meetings of the Committee. (f) That the Assembly refer to the four Executive Committees, with instructions to consider and report their findings to the Sys¬ tematic Beneficence Committee before the next Assembly, the advis¬ ability of having a Secretary, to be known as the Educational Sec¬ retary of Church Benevolences, who shall serve the four Executive Committees in educating the Church in its benevolent causes. (g) The attention of the General Assembly is called to the impor¬ tance of this Committee’s securing more detailed information con¬ cerning the matters covered by the “Reports oh Statistics and' Sys¬ tematic Beneficence*” made by the churches in their Presbyteries. In view of the fact that the same information is needed by the Committee of Publication and Sunday School Work, and that this Committee is prepared to digest and tabulate this information, we would recommend that the Assembly order the Stated Clerks of all Presbyteries to forward their Sessional reports, with the exception of the Narratives, to Richmond before the first of May. 2. Concerning Assembly’s Printed Minutes : There seems to be a widespread and urgent demand that the sta¬ tistical tables in the Minutes of the General Assembly shall con¬ tain additional columns to prevent confusion and furnish needed in¬ formation. We, therefore, recommend: (a) That as the instructions of the last General Assembly were overlooked, the Assembly again order that the names of the Presby¬ teries be printed at the top of the statistical tables. (b) That the column now headed Orphan’s Home be changed to read Educational Institutions and Orphanages, and that all moneys sent directly to such institutions be listed in this column. (c) That the column headed Miscellaneous be transferred so as to become the last in the list of Benevolent Contributions. (d) That a column be included labelled Home Missions, divided into four columns, labelled Assembly, Synodical, Presbyterial, Con¬ gregational. (e) That a double column be added showing loss in membership in each church by death or removal. (f) That a column be added showing non-resident members of each church. 636 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV (g) That an alphabetical list of churches be added to the sta¬ tistical tables in the Minutes of the Assembly. (h) That a general summary by Presbyteries of the statistical re¬ ports of Women’s Societies be printed in the Minutes of the As¬ sembly. 3. Concerning the Assembly's Financial Plan: At present the amounts authorized by the Assembly are announced after the Presbyteries have acted, and the churches have projected their plans and completed their canvass for the year. In view of this, we recommend: (a) That the estimates authorized by this Assembly apply to the year 1915-16 as well as for the year 1914-15; and that hereafter the amounts authorized shall apply to the following ecclesiastical year. (b) It has been discovered that a large number of Synods have failed to accept their quota, as named by the Assembly, and to dis¬ tribute this among their Presbyteries; and that likewise in many instances the Presbyteries have failed to make any apportionment among their churches. We, therefore, recommend: 1. That, unless otherwise ordered by Presbytery, the Systematic Beneficence Committee of Presbytery shall understand that, so far as the Assembly causes are concerned, the quota of a Presbytery is to be determined upon a per capita basis of the amounts announced by the Assembly; and that, in accordance with the instructions of the As¬ sembly, each Presbytery’s Systematic Beneficence Committee, with¬ out waiting for advice from its Synod, shall promptly distribute its quota among its churches according to such plan as in their judg¬ ment sha^x correspond with the financial strength of the churches. 2. That the Assembly urge upon the Synods the necessity of see¬ ing that this plan is ‘Carried out by each of their Presbyteries, and to this end secure reports from them annually. (c) Attention has been called to the fact that confusion arises from the failure of the Assembly to include Synodical and Presbyterial needs with the Assembly’s causes. In response to this, we would call attention to the fact that the Assembly has no means of ascertaining what amounts are necessary for these needs, and that they must, 'therefore, be left to the judg¬ ment of Synods and Presbyteries. We would, therefore, suggest that in adding these amounts to the Assembly’s quota confusion as to percentages may be averted by the following process: 1. Ignore the Assembly percentage and add the Synodical and Presbyterial needs to the total amount called for by the Assembly. 2. Divide each of these three amounts for Presbyterial, Synodical and Assembly’s causes by the sum total of these three amounts, thus securing the respective percentages. 3 After securing these percentages, the proportionate amount due the Assembly, Synod or Presbytery in any instance may be easily determined. 4. When the amount due the Assembly has been determined, it may then be distributed among the causes of the Assembly according to the percentages the Assembly has named. (d) Reports continue to come that in some instances harm has been done by the failure of a church to observe the Assembly’s instruc¬ tions regarding its proper financial plan. Some have taken their can¬ vass without having fixed any definite goal or having sufficiently informed the congregation concerning the needs of the causes; others in making their canvass have given a pledge that under no conditions will any calls for additional sums sums be allowed. Still others in making their canvass have cancelled all special pledges and have confined their efforts to the redistribution of their gifts rather than to an increase of contributions to meet the vastly increased needs of the causes. Sec. 1130] Systematic Beneficence 637 We, therefore, recommend that in making a canvass each congre¬ gation take care to give attention to the following: (1) The total minimum amount expected from the church for each of the causes of the Assembly, Synod and Presbytery should be clearly stated to the congregation. It should be made clear also that these amounts represent what is needed for the work already pro¬ jected, and do not provide for much needed enlargement. (2) In any instance where the Presbytery has failed to make apportionments, the officers may estimate their share of the amounts called for by the Assembly upon a per capita basis, and may secure the necessary data covering the Synodical and Presbyterial needs by inquiry from the Stated Clerks. (3) The officers should continue their canvass until at least the minimum amounts apportioned them in every instance shall have been covered by pledges. (4) The promise should never be given that there will be no fur¬ ther calls during the year, but, instead, the way should be left open for the leadership of the Spirit, and the congregation should under¬ stand that the pledges they have made but constitute a foundation upon wTiich the Church, may rise as God shall give them growth in grace, or reveal the need, to a larger liberality. (5) In churches where special support has been given to special causes care should be taken in the introduction of the Assembly’s plan lest this support be disturbed, as otherwise great hardships will be occasioned. The effort, therefore, should be to bring up the pledges to the other causes which have been neglected, rather tnan to scale down the pledges to the other causes that have been receiving a generous support. (d) Questions continue to be asked concerning the best use that may be made of the months which were formerly assigned by the Assembly as the time when special offerings should be made for the .support of its causes. In reply, we would again suggest: First. That these special months afford opportune seasons for edu¬ cating and stimulating the interest of the people in the various departments of the Church’s work. Second. That in a number of churches, whose example may well be followed: (1) an opportunity is given by plate collection or the distribution of extra envelopes for special free-will offerings to the cause of the month; (2) these offerings are above all pledges made through the budget, and' are, therefore, kept separate on the books of the treasurer from all moneys contributed to the budget. Third. We recommend that an Every-Member-Canvass. be taken in March, and that the habit of depending solely upon collections in these months to obtain funds for the support of the various causes he again strongly discouraged. VIII. Percentages and Apportionments 1. We recommend that the following percentages apply to any amount to be distributed among the Assembly’s causes: Foreign Missions . 55% Assembly Home Missions . ■. . 27% Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 14% Sunday School Work and Publication . 3% Bible Cause . 1% 640 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV II. Woman's Auxiliary We recommend that the recommendation of the Permanent Com¬ mittee on Systematic Beneficence on this subject be adopted, with amendment, so as to read as follows: With great appreciation of the effective service rendered by the Woman’s Auxiliary, acting under the instructions of the last Gen¬ eral Assembly, we recommend that no change be made in the financial operations of the Auxiliary. In regard to the relationship of the Woman’s Auxiliary to the Systematic Beneficence Committee : We recommend that, inasmuch as it is necessary for the Syste¬ matic Beneficence Committee to have before it a full statement of the benevolent work of our Church, the Woman’s Auxiliary be requested to submit for information, through the Supervisory Com¬ mittee of the Woman’s Auxiliary, full reports of their work to the Systematic Beneficence Committee at each of its stated meetings- III. General 1. Concerning Executive Committees. We recommend: (a) That each of the four Executive Committees be composed! of not less than nine nor more than fifteen members in the future constitution of these Committees. (b) On the basis of the action of the General Assembly of 190 (see page 7 On), we recommend that the recommendations of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence, relative to the election of Secretaries other than the Executive Secretaries, be not adopted. (c) That any member of an Executive Committee who is absent from three consecutive meetings without a sustained excuse shall be automatically dropped from the Committee; and the vacancies thus created shall be filled by a quorum of the remaining members of the Executive Committee, such members to serve until the next meeting of the General Assembly. (d) That in its report to the General Assembly each Executive Committee present (1) A detailed statement of facts, tabulated if possible; and (2) such a series of recommendations as will outline the policies of the Committee for the coming year; and (3) the attendance of members at the monthly meetings of the Committee. fe) That the Assembly refer to the four Executive Committees,, with instructions to consider and report their findings to the Sys¬ tematic Beneficence Committee before the next Assembly, the advis¬ ability of having a Secretary, to be known as the Educational Secretary of Church Benevolences, who shall serve the four Execu¬ tive Committees in educating the Church as to its benevolent causes. (f) That the Assembly order the Stated Clerks of all Presby¬ teries to forward their Sessional reports, with the exceptions of the Narratives, to the Executive Committee of Publication in Richmond before the first of May. Sec. 1131] Systematic Beneficence 641 2. Concerning Assembly’s Printed Minutes: (a) That a column be added entitled “Schools and Colleges,” and that all moneys contributed for these causes to such institutions be listed in this column. (b) That the column headed “Miscellaneous” be transferred so as to become the last in the list of benevolent contributions. (c) That a column be included labeled Home Missions, sub¬ divided into four columns, labeled “Assembly,” “Synodical,” “Pres- byterial,” “Congregational.” (d) That a sub-double column be used under the head of “Com¬ municants,” the title of which shall be “total” and the subdivisions be “resident” and “non-resident.” (e) That a general summary by Presbyteries of the statistical reports of Women’s Societies be printed in the Minutes of the Assembly. 3. Concerning the Assembly’s Financial Plan: At present the amounts authorized by the Assembly are announced after the Presbyteries have acted and the churches have projected their plans and completed their canvass for the year In view of this, we recommend: (a) That the estimates authorized by this Assembly apply to the year 1915-16 as well as for the year 1914-15; and that hereafter the amounts authorized shall apply to the following ecclesiastical year. (b) It has been discovered that a large number of Synods have failed to accept their quota, as named by the Assembly, and to distribute this among their Presbyteries; and that likewise in many instances the Presbyteries have failed to make any apportionment among their churches. • We therefore recommend: 1. That, unless otherwise ordered by the Presbytery, the Sys¬ tematic Beneficence Committee of Presbytery shall understand that, so far as the Assembly’s causes are concerned, the quota of a Pres¬ bytery is to be determined upon a per capita basis of the amounts announced by the Assembly; and that, in accordance with the instructions of the Assembly, each Presbytery’s Systematic Benef¬ icence Committee, where the Synod or its Committee shall fail to act promptly, shall immediately distribute its quota among its churches according to such plan as in their judgment shall corre¬ spond with the financial strength of the churches. 2. That the Assembly urge upon the Synods the necessity of seeing that this plan is carried out by each of their Presbyteries, and to this end secure reports from them annually. (c) We would call special attention to the suggestion of the Permanent Systematic Beneficence Committee, as outlined in another part of the Assembly’s Minutes, in regard to determining the As¬ sembly’s percentages, the methods for making a canvass and the use to be made of the months under the present system, and we would also call upon all of our pastors, to whom the Minutes come, 638' Systematic Beneficence [Book IV 2. That the following amounts be named' as the minimum for each of the Assembly's causes: Foreign Missions . $ Assembly Home Missions . Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . , . Sunday School Work and Publication.... Bible Cause . 678,333.33 — 55% 333,000.00— 27% 172,666.67— 14t% 37,000.00— 3% 12,333.33— 1% $1,233,333.33—100% 3. We would call the attention of the Assembly and of the whole Church to the fact that these amounts are merely what are essential to the bare existence of the work as already projected. For progress, and development the following amounts are now demanded: Foreign Missions . $1,000,000.00 Assembly Home Missions . 471,250.00 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief 328,245.00 Sunday School Work and Publication t . 75,000.00 $1,874,495.00 For the distribution among the Synods see Assembly Minutes 1914,, pp. 143ff. IX. Conclusion 1. Expiration of Terms. — (a) The first term of the following mem¬ bers of the Systematic Beneficence Committee expires with this meet¬ ing of the Assembly: Principals — James I. Vance, Tennessee; Trigg A. M. Thomas, Missouri; W. S. Currell, Virginia; A. J. A. Alexander,. Kentucky. Alternates — E. F. Abbott, Missouri; A. A. Little, Georgia; J. Adair Lyon, Louisiana; C. F. Huhlein, Kentucky. (b) The second term of the following expires. These are not eligible for re-election: Principals — A. M. Scales, North Carolina; Richard Orme F'linn, Georgia; W. T. Hardie, Louisiana. Alternates — L. E. McNair, Tennessee; James Lewis Howe, Virginia; W. J. Martin, North Carolina. 2. We recommend that the Assembly appropriate the sum of $500.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, for such expenses of the Systematic Beneficence Committee as may be in addition to the expense of its members in attending its meetings. 3. Inasmuch as the Rev. Richard Orme Flinn, D. D., retires from the Committee with this meeting, and is not eligible for re-election by reason of the fact that he has served two successive terms, we would place upon record our profound appreciation of his services as- Secretary. For the four years of the Committee’s life he has served in this- capacity; and to his able and laborious work is due much of what has thus far been accomplished. He has been tireless in the discharge of his duties, and has looked after the minutest details with such care and fidelity that the work of the Committee has not only been facilitated, but maintained along: the lines forecast by the Assembly. Retiring from his office, he has prepared a Digest of the Committee, which will be found invaluable for future use. 1131. Report of the Standing Committee on Systematic Beneficence 1914, p. 51. The following documents were placed in our hands: The Annual Report of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Benef¬ icence; all of the Presbyterial statistical reports on Systematic Benef- Secs. 1130-1131] Systematic Beneficence 639 icence; the report of the Committee on Evangelism and Stewardship; overtures from the following Presbyteries: Winchester, Montgomery, Mecklenburg, Western Texas, North Alabama, Lexington, and Roa¬ noke. Also the Assembly referred to this Committee the question of the eligibility of alternates of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence to serve as principals after having served two full terms ns alternates. All of these documents have been examined with care, and we make the following recommendations on the report of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence and the Committee on Evangel¬ ism and Stewardship: We wish, first of all, to commend warmly the great diligence of these Committees. I. Evangelism and Stewardship In reference to the report on Evangelism and Stewardship, we recommend, in view of the fact that so far only 930 churches have adopted the Assembly’s plan: First. That the Campaign Committee as formerly organized be continued. Second. That this Committee be charged with the definite task of advancing the interests of the Assembly’s Financial Plan and of securing its adoption in all of our churches, and employing such assistants as may be necessary to push this plan in individual churches, the support of those thus employed to be secured from the four Executive Committees in such proportion as may be agreed upon by them. Third. That the report of the Campaign Committee on Evange¬ lism and Stewardship be printed in the Minutes of the General Assembly, and that the following recommendations of that Com¬ mittee, relative to Stewardship, be adopted: (a) That the General Assembly again express in most emphatic terms its earnest desire and recommendation that all churches, so far as possible, at once make plans for adopting the Assembly’s plan of Church finance and for conducting an Every-Member- Canvass for the beneficences during or before March 1915. (b) That the General Assembly declare in the most forcible way to all the churches that the results of the Every-Member- Can¬ vass should not be looked upon as final, but as the means by which to build up an adequate offering for the year. (c) That the General Assembly recommend to the Presbyteries, through their Committees on Systematic Beneficence, the earnest and careful cultivation of their churches in the principle of Chris¬ tian Stewardship, and especially that part of the 911 churches that may be in their bounds which last year gave nothing to any of the Assembly’s causes. 642 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV to read and ponder these suggestions and call the attention of their respective Sessions to the same. (See p. 636.) IV. Percentages, Apportionments and Appropriations 1. We recommend that the following percentages apply to any amount to be distributed among . the Assembly’s causes : Foreign Missions . 4 . 55% Assembly Home Missions . . . „ . 27% Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . * . 14% Sunday School Work and Publication . . . . . 3% Bible Cause . 1 . 1% 2. That the following amounts be named as the minimum for each of the Assembly’s Causes: Foreign Missions . $■ 678,333.33 — 55% Assembly Home Missions . 333,000.00 — 27% Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . I, . . . . 172,666.67— 14% Sunday School Work and Publication . . . 37,000.00 — 3% Bible Cause . 12,333.33 — 1% Total . . . $1,233,333.33— 100% 3. We would also call the attention of the Assembly and of the whole Church to the fact that these amounts are merely what are essential to the bare existence of the work as already projected. For progress and development the following amounts are now de¬ manded : Foreign Missions . _ . $1,000,000.00 Assembly Home Missions . . . 471,250.00 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . . . 328,245.00 Sunday School Work and Publication . 75,000.00 $1,874,495.00 4. For Synodical quotas see Minutes of the Permanent Com¬ mittee in the Appendix. 5. We recommend that the Assembly appropriate the sum of $500.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, for such expenses of the Systematic Beneficence Committee as may be in addition to the expense of its members in attending its meetings. V. Election of Members of Permanent Committee We recommend: 1. That the following, who have served one term only, be re¬ elected for a second term of two years. Sec. 1131] Systematic Beneficence 6-13 Principals: James I. Vance, Tennessee; Trigg A. M. Thomas, Missouri; W. S. Currell, Virginia; A. J. A. Alexander, Kentucky. Alternate: C. F. Huhlein, Kentucky. 2. That the following be elected for a first term of two years: Principals: R. A. Brand, North Carolina; A. A. Little, Georgia; J. Adair Lyon, Louisiana; Ernest Thompson, West Virginia. Al¬ ternates: J. L. Mauze, Missouri; J. G. Patton, Georgia; James Hasson, Tennessee; John S. Talmage, Louisiana; E. P. Wharton, North Carolina; D. K. Walthall, Virginia; Tazewell McCorkle, West Virginia. 3. That the Secretary of the Systematic Beneficence Committee be instructed to notify the Stated Clerks of the Synods of their members and alternates whose terms will expire at the next Assem¬ bly, stating whether they have served one or two terms, and request nominations from the respective Synods for vacancies. Benevolent Receipts for the Year 1914 Reported by Presbyteries Foreign Missions . >....., . $ 509,537.00 Assembly’s Home Missions . . . 116,444.00 Local Home Missions . 281,644.00 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief ... 219,080.00 Sunday School Extension and Publication . 40,190.00 Orphan’s Homes . 138,167.00 Bible Cause . 13,805.00 Total contributions . $1,318,867.00 Summary of Congregations Contributing No. of No. of Congregations. Objects. 945 congregations contributed to . 7 954 congregations contributed to . 6 411 congregations contributed to . . . 5 371 congregations contributed to . - . 4 325 congregations contributed to . j... . . 3 315 congregations contributed to . 2 325 congregations contributed to . 1 552 congregations contributed to . None Miscellaneous 1. In answer to the matters referred to us by the General As¬ sembly, we recommend the following answer: That, principals and alternates who have served two full terms in either capacity shall not be eligible for election to the Com¬ mittee for a period of four years after the expiration of their second term. 644 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV 2. In answer to Overture from the Presbytery of Winchester, asking for a rule that the appropriations of the Executive Com¬ mittee shall not exceed the receipts of the previous year, we recommend that it be answered in the negative. 3. Referring to Overture from the Presbytery of Montgomery asking the Assembly to separate Ministerial Relief from other benev¬ olent causes, we recommend that it be answered in the negative. . 4. Referring to Overture from the Mecklenburg Presbytery, ask¬ ing changes in the blank for Systematic Beneficence, we recommend that it be answered in the negative. 5. Referring to Overture from the Presbytery of Western Texas, asking the Assembly to approve the tithe as minimum offering, and instructing the Committee on Systematic Beneficence to advocate it, we recommend that it be answered in the affirmative. 6. Referring to Overture from the Presbytery of North Alabama, asking the Assembly to appoint a day for a collection for other ob¬ jects than those now designated in the Assembly’s scheme, we rec¬ ommend that it be answered in the negative. 7. Referring to Overtures from Roanoke and Lexington, asking for change in the time for making the Assembly’s apportionments, we recommend that they be answered as follows: The relief sought for has been already granted in a previous portion of this report. (See p. 641.) ? 1132. The Report of the Campaign Committee on Evangelism and Stewardship P. 56. The Campaign Committee is composed of two representatives from each of the four Executive Committees of the Assembly, and from the Executive Committee of the Laymen’s Missionary Movement. At the direction of the General Assembly, the Committee has for the past two years been diligently “taking in hand the effort to have every church in the Assembly make an Every-Member-Canvass for the benevolent causes of the Assembly,” which has been accompanied by conferences, literature and correspondence aimed to secure an “earnest evangelistic effort on the part of all the pastors and members of our Church, with the view of deepening the spiritual life of the Church and bringing the largest possible number of souls to Christ.” A third phase of the Committee’s work was an effort to raise in large subscriptions $1,000,000 for the reinforcement and equipment of our mission and benevolent work under all the Executive Committees. The Committee would respectfully make a report along these three lines of activity as far as engaged in during the past year. Evangelism All Presbyteries were urged, in accordance with the recommenda¬ tion of the Atlanta Assembly (Assembly’s Minutes, 1913, page 60, paragraph 6), to appoint Permanent Committees on Evangelism to supervise and stimulate Presbyterial Evangelism. Up to the present forty-one Presbyteries have appointed Permanent Evangelistic Com¬ mittees, three Permanent Committees on Evangelism and Steward¬ ship, and the rest (forty) have left this work under the direction of the Home Mission Committees. Suggestions to these Presbyterial Evangelistic Committees have been carefully worked out from experience of similar -committes, printed, and sent to each member of the Presbyterial Committee en- Secs. 1131-1132] Systematic Beneficence’ 645 trusted with evangelistic duties. So stimulating and helpful were the Conferences on Evangelism and Stewardship held during the first year’s work of the Campaign Committee that the Committee has recommended that each Presbytery hold at each meeting such a con¬ ference. This has already been done in several Piesbyteries. Programs on Evangelism and Stewardship were sent out to Presby- terial Evangelistic Committees, which seemed to be the proper com¬ mittees to conduct such conferences. This is in the direction of making our Church courts more informative and inspiring, especially to representatives of the churches. Tho Committee has recommended that at least two Synodical Con¬ ferences on Evangelism be held this coming fall, assisted by the Executive Committee of Home Missions, one of these to be at the Synod of Texas, which has appointed a Synodical Committee on Evangelism and directed that a conference be held. As the Committee’s evangelistic work has progressed, the stimulat¬ ing results of the conferences, the numbers of letters received asking for assistance and advice as to evangelistic methods in church and Presbytery, the surprising facts developed with regard to the fruits of past evangelistic efforts, the value apparent from the use of special evangelistic literature and the large correspondence, have all con¬ vinced the Committee of the need and' great desirability of a man specially suited to this important work to give his whole time to the stimulation especially of Presbyterial, pastoral and personal evangel¬ ism. To meet this need, the Committee overtures the General As¬ sembly at its session in Kansas City to create the office of “Superin¬ tendent of Evangelism,” under the direction of the Assembly’s Execu¬ tive Committee of Home Missions, which joins the Campaign Com¬ mittee in this overture. Some $3,000.00 a year for three years has been subscribed by individuals to help defray the expenses of getting such a work started. As it grows, the gifts of the churches will doubtless defray the additional expense. No money could be better spent. The Every-Member-Canvass We give below the results of our united efforts: Total y 'timber of Churches Adopting Evc'y-Member-Canvass Plan and Church EnroUnt nt. Presbyteries' Alabama Synod . Central Alabama East Alabama ... Mobile . North Alabama . Tuscaloosa . Arkansas Synod . Arkansas . Ouachita . Pine Bluff . Washburn . Florida Synod . Florida . St. John’s . Suwanee . Georgia Synod . Athens . Atlanta . Churches 33 2 21 3 7 27 6 7 7 7 30 8 9 13 79 8 19 Enrollment 4.493 60 2.493 628 1,412 4,634 1,421 868 1,450 895 3,618 891 1,389 1,338 11,629 1,160 4,154 646 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV Augusta .' . Cherokee . Macon . Savannah . Kentucky Synod . Ebenezer . Louisville . Muhlenburg . Paducah . Transylvania . West Lexington . Louisiana Synod . Louisiana . New Orleans . Red River . Mississippi Synod ....... Central Mississippi East Mississippi . Ethel . Meridian . Mississippi . North Mississippi ... Missouri Synod . Lafayette . Missouri . Palmyra . Potosi . St. Louis . Upper Missouri . North Carolina Synod . Albermarle . Asheville . Concord' . Fayetteville . Kings Mountain . Mecklenburg . Orange . Wilmington . Oklahoma Synod . Durant . Indian . Mangum . South Carolina Syno.d ... Bethel . Charleston . Enoree . Harmony . Pee Dee . Piedmont . South Carolina . Tennessee Synod . Columbia . Holston . Knoxville . Memphis . Nashville . 10 1,239 17 1,779 14 1,997 11 1,300 67 12,736 8 1,478 23 4,785 4 659 2 588 15 2,416 15 2,810 26 4,346 7 516 12 2,835 7 995 45 6,008 17 2,548 10 1,182 14 1,609 4 669 41 6,868 11 1,063 4 1,153 9 973 6 595 3 730 8 2,354 149 21,508 12 1,804 9 1,326 19 3,516 36 5,275 9 1,648 26 5,793 26 9 2,146 12 1,145 4 484 8 661 95 14,084 24 3,700 14 1,952 17 3,494 10 669 12 1,400 11 1,531 7 1,338 69 10,356 21 1,105 7 462 13 3,101 17 3,224 11 2,464 Sec. 1132] Systematic Beneficence 647 Texas Synod . 87 16,414 Brazos . 10 2,578 Brownwood . 4 787 Central Texas . 13 2,455 Dallas . 16 3,384 Eastern Texas . 6 558 El Paso . 4 179 Fort Worth . 10 2,040 Panhandle . . Paris . 9 1,226 Texas-Mexican . . Western Texas . 25 3,207 Virginia Synod . 170 29,221 Abingdon . 11 1,397 East Hanover . 14 3,810 Greenbrier . 10 1,251 Kanawha . 6 1,939 Lexington . 27 6,819 Montgomery . 24 4,323 Norfolk . 14 2,964 Potomac . 12 1,500 Roanoke . 13 1,485 Tygart’s Valley . 6 963 West Hanover . 19 1,386 Winchester . 15 1,744 - i - - Total number of churches . 930 Total number of communicants . 147,047 The Assembly’s plan was presented at Synods and many Presbyteries, charts exhibited, and printed matter distributed'. Letters of enthus¬ iastic commendation of the Every-Member-Canvass were secured from foremost pastors in every Synod, and some of these were printed in a pamphlet, “What Some Pastors Think of the Every-Member-Canvass.” Other leaflets printed and distributed widely, going to every pastor, clerk of Session and beneficent treasurer were “Paul’s Plan” “They Did It,” “Record of Presbyteries,” “E. M. C.,” “Notice of Treasurers.” Twenty-three lantern slides were made, showing, first, what the Assem¬ bly’s plan is in its essential features and how to conduct the canvass; second, what the plan, thoroughly worked, accomplished in a repre¬ sentative city church, town church and country church; and, third, the progress it has made throughout the Assembly in Presbyteries and Synods. The churches in some fourteen Presbyteries have, through the visitation of the Chairmen of Presbyteirial Systematic Beneficence Committees, seen these slides, and they have proven of great educa¬ tional value. It is hoped that many other Presbyteries will make use of these slides. Besides the visitation of Synod's and Presbyteries, conferences, dis¬ tribution of printed leaflets, charts displayed, bulletins in all the Church papers, a most vigorous correspondence with reference to the Assembly’s plan and the simultaneous Every-Member-Canvass in March has been conducted. Every pastor, clerk of Session and Beneficent Treasurer has been written personally. This educational process kept up must undoubtedly sooner or later bear fruit. More and more new churches are beginning the canvass for beneficences. The following recommendation was adopted by at least eight Synods and approved by (the Assembly’s Executive Committee of Home Missions: “That Synod requests the Presbyteries to instruct their Local Home Mission Committees to notify such churches as receive aid from Home Mission funds that they should not expect such aid until they have adopted the Assembly’s plan and made an Every-Member- Canvass for the beneficent causes and their self-support.” Many local Home Mission Committees ardently favor such action. 648 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV We are sorry to report that our campaign for a million dollars for equipment and reinforccement has met with poor success. Last year Messrs. J. P. McCallie, L. I. Moffett and C. A. Rowland organized a “team,” led' by Messrs. McCallie and Moffett, which visited several cities. The effort was no doubt helpful educationally, but the financial results were disappointing. The time of the year was not very propitious, political and financial reasons rendering it more difficult to secure large contributions. The Campaign Committee respectfully submits the following recom¬ mendations to the General Assembly: I. On Evangelism 1. That the General Assembly create the office of “Superintendent of Evangelism” in connection with and under the direction of the Assembly‘s Executive Committee of Home Missions, this Superinten¬ dent to have charge of and responsibility for the supervision and stimulation of evangelistic work. 2. That the General Assembly urge the Presbyteries to hold Con¬ ferences on Evangelism and Stewardship in connection with their regular meetings, to the end that the regular Church courts may be made more a means of inspiration and help, especially to representa¬ tives of the churches. 3. That the General Assembly commend to the consideration of all Presbyterial Evangelistic and Home Mission Committees the sug¬ gestion for Presbyterial Evangelism prepared by the Campaign Com¬ mittee on Evangelism and Stewardship. II. On Stewardship 1. That the General Assembly continue the Campaign Committee, composed of representatives of the four Executive Committees and of the Laymen’s Missionary Movement, as a Committee on Steward¬ ship, to promote, by educational processes, the adoption by the churches of the Assembly’s Plan of Systematic Beneficence. 2. That the General Assembly again express in most emphatic terms its earnest desire and recommendation that all churches, so far as possible, at once make plans for adopting the Assembly’s plan of church finance and for conducting an Every-Member-Canvass for beneficence during or before March, 1915. 3. That the General Assembly declare in the most forcible way to all the churches that the results of the Every-Member-Canvass should not be looked upon as final, but as the foundation on which to build up an adequate offering for the year. 4. That the General Assembly recommend to i.iie Presbyteries, through their Committees on Systematic Beneficence, the earnest ana* careful cultivation of their churches in the principle of Christian Stewardship, and especially that part of the 911 churches that may be in their bounds which last year gave nothing to any of the Assembly’s causes. 1133. Report of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence 1015, p. 149. Your Committee has met twice since the last meeting of the Assembly at Kansas City, in Atlanta, Ga., January 26th and 27th, 1915, and at Newport News, Va., May 18th to 20th, 1915. 649 Secs. 1132-1133] Systematic Beneficence The following members were present: Atlanta Synod S. D. Weakley . Alabama . J. I. Norris . Arkansas . L. Ross Lynn . Florida . A. A. Little . Georgia . A. J. A. Alexander . Kentucky . J. Adair Little . Louisiana . Oscar Newton . Mississippi . Trigg A. M. Thomas . Missouri . R. A. Brand . North Carolina J. M. Clark . Oklahoma . A. E. Spencer . South Carolina J. I. Vance . Tennessee . R. E. Vinson . Texas . . Virginia . . West Virginia Newport News , J. I. Norris ,L. Ross Lynn A. A. Little A. J. A. Alexander J. Adair Lyon Trigg A. M. Thomas J. M. Clark A. E. Spencer J. I. Vance R. E. Vinson John W. Friend, Jr. Ernest Thompson Officers and Organization. — James I. Vance, Chairman; Trigg A. M. Thomas, Vice-Chairman; Robert E. Vinson, Secretary; A. E. Spencer, Recording Secretary. Committees — No. 1. On Scope — Robert E. Vinson, Chairman. No. 2. On Methods — Trigg A. M. Thomas, Chairman. No. 3. On Education and Publicity — S. D. Weakley, Chairman. No. 4. On Administration — A. E. Spencer, Chairman. No. 5. On the Assembly’s (Budget and Financial Plan — A. J. A. Alex¬ ander, Chairman. Printed reports of the four Executive Committees, the Campaign Committee on Stewardship, and the Woman’s Auxiliary, have been placed in our hands and have been carefully considered. The Com¬ mittee has also had conferences with the Executive and other Secre¬ taries, and the Treasurer of Foreign Missions, at both itsi meetings, and at the Atlanta meeting with Mrs. Winsborough, Superintendent of the Woman’s Auxiliary. We find, in general, that the organiza¬ tion of the various Executive Committees is well adapted to the work outlined for each Committee by the General Assembly. After careful consideration of the information gained from all sources, your Committee presents the following data and recom¬ mendations: A careful examination of the reports of the work of the four Execu¬ tive Committees of the Church has convinced your Committee that in almost all respects the year just closed has been unusually success¬ ful. Facing, as the Executive Committee did, a situation of extreme difficulty, of financial stringency and distress in all quarters, they have worked with splendid courage, and with increased zeal, and the results have been amazing, and only to be accounted for by the fact that the work was done in the Master’s vineyard. The difficulties and the threatening disasters of the past year have but furnished a background on which the sturdy and sterling char¬ acteristics of the Calvinistic type of character have been shown in their very best proportions. We are confident that the people of our Church can be relied on to meet any emergency in the future. With a strong faith in God and an ever-increasing liberality they will press on to the final victory of the Kingdom of God in the earth. I. Foreign Missions The Executive Committee of Foreign Missions has, in the opinion of your Committee on Systematic Beneficence, had the most success¬ ful year in its history. If the same methods of bookkeeping had been used this year which were used in the past the books of the Executive 650 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV Committee would have shown virtually no deficit. We wish to com¬ mend especially the business methods of the present Treasurer of Foreign Missions. We recommend — 1. That whenever the appropriation to any mission field will justify it, the Executive Committee be authorized to appoint one business man as Treasurer for the entire mission or missions in that country. 2. That the General Assembly require the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions to secure from the Treasurers of the different mis¬ sion stations regular stated' reports of their expenditure of the funds paid to them by the Treasurer of the Executive Committee with proper vouchers for the same. 3. That the General Assembly express its hearty approval of the monthly payment of funds to the mission stations by the Treasurer of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions. 4. In view of the perils which threaten our Foreign Mission work through forced retrenchment, in order to avoid debt, and in view of the tremendous burden which this Executive Committee is com¬ pelled to bear, and in further view of the danger to our present financial plan which lies in making special appeals, we recommend that the first three weeks of the month of February be assigned to the cause of Foreign Missions in addition to two months which this Committee has had heretofore. In making this recommendation, it is understood that this additional time will be used by the Committee in the same way as the two months are now used. 5. That the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions be instructed to investigate the matter of graduated scale of salaries for mission¬ aries, and report on this matter at the next meeting of your Commit¬ tee on Systematic (Beneficence. 6. The following nominations are made for vacancies on the Execu¬ tive Committee of Foreign Missions for a term of three years: Rev. James I. Vance, D. D., Rev. A. B. Curry, D. D., Rev. S. H. Chester, D. D., W. H. Raymond, and M. G. Buckner. II. Home Missions Your Committee has visited the office of the Executive Committee of Home Missions, and carefully considered the general business manage¬ ment, including the care and handling of funds, the character of in¬ vestments, the system, economy and efficiency of the office work, and we are pleased to report that we found' everything in satisfactory con¬ dition, and we commend the Committee for its policy of having the accounts of its officers audited by certified public accountants. Recommendations — 1. Your Committee transmits herewith a paper entitled “The Coun¬ try Church, Its Ruin, Its Remedy,” prepared by Dr. S. L. Morris, Executive Secretary of Home Missions, which has been submitted both to the Executive Committee of Home Missions and Your Perma¬ nent Committee on Systematic Beneficence. Your Committee finds this paper to be an admirable treatment of the subject, and recom¬ mends that the General Assembly instruct the Executive Committee of Home Missions to issue this paper in the form of a pamphlet for distribution with such emendations and additions as the Committee may think wise. 2. We recommend that the Executive Committee of Home Missions be instructed to prosecute vigorously the matter of Synodical organ¬ ization of Home Missions so far as may be practicable and wise, par¬ ticularly in the dependent Synods. 3. We recommend that the Assembly advise the Executive Com- mitte of Home Missions to send the members of the Committee to the Meetings of the dependent Synods so far as may be practicable. 4. Your Committee endorses the overture of the Executive Com¬ mittee of Home Missions to the Assembly with reference to special Sec. 1133] Systematic Beneficence 651 appeals provided that the additional time toward the end of the year be granted to the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions as recommended above. 5. We recommend that Rev. S. L. Morris, D. D., be elected Execu¬ tive Secretary of Home Missions for another term of three years. 6. The following nominations are made for vacancies on the Execu¬ tive Committee of Home Missions for a term of three years: Rev. J. S. Foster, D. D., Rev. A. A. Little, D. D., Rev. J. G. Snedecor, LL. D., Rev. J. S. Lyons, D. D., Rev. Homer McMillan, D. D., Rev. J. H. Patton, D. D. III. Christian Education ano Ministerial Relief Your Committee desires to congratulate the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief on the fine showing in their work for the past year. There has been an actual advance instead of decrease and' retrenchment. We desire also to express our approval of the action of the Ad-Interim Committee on Education in recommending to the Assembly the granting of aid to candidates for the ministry in the form of loans instead of gifts, and your Com¬ mittee hopes that this action will likewise commend itself to the judgment of the Assembly. The following nominations are made for vacancies on the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief for a term of three years: Rev. W. W. Akers, Rev. J. T. Thomas, D. D., and Brainard Lemon. W recommend that Rev. Henry H Sweets, D D., be elected Execu¬ tive Secretary of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief for another term of three yars. IV. Publication and Sabbath School Extension The showing made by this Executive Committee is excellent and deserves special commendation. We particularly congratulate them on the very large increase in the number of their publications. The following nominations are made for vacancies on this Committee for a iterm of three years: Rev. F. T. McFadden, D. D., Rev. W. L. Lingle, D. D., and Rev. Wesley Baker. V. The Campaign Committee on Stewardship We note with peculiar pleasure the decided forward movement in the work of this Committee and recommend that each Executive Com¬ mittee throw the full force of its influence and activity, as far as possible, toward the development of this work, believing the Every- Member-Canvass Plan will solve all the financial difficulties of our Church in its Home and Foreign work. We desire to commend this Committee for the election of Rev. R. L. Walkup as its Secretary, and to call attention to the efficient service which he has already rendered in this department. We hereby transmit for the information of the Assembly the at¬ tached study of the success of the Every-Member-Canvass Plan cover¬ ing the past five years of its operation. VI. Woman’s Auxiliary We note with gratification the good results accomplished by the women since their fuller organization. On account of the efficiency and enthusiasm which they have displayed, several practical ques¬ tions have emerged which affect the relationship of their contribu¬ tions through their societies to the general financial plan of the Church. First — The question as to whether the women should be encour¬ aged to subscribe to the budget and give through the church treasury, 652 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV or whether they should be encouraged to give chiefly through the societies and only a minimum through their envelopes. Second — As to whether the amounts pledged by the women to the budget and contributed through the church envelopes should be credited to their societies, as is the custom in some congregations. Concerning these questions, it is the opinion of your Committee: 1. That, as these and all other special organizations are but auxil¬ iary to the Church, and as the first allegiance of the members of the Church should be to their church rather than to any special organiza¬ tion, the Assembly should advise all such organizations to make their societies a means of encouraging their members to contribute weekly through the envelopes, and the contributions made through such special organizations be over and above their pledges made to the budget through the Every-Member-Canvass. 2. As it is manifestly undesirable that each society in the Church should have all the gifts made by its members Through the church envelopes credited to the society to which the member belongs, and as this system prevents us from seeing just what special work our societies are doing, and as this is likely to result in confusion and inaccuracy, that this practice should be discouraged. 3. Your Committee therefore recommends that the Assembly ap¬ prove the above opinion and transmit it to the Womanfs Auxiliary as the objective of its efforts and’ urge upon the Auxiliary to endeavor to put these into effect by the year 1916-17 VII. General 1. The Assembly's Budget and Financial Plan : (a) Several overtures have come to your Committee requesting that the percentage system of the Assembly’s plan be discontinued. Inasmuch as these percentages apply to undesignated amounts which are to be distributed among the Assembly’s causes, and serve also as a guide to our people in making their gifts, we recommend that the use of the percentage system be continued by the Assembly. (b) In regard to the matter of apportionments, we sympathize with the overtures of the Synod of Virginia and the Presbytery of Lexing¬ ton, but desire to state that these apportionments are made on the basis of a minimum need consistent with reasonable advance in every department, and' that special funds for special causes are not included in these appropriations. (c) We recommend that the Assembly urge the Beneficence Treas¬ urers of all churches within our bounds to notify the Executive Sec¬ retaries of the four Committees with regard to the results obtained from the Every-Member-Canvass as soon as possible after this can¬ vass has been made. (d) In view of the numerous complaints which have come from various sources concerning the diverting of funds by churches from Assembly’s causes to local causes, thus decreasing the income to the Assembly’s Committees, we recommend that the Assembly make a strong and clear deliverance on this subject. (e) In view of the fact that the Assembly’s Plan of Church Finance wherever it has been faithfully used has demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt that it is capable of meeting all the financial needs and of solving all the financial problems of our Church; and in view of the fact that only about one-fourth of our churches have adopted this plan, your Committee therefore appeals in the most urgent man¬ ner to the Assembly to take such action as will secure as nearly as possible the adoption of this plan by nil our churches, and to this end we suggest that the Assembly urge all the Presbyteries to intro¬ duce the Assembly’s Plan in all their churches for both local and benevolent causes. Sec. 1133] Systematic Beneficence 653 2. Concerning Executive Committees'. (a) With ^reference to the matter of the employment of a Joint Educational Secretary for the four Executive Committees, your Com¬ mittee after thorough investigation, recommends that this plan at pres¬ ent be not adopted. (b) We recommend that the Assembly instruct the four Executive Committees to work out a definite, comprehensive, and thorough edu¬ cational scheme for the Sabbath Schools, covering the work of the four causes, and' report on the same to the Committee on Systematic Beneficence at its next stated meeting. (c) We recommend that one officer and one member of the Execu¬ tive Committee of Foreign Missions attend the annual sessions of the Conference of the Secretaries of the Foreign Mission Boards of the United States and Canada, and one officer and one member of the Executive Committee of Home Missions attend the annual sessions of the Home Missions Council. The expense of this attendance to be borne by the respective Executive Committees. (d) That the General Assembly instruct the different Executive Com¬ mittees to invest all funds placed in their hands which are subject to annuities, using only the surplus income from such investments for the support of the work of their committees, until such time as the annual charge upon said funds shall cease, and that the Execu¬ tive Committees of Foreign Missions and Home Missions be instructed to use these funds, as they become free from charge, as a basis for their reserve funds. 3. Concerning membership in the Permanent Committee on Syste¬ matic Beneficence: (a) In order that membership in the Committee may conform to the rules adopted by previous Assemblies, your Committee has ac¬ cepted the resignation of Rev. D. K. Walthall, alternate to Prof. W. S. Currell, and has elected Mr. John W. Friend, Jr., of Petersburg, Va., and Mr. J. W. Sinton, of Richmond, Ya., as principal and alter¬ nate to fill out the unexpired term of the members from the Synod of Virginia. (b) Also we would call the Assembly’s attention to the fact that it is required that the alternate to a minister shall be a minister, and therefore recommend that Rev. Charles E. Diehl be elected in the place of Mr. James Hasson as alternate to Dr. Vance, of Ten¬ nessee, and that Rev. D. P. McGeachy be elected in the place of Mr. Tazewell McCorkle, alternate to Dr. Thompson, of West Virginia. (c) We recommend that the Committee on Systematic Beneficence consist of eight ministers and seven ruling elders, and that each Gen¬ eral Assembly in electing members of this Committee endeavor to maintain this proportion. 4. With reference to the use of the months set apart to the various causes, your Committee recommends that the Assembly authorize the four Executive Committees to make use of their respective months in an endeavor to secure liberal offerings for these causes from all Of the churches which have not adopted the Assembly’s Every-Mem- ber-Canvass Plan. VIII. Pekcentages and Apportionments 1. We recommend that the following percentages apply to any undesignated amounts to be distributed among the Assembly’s causes and as a guide to our people in making their gifts: Foreign Missions . 54% Assembly’s Home Missions . 27% Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 14% Publication and Sunday School Extension . 4% Bible Cause . 1% 654 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV 2. We recommend that the following amounts be named as a mini¬ mum amount for each of the Assembly’s causes for the year 1916-17: Foreign Missions . $ 648,000.00 Home Missions . 324,000.00 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 168,000.00 Publication and Sunday School Extension . 48,000.00 Bible Cause . 12,000.00 $1,200,000.00 3. We call attention to the fact that the amounts named represent the sums necessary in order to maintain efficiently work already undertaken, and to secure a reasonable degree of advancement in the effort to overtake real and urgent necessities. Advancement in salaries of our needy Home Mission workers is imperative. The amounts apportioned do not include such items as the Endowment Fund for Ministerial Relief, the Semi-Centennial Loan Fund, and a number of other special objects, all of which should be provided for. It is the opinion of your Committee that these items last named should be regarded as opportunities for special liberality rather than as a part of the regular budget. For the distribution among the Synods see Assembly Minutes 1915, p. 155. IX. Conclusion 1. Expiration of Terms: (a) The first term of the following members of this Committee expires with this meeting of the Assembly. These are eligible for re-election: Principals — J. I. Norris, Arkansas; L. Ross Lynn, Flor¬ ida; J. M. Clark, Oklahoma; A. E. Spencer, South Carolina; Robert E. Vinson, Texas. Alternates — John Van Lear, Arkansas; W. H. Dodge, Florida; E. Hotchkin, Oklahoma; M. F. Ansel, South Caro¬ lina; Robert Hill, Texas. (b) The second term of the following expires. These are not eligible for re-election: Principals — S. D. Weakley, Alabama; 0»car Newton, Mississippi. Alternates — S. J. Cassells, Alabama; and W. C. Guthrie, Mississippi. 2. We recommend that the Assembly appropriate the sum of $500.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, for such expenses of this Com¬ mittee as may be in addition to the expense of its members in at¬ tending its meetings. 3. The books of the Secretary have been audited and his accounts approved. 4. The Committee has prepared' a Digest of the actions of the Gen¬ eral Assembly touching the Systematic Beneficence Committee, and also a Manual for the guidance of itst members. 5. The following members of the Committee have been appointed to represent this Committee before this Assembly and its Standing Committees, namely: James I. Vance, A. A. Little, and Robert E. Vinson. 1134. Report of the Standing Committee on Systematic Beneficence 1915, p. 51. The following documents have been placed in our hands: The annual report of the Permanent Committee on Sys¬ tematic Beneficence, all Presbyterial statistical reports on Systematic Beneficence, the report of the Campaign Committee on Steward¬ ship, and overtures as follows: Two from the Synod of Virginia, one each from the Presbyteries of Montgomery, West Lexington, Orange, Lexington, Upper Missouri, Potomac, East Hanover, Meek- Secs. 1133-1134] Systematic Beneficence * 655 lenburg, and Asheville, and one from the Executive Committee of Home Missions. All of these documents your Committee has ex¬ amined with painstaking care. 1. Campaign Committee on Stewardship In view of the fact that only 750 churches out of a total of 3,040 are operating under the Assembly’s Plan, we recommend — 1. That the Campaign Committee on Stewardship be continued as heretofore. 2. That the Assembly approve of the election of Rev. R. L. Walkup as Secretary of this Committee. 3. That the four Executive Committees be directed to throw the full force of their activity and influence toward the development of the Assembly’s Plan, and that the Assembly adopt the report of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence where it reads as follows : (a) Several overtures have come to your Committee requesting that the percentage system of the Assembly’s Plan be discontinued. Inasmuch as these percentages apply to undesignated amounts which are to be distributed among the . Assembly’s causes, and serve also as a guide to our people in making their gifts, we recommend that the use of the percentage system be continued by the Assembly. (b) In regard to the matter of apportionments, we sympathize with the overtures of the Synod of Virginia and the Presbytery of Lexington, but desire to state that these apportionments are made on the basis of a minimum need consistent with reasonable advance in every department, and that special funds for special causes are not included in these appropriations. * * * (d) In view of the numerous complaints which have come from various sources concerning the diverting of funds by churches from Assembly’s causes to local causes, thus decreasing the income to the Assembly’s Committees, we recommend that the Assembly make a strong and clear deliverance on this subject. * * * And in view of the fact that only about one-fourth of our churches have adopted this plan, your Committee therefore appeals in the most urgent manner to the Assembly to take such action as will secure as nearly as possible the adoption of this plan by all our churches, and to this end we suggest that the Assembly urge all the Presby¬ teries to introduce the Assembly’s Plan in all their churches for both local and benevolent causes. 4. In view of the urgent importance of this matter and the danger to our whole financial system which lies in the practice of making special appeals, we go further, and request the Presbyteries to exer¬ cise all their legitimate authority in the effort to enlist all the churches among the number of those that have adopted the Assem¬ bly’s Plan. 5. That the printed report of the Campaign Committee on Stew¬ ardship, together with their statement of results achieved by the 656 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV Every-Member-Canvass Plan, be printed in the Minutes of this Assembly. 2. Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence The report of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Benefi¬ cence gives evidence of the painstaking and laborious work of this Committee and of faithful attendance upon the part of its members, and shows that the past year has been one of the most! successful in the history of our Church. We recommend: 1. That the organization of the Committee as exhibited in its re¬ port be approved. 2. With reference to the Assembly’s Budget and Financial Plan, we must correct a misapprehension. The amounts apportioned to the various benevolent causes are the sole basis from which the per¬ centage is agreed upon or derived, and inevitably establish these percentages. Furthermore, these percentages are designed to apply to undesignated amounts' which are intended for distribution among the benevolent causes, and serve also as a guide to our people in making their gifts. Therefore, (a) We recommend that the percentage system be continued. (b) Inasmuch as the amounts apportioned are arrived at by a careful study of the minimum needs of each cause, together with a reasonable advance, we recommend that these apportionments con¬ tinue to be made as heretofore, and that special funds for special causes be not included. (c) “That the Assembly suggest to church Sessions that they en¬ courage their people in making free-will offerings for the beneficent work of the Church, over and above the Every-Member-Canvass, and that no church, in adopting the Assembly’s Plan, exclude all appeals for special offerings.” — Assembly’s Minutes 1913, p. 39. “That the General Assembly declare in the most forceful way to all the churches that the results of the Every-Member-Canvass should not be looked upon as final, but as a means by which to build up an adequate offering for the year.” — Assembly’s Minutes 1914, p. 51. That the Executive Committees be instructed to confine their spe¬ cial finance appeals to the Church at large to the months assigned them by this Assembly. (d) We recommend that the Assembly urge the beneficence treas¬ urers of all churches within our bounds to notify the Executive Secretaries of the four Committees with regard to the results ob¬ tained from the Every-Member-Canvass as soon as possible after this canvass has been made. (e) In answer to the request of the Permanent Committee, we recommend that the beneficence treasurers conscientiously refrain from using for local beneficences amounts which have been sub¬ scribed to the Assembly causes; but, on the contrary, that care be exercised by Synods, Presbyteries, and Sessions to add their local necessities to the Assembly apportionment before the subscriptions are taken. .Sec. 1134] Systematic Beneficence 657 (f) Inasmuch as the efficiency of the apportionment plan de¬ pends upon the thoroughness with which it is applied by each church, we recommend that each Synod and Presbytery see to it not only that the apportionment made by the Assembly reach each church Session, but that these apportionments also include the amounts needed for the. local work of these courts, in addition to the Assem¬ bly’s needs; and, further, that the Sessions of the individual churches add to these apportionments the needs of their respective local be¬ neficences before the budget is announced to the congregation or the subscriptions taken, and that they notify the Executive Secretaries as provided above. 3. Concerning Executive Committees We recommend: (a) That one officer and one member of the Executive Com¬ mittee of Foreign Missions attend* the annual sessions of the Con¬ ference of the Secretaries of the Foreign Mission Boards of the United States and Canada, and one officer and one member of the Executive Committee of Home Missions attend the annual sessions of the Home Missions Council. The expenses of this attendance to be borne by the respective Executive Committees. (b) That the General Assembly instruct the different Executive Committees to invest all funds placed in their hands which are sub¬ ject to annuities, using only the surplus income from such invest¬ ments for the support of the work of their Committees, until such time as the annual charge upon said funds shall cease, and that the Executive Committees of Foreign Missions and Home Missions be instructed to use these funds, as they become free from charge, as a basis for their reserve funds. 4. Concerning Membership of the Permanent Committee We recommend that the Assembly approve the action of the Per¬ manent Committee in conforming its membership to the rules adopted By previous Assemblies, in the election of John W. Friend, Jr., and J. W. Sinton as principal and alternate from the Synod of Virginia to fill unexpired terms, and Rev. Chas. E. Diehl as alternate to Rev. Jas. I. Vance, of the Synod of Tennessee, and Rev. D. P. McGeachy as alternate to the Rev. Ernest Thompson, of the Synod of West Virginia. In view of the erection by the Assembly of the new Synod of Appalachia, we recommend that the Permanent Com¬ mittee consist of eight ministers and eight ruling elders. 5. Concerning Percentage and Apportionment 1. We recommend that the following percentages apply to any undesignated amounts to be distributed among the Assembly’s causes •and as a guide to our people in making their gifts: Foreign Missions . . . 54% 658 • Systematic Beneficence [Book IV Assembly’s Home Missions . - . 27% Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 14% Publication and Sunday School Extension . . 4% Bible Cause . - 1% 2. We recommend that the following amounts be named as a min¬ imum for each of the Assembly’s causes for the year 1916-17 : Foreign Missions . $ 648,000.00 Home Missions . - . . . 324,000.00 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 168,000.00 Publication and Sunday School Extension . 48,000.00 Bible Cause . 12,000.00 $1,200,000.00 3. We call attention to the fact that the amounts named represent the sums necessary in order to maintain efficiently the work already undertaken and to secure* a reasonable degree of advancement in the effort to overtake real and urgent necessities. Advancement in salaries of our needy Homo Mission workers is imperative. The amounts apportioned do not include such items as the Endowment Fund for Ministerial Relief, the Semi-Centennial Loan Fund, and a number of other special objects, all of which should be provided for. It is the opinion of your Committee that these items last named should be regarded as opportunities for special liberality rather than as a part of the regular budget. The last two items in this recommendation have been conformed to the overture presented by the Synod of Virginia and answered in the latter part of this report. With reference to the quota of the new Synod of Appalachia, we recommend that the Assembly instruct each of the Synods concerned to make its apportionments upon the constituent Presbyteries of the new Synod as heretofore and deduct these amounts from their re¬ spective quotas. 7. Concerning Expiration of Terms We recommend: (a) That the following be re-elected for one term of two years each on the Permanent Committee: Principals: L. Ross Lynn, Florida; A. E. Spencer, South Carolina; Robert E. Vinson, Texas. Alternates: W. H. Dodge, Florida; M. F. Ansel, South Carolina; Robert Hill, Texas. (b) We recommend that the following be elected for two years: Principals: T. C. McRae, of Arkansas; A. F. Davidson, of Okla¬ homa; Rev. J. S. Foster, of Alabama; Rev. J. B. Hutton, Missis¬ sippi; E. W. King, Appalachia. Alternates: A. W. Whitemarsh, Arkansas; A. H. Ferguson, Oklahoma; Rev. E. M. Craig, Alabama; Rev. Geo. D. Booth, Mississippi; B. D. Brabson, Appalachia. (c) We recommend that the Assembly appropriate the sum of $500.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, for such expenses of Sec. 1134] Systematic Beneficence 659 this Committee as may be in addition to the expenses of its mem¬ bers in attending its meetings. Statistical Summary of Systematic Beneficence As reported by the Presbyteries Contributions Foreign Missions . . . . . - . . . $ 521,742.00 Assembly’s Home Missions . 111,771.00 Synod’s Home Missions . 60,125.00 Presbytery’s Home Missions . 168,622.00 Congregational Home Missions . 126,768.00 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief 139,895.00 S. S. Extension and Publication . 28,131.00 Schools and Colleges . „ . _ . 128,292.00 Bible Cause . 8,847.00 Orphans’ Homes . 113,141.00 Miscellaneous Benevolences . 175,635.00 Total . * . . . $1,582,969.00 Overtures 1. In answer to overtures from the Synod of Virginia and the Presbyteries of Montgomery, Lexington, West Lexington, Orange, and Upper Missouri, all of which ask for certain radical and funda¬ mental changes in the Assembly’s financial plan, we recommend that the Assembly reply: First. That answer has already been given to the specific re¬ quests embodied in these overtures in the actions recommended by this report; Second. That it is the judgment of the Assembly that the pres¬ ent financial plan has not been in operation long enough, nor with sufficient thoroughness, to warrant the many and radical changes embodied in these overtures. 2. In answer to the overture from the Executive Committee of Home Missions and the Presbyteries of East Hanover and Meck¬ lenburg, asking that the Assembly do not interfere with the work¬ ing of the present financial plan, we recommend that the Assembly reply in the affirmative. 3. In answer to the overture from the Presbytery of Potomac, ask¬ ing the Committee on Systematic Beneficence to mail statements of apportionments to the churches twice each year, etc., we recommend that the Assembly reply by reference to section 2 (f). 4. In answer to the overture of the Synod of Virginia, request¬ ing that one- third of the apportionment of the Synod of West Vir¬ ginia be taken from that Synod and added to the Synod of Virginia, we recommend an affirmative answer. 660 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV 5. In answer to the overture from the Presbytery of Asheville, asking that the Assembly increase the percentage of the Foreign Mis¬ sion cause from 55 to 59, we would recommend that the Assembly answer in the negative. Report of Campaign Committee on Stewardship 1915, p. 50. The 1914 Assembly charged the Campaign Committee on Stewardship, composed of two representatives from each of the four Executive Committees of the Assembly and from the Executive Committee of the Laymen’s Missionary Movement, with the definite task of advancing the interest of the Assembly’s Financial Plan, of securing its adoption in all of our churches, and employing such as¬ sistance as may be necessary to push this plan in individual churches. It was not until January 1, 1915, that the Committee secured the services of a secretary. However, the work was kept before the Church through the able assistance of the Committee of Publication. Twenty-five thousand copies of the leaflet “At Home and' Abroad,” and 20,000 copies of the leaflet “How to Conduct an Every-Member- Canvass,” and several other educational leaflets were published and circulated by the Publication Committee. On the above date Rev. R. L. Walkup, of Mississippi, entered upon his duties, and has kept constantly before the Church the Assemblyfs Plan through litera¬ ture, letters, charts, the religious press, and personal visitation of churches and Presbyteries. The simultaneous Every-Member-Canvass in March resulted not only in more churches enlisting, but shows a marked increase in the intelligent operation of churches having already adopted the plan. Immediately following the simultaneous canvass, every Presbytery was asked to conduct, through its Systematic Beneficence Committee (all other committees co-operating), a follow-up campaign, embracing the months of April and May. Many of the Presbyteries are reporting fine results, especially where the ministers and laymen have volun¬ teered to carry the message into every non-enlisted congregation. By June 1, some of the Presbyteries will be able to report approxi¬ mately every church enlisted, while others will be able to report a handsome increase. Plans have already been projected for the campaign of next year. Many of the Synods are arranging for conferences to be held during the summer months. A conference on Stewardship and the Every- Member-Canvass will also be held in Montreat July 19-24th. This conference has been specially designed for the Synodical and’ Presby- terial chairmen, and it is hoped that every Synod and Presbytery of the Assembly will be represented. The great objective of the Com¬ mittee is to arrange for and carry through an every-church campaign of education in all of the Presbyteries before the next simultaneous Every-Member-Canvass. The Assembly’s Plan is more than justifying its right to live by its substantial achievements and vast possibilities. The Church is being confirmed in the belief that this Scriptural, business-like method surpasses by far any plan yet devised. In response to a questionnaire sent out to many of the enlisted churches, asking for the exact re¬ ceipts of the Every-Member-Canvass, the fact is revealed that more than ninety per cent, of these churches surpass by far the Assembly’s apportionment. This information would not be so significant had these churches been selected' with great care, asking only the best (o report. But such was not the case. These churches represent all kinds and conditions — countrv. village, town and city churches, large and small, rich and poor alike. While few, if any, of these churches would claim that the Every-Member-Canvass has been perfectly worked, the facts stated, however, are suggestive of what will result when all the churches loyally and cordially put into effect every feature of the plan. Secs. 1135-1136] Systematic Beneficence 661 The cry of the Church at home and abroad is for an adequate sup¬ port. We are fully convinced that an adequate income can be se¬ cured through the universal adoption of the Assembly’s Plan of Finance. To enlist every church and canvass every member is a stu¬ pendous task. However, it can be done, with all the agencies of the Church co-operating to this end. To do this, the Assembly’s Plan must have right of way, be more faithfully worked, and not be hampered and checked by the multitude of special appeals which have tended in the past to neutralize its effect. We, therefore, ear¬ nestly urge that every obstacle be removed and every endeavor put forth to reach every church and every member before March 31, 1916. A study of the statistics of the churches which reported they were using the Assembly’s plan, in whole or in part, in 1914, has been made, and the reports of 1910 (the year the Assembly’s new plan was adopted') and 1914 have been compared. The tabulation shows the result of this comparison, and it reveals the remarKable gain made in membership, in offerings for benevo¬ lences, and in collections for local expenses. The contrast is all the more striking when the progress of the large number of churches in the non-enlisted churches is compared with the reports of the small number of enlisted) churchs. The figures for 1915 will show a further advance in every line of activity by the enlisted churches, in spite of the depression occasioned by the great war, and it is not claiming too much to say that but for the fixed and stable support given our benevolent causes by the “Every-Mem- ber-Canvass” churches, all our work would have suffered disastrously. Below is printed the tabulation of the statistics of our churches for the years 1910 and 1914: For a comparative summary of the enlisted and non-enlisted churches in the E'very-Member-Canvass of 1910 and 1914, by Presbyteries, Syn¬ ods, and the Assembly, see Assembly Minutes 1915, pp. 58ff. Only the totals for the Assembly are given here. Enlisted Churches Membership For Others For Ourselves 1910 1914 1910 1914 1910 1914 Assembly .... 756 127,281 146,225 $ 621,010 $ 826,308 $1,604,472 $1,930,759 \ Ron-Enlisted Churches Assembly .... 2284j 143,103 1 1 159,816 $ 364,483 1 $ 419,293 1 $1,256,477 1 $1,543,595 1 1136. Report of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence 1916, p. 148. Your Committee has met twice since the last meet¬ ing of the Assembly at Newport News, Virginia, namely, in Louis¬ ville, Kentucky, January 25th and 26th, 1916, and at Orlando, Flor¬ ida. May 16th to 17th, 1916. 662 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV The following members were present at these meetings, all ab¬ sentees having rendered excuses which were accepted: Louisville Synod Orlando J. S. Foster . Alabama . J. S. Foster E. W. King . Appalachia . E. W. King . Arkansas . T. C. McRae L. Ross Lynn . Florida . L. Ross Lynn A. A. Little . Georgia . . . A. A. Little A. J. A. Alexander ....Kentucky . A. J. A. Alexander J. Adair Lyon . Louisana . J. Adair Lyon J. B. Hutton . Mississippi . J. B. Hutton J. Layton Mauze . Missouri . Trigg A. M. Thomas R. A. (Brand . North Carolina . A. F. Davidson . Oklahoma . A. E. Spencer . South Carolina . A. E. Spencer James I. Vance . Tennessee . James I. Vance R. E. Vinson . Texas . R. E. Vinson John W. Friend . Virginia . John W. Friend Ernest Thompson . West Virginia . Ernest Thompson Officers and Organization. — James I. Vance, Chairman; Trigg A. M. Thomas, Vice-Chairman; Robert E. Vinson, Secretary. Committees — No. 1. On Scope — A. A. Little, Chairman. No. 2. On Methods — J. Adair Lyon, Chairman. No. 3. On Education and Publicity — L. Ross Lynn, Chairman. No. 4. On Administration — A. E. Spencer, Chairman. No. 5. On the Assembly’s Budget and Financial Plan — A. J. A. Alexander, Chairman. No. 6. On the Minutes of the General Assembly — J. B. Hutton, Chairman. Printed reports of the four Executive Committees, the report of the Campaign Committee on Stewardship, and of the Woman’s Auxil¬ iary have been placed in our hands, and have been carefully con¬ sidered. Your Committee has also had' conferences with the Execu¬ tive and other Secretaries and the Treasurer of Foreign Missions and with Mrs. Winsborough, Superintendent of the Woman’s Auxil¬ iary, at both of its meetings. We find in general that the organiza¬ tion of the various Executive Committees is well adapted to the work outlined for each Committee by the General Assembly. We are also pleased to r’eport that all of the Executive Committees, with one exception, have received more money that was the case at our last report. While this is gratifying, the amounts are yet far short of what they should have been for the rightful development of the work given into their hands. I. Foreign Missions The Executive Committee of Foreign Missions has, in the opinion of your Committee, passed through a very successful year. While the receipts for this cause, have been approximately! ten thousand dol¬ lars less than they were last year, due to falling off in legacies, the contributions from living donors being larger than last year, the Committee has received sufficient money to enable it to meet all the claims on its appropriations with a small amount left over to apply upon the deficit carried over from the last year. But this was made possible only by a cut of 10 per cent, on sec¬ ond-class appropriations, in addition to the 20 per cent, -cut of pre¬ vious year. We recommend — 1. That the following be elected to fill the vacancies on this Com¬ mittee: Rev. J. F. Cannon, Rev. W. L. Caldwell, Mr. W. G. Adams, and Mr. C. A. Rowland, for a term of three years. Sec. 1136] Systematic Beneficence 663 2. That the following amount be apportioned to this cause for the year 1917-1918: $666,000. II. Home Missions Your Committee finds that the Executive Committee of Home Mis¬ sions has had the most successful year in its history, the amount contributed to this cause being greater than at any other period. We desire, however, to call the attention of the Assembly to the fact that, notwithstanding the amount contributed to this cause, the work of this Executive Committee during the past year has fallen far short of the obligation laid upon it by the last Assembly. After the most careful consideration, we find that this Committee has not not been able to increase the salaries of our Home Mission Workers, nor provide for the equipment and the enlargement of the work au¬ thorized by the last Assembly. Even after an additional examina¬ tion of the budget as submitted for this year and deducting there¬ from such amounts as might have been provided locally, your Com¬ mittee is convinced that the Executive Committee of Home Missions should have received for pressing necessities not less than $100,000.00 more than was actually expended. We recommend — 1. That the following be elected as members of this Committee for a term of three years: Revs. R. O. Flinn, D. H. Ogden, and W. E. Hill. 2. That the following amount be apportioned for this cause for the year 1917-1918: $324,000. III. Christian Education and Ministerial Relief Your Committee has visited the office of the Executive Commit¬ tee, and has carefully considered the general business management of the Committee, including the care and handling of funds, the character of investments, the system, economy, and' efficiency of the office work, and we are pleased to report that we found everything in satisfactory condition and that the affairs of the Committee are administered with great efficiency and accuracy. We recommend — 1. That in view of the liberal offer of $68,000.00 for the Endow¬ ment Fund of Ministerial Relief, upon condition that double this amount be raised by the Church before January 1, 1917, the General Assembly set apart the first Sunday in December next as a day on which all our churches shall take a special offering for this purpose. We would suggest in this connection that the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief be advised to present this matter to the churches in such a way as to secure the largest results, hoping that the conditions of the offer may be met in full. 2. That the following be re-elected for a term of three years upon this Committee: Revs. W. Y. Davis and J. N. Vander Meulen and Messrs. John Stites, Bennett H. Young, and C. F. Huhlein; also Mr. James Quarles be elected to fill out the unexpired term of Rev. W. W. Akers. 3. That the following amount be apportioned to this cause for the year 1917-1918: $150,000. IV. Publication and Sunday School Work Your Committee is extremely gratified to note that this Committee has received during the past year slightly more than the total amount apportioned to this cause. The work of this Committee is in a flourishing condition, and is being handled in a wise and con¬ structive manner. We recommend — 1. The re-election of Mr. R. E. Magill as Executive Secretary of this cause for a term of three years. 664 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV 2. That Rev. T. H. Rice, Rev. W. E. Hutchison, Mr. J. W. Sinton, Mr. J. S. Munce, and Mr. R. E. Magill be re-elected as members of this Committee for a term of three years. 3. That the following amount be apportioned to this cause for the year 1917-1918: $48,000. V. It is evident that the introduction of the Assembly’s Plan has made marked progress during thje past year, due to the work of the Campaign Committee and through the earnest efforts of Rev. R. L. Walkup, its Secretary. We venture to recommend to the Assembly that, as a means of more completely introducing the financial plan of the General Assembly, the work of Mr. Walkup be continued, and should the Campaign Committee be continued, we recommend that it be composed of only one representative from each of the agencies con¬ cerned in its organization, as- by this means the expenses of its opera¬ tion may be greatly reduced. VI. Woman’s Auxiliary Your Committee is pleased to note the substantial progress which has been made by this department of our work, and particularly we desire to express our gratification at the increased number of mem¬ bers who have been brought into contact with this movement and the greatly increased contributions to all causes reported from their united efforts. We recommend that the General Assembly call the attention of the Synods and Presbyteries to the great value of this Auxiliary in prosecuting the work of these bodies and to urge upon them to make larger use of the Auxiliary through appropriate and active committees. VII. The Assembly’s Budget and Financial Plan 1. Your Committee believes that the weakness of the Every-Mem- ber-Canvass arises from a fourfold failure: a. The failure of the Presbyteries to add' to the amounts apportioned them for Assembly Causes the sums required for Synodical and Presbyterial work. b. The failure of Presbyterial Chairmen to apportion these Assem¬ bly, Synodical, and Presbyterial apportionments. . . 166,174.00 Synods’ Home Missions . 84,840.00 Presbyterial Home Missions . 263,504.00 Congregational Home Missions . 129,787.00 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 123,608.00 Sunday School Extension . 49,934.00 Schools and Colleges . 259,177.00 Bible Cause . , . . . < 20,797.00 Orphans’ Homes . 150,707.00 Miscellaneous Benevolences . 402,533.00 Total Benevolences . $2,238,731.00 Your Committee begs to recommend the following: First. That the Permanent Committee be thanked for their labor of love and the service which they have rendered the Church. Second. That the Assembly decline to appoint the Ad-Interim Committee looking toward the purchase of a building to house all the Executive Committees and looking toward the appointment of a central Executive Committee to have full charge of all branches of the Assembly’s work. Third. That the following amounts be apportioned for the Assem¬ bly’s causes for 1919-1920. Foreign Missions . , . >. . $1,140,000 Home Missions . . . .+ . 570,000 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief ... 290,000 Publication and Sunday School Extension . 78,000 Bible Cause . i . 22,000 Total . . . . $2,100,000 704 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV Fourth. That the following percentages apply to any undesig¬ nated gifts: Foreign Missions . . . . . . . . . 55%% Home Missions . . . ^.t . 27 % Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . _ . 12%% Publication and Sunday School . . . 4 % Bible Cause . . . 1 % Fifth. That the Assembly approve the plan for the raising of $12,000,000 for Beneficence during the next three years. Sixth. We recommend that the Permanent Committee on Syste¬ matic Beneficence be instructed to have a special and thorough efficiency survey made by an experienced firm of auditors who shall examine carefully and thoroughly the books and business methods of all the Executive Committees and their accounting systems. Said auditors should report fully and in detail in reference to all the business transactions of the Committee showing efficiency of em¬ ployees in the various departments, items of expense; properly charge¬ able to each department, make recommendations which would insure greater efficiency, promptness and accuracy in the conduct of the busi¬ ness, and suggest changes that may seem desirable. The report of said auditors should be presented to the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence at its mid-winter meeting. Seventh. That the Assembly appropriate the sum of $250.00, or so much as may be needed thereof, for such expenses of the Perma¬ nent Committee of Systematic Beneficence over and above the ex¬ penses of members attending the meeting of the Committee. We recommend that the following be appointed members of the Executive Committee of Publication: Rev. F. T. McFaden, D. D.r and Rev. W. L. Lingle, D. D., be elected to succeed themselves for a period of three years, and that Rev. E. C. Caldwell and Rev. O. E. Buchholz be added to the Committee, the class to be determined by the Executive Committee. Eighth. That the following persons be appointed to fill vacancies of Synods where same have occurred on the Permanent Committee: Synod Principal Alternate Alabama . . ,Rev. David Park . .Rev. Samuel E. Hodges,. Georgia . . . „W. M. Everett . . . Rev. S. E. Hodges, D. D. Kentucky . *„..<...Rev. T. M. Hawes . T. R. McCain Louisiana . Rev. J. K. Smith, D. D..,Rev. W. H. Hopper North Carolina ...Rev. R* R- Leyburn, D.D.Rev. U. D. Mooney, D. I Tennessee . „W. H. Raymond . Rev. C. F. Myers Virginia . Rev. F. T. McFaden, D. T P. McCallie West Virginia . L E. Allen . _ . Rev. H. J. Williams Missouri . Rev. C. R. Nisbet, D. DF. L. Bell Rev. A. A. Wallace, D.D. Stewardship Committee The excellent service rendered by this Committee deserves the hearty thanks of this Assembly. The success of the three million dollar Sec. 1144] Systematic Beneficence 705 drive was in no small measure due to the faithful and efficient work of this Committee. We recommend: First. The Rev. R. L. Walkup, Secretary of the Committee, be commended for his splendid service and leadership in this impor¬ tant department of our Church’s life and activity. Second. That the Assembly express its thanks to Mr. J. B. Spill¬ man, of Columbia, S. C., for the vision he has brought our Church in the matter of Christian Stewardship and for his liberal invest¬ ments of time and means for the promotion of the business interests of the Kingdom. Third, (a) That the Church’s goal for the present year be Three Million Dollars for the benevolent work of the Assembly, Synod and Presbytery, and that the immediate task be the bringing of every local congregation, Presbytery and Synod up to this standard. ( b ) That such assistance as may be necessary be employed for the carrying out and completion of this program. (c) That each Synod, Presbytery and church be asked to main¬ tain the organization which has so successfully carried forward the recent campaign, and that this splendid force of workers be used in completing the Three Million Dollar task. (d) That Uniform Report Blanks of funds pledged, paid and' remitted be prepared to be used by the local churches in making reports at least quarterly to Synod’s Manager, through the Man¬ ager of the Presbytery, all reports to be finally sent to the office of the Stewardship Committee, Montreat, N. C. ( e ) The General Assembly, recognizing the place of free will offering and thank offering in the economy of God, urge that, at suitable seasons, all Sessions give opportunity for those who have not been reached by the Every-Member-Canvass, and those who have been especially prospered of God, to exercise this privilege. (/) That the Stewardship Committee be urged to continue its emphasis on the cultivation of Christian Stewardship Ideals through¬ out the Church, and seek ways and means to lead our people to a clearer recognition and a fuller practice of the Christian’s obliga¬ tion toward God in possessions, personality and prayer. ( g ) That through conferences and institutes and every other proper means the Church be urged to study efficiency in all lines of service, that she may show herself approved unto God. (h) That during January, February and March, 1919, a cam¬ paign similar to the one of the past year be conducted and that all congregations be urged to participate in both the preparation and the actual carrying out of two by two, house to house, personal vis¬ itation canvass for pledges both for congregational and beneficent causes. ( i ) That our program be the raising of Twelve Million Dollars for benevolences in a period of three years, beginning April 1, 1919r and that this part of the task be committed to the Assembly’s Stew¬ ardship Committee. (j) While the program is to embrace a number of years, there Systematic Beneficence 706 [Book IV shall be an annual goal prepared and endorsed by the Courts of the Church one year in advance, as now. Fourth. That the following amounts be the goal for each Synod of the Assembly causes for the year of 1919-1920; that forty per cent, more or less, be added to the same, by the Synods, for other causes within their bounds. For these amounts see Assembly Minutes 1918, p. 50f. That the Secretary of the Stewardship Committee be instructed to apportion these amounts to the Presbyteries of each Synod, acting with the Systematic Beneficent Committee in each Synod. Fifth. The following persons constitute the Stewardship Com¬ mittee for the ensuing year: Rev. E. W. Smith, Rev. H. H. Sweets, Rev. Homer McMillan, Mr. R. E. Magill, Dr. Jas. Lewis Howe, Mr. J. B. Spillman, Mr. R. A. Brand, Dr. A. E. Spencer, Dr. J. R. Dobyns. Sixth. That the expenses incident to the meetings of this com¬ mittee be paid from the Assembly’s treasury in cases not provided for otherwise. • Seventh. We recommend that there be added to the Sessional statistical report, blanks for the report of the Every-Member-Can- vass. These blanks are to show the number of resident members, the number of members pledging to current expenses, the amount of current expenses, also the number of members pledging to benev¬ olences, and amount to each benevolent cause. These figures are to be tabulated and printed in the spring minutes of the Presbyteries. Woman’s Auxiliary The Sixth Annual Report of the Superintendent of the Woman’s Auxiliary for 1917-18, which was placed in our hands, is an ex¬ cellent summary of the splendid work done by our efficient super¬ intendent, Mrs. W. C. Winsborough, and the noble body of women who are laborers with her and with us in the common task for our Lord. 1. It is worthy of note and commendation that seventeen thou¬ sand year books were used in the Women’s Societies of our Church last year. 2. We believe the leaflets prepared by the Auxiliary for our Women on the many phases of Women’s work and distributed dur¬ ing the year to be of great educational value, and they should? be used freely throughout our Church. 3. It is gratifying to know that more than ten thousand women were enrolled in mission study classes during the past year, and it is hoped that one or more of these classes may be organized in •every church in our Assembly where possible. 4. We commend the Auxiliary for its helpful co-operation with •our War Work Council, and believe it can render a large and im¬ portant service in this connection. 5. The conference for negro women held at Tuscaloosa, Ala., annually is worthy of our support, as it is bringing to those less Sec. 1144] Systematic Beneficence 707 fortunate than ourselves the blessings of the gospel in a most prac¬ tical way. 6. This Assembly approves our Auxiliary’s holding membership in the interdenominational organization of the Woman’s Mission¬ ary Work, viz.: “The Council of Women for Home Missions” and “The Federation of Women’s Boards of Foreign Missions.” 7. It is with profound gratitude that this Assembly learns of the large number of Bible study classes formed among our women under the auspices of the Auxiliary, and the many prayer bands or¬ ganized in this time of world turmoil and strife. 8. We recommend that this Assembly express its high apprecia¬ tion of the splendid services our efficient Superintendent of the Auxiliary is rendering the Church at large, and assure her of our hearty support and co-operation in the work committed to her. Overtures Your committee recommends the following action: 1. Overtures from Ebenezer Presbytery asking for an expert ac¬ countant for all Executive Committees, and one system of account¬ ing, has been answered in the recommendations above. 2. Overture from Charleston Presbytery, asking for one treas¬ urer for all Assembly’s Causes; answered in the negative. 3. Overtures from Congaree Presbytery, asking Executive Com¬ mittees to keep expenses within the limits of amounts subscribed in the campaign for benevolences, be answered in the negative, but Committees are urged to keep within apportionments as far as possible. 4. Overture from Congaree Presbytery, asking that Synod’s and not the Assembly’s Systematic Beneficence Committee, fix the per¬ centage of gifts to benevolences when Synod’s and Presbytery’s Causes are involved; answered in the negative. 5. Overture from Winchester Presbytery, regarding the financial methods of our Executive Committee; answered in the negative. 6. Overture from Ebenezer Presbytery regarding ad interim com¬ mittee relative to consolidation of the advertising] of our Executive Committees, and a bi-monthly publication of same, answered in the negative. 7. Overture from the Presbytery of Wilmjington, asking the As¬ sembly to inaugurate a special campaign through its Stewardship Committee, looking to the increase of pastors’ salaries in small towns and country churches. We recommend the Assembly instruct the Presbyteries to take suitable action in this matter. 8. Overture from Transylvania Presbytery, asking that apportion¬ ments be made on the basis of resident membership rather than the whole membership. We recommend that it be answered in the negative. 9. Overtures from Lexington Presbytery, asking that the per cap¬ ita basis be discontinued. We recommend that these apportion¬ ments be left in the hands of the Stewardship Committee in con¬ sultation with the Systematic Beneficence Committees of the Synods. 708 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV 10. Overture from Nashville Presbytery, asking the removal of all restrictions as to special times for presentation of the benevolent causes and to allow the representatives of the Executive Committees to use all the year for promoting interest and securing funds. Answer. It is the judgment of this Assembly that the causes of the Assembly may be brought before the churches by our Secre¬ taries at any time of the year, but that the months for general collections be continued as heretofore. This does not prevent Ses¬ sions from permitting the presentation of the causes or collections being taken at any time they may elect. 11. Overture from Abingdon Presbytery, asking attention to the omission of the publication of the salaries of various superintend¬ ents and secretaries in the Assembly’s Minutes. Answer. The attention of the Stated Clerk is hereby called to this omission. 12. Overtures from the Presbytery of Lexington, asking a state¬ ment in reference to the tithe as a minimUm offering acceptable unto God. Answer. We refer the Presbytery to former actions of the Gen¬ eral Assembly on the tithe, particularly its deliverance of 1916. 13. Rev. LeRoy Gresham, D. D., overtured the General Assem¬ bly to make a deliverance on the following point: Where a mis¬ sion school is under the control of a Board of Trustees appointed by a Presbytery, but not specifically under the Home Missions Com¬ mittee of that Presbytery, should contributions to said school be classified under Presbyterial Home Missions or under Schools and Colleges ? We recommend that it be classified under Schools and Colleges. 1145. Annual Report of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence 1919, p. 129. Your Committee has met twice since the last meeting of the General Assembly in Durant, Oklahoma, namely, in Atlanta, Georgia, February 4th and 5th, 1919, and May 13th and 14th, 1919, in New Orleans. The following members were present, and those who. were absent were excused by the Committee for satisfactory reasons: Atlanta. David Park . E. W. King . T. C. McRae . Thos. F. West . W. M. Everett.... T. M. Hawes . 1U. D. Mooney . J. B. Hutton . G. R Nisbet . .A. D. P. Gilmour JE. R. Leyburn . W. H. Raymond E. L. Bell . IF. T. McFaden Synod ..Alabama ....’ . ..Appalachia . ..Arkansas . ..Florida . ..'leorgia . ..Kentucky . ..Louisiana . ..Mississippi . ..Missouri . ..South Carolina ..North Carolina .Oklahoma . .« Tennessee . . Texas . . ..West Virginia.. ..Virginia . New Orleans David Park E. W. King ,T. C. McRae .W. M. Everett .W. H. Hopper ,U. D. Mooney .J. B. Hutton .C. R. Nisbet .A. D. P. Gilmour E. R. Leyburn W. H. Raymond Sec. 1145] Systematic Beneficence 709 Organization. — The following officers were elected' for a period of one year or until their successors are elected: Rev. A. D. P. Gilmour, Chairman; Ruling Elder W. M. Everett, Vice-Chairman; Rev. C. R. Nisbet, Secretary and Treasurer. Committees. — Committees were appointed on Scope and Method, Audit, Education and Publicity, Assembly’s Budget and Financial Plan, Assembly's Minutes and Administration. The Committee has had before it printed reports of the four Executive Committees, the Woman’s Auxiliary, the Assembly’s Stewardship Committee, as well as a paper submitted by Mr. J. P. Sullivan bearing on our Progressive Campaign. We have held care¬ ful and exhaustive conferences with representatives of the Executive Committees, Mrs. W. C. Winsborough, the Stewardship Committee and the Assembly’s Training School for Lay Workers. After these conferences and a careful examination of these re¬ ports by sub-committees and the Committee as a whole, your Com¬ mittee is greatly pleased with the efficient administration of the churches’ work, and is grateful for God’s blessing upon all depart¬ ments of activity. This Committee was ordered by the last Assembly to make an efficiency survey and audit of the work being done by the four Exe¬ cutive Committees. In response to this instruction, after a great deal of correspond¬ ence, Alonzo Richardson & Company, of Atlanta, Georgia, was selected to make the audit and efficiency survey. This firm visited each Exe¬ cutive Committee, examined their work, conferred with the workers, aud audited their books. The report was submitted to the mid¬ winter meeting of the General Committee, and referred to the Sub¬ committees on Scope and Method. Copies were sent to the Execu¬ tive Committees, with a request that they review the same and make their criticisms and suggestions to the Committee on Scope and Meth¬ od. After reviewing the same with a great deal of thought and care, we find that the report of Alonzo Richardson & Company is unusually clear and satisfactory, and they seem to have made their investigation into the books and business methods of our Executive Committees with great painstaking and thoroughness. Their report indicates that the work of our Executive Committees is conducted with great care, efficiency and economy. They, however, have made some suggestion with reference to these Committes, upon which we suggest the fol¬ lowing action by the Assembly: Executive Committee of Foreign Missions. — Recommendation No. 1 , on page three, we find not practicable and that it be not carried out. Recommendation No. 2, on pages three and four; we would recom¬ mend that the recommendations of the auditors be approved. Recommendation No. 4, on page six; we find the criticism is not sustained by the facts. Recommendation No. 5, on page seven; we believe this criticism is well taken, and recommend that Committee be directed to make its Treasurer’s reports conform to the suggestion of Richardson & Company. Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Re¬ lief. — Recommendation No. 1, on page nine, relative to the approval of securities and record of the same. We concur in the opinion of Richardson & Company that all transactions in securities should be authorized by the Finance Committee or the Executive Committee as a whole, and the action taken by such Committee always recorded in the minutes of the meeting, and we recommend that the Executive Committee be directed to see that this is done. Recommendation No. 2, page eight; we recommend that the Com¬ mittee be directed to so change the form of their financial state¬ ments as to conform to this suggestion. Executive Committee of Publication and Sabbath School Work.-— Recommendation No. 4, on page seventeen, that the Committee print as a supplement to their balance sheet and statement of resources 710 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV and liabilities a profit and loss account, which would furnish a com¬ plete summary of annual transactions and at the same time provide an analysis of large items of disbursements reported as “Book Depart¬ ment” and “Periodical Department.” We recommend that the Commit¬ tee be -'directed to make their reports conform to this suggestion. Executive Committee of Assembly's Home Missions. — We are in¬ formed that all the recommendations made in connection with the work of this Committee- have either been complied with or will be in the very near future. We congratulate the Church on the result of this efficiency sur¬ vey, revealing as it does the fact that our Committees are adminis¬ tering the work of the Church so efficiently that an approved firm of business experts can find no criticism of their work, and make only minor suggestions. We present in detail our conclusions in regard to each Committee, with recommendations: Foreign Missions. — In spite of war conditions, the Committe of Foreign Missions has had the largest income in its history, having received the amount of $751,440.73. This increase in receipts has been offset, however by an increase in the cost of administration and necessitated increase in salaries, running the cost of the work for the year up to $868,768.34, which was $160,340.00 more than the regular budget work for’' last year, leaving a deficit on the year of $77,327.61. This deficit for the year, added to deficit on previous years ($139,329.- 58), leaves the net deficit March 31, 1919, $216,657.19. We call atten¬ tion to the fact that there was last year an increase of $123,456.99 in the amounts credited the churches, which amount is practically the same as the increase from all sources. The Executive Committee at¬ tributes this increase to the results of the $3,000,000.00 drive in 1918 conducted by the Assembly’s Stewardship Committee. Six new mis¬ sionaries were added during the year. There were five deaths in our missionary force; six were lost by resignation. We recommend: First: That Revs. J. F. Cannon and W. L. Caldwell, Messrs. W. G. Adams and C. A. Rowland be re-elected for a term of three years on this Committee. Second': That to meet the demands of this work for the next year, as well as to pay the accumulated deficit, we depend upon a more vigorous prosecution of our Progressive Campaign, and that the whole Church be rallied to an enthusiastic support of our Assembly’s Committee on Stewardship in the prosecution of this campaign. Third: That the following amount be apportioned to this cause, namely, $1,332,000.00 for the year 1920-21. This being 33.3% oT the whole $4,000,000.00. Home Missions. — We call especial attention to the Fifty-third An¬ nual Report of the Executive Committee on Home Missions, and com¬ mend it to the careful study of the Church, as containing a compre¬ hensive and interesting resume of our Home Missionary enterprise. This Committee has had the most successful year of its history, having received from all sources $303,386,97, which was an increase over the previous year of $69,396.24. Here again we notice an in¬ crease in the amount received from churches of $82,876.41, showing the good effects of our Stewardship Drive. We call especial attention to the enlargement of the Evangelistic Department, the Committee now having on its roll six evangelists, with more than eighty of our pastors having evangelistic gifts who have volunteered for this ser¬ vice. This, too, in addition to the regular agency of Presbyteries and Synods throughout the Church. There has been a disappointment in the number of additions to the Church, due to the influenza epidemic, which interfered materially with the Church service throughout our bounds. This, however, will be speedily overcome, in our judgment, by aggressive evangelism as planned by the Committee. The Committee ends the year with a balance of $89,482.31, which Sec. 1145] Systematic Beneficence 711 enabled them to make appropriations for equipment which have been declined' for years, though sorely needed. We recommend: First: That to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of the Rev. D. H. Ogden, that Judge Edgar Watkins be elected for a term of three years. That to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of the Rev. A. A. Little, Rev. John W. Caldwell be elected for two years. Second: That Revs. R. F. Kirkpatrick, George White, A. R. Hold- erby and R. H. McCaslin be re-elected for a term of three years on the Committee. Third: That the following amount be apportioned to this cause, namely $<140,000.00 for 1920-21. This being 16% of the whole $4,000,000.00. Christian Education arid Ministerial Relief. — This Committee, too, has had the largest financial income of its history. The receipts for Christian Education and Ministerial Relief were $214,803.48, an in¬ crease of $68,881.64. This is an increase of $48,294.39 in the General Funds, and $20,587.25 in the receipts for the Endowment Fund of Min¬ isterial Relief. Between three and four hundred of our ministers entered upon the work of the chaplaincy of the army and navy, Y. M. C. A., Red Cross and other war activities; 188 of our candidates for the ministry entered into the army and the navy; two of our ministers and ten of our candidates for the ministry laid down their lives in the service of our country. One hundred and fifty candidates for the ministry and mission service received aid this year to the amount of $14,300.69, as against 228 last year to the amount of $22,144.05. The problem of securing young men for the Gospel ministry con¬ tinues to give the Committee anxious thought. One of the gravest questions confronting the Church, now that the war is over, being that of inadequate supply of ministers. We commend the annual report of this Committee and the Church for detailed information. We recommend: First: That Revs. W. Y. Davis, Dunbar H. Ogden, D. D., and Messrs. John Stites and C. F1. Huhlein be re-elected to succeeed them¬ selves for a period of three years on tfye Committee. Second: That the sum of $300,000.00 be apportioned to this cause for the year 1920-21. This is 7.5%- of the whole $4,000,000.00. Publication and Sabbath School Work. — This Committee, too, re¬ ports the largest income in its history, in spite of the fact that the influenza epidemic closed' fully 65% of our Sabbath Schools for a period of three weeks to three months, having received for the year from the churches net assets amounting to $66,950.07. We note the proposed issuance of an entirely new lesson help between the Intermediate 'and Adult Classes, to be known as “Young People’s Bible Study,” while the Senior Quarterly will be enlarged from 32 to 40 pages, the material being so arranged as to adapt it to the Home Department. Tim Sunday School Extension Work has received especial atten¬ tion, 38 workers having been employed for the whole or a part of the year in the prosecution of this work. Young People’s Societies have received especial attention, and a Standard of Efficiency is proposed which will greatly improve this work in our own Church. We would recommend: First: That Mr. R. E. Magill be re-elected as Executive Secre¬ tary for a term of three years. Second: That Rev. T. H. Rice, D. D., and Mr. J. W. Sinton and Mr. J. S. Munce and Rev. H. J. Williams be re-elected to succeed them¬ selves for a period of three years on the Executive Committee. Third: That the sum of $80,000.00 be apportioned to this cause for the years 1920-21. This is 2% of the whole $4,000,000.00. Woman's Auxiliary. — The Woman’s Auxiliary has received especial attention from the Committee. We report the following work done: 712 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV Seventeen thousand Year Books and Programs circulated and used by the Societies. Twelve hundred Home Mission and Foreign Mission Study Classes organized, in spite of the influenza. Special programs prepared and distributed in the promotion of Foreign Mission Seasons and Day of Prayer for Colleges. Special letters and literature issued in co-operation with the Stewardship Campaign. Conferences held at Montreat in the summer in the interest of missions and training of women leaders. A conference for Negro women at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, remarkable in its success and the only one of its kind in America. They record a splendid growth in spirituality among the women in the Church, manifest in the organiza¬ tion of Prayer Bands and Missionary Study Classes. In addition to other funds, the Auxiliary has sent to our four Executive Committees during the year $168,992.00, an increase of $20,352.00 over last year. The following resolution was unanimously adopted by the Commit¬ tee: Resolved , That the Committee approves the economical administra¬ tion of the Woman’s Auxiliary; that it commends the officers thereof for their efficiency in promoting the educational and spiritual growth of the women of our Church; and that it thanks the women for the large increase in their gifts. We recommend: That the General Assembly emphasize the importance of having every Society in the Church aligned with the Auxiliary, and call upon the Synods and Presbyteries to use the valuable services of this office for their Synodical and Presbyterial work. General. — We had before us the report of the Assembly’s Steward¬ ship Committee to this meeting of the General Assembly, and would recommend the passage by the Assembly of the six recommendations of this Committee, found on page seven of their report. We also recommend that the Assembly direct the Stewardship Committee to merge its educational work on benevolences, and that the Assembly set aside sufficient space in, all the Church publications for the use of the Stewardship Committee, under their direction and control. We have considered the pamphlets issued by J. P. Spillman, bear¬ ing upon the work of the distribution and handling of apportion¬ ments in the Progressive Campaign. We would recommend that his first suggestion, relative to the basis of apportionments, be referred to the Assembly’s Stewardship Committee without recommendation; that that section of his paper dealing with the establishment of a clearing house be declined by the Assembly. We recommend that the Assembly’s Training School for Laiy Workers be placed for three years on the budget for current expenses for .6%, and that the plan of the Board of Trustees of the School for $120,000.00 for endowment of two professorships, $180,000.00 for building, and their plan for securing scholarship for endowment be commended to the liberality of our people. We recommend that the following amount be apportioned for the Assembly causes for 1920-21: Foreign Missions . $1,332,000.00 Home Missions . , . 640,000.00 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief 300,000.00 Publication and Sabbath School Extension.. 80,000.00 Assembly’s Training School . 24,000.00 tBible Cause . 24,000.00 Total . . $2,400,000.00 Presbyterial and Synodical Causes . 1,600,000.00 Total . 4,000,000.00 Sec. 1145] Systematic Beneficence 713 We recommend that the following percentages apply to any un¬ designated gifts to be distributed among the Assembly’s causes as & guitle to our people: Foreign Missions . 33.3 per cent. Assembly's Home Missions . 16 per cent. Christian Education and Ministerial Relief 7.5 per cent. Publication and Sabbath School Work . 2 per cent. Assembly's Training School . 6 per cent. Bible Cause . .6 per cent Total . 60 per cent. Synodical and Presbyterial Causes to be apportioned by each Presbytery and Synod 40 per cent. These apportionments divide $4,000,000, being worked out on a basis allowing one-third value to per capita resident membership, one-third value to former gifts to benevolences on a three-year average, and one-third value to gifts to pastors' salaries and current expenses on a three-year average. The amounts apportioned to be given 60% to Assembly causes and 40% to Synodical and Presbyterial causes. We recommend that the Assembly instruct all secretaries and others engaged in advancing the benevolent interest of the Church not to make any special canvass or appeal for any one cause, but in every financial campaign to present the whole program of the Church, and that any funds thus raised be apportioned among all the Assembly’s causes, except in cases specially authorized by a Church court. Concerning membership on the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence: The second term of the following members expired at this meeting of the Assembly, and they are not eligible for re-election: Principals: E. W. King, of the Synod of Appalachia; T. C. McRae, of the Synod of Arkansas; J. B. Hutton, of the Synod’ of Mississippi; A. F. Davidson, of the Synod of Oklahoma; David Park, of the Synod of Alabama; R. S. Robbins, of the Synod of Texas. Alternates, respectively: B. D. Brabson, A. H. Whitmarsh, Geo. D. (Booth, A. H. Ferguson, S. E. Hodges, W. W. Bondurant. The minutes of these Synods will show the nominees to the As¬ sembly where nominations have been made. The Synod of Mississippi having made no nominations, we would suggest Ruling Elder R. F. Kimmon, of Water Valley, with Ruling Elder R. E. Welborn, of Meridian. The following have completed the first year of service on this Committee, and are eligible for re-election: Thomas F. West, principal, and D. B. Curry, alternate, both of the Synod of Florida; A. D. P. Gilmour, principal, and E. E. Gillespie, alternate, of the Synod of South Carolina; C. R. Nisbet, principal, and A. A. Wallace, alternate, of the Synod of Missouri. We heartily approve of the general principles of a League of Protestant Churches, as it is presented in the Interchurch World Movement, in order to afford a united front to the common enemy. We desire to co-operate with it in an educational and inspirational way, and at the same time we recommend that our General Assembly see to it that nothing is done to limit our sovereignty and autonomy in the planning and executing of our own work at home and overseas. We recommend that the Assembly appropriate the sum of $250.00, or so much as may b° needed thereof, for any expenses of the Com¬ mittee over and above the expenses of members attending the meeting of the Committee. We recommend that the expenses of our representatives from the Laymen’s Missionary Movement on the Stewardship Committee be paid out of the Assembly’s treasury. 714 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV 1146. Repolrt of Assembly's Steumrdship Committee 9 1919, p. 136. The Stewardship Committee presents to the General Assembly this review of its activities for the year with a feeling of gratitude for what has been accomplished, notwithstanding the adverse conditions under which the work has been done. The pre¬ valence of influenza during the fall and winter resulted' in a most serious and widespread interference with the regular Church activities. The multiplied appeals for patriotic and relief purposes made constant demands on the generosity of the people and diverted the attention from the work of the Church. Yet, in spite of these unsettled con¬ ditions and outside appeals, marked progress has been made in every department of the Church’s missionary and bsnevolent work. It Is the unanimous testimony of the Executive Committees that the Three Million Dollar Campaign for Benevolences, conducted by the Stewardship Committee in March, 1918, saved the work of the Church from financial disaster; and as a result of! this united effort all the Committees are able to report to the Assembly the largest receipts in their history, there being a total gain for the Assembly’s causes alone of $271,015.27 over last year. The increase from churches was $271,907.86,. showing conclusively that this unprecedented advance is the outcome of the Stewardship Campaign. There can no longer be any difference of opinion that the Every-Member-Canvass is the only satisfactory solution of the Church’s financial problems. Stewardship Revival. — The great war has given Christian people a new conception of ownership. There is being manifested a marked revival of the sense of stewardship in all our churches. What we have called “ours” turns out to be ours with a qualification. We have learned that the Government claims a prior right to all that we have to use in a time of need’, and none have dared dispute t)hat claim. In like manner, thousands of Christian people are coming to recognize as never before the Divine ownership of life and posses¬ sions, and out of their loving loyalty to God, the Giver of all good, they are devoting at least a tenth of their income to the maintenance and extension of His Kingdom. Systematic giving is being recognized increasingly as an act of worship. Rev. R. L. Walkup. — Your Committee believes that this Steward¬ ship revival in our Church is due in no small measure to the work and influence of Rev. R. L. Walkup, who for five years was the beloved and efficient Secretary of the Committee. We desire to testify to the great loss that has come to the Committee by his death, and to record our sincere appreciation of the far-reaching service he was permitted’ to render the Church in the promotion of this fundamental work. Mr. Walkup was a man of deep consecration, broad vision, great faith and untiring energy. He saw clearly, and in all his work for the Committee he never lost sight of the fact that the acceptance of Bible principles of ownership is necessary before there can be any adequate response to the Church’s needs. He was not satisfied with any mere temporary expedients, but sought to lay a foundation broad and deep, upon which the benevolent and missionary enter¬ prises of the Church could be securely built. This is the slower process, requiring patience and perseverance," but it is the safest and feurest in the end. Mr. Walkup began this work when the question of stewardship was not as popular as it is today. We gratefully acknowledge his splendid service in placing the Church’s contribu¬ tions on this larger and firmer basis. Durant Assembly. — Encouraged by the great success of the Three Million Dollar Campaign, the Durant Assembly adopted the recom¬ mendation of the Stewardship Committee: That during January, February and March of 1919 a campaign similar to the one of the past year be conducted, and that all congregations be urged to participate in both the preparation and the actual carrying out of two by* two, house to house, personal Sec. 1146] Systematic Beneficence 715 visitation canvass for pledges, both for congregational and beneficent causes. While the immediate task is immense and calls for heroic service of the combined forces of the Church, yet we cannot accept this hs the ultimate goal to which our Lord is calling us at this time. In this time of world-wide undertakings, of unparalleled opportu¬ nities and unheard of sacrifices, we believe there comes a clear and ringing call from God for an advancement in keeping with the time in which we live. The Church is not only called upon to en¬ large her program to meet the emergencies of the war, but also to meet the enlarged problems which shall press upon her from all sides after the close of the war. We would, therefore, recommend: (a) That God’s challenge of a yet larger program be accepted. (b) That this program embrace all departments of the Church's work. (c) A part of this program be the raising of twelve million dollars for benevolences in a period of three years, beginning April 1, 1919, and that this part of the task be committeed to the Assembly's Stewardship Committee. (d) While the program is to embrace a number of years, there shall be an annual goal prepared and endorsed by the courts of the Church one year in advance as now. Morristown Conference. — This task having been committed to the Stewardship Committee, preparation was begun at once for carrying out this enlarged undertaking. The organization and plan of work so successfully employed in the previous campaign was used as far as possible. On August 27-29, 1918, a meeting of the Synodical Cam¬ paign Managers was held in Morristown, Tenn. Two days were spent in prayer and conference. These leaders were all of one mind. Though the nation was at war, it was not a time to halt. These are forward-looking times, and the Church is called to a mighty task. The Lord’s work must not be continued on the same low scale of service and contributions as in the past. A greater day, with greater undertakings, is at hand. The war has revealed a spirit of unselfishness of which we little dreamed. The Church must have a program suited to the sacrificial devotion of these sacrificial days. The Church has incomparably greater resources than ever before, and, above all, she has the same great God to lead her and endow her with power. Progressive Program. — It was the unanimous judgment of these campaign managers that the task of raising “$12,000,000 for benev¬ olences in a period of three years” should be undertaken. The As¬ sembly’s Progressive Program was adopted, and the financial goal for the three years was named: $3,500,000 for the year 1919-20; $4,000,000 for the year 1920-21; and $4,500,000 for the year 1921-22; to be divided 60 per cent, for Assembly’s causes, and 40 per cent, for Synodical, Presbyterial and congregational causes. In addition to the financial canvass, the program was to include the following eight objectives: 1. To intensify the spiritual life of the Church membership. 2. Church-wide Evangelism. 3. To enlarge the scope and improve the method of Missionary Education. 4. The Missionary Survey and a religious paper in every home. 5. To extend and perfect the work of Church and Christian Edu¬ cation. 6. To secure adequate support for every benevolent cause of the Church. 7. To promote a thorough Every-Member-Canvass in every church. 8. To provide a living salary for every pastor and missionary. In a word, the object of the drive is to insure that the principles of stewardship shall be preached to all and practiced by all. Three and a Half Million Campaign. — It was to have been the privilege of Rev. R. L. Walkup, whose vision and faith had proposed 716 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV this enlarged program and had been responsible for its adoption, to lead this campaign. His unexpected death in November left the Committee without a Secretary. Not being able to secure any one to take the work permanently, in the emergency the Committee turned to the Chairman with the request that he take the direction of the immediate campaign, giving as much time as possible to the work in connection with his duties with the Home Mission Committee. The Committee endeavored to continue the splendid campaign organizations in the Synods, Presbyteries and churches. These leaders, having had the direction of the former campaign, were able to bring to the work much valuable experience. No cause was ever served by a more loyal and capable company of workers. It is no small thing for a minister with the duties and burdens of a pastorate, or for a layman with the care of his own business affairs, to take on this additional responsibility. There are few slackers when leaders are called for other causes, and there were few who failed to respond to this call of their Church. These managers deserve, and are hereby accorded, special commendation for their self-sacrificing service in this campaign. Theirs has been the hard part, and to them belongs the credit for the great advance that has been made. Co-operation. — In the Assembly’s Progressive Program all the agencies of the Assembly, Synod and Presbytery are united’. The needs of all the Committees and causes of the churches are included in the apportionments, with the purpose of making adequate provision for them all. As a result of this united effort, there is being manifested a marked spirit of unity and of purpose. The various Committees and agencies of the Church are coming more and more to recognize that the work is one, and that any part of it can be permanently advanced only as the whole work of the Church goes forward. Valuable assistance has been given the Commitee by the Woman’s Auxiliary. In many churches, the Auxiliary conducted the Every- Member-Canvass for benevolences and canvassed the congregation for subscriptions to the Missionary Survey and the Church papers. Throughout the year Stewardship has been studied in the societies, and at the spring meeting of the Presbyterials this subject received special emphasis and was given a prominent place on the program. The Laymen’s Missionary Movement arranged a series of Automobile Conferences for Thanksgiving Day in various Presbyteries, to pre¬ sent the objectives of the campaign to the officers and other Church leaders, preparatory to a great Church and Stewardship Convention in Nashville, Tenn., in February. In very few Presbyteries could these conferences be held on account of influenza. The Laymen’s Con¬ vention was postponed until June 10-12, in Atlanta, Ga. Literature. — A wide use was made of Stewardship literature. An effort was made by the Committee to ascertain from the Synodical and Presbyterial campaign managers the literature that would be most helpful to them in this work. There was an unusually large demand for tithing leaflets and covenant cards. There were printed and distributed by the Committee: 75,000 — The Church’s Plan of Finance. 50,000 — Stewardship Plus. 60,000 — A Christian Financial Creed. 75,000 — The Tithe, a Principle and Not a Law. 100,000 — The Scriptural Law of Giving. 25,000 — Steward Covenant Cards. About 600 pastors took advantage of the offer of “The Layman Company,” 143 North Wabash avenue, Chicago, Ill., to send without cost the pamphlet “How to Tithe and Why,” and more than 70,000 copies of this pamphlet were ordered and distributed. It is impos¬ sible to estimate the number of Covenant Cards signed, but from the emphasis placed upon Bible standards by pastors and leaders in the campaign, it is certain that the number of proportionate givers has been greatly increased, and that the enlarged contribu¬ tions of the Church have been put on a permanent basis and Sec. 1146] Systematic Beneficence 717 are not a mere temporary gain under the stimulus of a special effort. In addition to the Stewardship literature, the Committee dis¬ tributed 100,000 copies of “The Church and the Hour,” a message by Rev. Jas. I. Vance, D. D., Moderator of the Assembly; also 100,000 copies of the pamphlet “Look on the Field's,” one for each family in the Church, which contains a condensed statement of the work of the Assembly’s Committees, with a minimum estimate of the needs of each, together with an outline of the Home Mission and Educational work of the Synods and Presbyteries. This is the first attempt to put in one publication a statement of the entire missionary and benevolent work of our Church. Results of the Drive. — The financial result of the Three and a Half Million Dollar Campaign, as reported to April 30 by Synodical, managers, is as follows: Apportionments, 1919-1920 QUOTAS SUGGESTED BY ASSEMBLY 00 3 o 3 o 0 b* 3 ® B 0 - 53 ri Co t« r-H a o "o ^ G » g CD H trj o> £ . £ xj o R1, >> cS t-4 _ o >» a; a Permanent Committees who are not Commissioners be paid, in at¬ tending the meeting of the Assembly, from Assembly’s funds. Third. In view of the fact that eleven Presbyteries overtured the Assembly to adopt the plan presented by Mr. Spillman' for having one Treasurer for all causes, called “The Clearing House Plan;” in view of the fact that the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence recommended to the Assembly last year that an Ad-In¬ terim Committee be appointed to consider the advisability of having one Executive Committee and one Building; and in view of the fact that an overture from the Presbytery of North Alabama brings this question to the attention of the Assembly again, we recommend: 1. That the Assembly appoint an Ad-Interim Committee of seven, composed of four elders and three ministers, to study the whole matter of “The Clearing House Plan” presented in Mr. Spillman’s pamphlet, and of the one Executive Committee, as presented in the report of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence to the last Assembly, and report to the next Assembly. 2. That this Committee be composed of the following members: Dr. J. P. McCallie, Synod of Appalachia. C. A. Rowland, Synod of Georgia. J. N. Harrison, Synod of Virginia. B. R. D. Lacy, Synod of Missouri. Rev. Ernest Thompson, D. D., Synod of West Virginia. Rev. J. M. Wells, D. D., Synod of North Carolina. Rev. William Crowe, D. D., Synod of Tennessee. And that Dr. J. P. McCallie be named as convener. Fourth. We recommend that the Assembly acknowledge grate¬ fully the service Mr. J. B. Spillman has rendered the whole Church through his thoughtful study and presentation of the subject of Stewardship through the Church papers, pamphlets and personal appeals. V. Overtures. — From Greenbrier Presbytery, urging an in¬ crease in salaries of Home and Foreign missionaries. We refer them to the fact that increases have been m^ade in a number of cases by both Committees, and will be made when advisable as the Church supplies the means. From Suwanee Presbytery, asking the Assembly to require the Treasurers of the Executive Committees to keep their books open, for one week after the end of the ecclesiastical year. We recom¬ mend that the Assembly direct the Treasurers to keep their books open five days after the last Sunday in March, and in no case to close them, before March 31st. From Fort Worth Presbytery, asking the Assembly to ex¬ press clearly its attitude toward the Stewardship Committee and its cause. We refer them to previous actions of the Assembly in creat¬ ing this Committee and approving its work. From Albermarle Presbytery, concerning the reporting of funds by the Woman’s Auxiliary. We recommend that it be answered in the negative. From Mangum, Mecklenburg, Kings Mountain, North Ala¬ bama, Bethel, Potosi, Upper Missouri, Columbia, Wilmingtonr Secs. 1147-1148] Systematic Beneficence 725 South Carolina, Paris, Charleston, Harmony, Congaree, Roanoke, Memphis, Albemarle and North Mississippi Presbyteries, touching the method of apportionment and distribution of benevolent funds, and from Ebenezer Presbytery to the same effect. We recommend that these Presbyteries be referred to the report of this Committee covering the matters contained in their overtures. 1148. Report of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship 1920, p. 135. Your Committee has held four meetings since the last meeting of the General Assembly in New Orleans, namely, in Montreat, July 16, 1919; Chattanooga, September 10, 1919; Chatta¬ nooga, December 30, 1919; and Spartanburg, S. C., May 18, 1920. The following members were present at the above mentioned meet¬ ings, the number of times set opposite their names: Alabama . Appalachia . Arkansas . Florida . Georgia . Kentucky . Louisiana . . Mississippi . Missouri . . North Carolina Oklahoma . . South Carolina Tennessee . Texas . Virginia . West Virginia .. ,Rev. D. F. McConnell . Rev. L. R. Walker . Mr. A. H. Whitmarsh . Mr. T. F. West . Mr. W. M. Everett . . Rev. W. H. Hopper . Rev. U. D. Mooney . Rev. F. R. Graves . Rev. C. R. Nisbet . .Rev. Chas. F. Myers . Rev. E. H. Moseley . Rev. A. D. P. Gilmour . Mr. W. H. Raymond . Rev. Wm. Fred Galbraith Rev. F. T. McFaden . .Mr. J. E. Allen . . 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 1 0 2 4 4 4 3 .1 From the Executive Committees — Foreign Missions . Rev. John I. Armstrong . 3 Home Missions . Rev. Homer McMillan . 4 Christian Education & Min. Relief.. ..Rev. Henry H. Sweets . 4 Publication and S. S. Extension . Mr. R. E. Magill . 3 The following were excused for their absences for satisfactory reasons: A. H. Whitmarsh, T. F. West, C. R. Nisbet, E. H. Moseley, F. T. McFaden, J. E. .Allen, and R. E. Magill. Organization. — The following officers were elected: Rev. A. D. P. Gilmour, Chairman; Rev. E. R. Leyburn, Vice-Chairman; Rev. Wm. Fred Galbraith, Secretary; Mr. R. E. Magill, Treasurer. Rev. E. R. Leyburn leaving the Synod of North Carolina soon thereafter, the office of Vice-Chairman became vacant. Headquarters. — In order that the office might be more centrally located for greater efficiency, Chattanooga, Tenn., was selected as headquarters and offices were opened there in the Times Building, September 1, 1919. A Committee on Scope and Method , composed of C. R. Nisbet and John I. Armstrong, was appointed and requested First. To review the actions of the Assembly touching the func¬ tions and powers of the former Committees on Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship, respectively, codify their findings for the Committees now consolidated, governing the actions of the present Committee on Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship. Second. To report, after investigation, how the membership of this Committee is composed, and who are eligible from the various Synods to membership thereon at this time. 726 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV The report of this Committee on Scope and Method was received and is on file in Chattanooga. The following Campaign Committee was elected at the Montreat meeting: Rev. Homer McMillan, Chairman; Rev. Henry H. Sweets, Rev. John I. Armstrong, Mr. R. E. Magill, Rev. A. D. P. Gilmour, Rev. H. R. Walker, Judge T. F. West, and the conduct of the Pres¬ byterian Progressive Program was placed in the hands of this Com¬ mittee, subject to the review and control of the Assembly’s Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship Committee. The following sub-committees were appointed to examine the reports of the respective Executive Committees and to make their reports to the whole committee at the Spartanburg meeting: Executive Committee on Foreign Missions. — Chairman, Mr. W. M. Everett; Rev. F. T. McFaden, Rev. D. F. McConnell. Executive Committee on Home Missions. — Chairman, Rev. W. H. Hopper; Rev. C. R. Nisbet, Mr. T. F. West. Publication and 8. 8. Extension. — Chairman, Mr. W. H. Raymond; J. E. Allen, Rev. F. R. Graves. Christian Education an,d Ministerial Relief. — Chairman, Mr. A. H. Whitmarsh, Rev. L. R. Walker, Rev. E. H. Moseley. The following special committee on the report of the Campaign Committee was appointed: F. T. McFaden, Chairman; C. R. Nisbet, A. H. Whitmarsh, W. H. Raymond, W. M. Everett. These sub-committees and this special committee had before them, respectively, the annual reports of the four Executive Committees, the Woman’s Auxiliary and the Campaign Committee. In addition supplementary oral reports were made by Rev. E. W. Smith, for the Foreign Mission Committee; Rev. S. L. Morris, for the Home Mission Committee; Rev. Henry H. Sweets, for the Com¬ mittee on Christian Education and Ministerial Relief; Mr. R. E. Magill, for the Publication and Sunday School Extension Committee; Rev. Homer McMillan, Rev. S. W. McGill and Mr. R. E. Magill of the Campaign Committee; and Rev. F. T. McFaden and Mr. R. E. Magill for the Assembly’s Training School. Foreign Missions. — Your Committee have carefully reviewed the re¬ port of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, and are much gratified at the excellent condition of our foreign work, and the greatly increased force given it during the past year. We would recommend that this Committee nominate to the General Assembly the following persons to serve for a term of three years on the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions: C. E. Diehl, D. H. Scanlon, W. A. Dale, A. D. Mason, and J. P. McCallie. We most heartily join the Executive Committee of Foreign Mis¬ sions in their recommendation to General Assembly as shown in numbers three, four, five, six and seven of their report. As to recommendation number one, we do not deem it wise to enter upon this program, as it would seriously interfere with the Presbyterian Progressive Program. We do not believe the Church at this time would respond to this Church-wide Campaign for $2,- 500,000, "without causing a failure in the general gifts which would result in certain debt and impairment of the work. We believe the wise policy is to develop equipment and support proportionately. We nominate the Rev. Egbert W. Smith as Executive Secretary of the Foreign Mission Committee for three years. We recommend that the following amount be apportioned to this Committee, namely, $1,498,500 for the year 1921-22, this being 33.3% of the whole, $4,500,000. Campaign Committee. — Your Committee desires in the beginning to commend the diligence of your Campaign Committee, and the thorough¬ ness with which every detail of this work has been prosecuted. As evidence of the efficiency of this campaign, we call attention to the fact that the gifts to all causes are at least $500,000 more than ever subscribed before. With six Presbyterial reports missing, the records show that the Sec. 1148] Systematic Beneficence 727 gifts for benevolences for the year closing March 31, 1920, were $3, 943, 452. Of this amount about five hundred' thousand dollars was for miscellaneous benevolence. Your Committee approves the holding of a Stewardship Conference the last week in July at Montreat, N. C., and would urge that diligent effort be made to procure the attendance of all the Synodical Managers. We call attention to the fact that the recommendation of the Assembly as to one of the Executive Secretaries or representatives attending each Synod and presenting the whole budget, and not the cause of any particular Executive Committee, has been carried out, and reports seem to indicate that this method of presentation of the whole budget is growing in favor throughout the whole Church. Your Campaign Committee has co-operated during the year with the Woman’s Auxiliary, Laymen’s Missionary Movement, and the Inter¬ church World Movement. Since the detail of our co-operation with the Interchurch World Movement was referred by the last Assembly to the Systematic Benefi¬ cence Committee, we call your attention to the following report in full,, outlining the plan of co-operation agreed upon: The last General Assembly endorsed the Interchurch World Move¬ ment of North America, and referred the details of participation therein to the Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship Committee. (See Minutes of Assembly, 1919, page 69h, par. 7, also this Digest, p. 718.) Several members of the General Committee of the Movement, who had been selected from our Church, attended' the preliminary Ifiter- church meetings, and reported to our Committee. After full discussion it was decided to condition our participation in. the Movement on their acceptance of the following suggestions: Provided First — That “in so doing we desire to allow nothing to interfere with the prosecution of our Progressive Policy and Pro¬ gram for raising $12,000,000 for Benevolences.” Provided, Second — That the Committee in each State, which shall handle the entire work of the Interchurch World Movement, be named by the authority of the respective denominations in the State. We will nominate members for each Synod to serve until the meet¬ ings of the Synods, when the Syonds shall name others, if they see fit. We hereby appoint the Synodical Campaign Managers of the Synods to serve till the Synod shall appoint a successor. Provided, Third — That the budget for the financial drive be the combined budgets of the several Boards of the Evangelical churches, co-operating, in the Movement, and no other organizations. All the conditions having been fully accepted by the Interchurch World Movement, the following were elected as members: of the General Committee of the Movement to represent our Church: Rhodes S. Baker . Rev. W. R. Dobyns . John J. Eagan . ; . Rev. Wm. Fred Galbraith Rev. A. D. P. Gilmour.... Mr. C. E. Graham. v . Rev. Homer McMillan . Mr. R. E. Magill . Rev. S. Waters McGill . Rev. Charles H. Pratt . J. B. Spillman . Henry H. Sweets . Rev. Jas. I. Vance . Rev. Thornton Whaling . Dallas, Tex. . St. Joseph, Mo. . Atlanta, Ga. .Chattanooga, Tenn. ..Spartanburg, S. C. . Greenville, S. C. . Atlanta, Ga. . Richmond, Va. Chattanooga, Tenn. . New York City . Columbia, S. C. . Louisville, Ky. . Nashville, Tenn. . Columbia, S. C. Dr. Vance was made the representative of our Church on the Executive Committee. It having become apparent that the time of preparation for the 728 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV canvass for funds was too short, it was determined by the Inter- church World Movement to fix the period of the canvass from April 23rd to May 2d. To meet the situation caused by the selection of this later date, a meeting of the Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship Committee and of the Synodical Managers of the Progressive Program was called' on December 30, 1919. At this meeting it was decided to ask the Church to postpone the canvass in the churches to synchronize with these dates. One-half of the Synods agreed to do this, while one-half held to the old date in Mar^h. It later became apparent to the Interchurch World Movement that in most communities within our bounds there would be only one de¬ nomination making the canvass during the period selected, and con¬ sequently the Interchurch World Movement decided late, and very reluctantly, that !t would not be possible to have the joint campaign in the Southern States. The Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship Committee authorized the Executive Committees of our Church to underwrite the expense of the Interchurch World Movement for amounts approved by their judgment. All four of the Executive Committees agreed to under¬ write the expenses of the Interchurch World Movement to a limited extent — the Home Mission, $5,000; Christian Education and Ministerial Relief, $5,000; Publication and Sabbath School Extension, $2,500; the Foreign Mission Committee to 5% subject to the approval of the General Assembly. The Committees were convinced that even should' they be called upon to pay these amounts the Church would be amply repaid for this small investment, in the following ways: 1. The Survey: Facts and figures from the extension survey have proved helpful and stimulating. When these surveys are completed we will have a basis for future plans and work that will be of invaluable help. 2. Conferences. (a) The Survey Conference at Atlantic City brought vision and inspiration and practical suggestions to all who were there. (b) Other Conferences. The helpfulness of the Atlantic City Con¬ ference was carried down to laymen through the Pittsburg Conference, to the Women through the Washington Conference, and to the Church at large through the Pastors’ Conference held in each State. These were followed by county and town conferences, especially designed to reach the laymen. 3. Publicity. The duty and opportunity of the Church were presented in leaflets, bulletins, lantern slides, posters, conferences, advertisements, etc. Much of this was prepared too late to be of great service to us this year, but may be of great help later. 4. Safeguards. * It must be remembered that this is a co-operative movement of 30 denominations — a bringing together of the forward movements of all these Churches. (1) No one may be on the Executive Committee or the General Committee except as he is acceptable to or recommended by his own denomination. (2) All the forward movements are under the entire direction and control of their own Churches. (3) No item may be included in any of the united drives except as it shall be endorsed and recommended by the proper Church agency. (4) The Interchurch World Movement is not an administrative agency, each denomination securing and disbursing its own funds through its own agencies. (5) Co-operation with the Movement does not commit our Church to any work except that authorized by our Presbyteries, Synods and General Assembly. Sec. 1148] Systematic Beneficence 729 (6) Nor does our participation in the Movement affect the stand¬ ards of the Church in any way. We would recommend: 1. That we ask the continued co-operation of the Woman’s Auxiliary, and of all the societies of the Church in the aggressive work of the Progressive Program. 2. That we ask the fullest co-operation of the Laymen’s Movement. 3. As to our further relationship with the Interchurch World Movement we refer the matter back to the General Assembly for its will and instruction. Budget for 1921-1922. — With reference to the suggested five-year budget, with a goal of $40,000,000, it appears from reports received from the Presbyteries that it is impossible to make up a budget for five years, and it further appears that the proposed five-year budget is noit looked upon favorably by a large majority of our Presbyteries; we therefore rescind the action taken by this Committee December 30, 1919, relative to the same. We suggestion that the $4,500,000 already approved’ by the Assembly for benevolent work in 1921-22 be apportioned among the Synods on the same basis as last year as follows: Alabama . $ 213.590 Appalachia . 196,220 Arkansas . 139,701 Florida . 136,122 Georgia . 341,787 Kentucky . 248,366 Louisiana . 136,714 Mississippi . 201,126 ^Missouri . 221,294 North Carolina . 743,541 Oklahoma . 38,074 Snedecor Mem . 9,428 South Carolina . 355,754 Tennessee . 239,382 Texas . 465,414 Virginia . 677,549 West Virginia . 135,938 - 1 - $4,500,000 That the following amounts be apportioned for the Assembly’s causes for 1921-22: Foreign Missions . $1,498,500 Home Missions . 720,000 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 337,500 Publication and Sabbath School Extension . 90,000 Bible Society . .' . 27,000 Training School . 27,000 Assembly’s Causes . $2,700,000 Synod’s Causes . 1,800,000 $4,500,000 That the following percentages apply to any undesignated gifts: Foreign Missions . 33.3% Assembly’s Home Missions . 16.0% Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 7.5% Publication and Sabbath School Work . 2.0% Assembly’s Training School . 6% Bible Cause . 6% Total . 60.0% Synodical and Presbyterial Causes to be apportioned by each Presbytery and- Synod . 40.0% 73.0 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV We recommend the adoption of the following: We are convinced that the Presbyterian Progressive Program pro¬ vides the best way to finance the benevolent work of our Church, and in our opinion the Assembly’s intention in adopting this Pro¬ gram was not only to finance the benevolent work more adequately, but also to relieve the executive agencies of the responsibility of raising the funds needed for their work. All special appeals of whatever kind interfere by so much with the Presbyterian Pro¬ gressive Program. We therefore recommend that the Assembly for¬ bid its Executive Committees, and all agents thereof, and the Woman's Auxiliary, any appeals for funds presented by letter, or through the Church press, or in any other way, except such appeals as have been considered and recommended by the Assembly’s Committee on Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship, and approved by the As¬ sembly itself, and included in the budget of the Progressive Pro¬ gram or otherwise definitely provided for. With reference to the suggested outline program in the calendar for the year 1921-22, prepared by the Campaign Committee, we recommend that the next year’s Committee print the same for use in the Churches. Your Special Committee would record its commendation of the very great work done by Rev. W. Fred Galbraith, Secretary, and Rev. S. W. McGill, Campaign Manager, and also the efficient work done by the Campaign Committee. We recommend: 1. That the Assembly record its appreciation for the earnest and self-denying labors of those who managed the Four Million Campaign in the Synods, Presbyteries and churches. 2. That each Synod, Presbytery and church be asked to maintain the organization which has so successfully conducted the campaign this year, and that this splendid force of workers be used in carrying forward the Assembly’s Progressive Program. 3. That the Synodsr consider the advisability of securing managers for their full time to promote the objectives of the Progressive Pro¬ gram. 4. That the Assembly request the Presbyterial Committees of Systematic Beneficence, in making apportionments for the churches, to recognize the Assembly’s schedule of percentages in providing for the Assembly’s causes. 5. That the Assembly request Presbyterial and Synodical causes to bear their proportionate part of the campaign expense. 6. That the Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship Committee be urged to continue its emphasis on the cultivation of Christian Stewardship ideals throughout the Church, and to seek ways and means to lead our people to a clearer recognition and a fuller practice of the Christian’s obligation of Stewardship toward God in possession, personality and prayer. 7 Finance. — That a budget of $75,000 be provided to carry through the campaign for $4,500,000, and that this fund be furnished by the Executive agencies of the Assembly, and Synodical, Presbyterial and Educational Causes in proportion to the benefit they receive from the united campaign. Publication and Sabbath Schools. — We beg to state that we have given this report as much time as was at our disposal and find therein sources for pride in the work of this Committee, and ground for gratitude to God for the substantial progress of this branch of our great work. We call your attention, not only to the $60,000 increase in sales for the year over last year and to the net profit of $54,000, but to what is more important than material profit, the general expansion of the work in all of its activities, and especially to the very large percentage of additions on profession that come directly through the Sunday School into the Church. And this is as it should be. Sec. 1148] Systematic Beneficence 731 Proper credit for this blessing under God’s guidance should be given to this Committee and for the publication and distribution of Sunday School Iiferature of the utmost value. An examination of the Educational and Editorial Departmental re¬ ports shows the publication and very wide distribution of literature relating to Sunday School Work and Young People’s activities of the highest value to these organizations. We note with pleasure the affort of Dr. Glass, Mr. Magill, Dr. Lapsley and the staff of co-laborers, not only to meet the pressing needs of the Church today for literature, but to visualize the need' of tomorrow, recognizing that the Sunday School and Young People’s Societies are the avenues through which our young people should come into the Church. We must congratulate this Committee for holding down the sale price of its publications, and indeed, for getting paper at any cost, nor should there be surprise or censure if the cost of our Church Literature rises with that of the daily papers. We note on page 8 of the report that the terms of service of five members of the Committee expire this year. We submit the names of these gentlemen to succeed themselves, and for the two vacancies, we submit Mr. Albert Sidney Johnston and Dr. W. B. Lorraine, both of Richmond. Mr. Johnston will fill the unexpired term of Mr. James W. Sinton, deceased, and Dr. Lorraine will fill a vacancy, making the Committee 15. We believe no department of our Church has a more important work in its care than the Committee of Publication and Sabbath School Extension, and for this reason the Executive Committee'S annual report should be most carefully read in comparison with past reports. If at all possible it should be put in the hands of all Sunday School Workers with a special request that it be read. We recommend that the quota of the Sabbath School Extension and Publication Committee for 1921-22 be $90,000 or 2% of $4,500,000. We rejoice to hear from the Chairman of the splendid progress of the Assembly Training School in Richmond. We see the present and future possibilities of large service in this institution, and urge that its immediate needs for buildings and a support fund be laid upon the hearts of our people. Christian Education and Ministerial Relief. — The receipts for the Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief to March 31, 1920, were $283,371.13. This is an increase of $68,567.65 over those of last year. One hundred and seventy candidates for the Ministry and Mission service received aid from the Committee to the amount of $18,638.50, as compared with 150 persons last year and '$14,300.69. In calling attention to the great need for increase ill the candidates for the Ministry, the statement is made that there are nine Pres¬ byteries containing 218 churches, 136 Ministers and 708 Elders, with a church membership of 18,826, in which there is no candidate whatever under their care. This situation should cause great anxiety and earnest prayer. Funds for Ministerial Relief have gone into 292 homes during the past year, but only to the amount of $284.32 per family for the entire year. Seeing our ministers and missionaries have been so sadly over¬ looked, and have literally worn themselves out in the mission fields laboring on insufficient salaries, it is a matter of common honor that the Church care adequately for them when on account of sickness or old age they are forced to retire both from labor and from income, and that the needy widows and orphans of those who have died shall be cared for. The care of these faithful servants of Christ becomes a supreme and foremost claim upon the Church. We make the following recommendations: First. That W. J. Rubel, G. H. Mourning, Wade Sheltman and 73.2 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV A. J. A. Alexander be elected members of the Committee for three years, and H. P. Converse for one year. Second. That the sum of $337,500 be apportioned to this cause for the year 1921-22, this being 7.5% of the $4,500,000. Third. That the extensive and aggressive method of the Executive Committee of helping the youth of the Church to discover the plan of God for their lives be approved and be given all assistance possi¬ ble by the pastors and Church officers . Fourth. That we approve of the plans of the Executive Committee for carrying out the repeated instructions of the General Assembly to increase the Endowment fund for Ministerial Relief to at least $1,000,000, and the plans to meet the conditions of Mr. C. E. Graham who offers to give $200,000 to this fund if the whole Church will add $400,00 by December, 1920, the Church thus to invest $700,000 in the Graham Building (formerly the Heard National Bank Build¬ ing (of Jacksonville, Fla.). Fifth. Inasmuch as the ministers have been leaders in the proper financing of all work of the Church, and in this Presbyterian Pro¬ gressive Program, we recommend: That the elders, deacons, laymen and women of the Church be called upon to assume the raising of this $400,000 under the direction of the Executive Committee with the help of the Laymen’s Missionary Movement and the Woman’s Auxiliary. That the Session of each church see that on some Sunday in June or September this opportu¬ nity and responsibility be put before all our people. Nominations to Membership on Assembly' s Committee on Syste¬ matic Beneficence ancl Stewardship. — The following are the nominees, by Synods, for membership on the Assembly’s Committee on Syste¬ matic Beneficence and Stewardship, the nominations being made at the meeting of the respective Synods in the fall of 1919: Alabama — - Principals — Rev. D. F. McConnell, Prattville, Ala.; Mr. W. A. Belllng- rath, Montgomery, Ala. Alternates — Rev. David Park, Anniston, Ala.; Mr. B. T. Shanks, Selma, Ala. Appalachia — Rev. T. S. McCallie, Chattanooga, Tenn.; Mr. R. T. Faucett, Chatta¬ nooga, Tenn. Alternates — Rev. Willis Thompson, Jellico, Tenn,; Mr. J. D. Faucett, Bristol, Tenn. Arkansas — Principals — Rev. C. H. H. Branch, Texarkana, Ark.; Mr. A. H. Whitmarsh, Texarkana, Ark. Alternates — 'Rev. John Van Lear, Little Rock, Ark.; Dr. E. R. Long, iBatesville, Ark. Florida — ■ Principals — Rev. E. D. Brownlee, Sanford, Fla.; Mr. D. B. Curry, Jacksonville, Fla. Alternates — Rev. E. W. Way, Jacksonville, Fla.; Mr. A. D. Campbell, Chipley, Fla. Georgia — Principals- Atlanta, — Rev. Ga. E. L. Hill, Athens, Ga.; Mr. W. M. Everett, Alternates- — Rev. J. H. Patton, Marietta, Ga. ; Mr. J. R. Cain, Decatur, Ga. Kentucky — Principals — Rev. W. H. Hopper, Louisville, Ky.; Dr. A. J. A. Alexander, Spring Station, Ky. Alternates — Rev. I. C. Hunt, Covington, Ky.; Mr. W. G. Duncan, Greenville, Ky. Louisiana— Principals — Rev. U. D. Mooney, 1925 Gen. Pershing St., New Orleans, La.; Mr. W. T. Hardie, 195 Gravier St., New Orleans, La. Sec. 1148] Systematic Beneficence 733 Alternates — Rev. Jasper K. Smith, Shreveport, La.; Mr. C. A. Weiss, New Orleans, La. Mississippi — Principal — Rev. Fred R. Graves, Sumner, Miss. Alternate — Rev. WT. J. Caldwell, Yazoo City, Miss. Missouri — Principals — Rev. R. S. Boyd, Farmington, Mo.; Mr. J. M. Chaney, St. Louis, Mo. Alternates — Rev. W. P. Neilson, Kansas City, Mo.; Hon. N. T. Gentry, Columbia, Mo. 'North Carolina — Principals — Rev. D. C. Lilly, Winston-Salem, N. C.; Geo. W. Watts, Durham, N. C. Alternates — Rev. E. C. Murray, St. Pauls, N. C.; W. J. Martin, Davidson, N. C. Oklahoma — Principals — Rev. E. Hotchkin, Durant, Okla.; Mr. W. B. Morrison, Durant, Okla. Alternates — Rev. J. V. McCall, Hugo, Okla.; Mr. Kib Warren, Shaw¬ nee, Okla. South Carolina — Principals — Rev. A. D. P. Gilmour, Spartanburg, S. C.; Mr. Jas. B. Spillman, Columbia, S. C. Alternates — Rev. E. E. Gillespie, York, S. C.; Col. W. W. Lewii, York, S. C. "Tennessee — Principals — Rev. Jas. I. Vance, Nashville, Tenn.; Mr. W. H. Ray¬ mond, Nashville, Tenn. Alternates — Rev. W. L. Caldwell, Nashville, Tenn.; Mr. A. D. Mason, Memphis, Tenn. Texas — Principals — Rev. B. I. Dickey, San Antonio, Tex.; P. L. Russels, Dallas, Tex. Alternates — Rev. J. C. Oehler, Palestine, Tex.; Mr. H. L. Moseley, Weatherford, Tex. Virginia — • Principals — Rev. F'. T. McFaden, Richmond, Va.; Dr. J. D. Eggleston, Hampden-Sidney, Va. Alternates — Rev. R. B. Grinnan, Norfolk, Va.; Mr. J. W. Friend, Petersburg, Va. "West Virginia — Principals — Rev. J. Layton Mauze, Huntington, W. Va.; Mr. R. E. Hubbard, Charleston, W. Va. Alternates — Rev. W. H. DujBose, Lewisburg, W. Va.; Mr. J. M. Raines, Charleston, W. Va. From the Executive Committees — Foreign Missions — Rev. Egbert W. Smith, Nashville, Tenn. Home Missions — Rev. Homer McMillan, Atlanta, Ga. Christian Education and Ministerial Relief — Rev. W. Y. Davis, 'Louisville, Ky.; Mr. J. W. Rubel, Louisville, Ky. Publication and Sabbath School Extension — Mr. R. E. Magill, Rich¬ mond, Va.; Mi\ Robert M. Friend, Richmond, Va. We recommend that the Assembly appropriate the sum of $250 or so much as may be needed thereof, for expenses of the Committee -over and above the expenses of members attending the meetings of the Committee. Home Missions. — Your sub-committee appointed to examine and make recommendations upon the report of the Executive Committee -of Home Missions, begs leave to report as follows: We have examined the 54th annual report of the Executive Com¬ mittee of Home Missions and’ commend it for its comprehensive re- Systematic Beneficence 734 [Book IV view of the Home Mission task, and the development of the activities committed to it. We recommend: First. That, while we are grateful for the excellent work that is being done in Evangelism, and we express our appreciation of the work of Dr. R. F. Kirkpatrick, as Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Evangelism, we recommend that there be elected a Superintendent of Evangelism to give his entire time to the work, and whose duties shall be the same as authorized by the Assembly of 1914 for that office. Second. That we recommend the election of Mr. John A. Burgess for a term of two years! on this Committee. Third. That we recommend the re-election of J. S. Fbster, D.D., W. M. Everett, Chas. J. Martin, J. G. Patton, D.D., and J. R. McCain, as members of the Committee for three years. Fourth. That the following amount be appropriated to the cause, namely, $720,000 for 1921-22, this being 16% of the $4,500,000. Fifth. That in reply to the paper of Dr. W. H. Miley referred to this Committee, we recommend' that we express our sympathy with Dr. Miley in view of the financial difficulties that confronted the support of the Department of Evangelism while he was Superintend¬ ent, and that we refer him to the action of the Assemblies in com¬ mending him and his work during his term of office. The Woman's Auxiliary. — The annual report of the Woman’s Auxil¬ iary reveals a year of great activity and very fruitful service and the Systematic Beneficence Committee records its grateful apprecia¬ tion of the splendid co-operation of the organization in promoting the plans of the Progressive Program. The Auxiliary has been most loyal in carrying out the directions and suggestions of the Church courts from the General Assembly down to the Session and by a systematic course of education the women of the Church are being led to see their obligation to promote and support every activity and agency of the churches. It is desirable that the Assembly shall make a deliverance which will secure the generous support of the women for all the benevolent causes of the Church, and at the same time provide a uniform system of making reports to Presbyterials. We therefore recommend: First. That the members of the Women’s Societies make their regular contributions through the regular church collections as mem¬ bers of the church. Second. That additional self-denial and sacrificial offerings (over and above the individual gifts through the church) be made through the Societies and that only such gifts be reported by the Societies. Third. That the Women's Societies continue to include the whole- program of the Church in their study, work and prayer, and in their budgets, and in the distributions of their gifts that they include all the approved causes of the Church on the percentage basis approved by the Assembly. Montreat Association. — Your Committee to whom was referred the request of the Mountain Retreat Association, that the Assembly be requested to place said Association on the General Assembly’s Bud¬ get for $150,000, begs leave to report as follows: In view of the fact that the budget has been made up for the coming year, and no change could be made without interfering with the success of the Progressive Campaign and taking from the other causes and thus crippling the other departments of the Church, your Committee does not see its way clear to recommend this request to> the Assembly. It nevertheless expresses the hope that the Assembly may find some other way to raise the amount stated in accordance with the former action of the General Assembly. General Recommendations. — That we report to the Assembly for information: Secs. 1148-1149] Systematic Beneficence 735 (1) There is a pressing demand by the Executive Committees for necessary equipment. (2) There are several independent campaigns now in progress for objects already approved by the Assembly. (3) We are convinced that some united provision should be made to meet this situation, but we have been unable to discover any wise plan which we can recommend, without injury to the Progressive Program. 1149. Consolidation of Agencies 1920, p. 53. The report of the Ad-Interim Committee on Con¬ solidation of Agencies was presented by the Chairman^ Dr. J. P. McCallie. Majority and minority reports were presented. A mo¬ tion to docket both reports until the next Assembly was adopted. 1921, p. 21. The report of the Ad-Interim Committee on a Clear¬ ing House plan and one Executive Comlmittee, docketed by the last Assembly to be considered by this Assembly, was read. The minor¬ ity report was substituted for the majority report and adopted. It is as follows: The undersigned members of the Ad-Interim Committee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, appointed by the General Assembly of 1919 “to study the whole matter of the Clearing House Plan,” presented in Mr. Spillman’s pamphlet, and of the one Executive Committee as pre¬ sented in the report of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence to the last Assembly, and report to the next Assembly, regret that they are unable to approve of and sign the report pre¬ pared by a majority of the Committee, and respectfully present the following as a minority report: We recommend that for the present no action be taken touching any of the matters submitted to ou it Committee, for the following reasons : 1. Our Church is now giving more per capita to the causes of benevolence than any other Church in the country, with possibly one exception. When God is richly blessing our work as conducted, is it wise for us to tamper with the machinery whereby that work is done? 2. The advantages proposed from the change are purely theoret¬ ical. Is the present time of restlessness a time to change funda¬ mentally our plans on such theoretical grounds? 3. Our Executive Committees are now made up in the main of trained and experienced men. To m(ove them to one city would clearly lose to us a large part of this training and experience. We do not believe it is the part of wisdom to sacrifice this very valuable asset, and to commit our causes involving the interests and very sup¬ port of so many noble and consecrated workers, besides the interests of the Church at large, to new and untried men. 4. It is the judgment of this part of your Committee that some form of federal union is very soon coming to the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches of our country. If this be a correct judgment it will carry with it changes of our Committees necessarily. Why should we change now in so fundamental a fashion, when we may 736 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV change again in a year or two? Let us wait and see what comes of the negotiations for union before we change our own machinery. 5. We believe that the proposed changes would mean a very de¬ cided and unwise step toward the centralization of power in the hands of a few in our Church. Such a tendency our Church has always feared and fought. To purchase increased efficiency at the price of centralized power is at too great a cost. And even though the feeling against such centralization be re¬ garded as largely imaginary and unwarranted, we know that it exists, and such consolidation, while it exists, would, we believe, in¬ jure the causes. 6. We doubt whether any one center in our Church could fur¬ nish within a reasonable radius enough men of large ability, ample time and consecrated interest to make up all our Committees. The work would either be left to a few, which would mean cen¬ tralized power, or fall into the hands of men unfitted for the great, responsibility placed upon them. 7. We do not feel that our Church is ready for so drastic a change - as that proposed in the majority report. When the Church wants this change it will let its voice be heard. From our study of the movement we have not yet heard that voice. For these and many other reasons we do not agree with the ma¬ jority report. We disagree with reluctance, for we recognize that there are some admirable features in their plan. But we do not: feel that our Church should make so radical a change at this time. 1150. Report of the Standing Committee on Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship 1920, p. 54. There have come into the hands of your Committee a. number of overtures touching the five-year campaign for Benevo¬ lences, fixing the time for the canvass, the quotas for Benevolences, an adequate budget, the m,ode of fixing quotas, the reorganizing andi defining the duties of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Benefi¬ cence and Stewardship, the providing for physical equipment of all: Foreign Mission Fields, against our Executive Committee’s under¬ writing budget of the Inter-Church World Movement, asking that the Permanent Committee be enjoined from assuming financial responsibilities not explicitly authorized by the Assembly, for a larger percentage of undesignated contributions to Foreign Missions, touching closer co-operation of the Assembly’s Executive Committees in securing the budget, the merging and reorganizing of the four Executive Committees and for near East Relief. Many of these overtures bear on the same subject, and while- each one is not! taken up separately, answer to all will appear in the report that follows: Besides these we have a paper, signed by Mr. Cl E. Graham, and' which is as follow: In order to provide the special funds now urgently needed by the Executive Committees and agencies of the Presbvterian Church in the United States for the purposes of equipment and other special;' Secs. 1149-1150] Systematic Beneficence 737 needs totaling not less than one million and a quarter dollars, to be distributed as follows: Executive Committee of Foreign Missions . $ 625,000 Executive Committee of Home Missions . 200,000 Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief for Student Loan Fund . 100,000 Montreat . 125,000 Assembly Training School . 200,000 $1,250,000 and in consideration of the gifts of others for the same purposes, I hereby agree to pay to the Treasurer of the Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship Committee of the Presbyterian Church in the United States the sum of : — Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars . $250,000 This proposition is made on the condition that the funds be raised in such a way as to in no way interfere with the plans and purposes of the Presbyterian Progressive Program. It is further agreed that the funds stated above are to be secured on or before December 31st, 1921. This subscription is to become binding and payable as follows: One-fourth when one-fourth of the amount is paid; One-fourth payable when one-half of the amount is paid; One-fourth when three-fourths of the amount is paid; One-fourth payable when the full amount is paid. The payments of miy own subscription to be included in the partial payments stated above. There has also been referred to your Committee portions of the report of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship, together with the statistical reports of the Presbyteries. Upon these papers your Committee would respectfully report: We have read carefully the report of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship. We find that they have held four meetings since last meeting of the General Assembly; that for the most part they have been faithful and diligent in their attendance. Special mention should be made of the Campaign Committee, whose diligence and efficiency m|ay be seen in the results in greatly increased gifts to all causes — as is shown in the table of benevolent offerings herewith presented: Foreign Missions . $1,115,345 Assembly’s Home Missions . 407,643 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 283,371 S. S. Extension and Publication . - 94,892 Synod’s Home Missions . ~ . 174,386 Presbytery’s Home Missions . * . 304,138 Congregational Home Missions . 210,216 Schools and Colleges . 840,081 Bible Cause . .* . . 22,185 Orphans Homes . 377,569 738 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV Miscellaneous Benevolences . $ 447,177 War Work Council . . . . . . . 26,021 $4,303,474 This is a per capita of $11.81 for benevolences — something never before surpassed or equalled by any religious denomination. We would recommend the holding of a Stewardship Conference the last week in July at Montreat, N. C.,* to which all Synodical Managers should be invited, as a means of further stimulating the cause of benevolence in the bounds of the Assembly. We have examined carefully the relations of the Permanent Com¬ mittee to the Inter- Church World Movement, and do not find that they in any way exceeded the responsibility laid upon them by the last General Assembly, either in the matter of participation or in the small amounts in which the budget was underwritten. We feel sure also that their act in advising the postponing of the date of the Every- Member-Canvass was prompted by a real faith in increased results there from). We recommend that the $4,500,000 already approved by the Assembly for benevolent work in 1 9 2 1 -72 2 be apportioned among the Synods on the same basis as last year, as follows: Alabama . 4 - . 213,590 Appalachia . .7. . 196,220 Arkansas . .4 . 139,701 Florida . . .+ . 136,122 Georgia . . - . 341,787 Kentucky . 248,366 Louisiana . 136,714 Mississippi . 201,126 Missouri . . 221,294 North Carolina . 743,541 Oklahoma . ,4 . 38,074 Snedecor Memorial . 9,428 South Carolina . 355,754 Tennessee . .+ . — 239,382 Texas . 465,414 Virginia . 677,549 West Virginia . . 135,938 That the following amounts be apportioned for the Assembly’s causes for 1921-22 : Foreign Missions . $ 1,498,500 Home Missions . .+ . - . 720,000 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 337,500 Publication and Sabbath School Extension . 90,000 Bible Society . - . 27,000 Training School . 27,000 Assembly’s Causes . $ 2,700,000 Synod’s Causes . - . 1,800,000 $ 4,500,000 Sec. 1150] Systematic Beneficence 739 That the following percentages apply to any undesignated gifts : Foreign Missions . 33.3% Assembly’s Home Missions . ,4 . 16.0% Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 7.5% Publication and Sabbath School Work . * . 2.0% Assembly’s Training School . .6% Bible Cause . „ . * . .6% Total . . . . . . * . 60.0% Synodical and Presbyterial causes to be apportioned by each Presbytery and Synod . . . 40.0% In answer to numerous overtures touching the Five-Year Forty Million Dollar Campaign, we would recommend the following: Whereas* under the operation of the existing Progressive Program, the Church is making splendid progress in its understanding and ap¬ preciation of its needs, and whereas its financial and spiritual in¬ terests are being greatly promoted without that temporary high press¬ ure which is contrary to the Presbyterian method of action; and whereas the proposed plan to raise forty million dollars, within five years, cannot fully respect the needs and opportunities of each year as they come; and whereas such a plan might tend to elim¬ inate the annual campaign of education and the canvass for increas¬ ing subscriptions, which have proven to be of such signal service to our churches, we recommend that the General Assembly (1) Decline to approve of the plan to raise forty million dollars in pledges of five years, and (2) That we continue the progressive idea embodied in the present program from year to year. In response to overtures from Nashville, Knoxville and Columbia Presbyteries referring to adequate budget for benevolent causes, Pres¬ byterial, Synodical and Assembly, and asking that the churches be protected from special appeals we would make answer as follows: That adequate provision for all Assembly causes is provided in the four and one-half million dollar budget. The Assembly does not consider itself competent, however, to prevent appeals for local and Synodical causes. Overtures from Muhlenburg and Memphis Presbyteries relating to the budget for benevolent causes and asking that the proportion al¬ lowed to Foreign Missions be increased so as to provide for present indebtedness without having to resort to special appeals, we recom¬ mend be answered in the negative. That overture from Muhlenburg Presbytery, relating to closer co¬ operation by the Assembly’s Executive Committees in the work of securing the budget, be answered by stating that the desired co¬ operation has been approximately attained. Overture from Macon Presbytery, asking that the time for mak¬ ing the Every-Member- Canvass be not changed, we recommend be answered by saying that the canvass be held before 31st of March. Overture from Enoree Presbytery, for an all embracing budget, covering three to five years, be answered in the negative. 740 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV We recommend the adoption of the following: We are convinced that the Presbyterian Progressive Program pro¬ vides the best way to finance the benevolent work of our Church, and in our opinion the Assembly’s intention in adopting this Program was not only to finance the benevolent work more adequately, but also to relieve the executive agencies of the responsibility of raising the funds needed for their work. All special appeals of whatever kind interfere by so much with the Presbyterian Progressive Program. We, therefore, recommend that the Assembly forbid its Executive Commit¬ tees, and all agents thereof, and the Woman’s Auxiliary, any appeals for funds presented by letter, or through the Church press, or in any other way, except such appeals as have been considered and recommended by the Assembly’s Committee on Systematic Benefi¬ cence and Stewardship, and approved by the Assembly itself, and included in the budget of the Progressive Program, or otherwise definitely provided for. That the overture from the Presbytery of Paris asking for the merging and reorganization of the four Executive Committees of the Assembly, be answered in the negative. ♦ In reply to overtures objecting to the fixing of quotas by the As¬ sembly’s Committee, that the answer be in the affirmative, for the reason that the Synods are better qualified to apportion to Presby- eries and Presbyteries to churches. Overtures asking the Assembly to instruct its Permanent Com¬ mittee on Systematic Beneficences and all its Executive Committees not to underwrite the budget of the Inter- Church World Movement or other undertakings not especially authorized by the General Assem¬ bly, be answered in the affirmative. Overtures? Answer: The whole matter of these overtures is an¬ swered later in recommendation concerning the offer of Mr. C. E. Graham. The overtures from Geo. G. Mayes and others asking for the ap¬ pointment of a commission to formulate an appeal for $1,000,000 for Near East Relief: We would answer, while the Assembly heartily commends the cause of all suffering humanity to its constituency, it nevertheless declines to appoint the commission called for. In answer to overtures touching the gifts by Sunday Schools and Women’s Societies, we recommiend that they be encouraged to send their contributions through the regular church treasurer. In answer to the overtures touching the powers and organization of the Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence and Stew¬ ardship, we recommend that the whole matter, together with these overtures, be referred to an Ad-Interim Committee to be appointed by the Moderator, which shall carefully consider and report to the next Assemlbly. With reference to the suggested outline program in the calendar for the year 1921-22, prepared by the Campaign Committee, we Sec. 1150] Systematic Beneficence 741 recommend that the next year’s Committee print the same for use in the churches. Your Committee would record its comimtendation of the very great work done by Rev. W. Fred Galbraith, D. D., Secretary, and Rev. S. W. McGill, Campaign Manager, in connection with the Progress¬ ive Program Campaign. We recommend: (1) That the Assembly record its appreciation of the earnest and self-denying labors of those who managed the Four Million Cam¬ paign in the Synods, Presbyteries and churches. (2) That each Synod, Presbytery and church be asked to main¬ tain the organization which has so successfully conducted the cam¬ paign this year, and that this splendid force of workers be used in carrying forward the Assembly’s Progressive Program. (3) That the Synods consider the advisability of securing man¬ agers for their full time to promote the objectives of the Progress¬ ive Program, the managers to co-operate with the campaign man¬ ager of the Assembly. (4) That the Assembly request the Presbyterial Committees of Systematic Beneficence, in making apportionments for the churches to recognize the Assembly’s schedule of percentages in providing for the Assembly’s causes. (5) That the Assembly request Presbyterial and Synodical causes to bear their proportionate part of the campaign expense. (6) That the Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship Committee be urged to continue its emphasis on the cultivation of Christian Stewardship ideals throughout the Church, and to seek ways and means to lead our people to a clearer recognition and a fuller prac¬ tice of the Christian’s obligation of Stewardship toward God in possessions, personality and prayer. (7) Finance: That a budget of $75,000 be provided to carry through the campaign for $4,500,000 and that this fund be fur¬ nished by the executive agencies of the Assembly, and Synodical, Presbyterial and Educational Causes in proportion to the benefit they receive from the united campaign. We would recommend that the Assembly’s Committee on System¬ atic Beneficence and Stewardship for the Church year 1920-21 be composed of the following persons: Synods Principals Alternates Alabama . Rev. D. F. McConnell . Rev. David Park Prattville Anniston Appalachia . Rev. J. D. Faucet . Rev. T. S. McCallie Bristol Chattanooga Arkansas . Rev. C. H. H. Branch . Rev. Jno. Van Lear Texarkana Little Rock Florida . Rev. E. D. Brownlee . Mr. A. D. Campbell Sanford Chipley Georgia . Mr. W. M. Everett . Mr. J. R. McCain Atlanta Decatur 742 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV Kentucky . _.Rev. W. H. Hopper Louisville Louisiana . Rev. U. D. Mooney New Orleans Mississippi . Rev. Fred R. Graves Sumner Missouri . Rev. R. S. Boyd . Farmington North Carolina ...Rev. D. C. Lilly . Winston-Salem Oklahoma . W. B. Morrison . Durant South Carolina ...Jas. B. Spillman . Columbia Tennessee . A. D. Mason . .. . Memphis Texas . Rev. B. I. Dickey . San Antonio Virginia . Rev. F. T. McFaden Richmond West Virginia . Rev. J. L. Mauze . Huntington Dr. A. J. A. Alexander Spring Station Rev. J. K. Smith Shreveport Rev. W. J. Caldwell Yazoo City Mr. N T. Gentry Columbia Mr. Geo. W Watts Durham Rev. J. V. McCall Hugo .Rev. E. E. Gillespie York .Rev. Jas. I. Vance Nashville .Mr. H. L. Moseley Weatherford .Dr. J. D. Eggleston Hampden-Sidney .Rev. W. H. DuBose Lewisburg And that Rev. D. C. Lilly be appointed Convener of the Committee. We recommend that the Assembly appropriate the sum of $250 or so much as may be needed thereof for expenses of the Committee over and above the expenses of members attending the meetings of the Committee. We recommend that the Assembly’s Executive Secretaries and the superintendent of the Woman’s Auxiliary, be called into confer¬ ence with the Committee in the planning of its campaigns. We recommend that the generous offer of Mr. C. E. Graham of $250,000 for equipment and other special needs, conditional on the raising of $1,000,000 by the Church for the same purpose, be accepted with the thanks of the Assembly, and the Committee on Beneficence and Stewardship be directed to secure a Secretary and Campaign Manager and to set up whatever machinery may be nec¬ essary for the raising of this money, at the earliest moment possible, as well as prosecuting all the features of the Progressive Program. We recommend that Dr. E. W. Smith, whose term of office ex¬ pires with this Afesembly, be re-elected as Executive Secretary of Foreign Missions for a term of three years. 1151. Report of the Standing Committee on Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship 1921, p. 44. The report was adopted. The Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence and Stew¬ ardship has met four times since the last meeting of the Assembly, Secs. 1150-1151] Systematic Beneficence 743 and the members of the Committee have been most faithful in the discharge of their duties. We [the Standing Committee] call special attention to the work of the Campaign Committee, whose faithful and earnest efforts have resulted in securing generous gifts to all causes as may be seen in the remarkable gain of $1,590,758 over the previous year. The Benevolent offerings of last year are as follows : Foreign Missions . . . . $1,153,629.00 Assembly’s Home Missions . . . . 536,836.00 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 968,955.00 Synod’s Home Missions . . 207,085.00 Educational Institutions . * . . . . 879,744.00 Sabbath School Extension . . . . 100,028.00 Bible Cause . . , . 26,099.00 Orphan’s Homes . 373,109.00 Presbyterial Home Missions . . . r . 454,216.00 Congregational Home Missions . 238,849.00 $4,938,550.00 Miscellaneous . * . . 955,682.00 Total Benevolent Contributions . . . $5,894,232.00 This represents a per capita gift of $14.82, a gain of $3.01 over the previous year. We recommend: 1. That the General Assembly undertake another three-year pe¬ riod in which all the objectives of the Presbyterian Progressive Program shall be advanced in the Synods, Presbyteries and Churches. 2. The minimum financial objective shall be $4,500,000 for the year 1922-23; $4,750,000 for the year 1923-24, and $5,000,000 for the year 1924-25. 3. That as the needs of the various causes are urgent and also increasing with the growth of the Church, all the resources of the Church be concentrated in securing pledges for the full quota and in securing the payment of the full amount to each cause accord¬ ing to the percentage basis. 4. That we urge the Church to exercise its utmost strength in at¬ taining the spiritual objectives of the Presbyterian Progressive Pro¬ gram and in raising the minimum amount of $4,500,000 for the com¬ ing year which is actually needed to finance the benevolent work of the Church. 5. That we call upon the Sabbath Schools, Young People’s Socie¬ ties, Woman’s Auxiliaries and other Church organizations to lay hold earnestly of their portion of the task to make it successful. 6. For the apportionment for the year 1922-23 among the Synods, see Minutes of 1921, pp. 44-5. 744 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV Equipment Fund In response to the appeals and recommendations for an adequate equipment fund, your Committee has given prayerful and careful consideration to this matter, and while realizing that the present business depression does not justify the launching of such a cam¬ paign, yet after hearing what our needs are, what our responsibili¬ ties are, your Committee accepts this as a challenge to do something worth while for our Master. The world is sick, and in this period of reconstruction it needs the religion of Jesus Christ as never be¬ fore. The securing of this fund will prove a great blessing to our people. It will mean a real sacrifice, and when finished we shall have cause to thank God for His great goodness in enabling us to better equip our workers at home and abroad. We recommend: 1. That the Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief be instructed to make no other contracts for rais¬ ing funds for educational institutions until after the Assembly’s Campaign for the Equipment Fund has been completed, and that existing contracts of the Committee be finished on or before July 1, 1922. ' 2. That the campaign for the Assembly’s Equipment Fund for $5,000,000, which includes the Equipment Campaign Fund for $1,- 250,000 ordered by the Assembly of 1920, in agreement with Mr. C. E. Graham, be approved, and that in the Synods in which edu¬ cational and equipment campaigns are now contemplated the amounts of these several campaigns be added to each Synod’s quota, respect¬ ively, of the $5,000,000 Equipment Fund and made as one campaign, this campaign to begin April 1, 1922, and the subscription to be paid on or before March 31, 1925. 3. That the several beneficiaries share in this Fund as follows: Foreign Missions . . . . . . .$2,500,000 Home Missions . * . 1,500,000 Assembly’s Training School . . . . 500,000 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . j... 300,000 Mountain Retreat Association . . . . . 200,000 $5,000,000 This $200,000 for the Mountain Retreat Association is approved provided the Committee on the Mountain Retreat Association, of which Dr. J. D. Eggleston is Chairman, reports to the next Assem¬ bly that a satisfactory title is vested in the Trustees of the Assem¬ bly, and if title cannot be given in a way that protects the interest of our Assembly, then and in that event the sum of $200,000 will be given to Foreign Missions. In the event the amount actually raised by this campaign be less Sec. 1151] Systematic Beneficence 745 or more than $5,000,000, then the division shall be on the percent¬ age of : Foreign Missions . . . * . 50% Home Missions . - . * . . . -30% Assembly’s Training School . , . 10% Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 6% Mountain Retreat Association . . 4% That when the five million dollars ($5,000,000) named in this Equipment Budget have been raised, if the circumstances favor, the Assembly’s Committee on Stewardship shall continue the campaign until at least three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) additional have been raised, and that this first three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) above the five million budget shall go exclusively to the Equipment Fund of Foreign Missions, and shall not be distributed according to the percentages of this report, and that thereafter the dis¬ tribution be according to the percentages in this report. 5. That the organization of the Christian Education and Ministerial Relief Committee now working under the leadership of Dr. Melvin, be utilized to conduct the Equipment Campaign Fund. 6. That the time between the Assembly of 1921 and April 1, 1922, be used by the Assembly’s Stewardship Committee for the purpose of carrying on a thorough and sustained educational camt- paign, acquainting all our people with the vital and urgent need for such an Equipment Fund. 7. That the funds necessary for the conduct of this campaign be provided by the beneficiaries sharing in the Equipment Fund on the ratio of their participation therein not exceeding three per cent, of the amounts secured. 8. That any amounts received from sources within the bounds of the Church between the Assembly of 1921 and April 1, 1922, should be applied as designated by the donor and shall count as a part of the total quota of said beneficiaries. This provision shall in no wise affect any Synodical campaign now in progress. 9. That all designated gifts shall count as part of the total of each beneficiary’s share in this fund, and said beneficiary shall not share in the general fund until all other beneficiaries shall have re¬ ceived a like proportion from the general fund. 10. That the General Assembly most earnestly request all Synods and Presbyteries to refrain from conducing any financial campaign for special funds which would conflict with this campaign for equip¬ ment. 1. In view of the misunderstanding in some quarters as to the relation of the Auxiliary Budget to the regular Church quota in taking the Every-Member-Canvass, this Committee recommends: That such part of the Auxiliary Budget as goes to the regular causes of the Church be an integral part of each church’s quota, and should be so recognized in future canvasses; that the major portion of the subscriptions of individual women members of the local churches be given to the regular church budget; and that all 746 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV contributions of the Woman’s Auxiliary to the Benevolent Causes should be paid through the local church treasurer and credited to the Auxiliary. 2. That the request of the Woman’s Auxiliary to be furnished as soon as possible with all of the financial calls approved by the General Assembly, in order that they may be included in the Aux¬ iliary Budget for the year, be granted. 3. That a substantial increase in the Auxiliary Budget to further promote the efficiency of our women’s organizations so that the spirit¬ ual and educational work of the Auxiliary may keep pace with its growth in members, be granted. P. 42. An amendment to this part of the report was offered by Rev. J. S. Sibley, D. D., and placed on the docket. 1152. Report of the Standing Committee on Church Societies 1921, p. 77. In connection with thei consideration of this report, the resolution of Rev. J. S. Sibley, D. D., on Woman’s Work, was taken from the docket and adopted. The report as amended was adopted and is as follows: The Woman’s Auxiliary In regard to the report of the Woman’s Auxiliary, we would em¬ phasize the opening sentence of this annual report: “The remark¬ able success of the work of the Woman’s Auxiliary for the past year is cause for profound gratitude to Almighty God for His guidance and for answered prayer.” It must be very evident to all that the Woman’s Auxiliary has become a real source of great spiritual power. They have caught the vision that came to the China Inland Mission and truly believe that “prayer moves the arm that moves the world.” We have no doubt that in the wonderful development and enlargement of our Church during the past year, the 1,777 prayer bands of the Woman’s Auxiliary had a very important part by linking the whole Church with God and making it possible to do great things for Him. We would also call especial attention to the fine educational work being done in the training of leaders through summer con¬ ferences. The Woman’s School of Missions at Montreat brings together about 400 delegates from all over the Church for a week’s inten¬ sive study of the Bible, the Home and' Foreign Mission Text Books, Parliamentary Law and methods of work in the local Auxiliary. Leaders are trained here for effective work in their local churches on their return home. The women of the Church are naturally deeply interested in the work for young people and in some instances the Synodical has requested Synod to appoint a committee with which they might co¬ operate in establishing Synodical Conferences for Young People. Such conferences are to be held, this year in nine of our Synods, and Sec. 1152] Systematic Beneficence 747 it is the; hope of the Auxiliary that eventually each Synod will have its own Young People’s Conference. For four years the Auxiliary has conducted a conference for col¬ ored women at Tuscaloosa, Ala., the only one of its kind ever held. The last meeting enrolled 84 delegates from 50 towns in 11 States. The program included Bible study, lectures on better morals and living conditions, community problems, care of children, sewing classes, etc. The Auxiliary has accepted the invitation of the Woman’s Board of the Friends’ Church, of Philadelphia to conduct a similar con¬ ference in August at the Colored Industrial School of Christians- burg, Va. We are also accepting the invitation of Gammon Semi¬ nary of Atlanta, Ga., to hold a conference for colored women there this fall. The reports which have come to us of the practical betterment work being undertaken by delegates on their return home from this conference indicate the wide influence of this work among our col¬ ored sisters, and we are grateful for the enlarged opportunities af¬ forded by the proposed new conferences. The spiritual life of the Auxiliary has grown and deepened dur¬ ing the past year as evidenced in greatly increased interest in Bible study and in the organization of large number of Prayer Bands. The goal of the Auxiliary is every Circle a Prayer Band and every woman an Intercessor. To this end classes in Personal Work have been organized in many Auxiliaries. The Auxiliary cheerfully and gladly accepted the responsibility placed Upon it by the Presbyterian Progressive Program Committee in conducting the Mission Study work with increased efficiency and enlarged enrollment. The representatives of the Auxiliary person¬ ally made the Survey canvass which added 4,500 subscriptions to that magazine, and also the Church Papers canvass, which totalled 3,700 new subscribers for the Church papers. The Woman’s Auxiliary of the Church is a great and efficient organization, admirably adapted for accomplishing the great spirit¬ ual and educational work among our women as well as for efficient co-operation in all phases of the work of our great Church. The statistical report shows a total of 2,120 Societies with a total membership of 82,099, and total gifts to all causes of $1,059,754, which were distributed as follows: Foreign Missions . $ 226,788 Assembly’s Home Missions . 70,114 Synod’s Home Missions . . . . 29,685 Presbytery’s Home Missions . * . 45,187 Congregational Home Missions . * . 57,571 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief . 110,335 Sabbath School Extension . .+ . 12,298 Educational Institutions . 48,976 Bible Cause . 4,285 Orphan’s Homes . 91,335 748 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV Current Expenses and Contingent Fee . $ 87,415 Miscellaneous Offerings . . . . 275,585 Total for all purposes . $1,059,574 We recommend that: 1. The General Assembly express its profound gratitude for and appreciation of the work of the Auxiliary and of the Auxiliary Circle Plan, and commend it to pastors and Sessions as a most valuable organization for the women of the Church. 2. That Synods and Presbyteries be urged to keep in closer touch with the Auxiliary as requested by the Auxiliary itself, and to this end that each Synod and Presbytery appoint a strong and active Committee on Woman’s Work. 3. That in addition to the subscriptions of the individual women through the Every-Member- Canvass, a definite part of each church’s quota be assigned to the Auxiliary as the basis of the Auxiliary budget. 4. That all funds subscribed for Beneficence in the Every-Mem- ber-Canvass and paid through the benevolence side of the envelope, be paid to the Church Treasurer and not paid to nor reported by the Auxiliary. 1921, p. 27. The following resolution on the woman’s work was adopted : Resolved, That this Assembly request its Standing Committee on Systematic Beneficence to include in its report some sort of definite suggestion regarding the proportion in which the individual woman member of the local church should divide her subscriptions between the Church budget and the Auxiliary budget. Men’s Organizations 1921, p. 79. No reports from organizations of men have been submitted to this Committee, but in view of the effective work be¬ ing done by such organizations in many churches, we recommend that pastors and Sessions be urged to give more attention to the work of the men in the local churches. Home Missions 1. We recommend that all activities closely related to the work of the Assembly’s Home Mission Committee be concentrated in their hands, and we urge upon Synods and Presbyteries the vital necessity that this lays upon the church to distribute their funds ac¬ cording to the percentages suggested by the Assembly so as to give to this Committee at least the pro-rata amount assigned to it by the Assembly. Sec. 1152] Systematic Beneficence 749 Calendar We recommend the following: 1. That the campaign for “The Missionary Survey” be made in May each year. 2. That the first week in November be designated “Church Pa¬ per Week.” 3. That the last Sunday in September be designated as Assem¬ bly Training School Day, at which time special attention shall be called to its great work. Special prayer shall be offered for it and offerings made in such churches as do not have the budget system. 4. That a calendar be prepared, 52 sheets, with memoranda for the particular phases of the Presbyterian Progressive Program to be emphasized each week, literature available, etc., and space for private memoranda, this calendar to be issued by the Assembly’s Stewardship Committee in sufficient quantity to supply all our pas¬ tors and Sunday School superintendents and presidents of all our Woman’s Auxiliaries. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That after the expiration of the present term of office the sec¬ retarial staff needed to conduct the business of each Executive Comr nfittee shall be elected by the Committee with the exception of the Executive Secretaries. The General Assembly shall elect the Executive Secretaries and Members of the General Assembly’s Executive Cammjittees. These Executive Secretaries and Members of the Executive Committees shall be nominated to the General Assemjbly by the Assembly’s Standing Committees on these respective causes. 2. That the goal of the Progressive Program be: a. That every church give itself more earnestly to the salvation of souls. b. Twenty-five per cent, increased attendance on church services. c. A Sunday School enrollment at least equal to the church mem¬ bership. d. At least one life enlisted for definite religious work for each congregation. e. A family altar in every home. f. The establishment of mission Sunday Schools and churches wherever possible. g. The organization of the individual church along the four-fold plan of Evangelism, Stewardship, Spiritual Resources and Mis¬ sionary Education. 3. That a budget of $60,000 be provided for the work of this committee for the year 1921-22, and that this fund be furnished by the Executive Committees and Agencies of the Assembly in propor¬ tion to the amount received the previous year. 4. For the greater efficiency of the Presbyterian Progressive Pro¬ gram, we recommend the printing of the appended blank and that all 750 Systematic Beneficence [Book' IV Sessions be requested to fill them in and send to Presbyteries with other report blanks at the end of the Church year. (See report of Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence in Appendix, page 164, for blank suggested.) This report is to be sent to Presbytery and after being used there is to be forwarded to the office of the Presbyterian Progressive Pro¬ gram, Times Building, Chattanooga, Tennessee. That the General Assembly recom^mend to the Synods and Presby¬ teries that their fall meetings be so arranged that Synods meet be¬ fore the fall meetings of Presbyteries. Membership of the Assembly’s Stewardship Committee We recommend that the Assembly’s Committee on Systematic Benefi¬ cence and Stewardship be composed of the following persons: The Moderator shall be a member ex-officio. One year ■— Alabama . + . ....Mr. T. L. McGill . . Selma Appalachia . ....Rev. T. S. McCallie . . ... Chattanooga Arkansas . . ....Rev. C. H. H. Branch . ...Texarkana Florida . ....Mr. H. C. DuBose . . . ...Sanford Georgia . ....Mr. J. R. McCain . ... Decatur 'Two years — Kentucky . . Rev. D. Clay Lilly . ...Lexington Louisiana . . ....Rev. U. D. Mooney . O ...New Orleans Mississippi . ...,Rev. Fred R. Graves . . . ...Sumner Missouri . * . ....Rev. R. S. Boyd . ...Kansas City North Carolina ...Mr. E. B. Crowe . ..Raleigh Three years — Oklahoma . Mr. W. B. Morrison . ...Durant South Carolina ...Mr. J. B. Spillman . ... Columbia Tennessee . . . ....Mr. R. B. Clinton . ...Memphis Texas . ....Rev. B. I. Dickey . ...San Antonio Virginia . . ....Mr. H. B. Sproul . ... Staunton West Virginia .. ...Rev. J. L. Mauze . ... Huntington Rev. D. Clay Lilly, D. D., shall be the convener of the Committee. Rev. M. E. Melvin, D. D., is elected General Secretary for a term of three years. Itemized Equipment Budgets We recommend: That the itemized equipment budgets of the various beneficiaries ■of the Equipment Fund be submitted to the Assembly’s Committee of Stewardship, the budgets totaling respectively the amounts speci¬ fied for each beneficiary of the Equipment Fund. Secs. 1152-1153] Systematic Beneficence 751 1153. Report of Ad-Interim Committee appointed to “ Define the Powers and Duties of the Permanent Committee on System¬ atic Beneficence and Stewardship 1920, p. 80e. The Moderator announced the following Ad-Interim Committee to define the powers and duties of the Permanent Com¬ mittee on Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship: Rev. A. D. P. Gilmour, D. D. Dr. W. J. Martin. Rev. R. O. Flinn, D. D. Rev. W. T. Thompson, D. D. Elder E. B. LeMaster. The report was adopted (1921, p. 36.) I. Name 1921, p. 191. This committee shall be called the General As¬ sembly’s Stewardship Committee. II. Nature and Duties This committee shall be both advisory and administrative. 1. As advisory, this committee shall have the following duties: a. It shall seek, by review and recommendation, to promote the business betterment of our Assembly; it shall carefully consider the entire work of all the Executive Committees, together with the annual reports of these committees, and shall submit these reports to the Assembly with recommendations looking towards harmonious co-op¬ eration and the highest efficiency, in order that the unity of the As¬ sembly’s work may be kept in clear view and that its every enter¬ prise may be advancecf as much as possible. That it may perform these duties, this committee, or its sub-committees, shall have access to the books and files of the various Executive Committees, at the convenience of these committees, shall have the privilege of request¬ ing at any time from the Assembly’s Executive Secretaries any in¬ formation regarding the work of their respective committees, and each member of this committee shall have mailed to him by each Executive Committee not later than May 1 a copy of its annual re¬ port; but no article in this plan of organization shall be construed as giving this committee any power to direct the work of these Ex¬ ecutive Committees, except by way of recommendation to the As¬ sembly. b. It shall consider and report on all matters which may from time to time be referred to it by the Assembly. 2. As Administrative, this committee shall have the following duties : a. It shall conduct the Presbyterian Progressive Program, with all its objectives, and all special campaigns for benevolent funds authorized by the Assembly; but none of the Executive Committees 752 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV nor any other agency shall conduct special Church-wide campaigns for funds, unless authorized by the Assembly or by this Committee. b. It shall also conduct special campaigns for benevolent funds for Synods and Presbyteries when so requested by these courts, but all such special campaigns shall be financed by their benficiaries. c. It shall recommend to the Assembly the goals for the benevo¬ lent causes, the percentage which the Assembly’s causes are to re¬ ceive on the one hand and local causes on the other hand, and the percentage which each Assembly’s cause shall receive of the total; and it shall apportion the total goal among the Synods with the re¬ quest that the Synods, after having added such sums as they may desire, will likewise apportion their quotas to their respective Pres¬ byteries, with the further request that these Presbyteries will then apportion their own quotas to the local churches. d. It shall perform any duties which from time to time may be assigned to it by the Assembly, and it shall recommend to the As¬ sembly such action concerning the needs or work of the Church as it may deem wise. III. Membership 1. This committee shall be composed of seventeen members. The Moderator of the Assembly each year, ex-officio, and one from each of the following Synods: Alabama, Appalachia, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. 2. Eight of these members shall be laymen. 3. No Secretary or member of any of the Assembly ’s Executive Committees shall be eligible for membership on this committee unless he be Moderator. 4. Any member moving out of the Synod which he represents shall automatically vacate his place. 5. Any member failing to attend three consecutive meetings, with¬ out rendering in writing a good excuse, shall automatically vacate his place. 6. This committee is authorized to fill any vacancies which may occur between the meetings of the Assembly — its members thus ap¬ pointed to hold office until the next Assembly. 7. Nine shall constitute a quorum of this committee, provided notice has been mailed to each member fifteen days previous to the date of meeting. IV. Term of Office 1. The membership of this committee shall consist of three classes; the term of office of each class shall be three years — one class re¬ tiring each year; and no member shall be eligible for more than two consecutive terms. 2. In order to inaugurate this system, the Assembly of 1921 shall elect the memberhsip of this committee as follows: Sec. 1153] Systematic Beneficence 753 a. It shall elect a member from each of the following Synods to serve for a term of one year: Alabama, Appalachia, Arkansas, Florida and Georgia; , b. It shall elect a member from, each of the following Synods, to serve for a term of two years: Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and North Carolina; c. It shall elect a member from each of the following Synods, to serve for a term; of three years: Oklahoma, South Carolina, Ten¬ nessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. V. Nomination and Election 1. The members of this committee shall be elected by the Assembly. 2. Each Synod shall recommend one minister and one layman, from which the Assembly shall elect members of this Committee as terms of office expire. VI. Time and Place of Meetings 1. This committee shall meet at least once each year for conference with the Executive Secretaries, and this meeting shall be held at any time and place which the committee may deem, best. 2. Additional meetings may be held at the call of the Chairman, as need requires. VII. Organization 1. This committee shall elect its own Chairman. 2. It shall appoint at least the following sub-committees, and it shall define their duties and powers: (1) On Foreign Missions, (2) On Home Missions, (3) On Christian Education and Ministerial Relief, (4) On Publication and Sunday School Work, (5) On Assembly’s Training School, (6) On Bible Cause, (7) On Nom¬ inations, and (8) On the Presbyterian Progressive Program. 3. The Sub- Committees on Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Christian Education and Ministerial Relief, Publication and Sunday School Work, and Assembly’s Training School shall consist of two members each; and these sub-committees may meet with the As¬ sembly’s Executive Committees as frequently as it may appear ad¬ visable, at which meetings they shall examine the business systems in use by these various committees and report in writing ther find¬ ings with recommendations to this committee. VIII. Sub-Committee on the Presbyterian Progressive Program 1. In order to promote greater efficiency and economy, this com¬ mittee shall be authorized, in appointing its Sub-Committee on the Presbyterian Progressive Program, to appoint, if it deems best, in : addition to certain men from among the committee’s own members, not 754 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV more than five others to co-operate with its own members in promot¬ ing all the objectives of this’program; but those additional men shall not be members of the Assembly’s Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship. 2. This Sub-Committee on the Presbyterian Progressive Program, like all other sub-committees, shall be subject' to the review and con¬ trol of the Permanent Committee which appoints it. IX. General Secretary and Secretarial Staff 1. This committee shall nominate to the Assembly a General Sec¬ retary, but this does not deny the right of any individual member of the Assembly to make other nominations from the floor. 2. The General Secretary, shall be elected by the Assembly, for a term of three years, at a salary to be fixed by this committee. 3. In order to inaugurate this plan, the Assembly of 1921 shall authorize this committee to elect its own General Secretary, to serve until die Assembly of 1924. 4. The General Secretary shall not be a member of this committee nor of any of its sub-committees. 5. Such other officers and assistants as this committee may deem necessary shall be nominated by the General Secretary and elected by this committee, at salaries to be fixed by this committee; and none of them shall be members of this committee or of any of its sub-committees. X. Expenses 1. This committtee is authorized to draw on the treasuries of the Assembly’s Committees on Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Chris¬ tian Education and Ministerial Relief, Publication and Sunday School Extension, and Assembly’s Training School for funds as needed to conduct its work in such amounts as shall be provided each year by the Assembly to be assigned among the beneficiaries in proportion to the amounts received the preceding year. 2. This committee is authorized to endeavor to secure the payment of a like proportion by each Synodical and Presbyterial beneficiary of the Presbyterian Progressive Program and from the Bible Cause, it being understood that the amount paid by each Synod will be spent within its bounds. 3. This committee shall defray the traveling expenses of its mem¬ bers and of the members of its sub-committees which are contracted in attending its meetings and the meetings of its sub-committees. XI. Report to the Assembly 1. This committee shall submit annually in printed form a report to the Assembly as soon after its opening as possible. 2. This report shall include a financial statement, showing receipts and their sources and items of expenses for the year under the follow¬ ing heads: (1) Salaries, (2) Rent, (3) Traveling Expenses, (4) .Secs. 1153-1155] Systematic Beneeicence 755 Official Expenses, (5) Printing and Distributing Books, Leaflets, Posters, etc., (6) Advertising, and (7) Conferences. 3. The recommendations of this committee shall be considered directly by the Assembly. XII. Repeal of Former Deliverances All former deliverances and parts of deliverances referring in any way to the Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship Committees are hereby repealed. 1154. Election of Dr. Melvin 1921, p. 42. Rev. M. E. Melvin, D. D., was elected General Secretary of the Assembly’s Stewardship Committee for a term of three years, his term beginning at once. 1921, p. 50. Dr. Melvin accepted the office. The Assembly was then led in prayer by Rev. E. W. Smith, D. D., for Dr. Melvin and the work of this Committee. 1155. Protest 1921, p. 80d. The following protest signed by R. B. Hudson and others was admitted to record: 1. The undersigned wish humbly and respectfully, yet most earn¬ estly, to protest against the action of the Assembly in refusing to submit to the several Presbyteries the matter of the $5,000,000 canv- paign for equipment, with the request that they accept their quotas and co-operate therein, as proposed in a resolution offered by Rev. C. R. Stribling, D. D., providing that this action should be; taken before the actual inauguration of the said Equipment Fund campaign. And also — 2. Against the further action of the Assembly in authorizing a further and special campaign for a $300,000 Equipment Fund for Foreign Missions. The first action complained of would seem, to be a needless, and worse than useless, ignoring of the constitutional rights and functions •of the several Presbyteries, and the invasion of their bounds with an intensive campaign for immense funds without their consent or approval. While the second matter of protest would seem to constitute a transgression of the whole theory and promise of the Progressive Program, in the inauguration of which it has certainly been implied, if not expressly set out, that the budget system and the Every-Mem- ber-Canvass would be used to supply all the needs of the Assembly’s causes, and that no further special appeals or campaigns by any of the several Executive Committees should be allowed. Such a special appeal and campaign for one of the causes, coming :at the end of an intensive campaign for all of the causes, would, we 756 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV feel sure, inevitably interfere seriously with the progress and success of the Progressive Program. Answer to Protest Your Special Committee, appointed to answer the protest of Robert B. Hudson, Dr. Charles R. Stribling, Dr. F. J. Brooke and D. S. Poole, reports as follows: That the Assembly on May 25th, by practically unanimous vote, adopted the $5,000,000 Equipment Fund, and that after a thorough discussion rejected the resolution of Dr. Charles R. Stribling to submit this matter to the several Presbyteries. Your Committee also reports that only matters of constitutional character are submitted to the Presbyteries, and that this Assembly is a representative body. Inasmuch as the $300,000 for Foreign Missions is to be raised after the $5,000,000 Equipment Fund has been secured, your Com¬ mittee would answer that this does not interfere with the Progressive Program, and also that there is no rule or practice, expressed or implied, in the former actions of the General Assembly that special campaigns cannot be made. 1156. Stewardship Committee 1922, p. 44. The report of the Standing] Committee on Steward¬ ship was received and the recommendations adopted. The report is as follows: There have been submitted to your Committee for its consideration portions of the annual report of the Assembly’s Stewardship Com¬ mittee, together with overtures relating to the Lord’s Day Alliance, the Equipment Fund, a corporation to be known as the Foundation of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S., the appointment of a Cen¬ tral Treasurer for all General Assembly Benevolences, delaying the advancement of Benevolent Quotas, the making of budgets for benevolent causes, the appointment of a Committee to investigate the financial System of the Church, the limiting of the scope of work of the Assembly’s Stewardship Committee, the practice of economy in the work of the Stewardship Committee, and to Permanent Men’s Work in our Denomination. I. Overtures Touching these overtures, we make the following answers: That overture from the Presbytery of Brazos, that a Cen¬ tral Treasurer be appointed, to whom funds for all General Assem¬ bly Benevolences may be sent by the churches so desiring, be answered in the negative. To overtures from the Presbyteries of Tuscaloosa, Brownwood, King’s Mountain, Missouri, Holston, Roanoke, West Lexington, W est Hciiiovci*,, Asheville, Floridci, EiO-st A-lctbcimct, IVIecklenbur^, Sec. 1156] Systematic Beneficence 757 Greenbrier, Suwanee, and Pine Bluff, asking that the Lord’s Day Alliance be placed upon the benevolent budget of the Church, and overtures from the Presbyteries of Central Texas, Winchester, Louis¬ ville, asking that the Lord’s Day Alliance be not placed upon the budget of the Church, we recommend the following answer: That while heartily approving the general aims and purposes of the Lord’s Day Alliance, the Assembly decline to place it upon its benevolent budget. We recommend that overture from the Presbytery of Mis¬ souri, asking that the Assembly instruct the Executive Committees in preparing their budgets for each succeeding year, not to plan for an increase of expenditure in excess of the average per cent, of increase of contributions to their respective causes during the five- year period immediately preceding, and that any additional expen¬ diture be made only as additional funds are actually contributed, be answered in the negative. We recommend that section 1 of overture from the Synod of Virginia, asking that the Assembly’s Stewardship Committee be directed to limit its activities to the promotion of the Every-Member- Canvass and Educational Campaigns on Stewardship and such finan¬ cial plans as the Assembly may commit to its hands, and overture from the Presbytery of Paris, touching the same matter, be declined. Section 2 of the same overture from the Synod of Virginia, asks that the Stewardship Committee, in shaping its financial budget and recommending quotas, be directed to secure from each Assembly’s Agency, estimate of amount needed for its work; we would answer: This is the policy now being pursued by the Com¬ mittee. To the further request that the Stewardship Committee also seek from Synods and Presbyteries estimates of their needs before shaping a Benevolent Budget, we would recommend a negative answer. Section 3 of the same overture from the Synod of Virginia, asks that in suggesting quotas of an Assembly Budget to Synods and Presbyteries, an attempt be made to distribute the same with reference to the financial condition of these ecclesiastical bodies and their churches, we w7ould recommend that the Assembly endorse the soundness of this principle of distribution. Touching Section 4 of an overture from the Synod of Vir¬ ginia, requesting that the Stewardship Committee be directed to conduct its work with the utmost economy in view of the grave finan¬ cial condition through which the world is passing, and that the plans for future activities have in mind the ideal of developing a conscious¬ ness of responsibility on the part of organizations, officials, and indi¬ vidual members of the Church, we answer as follows: We recommend that the Committee be as economical as possible and that the ideal herein set forth be ever prominent in all its planning. Overture from the Presbytery of East Hanover asks for the appointment of an Ad-Interim Committee of five of the best busi¬ ness men of the Church, to investigate the business and financial 758 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV system of the Church with a view to securing a more efficient and economical administration thereof: This Committee is also to be directed to make such general recommendations as in its judgment shall result in good to the Church; to aid this Committee} in its work it is asked that every officer of every Presbytery, Synod, and of the General Assembly, who receives compensation for services, be directed to report to the Commiittee the duties of his position and the com¬ pensation received. We recommend that it be declined. We recommend that overture from the Presbytery of East Hanover, asking that the General Assembly instruct its Stewardship Committee not to increase the apportionment for the various causes for the year 1923-24' to $4,750,000, as instructed by the last General Assembly, and Overture from the Presbytery of Norfolk, touching the same question with the proviso that it be not advanced un¬ less reports for the past year’s work and from the recent Every- Member-Canvass show that the present amount of $4,500,000 has practically been subscribed, be answered in the negative. The answers to overture from the Presbytery of North Alabama, relating to the establishing of a Foundation for the Presbyterian Church in the U. S., and overtures from Pee Dee Presbytery, from Winchester Presbytery, from West Hanover Presbytery, and from Atlanta Presbytery, relating to the Equipment Fund, will be found in the recommendations of our report of the Assembly’s Stewardship Committee. II. Report of Assembly’s Stewardship Committee We have carefully examined that portion of the report of the Assembly’s Stewardship Committee, which was referred to us. The Committee held four meetings during the year. The members were faithful in the discharge of their duties. The financial results of the great work with which its labors have been associated are grati¬ fying in the light of business conditions. The Lord's blessing has crowned the combined efforts of the Committee, our pastors, elders, deacons and other devoted servants of the Church, as is evidenced by the following table : Gifts for Benevolences for the Year Ending March 31, 1922 Foreign Missions . $ 1,281,323 Assembly’s Home Missions . * . ., . 543,438 Synod’s Home Missions . 186,419 Presbytery’s Home Missions . 397,703 Congregational Home Missions . . . 273,661 Christian Education and Ministerial Relief... 380,165 Sabbath School Extension and Publication... 96,704 Educational Institutions . 739,776 Bible Cause . 24,007 Sec. 1156] Orphans’ Homes Systematic Beneficence 759 $ 363,469 Total for our Church Causes . 4 . $ 4,286,665 Miscellaneous Contributions . 1,185,658 - $ 5,472,323 Other Funds Collected Current Expenses and Presbyterial Tax . $ 3,608,210 Pastors’ Salaries actually paid . 2,663,192 - $ 6,271.402 Grand Total to all Causes . $11,743,725 Benevolent per capita . $ 13.28 Current Expenses per capita . 15.22 Per Capita to all Causes . $ 28.50 III. Membership of the Assembly’s Stewardship Committee The Moderator shall be a member ex-officio. As the terms of the members on this Committee from Alabama, Appalachia, Arkansas, Florida and Georgia expire at this time, we recommend that the following be elected for a period of three years: Alabama — Mr. T. L. McGill, Selmia. Appalachia — Mr. H. E. Hyatt, Norton, Va. Arkansas — Rev. C. H. H. Branch, Texarkana. Florida — Mr. H. C. DuBose, Sanford. Georgia — Mr. J. R. McCain, Decatur. South Carolina — Rev. W. H. Boggs, Columbia, to fill unexpired term of J. B. Spillman. IV. Proposed Presbyterian Foundation We have considered the overture of North Alabama Presbytery and the recommendation of the Stewardship Committee that a Foun¬ dation for receiving and disbursing funds be erected to be known as the Foundation of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. We would recommend — That the matter of the Foundation of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. be referred to an Ad-Interim Com¬ mittee, to be appointed by the Moderator, consisting of three laymen, of which -at least one shall be a lawyer, and two ministers, which Committee shall thoroughly investigate the whole matter and report to the next General Assembly. P. 73. Following is the Committee: Rev. J. S. Foster and E. L. Hill; Elders A. R. Brand, W. M. Everett and D. W. Robinson, 760 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV V. Equipment Fund Touching the Equipment Fund, we have considered the recom¬ mendations of the Stewardship Committee, together with several over¬ tures relative to the same subject, from the Pee Dee Presbytery, Win¬ chester, and West Hanover Presbytery, asking the reopening and re¬ scinding of the action of the last Assembly, and from Atlanta Presby¬ tery, asking for the postponement of the Campaign till business con¬ ditions improve. We would make the following explanation and recommendation as covering the entire matter: 1. We gave no consideration to the recommendation of the Stew¬ ardship Committee concerning a request from the Home Mission Committee of the Synod of North Carolina, in view of the following paper placed in our hands by Rev. A. W. Crawford, Chairman of Synod’s Committee on Home Missions for that State: “Inasmuch as the plan proposed by the Home Mission Committee of the Synod of North Carolina for the raising of an equipment fund for churches and manses in its work is not approved by the Assem¬ bly’s Permanent Committee on Stewardship, request is hereby made for permission to withdraw the whole matter from consideration, that it may be re-submitted to the Home Mission Committee of the Synod and to the Synod for further instructions. 2. That the amount of equipment fund remain $5,000,000, but that the time limit for raising it, as stipulated by the Assembly of 1921, be rescinded. 3. That of the $5,000,000, earnest effort be made to raise at least $500,000 during the Church year 1922-23, and the same or any portion thereof to be distributed according to the ratio1 adopted by the Assembly of 1921 for the $5,000,000. The immediate and press¬ ing need of thei Church is $500,000. 4. That the Stewardship Committee be directed to employ and di¬ rect a force of trained canvassers to carry on a quiet solicitation of a selected number of individuals who may be able to give in larger sums to the equipment fund. 5. That the Assembly authorize the Stewardship Committee to appoint a Treasurer to collect and distribute the equipment fund. 6. That the Presbyterian Progressive Program be strictly guarded against all special appeals by whomsoever or for whatsoever that Would in any way impair its success, and that from now on the Program be pressed with renewed and sustained vigor. 7. That the beneficiaries receiving their share of the designated funds shall have no part of the undesignated fund until all other ben¬ eficiaries shall receive their quota, and after all quotas have been met, all beneficiaries shall share in further undesignated funds on the pro rata basis already agreed on. 8. That the agencies participating in the Equipment Fund be directed to finance the campaign by advancing from their respective funds in the ratio in which each shares in the fund. 9. That the first Sunday in December be designated “Equipment Sec. 1156] Systematic Beneficence 761 Day” and that pastors and Sessions be requested to call attention to the purpose of the day and take a cash offering for the fund. 10. The adoption of that portion of the Stewardship Committee’s report asking that the Assembly rescind its action of 1921 touching the duties of this Committee as recorded on page 192,, section B, which reads as follows: “It shall also conduct special campaigns for benevolent funds for Synods and Presbyteries when so requested by the courts,” etc. VI. Men’s Work in the Church We have carefully considered the recommendation of the Steward¬ ship Committee that the Assembly appoint an Ad- Interim Committee to take under advisement the Whole question of men’s work of the Church and report to the next Assembly; also overture from the Presbytery of Kanawha on a Permanent Committee on Men’s Work in our Denomination. In the conviction that the time has come for the men of the Pres¬ byterian Church in the U. S„ to come together for aggressive organ¬ ized work in facing the problems of the Church, we would make the following recommendations concerning the matter involved: 1. That this General Assembly direct its Stewardship Committee at its meeting in July to elect a Committee of seven, composed of ministers and elders, said Committee to name its own Chairman, and to be known as the Assembly’s Permanent Committee on Men’s Work, whose duties it shall be to effect such organization for the denomination as is in accordance with denominational procedure and in harmony with the Presbyterian Progressive Program of the Church which shall have charge of the entire men’s work of the Church, and which shall be empowered to organize the work in Synod, Preshw tery and local congregation. 2. That the Stewardship Committee be directed to finance inc work of this Committee fort the first year to an amount not to exceea $2,500.00 [The following Committee was appointed: J. P. McCallie, W. J. Martin, R. S. Baker, Alfred Hume, W. R. Dobyns, H. W. DuBose, J. L. Mauze.] 1922, p. 28. The report of the Assembly’s Stewardship Commit¬ tee was read. Those portions of the report referring to Home Mis¬ sions, Foreign Missions, Publication and Sabbath School Work, Assembly’s Training School, Bible Cause, Woman’s Auxiliary, and Stewardship were referred to the respective committees considering these subjects. The general recommendations were amended and adopted, and the budget approved as follows: (See below for item concerning Equipment Fund.) PRESBYTERIAN PROGRESSIVE PROGRAM BUDGET There have been referred to us the recommendations contained in the Campaign Committee’s report; also a portion of the report of Systematic Beneficence 762 [Book IV the sub-commitee of the report on Foreign Missions. We recom¬ mend: 1. The adoption of the first recommendation of the Campaign Committee, viz: to appropriate $1,000 for the work of the Assembly’s Permanent Committee on Sabbath and Family Religion. 2. As a substitute for the second recommendation of the Cam¬ paign Committee to place the Lord’s Day Alliance on the benevolent budget we recommend inasmuch as there are several overtures on this subject coming before the Assembly, that no action be taken. General Recommendations 1. That the Assembly request the Synods to meet in advance of the fall meetings of the Presbyteries, in order that the church may know its quotas in the Presbyterian Progressive Program by Decem¬ ber 1st, prior to the canvass in March. 2. The reports of the Synods of Arkansas and Florida, which have been made to our Committee, to conduct campaigns were authorized by the respective Synods and tentatively agreed to by the Steward¬ ship Committee. These were undertaken and conducted by the Com¬ mittee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief as far as pos¬ sible in accord with the plans of the respective Synods. 3. We recommend that the General Assembly authorize the Stew¬ ardship Committee to re-state the objectives and departments of the Presbyteran Progressive Program and the working out of a plan of organization of the local church for the promotion of the Program. Equipment Fund 1922, p. 208. Your special committee on the equipment fund beg to report as follows: There have been placed in our hands communications from Mr. W. E. Minter, Rev. R. C. Anderson, Rev. S., L. Morris, D. D., and the Rev. A. W. Crawford. We have also held a conference with the several executive secretaries, Mrs. W. C. Winsborough and the Rev. Mr. Crawford. We recommend: 1. That in reply to the request of the Home Mission Committee of the Synod of North Carolina, presented by their Superintendent and stating that “in the campaign for the equipment fund of the General Assembly, we shall expect the Assembly’s Stewardship Committee to add this amount ($100,000) to the quota of the North Carolina Synod,” we advise the committee of the Synod of North Carolina that it is putting the wrong interpretation on the action of the Assembly. (See Minutes, page 46, article 2.) That) action was taken to provide for two Synods contemplating at the time campaigns for the endowmjent and equipment of educational institutions. The request of the Home Mission Committee of the Synod of North Carolina is declined. 2. That the amount of the equipment fund remain $5,000,000, Sec. 1156] Systematic Beneficence 763 but that the time limit for raising it as stipulated by the Assembly of 1921 be rescinded. 3. That of the $5,000,000 earnest effort be made to raise at least $500,000 during the church year 1922-23, and the same or any portion thereof to be distributed according to the ratio adopted by the Assembly of 1921 for the $5,000,000. The immediate and pressing need of the Church is $500,000. 4. That the several agencies participating in this fund be in¬ structed to set aside annually from out of their receipts ten per cent, for an equipment fund, the same to be credited to the $5,000,000. 5. That Dr. Melvin be directed to employ and direct a force of trained canvassers to carry on a quiet solicitation of a selected num¬ ber of individuals who may be able to give in larger sums to the equipment fund. 6. That all amounts received from individuals may be counted by the agency receiving them in lieu of the ten per cent, provided for above. 7. That the Assembly be requested to authorize a committee to appoint a treasurer to collect and distribute the equipment fund. 8. That the Presbyterian Progressive Program, be strictly guarded against all special appeals by whomsoever or for whatsoveer that would in any way impair its success, and that from now on the Program be pressed with renewed and sustained vigor. 9. That the beneficiaries receiving their share of the designated funds shall have no part of the undesignated funds until all other beneficiaries shall receive their quota, and after all quotas have been met, all beneficiaries shall share in further undesignated funds on the pro rata basis already agTeed on. 10. That the agencies participating in the Equipment Fund be directed to finance the campaign by advancing from their respective funds in the ratio in which each shares in the fund. CHAPTER VJI GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE ASSEMBLY’S SCHEMES OF BENEVOLENCE AND THE GUIDANCE OF HER AGENCIES 1157. The Executive Committees to be all constituted alike 1861, p. 14. Resolved, That the principles of organization in¬ volved in the establishment of the Executive Committee of Foreign Missions be considered as applying to all the Executive Committees to be appointed. 1158. Constitution ofr Executive Committees 1905, p. 19. 1. It is ordered that hereafter the Executive Com¬ mittees of the General Assembly shall be constituted of not fewer than nine nor more than fifteen members, exclusive of the Secretary or Secretaries, to be elected by the Assembly and divided into three classes, of which one class shall be: elected each year. Upon the election of the members of these Committees at the present meeting of the Assembly, the Assembly shall designate the classes to which members shall belong. 2. The Secretaries are to be elected by the Assembly on the nomination of the Executive Committees, respectively, but the right of members of the General Assembly to naake other nominations is not hereby restricted. The tenure of the office of Secretary shall be for a period of three years, beginning September 1st following the sessions of the Assembly at which the Secretary was elected. It is competent, however, for the Assembly at any meeting to remove any one of the Secretaries for cause. 3. A majority of the members of an Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Three- fourths of the whole number of members shall be necessary for the nomina¬ tion of a Secretary. 4. The Secretary shall be a member of the Executive Committee, but shall have no vote in the nominating of the Secretary. « This plan superseded the one adopted in 1861. See Alexander's Digest , p. 301. 1904, p. 48. The Assembly disapproved of the election of a member of one of the Executive Comfnittees by the Committee, when the Assembly had inadvertently failed to do so. 1922, p. 77. Overtures from Central Texas and Paris Presby¬ teries asking the Assembly to return to the former plan by which all Secretaries of our Church shall be elected by the Assembly itself upon Secs. 1157-1162] Systematic Beneficence 765 the nomination of the Assembly’s Standing Committee of the respec¬ tive cause. Your Committee recommend that these overtures be answered in the affirmative. 1159. Committee to Examine Charters 1905, p. 57. Resolved, That a Judiciary Committee, consisting of nine persons, be appointed by the Moderator, to whom all charters of incorporation under the authority of the General Assembly shall be referred for examination and approval before incorporation, and such other business as the General Assembly may determine. 1160. Laymen to manage the enterprises of the church 1907, p. 31. In answer to the overture of East Alabama Presby¬ tery recommending the appointment by ‘he Assembly of godly lay¬ men instead of ministers to manage the great enterprises of the church at large, your Committee on Ministerial Education and Relief recommends that the Assembly make no recommendation. 1908, p. 33. Resolved, That the Assembly in the future try, as far as may be consistent with wisdom, to secure competent laymen for the various causes of the church, and use such pious men, officers and members of the church as may be available. 1909, p. 47. Overture touching the employment of non-ministerial members of the Church in the work of collecting and disbursing the money that is required for the conduct of all the work of our Assem¬ bly. Answer: Since the Assembly has at present financial and execu¬ tive agents who are not preachers, and is committed to the policy of selecting from its general membership, eldership or diaconate, avail¬ able and efficient men to conduct its. financial affairs (see printed Minutes of 1908, p. 33), no further action is necessary. 1161. Economy to be used by Committees 1921, p. 43. In reply to overture from the Presbytery of South Carolina, and from the Presbytery of Greenbrier, urging the various Committees of the Assembly to use more econonfy in the administra¬ tion of expenses, we answer as follows: We recommend that the various Committees be as economical as possible. I 1162. Salaries of Secretaries to be fixed by Executive Committees 1900, p. 614. On the overture asking the Assembly to with¬ draw from its Executive Committees the right to fix the salary of Secretaries, and that the Assembly itself fix such salary, it is rec¬ ommended that a negative answer be returned. This answer was put upon the docket. P. 643. This answer was adopted. 766 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV 1163. A single Treasurer for all the funds of the Assembly 1861, p. 13. Resolved, That the Committee on Finance be in¬ structed to inquire into the expediency of having; but one Treas¬ urer, by whom all the funds under the control of the General As¬ sembly shall be received and disbursed. 1 P. 39. This Committee asked to be discharged from this duty seeing that that matter has been covered by the action of this As¬ sembly in electing separate Treasurers for the Executive Committees. Adopted. 1164. Bond of the Treasurers of the) Executive j Committees payable to Trustees of the General Assembly 1890, p. 58. Resolved , That the bonds of the Treasurers of the Executive Committees in future be executed and payable to the Board of Trustees of the Assembly, and the character and amounts of said bonds be left to the discretion of said Committees except when otherwise ordered by Assembly. 1165. All Treasurers to give bond 1909, p. 30. Your committee would recommend that the General Assembly require all the Treasurers of the various Boards and Funds of the General Assembly to give bonds to secure the funds in their custody, so that there may be a uniform system, as some of the Treasurers are under bond and some are not. Ajd opted. 1166. Books of Treasurers not to be kept open until April 15 1914, p. 78. The Presbytery of Upper Missouri respectfully overtures the General Assembly “That the books of the Treasurers of Assembly’s Executive Comjmittees be kept open until April 15, so that the reports of the churches closing their books on March 31st may reach the General Assembly’s Treasurers before their books are closed.” We recommend that this overture be answered in the negative. 1167. Term of the Secretaries 1894, p. 245. Resolved, That the Manual of each of the As¬ sembly’s Executive Committees be amended by the insertion of the following: “The term of service of the Secretary shall begin on the first day of September and end on the first day of the next Sep¬ tember.” Resolved, That the Secretaries elected by this General Assembly shall hold office until the first day of September, 1895. 1168. Salaries of Secretaries and Treasurers to be reported 1897, p. 57. It was ordered that hereafter the Assembly’s Execu- •Secs. 1163-1173] Systematic Beneficence 767 tive Committees show, in the reports of their Treasurers, the sal¬ aries paid to the Secretaries and Treasurers. 1169. Separate Treasurers for benevolent funds. 1898, p. 216. We direct the attention of the Presbyteries to the suggestion made Lv our Executive Committee, that separate Treas¬ urers be appointed to have charge of all benevolent’ funds. 1170. Weekly Sabbath collections 1863, p. 135. Without dictating any particular mode for col¬ lecting the charities of the Church, the committee would nevertheless respectfully recommend, in all cases where it is practicable, the adoption of the system of weekly Sabbath collections; believing that it best accords with the order of the apostle, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him,” aud that it is the means of securing the largest possible amount of funds for the benevolent operations of the Church. This recommendation was renewed by the Assemblies of 1866, 1867, 1870 and 1872, and the practice urged upon the churches, to make stated giving a part of worship, and so a means of elevating the general standard of piety. 1171. The envelope system 1888, p. 402. The Assembly recommends that the Presbyteries encourage the use of the envelope system wherever practicable, and when it is not, to adopt such other system or systems as will in the circumstances be most efficient. 1172. Presbyteries to inquire as to contributions by their churches to our stated objects of benevolence 1866, p. 35. Resolved, That our Presbyteries be directed to make it a standing rule to inquire, at their spring meetings, of all their ministers and congregations, if they have had contributions taken up within a year for all our stated objects of benevolence, and to take such measures as will secure such contributions. 1173. Schedule of Collections 1896, p. 575. In answer to an overture asking that the Stated Clerk be instructed to make out and issue a complete schedule of the collections ordered by the General Assembly, the time they are to be taken, and the address of the Treasurers to whom they are to be sent, and that the schedule be published each year in the Appendix of the Minutes of the Assembly, and for at least a month in six of the principal church papers throughout our bounds, and also on a sep- 768 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV arate sheet, and three copies of this sheet be sent to every Session in our bounds, your committee recommend that the reply be in the affirmative, in so far as to instruct the Stated Clerk to make out a complete schedule of the collections ordered by the Assembly, the time at which they are to be taken, the address of the Treasurers to whom they are to be sent, and to publish the schedule each year in the Appendix to the Minutes of the Assembly. Adopted. 1903, p. 499. An ad interim committee was appointed to report to the next Assembly on a rearrangement of the schedule of collec¬ tions and on the whole matter of Systematic Beneficence “with a view to devising ways and means to increase the amount of collec¬ tions.” 1904, p. 24. This committee recommended that no change be made. 1174. Location of the Committees 1871, p. 25. The Presbytery of Memphis, believing that the true interests of our whole Zion would be greatly promoted by the returning of the Committees of Education and Sustentation to the places where they were first located, and from which the war neces¬ sitated their removal, would hereby overture the General Assembly to make the said change, and, remove the Committee of Education to Memphis, and the Committee of Sustentation to New Orleans. Reply : There appears no evidence that the above changes are required by the general sentiment of the churches and Presbyteries; and the Assembly therefore respectfully declines action at this time. 1872, p. 169. Overture from the Synod of Memphis, requesting the return of the Committees of Publication and Education to their original locations; overture of the Presbytery of Red River to the same effect; the memorial of the Presbytery of Chickasaw touching the Committee of Education; overture of the Presbytery of Mont¬ gomery of the same import; and the resolution of the Presbytery of Western District, protesting against the action of the Synod of Memphis asking for the removal. Answer : Resolved, That no change be made for the present, either as to the division or removal of the Executive Committees of Pub¬ lication and Education. 1872, p. 165. The Committees of Sustentation and Foreign Missions, in joint session, have carefully considered the questions committed to them by the General Assembly touching the division and removal of the Committees of Sustentation and Foreign Missions, and respectfully report to the General Assembly for their adoption the following resolution, viz. : Resolved, That in the judgment of this Assembly it is inexpedient to make any change atj present in the location or constitution of these Committees. 1175. Consolidating the Executive Committees 1863, p. 146. Resolved, 1, That the Executive Committees of Secs. 1173-1177] Systematic Beneficence 769 Education and Publication shall consist of the same persons, under one Secretary, and shall be empowered to take in charge the work hitherto entrusted to these two Committees; and that the Executive Committees of Foreign and Domestic Missions shall be composed of the same persons, under one and the same Secretary, and that the whole work of Foreign and Domestic Missions be committed to their care. Resolved , 2, That the business, records, and funds of the four Executive Committees shall be kept distinct from each other, not¬ withstanding this arrangement, and that the arrangement now adopted continue in force till the next meeting of the General As¬ sembly. 1870, p. 535. Overture relative to the separation of the Execu¬ tive Committees of Publication and Education, and the removal of the Education Committee to another point than, Richmond. Answer : There seems to be no imperative or general call for such change, and therefore it is at present inexpedient to make the change proposed. Same action in 1890 (p. 46) and 1895 (p. 424). See also 1898,. p. 223. 1894, p. 201. The Assembly declined an overture asking that the Executive Committees of Home Missions and Education for the Ministry be united. 1900, p. 611. The Assembly declined to unite the cause of Church and Christian Education with that of Education for the Min¬ istry. 1176. Presbyteries are to make annual reports on Systematic Ben¬ evolence 1862, p. 12. The Assembly recognized as still in force a paper adopted by the Assembly of 1854, testifying to the Christian obliga¬ tion of the regular systematic contributions to the various objects of Christian benevolence, and to the importance of instituting some well ordered plan by which these objects’ should be brought before the people, and an opportunity given them to make such contributions. Every Presbytery is directed annually, at its sessions immediately preceding the meeting of the Assembly, to make inquiry as to the performance of these duties in its general character, and to report to the Assembly the results of that inquiry. These reports are to be referred to the Standing Committee on Systematic Benevolence, by whom a general view of the facts for exhibition is to be presented to the Assembly, and through that body to the Church at large, with the recommendation of such further action as may seem to be required. 1177. Duty of the Standing Committee on Systematic Benevolence 1864, p. 268. The duty specially incumbent upon this Commit¬ tee is to give a condensed summary of the reports received from the several Presbyteries, so that the General Assembly may be fully in- 770 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV formed as to the condition of the churches with respect to the grace of giving, and that such action may be taken as seems to be de¬ manded and wisdom may direct for attaining the great end for which the General Assembly has been laboring for many years. 1178. Opportunity to be afforded every member to give 1865, p. 368. The committee recommend that it be enjoined upon the church Sessions to adopt some plan by which every mem¬ ber of their congregations may have an opportunity and be appealed to, whether poor or rich, young or old, even in these times of trial, to contribute something to the various objects of benevolence which demand their benefactions; that the Sessions report to the Presby¬ teries, and that the Presbyteries report to the Assembly, the plans they have adopted and their results. Adopted. See also Minutes for 1867, 1871 and 1884. 1871, p. 20. Resolved, That the Presbyteries earnestly recom¬ mend all their pastors, stated supplies and missionaries, to give frequent instructions to their respective churches as to their duty in this matter, which is not only of prime importance to the progress, but even indispensable to the continued life and permanent existence of the Qhurch. 1179. Presbyterial supplies for vacant churches should take up collections for the schemes of the Assembly 1868. p. 279. Resolved, That the Presbyteries are hereby en¬ joined to require of their ministers sent as occasional supplies to vacant congregations, to take up collections for the schemes of the Assembly during such visits of said supplies to said congregations. (A similar resolution adopted 1875, p. 38, and 1876, p. 225. See Resolution 6 of the next Section.) 1180. Apportionment for the causes of Systematic Benevolence 1873, p. 335. In view of the necessity for greatly increased con¬ tributions to sustain the benevolent enterprises of the Church, and also of the fact that from so large a portion of our people there is a lamentable failure of co-operation in this work: Resolved, That a committee be appointed to take into careful con¬ sideration this whole subject, and especially the practicability and efficiency of some plan by which the funds to be raised for the purpose above referred to may be apportioned among the Presby¬ teries, and through them among the churches. Said committee shall report to the next General Assembly. Adopted. 1874, p. 487. This committee made a report, which was ordered to be sent down to the Presbyteries for their consideration, with a request that an expression of their opinion on the plan proposed be sent up to the next Assembly. Secs. 1177-1180] Systematic Beneficence 771 This report is printed in the Appendix of the Minutes, p. 584. After discussing the necessity for greatly increased contributions to sustain the benevolent enterprises of the Church, and the failure of co-operation in this work from so large a portion of our people, as being probably the chief cause for this smallness of results, the re¬ port proceeds to elaborate a plan designed to remedy this state of affairs. This plan was, that the funds to be raised for the purposes of Systematic Benevolence be apportioned among the Presbyteries* and through them among the churches. The report outlines in de¬ tail the features that might be incorporated in the working of such plan. The committee say, in the report, that they are encouraged to regard this plan with favor, both as to its practicability and efficiency. They also discuss objections likely to be urged against the plan. — A. 1875, p. 39. The Presbyteries having sent up their opinions, they were collated, and were as follows: Twenty-seven Presbyteries only report. Of these, twenty-two reject the plan unconditionally, one approves, two accept with qualifications, and two say that they have taken no action. Thereupon the Assembly adopted another plans, as follows: 1. The Assembly solemnly urges upon all pastors and other min¬ isters their obligation to expound fully to the people the duty and privilege of giving to Christ as an essential part of acceptable wor¬ ship. 2. The Assembly urges upon all its constituent Presbyteries to include this branch of ministerial duty in their stated conferences upon the state of religion in their bounds. 3. The Assembly hereby solemnly enjoins upon the Presbyteries to require of church Sessions, in case of failure to take up any one of the collections ordered, to report in writing the reason thereof, upon the validity of which the Presbytery shall pass judgment, approving or disapproving, as the case may be. And the Presbyteries shall state upon the! face of their annual reports on Systematic Beneficence in regard to their compliance with this injunction. 4. It is made the duty of the Standing Committee on Systematic Beneficence of each General Assembly to ascertain from the Presby- terial reports on this subject how far the above injunctions have been complied with, and to report to the Assembly what Presbyteries (if any) have failed to comply with them. It is also hereby made the duty of the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, to enter upon the docket the duties herein imposed upon the said Committee, as an item of business, so that the attention of the Cbmmittee may be ex¬ pressly called thereto. 5. In case any Presbytery fails to report on the subject of Sys¬ tematic Beneficence, or to report in due and proper form, as ordered by the Assembly, or to report in regard to either of the requirements made in the above injunction; or if the report in the case of any Presbytery shows that it has not complied with the injunction first named, in Section 3 above, viz. : in regard to the requirement from church Sessions of the reasons for their failure in any case to give the people an opportunity to contribute — the Moderator of the As¬ sembly shall thereupon appoint some member of said Presbytery as the Assembly’s commissioner thereto, to bring the failure to the 772 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV attention of the Presbytery. And the Presbytery shall send up to the next Assembly, along with its report on Systematic Beneficence, a statement of the reasons for said failure. 6. In order the more surely to obtain collections from, vacant con¬ gregations (without, however, at all lessening the separate and full responsibility of the Sessions thereof in the premises, and in the absence of supplies), the Presbyteries are hereby enjoined to require supplies sent to such vacant congregations to attend to this business, and in case of failure to do so, to render a reason therefor. 1876, p. 224. By overture from the Presbytery of Abingdon, and from remarks made by other Presbyteries, we find strong exception taken to the fifth injunction of the report adopted by the last Assem¬ bly. To the overture we respectfully make answer — 1st, That in its nature the section referred to is necessarily in¬ operative, and as such will only serve to weaken the authority of this venerable court. 2nd, That the powers therein granted to the Moderator, as to the “appointment of a commissioner,” etc., are excessive, and in interference with the powers delegated to the Presbyteries by our Form of Government. (See Section VIII., page 170, Form of Gov¬ ernment. ) We would therefore recommend that the provisions of Sction 3 of the report of last year’s committee be stricken out. In order to obviate other difficulties which trouble our brethren upon the points of the report adopted as the injunctions of the Assembly to the Presbyteries last year, we would recommend the adoption of the fol¬ lowing as a substitute for that report: Here follow resolutions, the same a& adopted above in 1875 with the omission of the fifth, and a recommendation that supplies sent to vacant churches should solicit collections from the same. — A. 1877, p. 421. Overture from Rev. J. W. Kerr; and others of the Presbytery of Ouachita, complaining of the action of the General Assembly of 1875, pages 40 and 41, as extra-constitutional and practically, in some hands, offensive and alienating. The Committee on Bills and Overtures recommend this reply; The action complained of evidently arises from a misapprehension of the purpose of said action, which simply provides for inquiring of church courts respecting their diligence in affording the people opportunities for contributing to our schemes of benevolence. Adopted. 1883, p. 60. Resolved, That all the Presbyteries be enjoined to prepare and send up to the General Assembly full reports on this subject, and to carry out the order of the Assembly in calling on the delinquent church Sessions to give reasons wby collections have not an any case been taken up. - 1181. Apportionment, not assessment 1866, p. 38. Overture of the Presbytery of New Orleans, “call- Secs. 1180-1185] Systematic Beneficence 773 ing attention to the present method of assessing Presbyteries for benevolent objects,” and asking that it be discontinued. Answer : 1, The present method of naming definite amounts for each Presbytery to raise is not an assessment, but an apportionment, and is designed simply to indicate to each Presbytery how much it must give if the great causes of the Church are to be successfully prosecuted. 2. As the plan is found on the whole to work well, and in many in¬ stances very much to increase contributions, it is considered better to continue it. 1182. Synod has no power to enjoin assessments 1892, p. 434. Overture from, the Presbytery of Florida as to the right of Synod to enjoin an assessment upon Presbytery for the benevolent causes of the Assembly. Answer : It has no such constitutional right. See also 1900, p. 641. 1183. Failure to take up collections 1890, p. 51. Resolved \ That the Presbyteries be earnestly en¬ joined to institute particular inquiry at every spring meeting into the reasons for failure on the part of churches to make any of the collections ordered by the General Assembly, and to urge pastors and supplies to instruct the people in the duty of systematic, pro¬ portionate giving. Substantially repeated 1891, p. 259. 1184. Pastors to preach on giving 1882, p. 547. Resolved, That the Presbyteries be requested to call the attention of pastors to the great principle of systematic giving as an act of worship, and enjoin upon them to preach to their congregations, on that subject at least once a year. That the Assembly enjoin upon Presbyteries to urge the pastors to hold monthly meetings in the interest of Missions in their several churches, giving the people such information touching the progress of the work in this and other lands, and bringing to bear upon them such truths of God’s Word as may tend to intensify their zeal for the evangelization of the world, and that they encourage large special gifts from those upon whom God has bestowed special blessings. 1185. Concerts, suppers, etc., for church purposes 1888, p. 402. Whereas it appears to have become quite common for our people to secure money for church purposes by concerts, suppers, etc., be it — Resolved, That the General Assembly advise against all such means for securing money to be used in the Master’s work. This 774 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV advice is given because we believe that the Lord has ordained that giving should be an act of worship, and thus a means of grace. Reaffirmed 1891, p. 260. 1186. Presbyterial Committees on Systematic Beneficence 1873, p. 332. Resolved, That each Presbytery be enjoined to appoint an Executive Committee on Systematic Benevolence, whose duty it shall be to correspond with the Sessions of vacant churches in the intervals of meetings of Presbytery, calling their attention to the time and objects of the various collections, and urging them to see to it that the members of their respective churches be kept in¬ formed of the various operations of our Church, and have an oppor¬ tunity afforded them of contributing to each one of her six objects, either by public collection or by personal application, and, if possible, within the two months allotted to each of these objects. 1187. Synodical Secretaries and financial agents 1892, p. 461. The Assembly approves the records of the Synod of Georgia, with the exception of its action in appointing a Synodical Secretary for one of the Assembly’s causes. P. 456. The Minutes of the Synod of North Carolina were approved, except the appointment of a financial agent for the pur¬ pose of raising the benevolences of the church. P. 442. It has been the policy of the Assembly in the past to rely upon the pastors, elders and deacons of churches under God to develop the graces of those who are under their care; and to bring their churches systematically into the work of the Assembly by con¬ tributing regularly of their means as God has prospered them, and it is the judgment of this Assembly that no lower court ought to appoint any financial agents to work in behalf of the Assembly’s causes, as assigned by the Assembly to its Executive Comfiiittees, except that this shall not hinder the chairmen of Presbyterial com¬ mittees in the discharge of their proper duties in the! months assigned to their work. 1188. Statistical Report and Systematic Beneficence 1899, p. 431. To an overture asking “whether the figures in the Statistical Report should be copied into the Report on Syste¬ matic Beneficence, or should the figures in the Systematic Benefi¬ cence Report indicate simply what has actually been contributed' to the various causes under the care of our Executive Committees” — the Assembly adopted the following answer: It is the judgment of the Assembly that the reports on Statistics and Systematic Beneficence are different reports, and are intended to gather information on different subjects; the figures in the Statistical Report should not, therefore, necessarily be copied into the Report on Systematic Beneficence. 1 Secs. 1185-1194] Systematic Beneficence 775 1189. Presbyteries must send up report on Systematic Beneficence 1900, p. 630. Those Presbyteries which have failed to send up reports on Systematic Beneficence for several years past were directed to request their Stated Clerks hereafter to prepare and submit their reports at the proper time. 1190. Executive Committees not required to itemize expenditures 1888, p. 387. As all the items of expenditures of the several committees of the church are laid before the Auditing Committees of the Assembly, and are passed upon by them; and as the annual publication of these items would involve much detail and some expense to the church; and further, as there may be items of expen¬ diture which it would not be desirable to make public, especially in the disbursement of the Invalid Fund and like benefactions, the Assembly deems it unnecessary to spread all these items in detail before the church. 1191. Executive Committees must publish their expense account in detail. 1900, p. 643. An overture asking that the Executive Committees be required to publish in detail their expense account. The request was granted. 1192. Figures for Committee on Systematic Beneficence 1907, p. 26. We recommend that the Secretaries of the Execu¬ tive Committees furnish the Stated Clerk of the Assembly the total amounts contributed to their respective causes for the fiscal year, which shall be placed with the reports of the Presbyteries on Sys¬ tematic Beneficence; and that the Assembly’s Committee on Syste¬ matic Beneficence shall in their report enter under the head, “Totals of Executive Committees,” the amounts contributed to the different benevolent causes through these Committees. Adopted. 1193. Interpretation of “ contributed 5” 1907, p. 56. An overture asking for an interpretation of the word “contributed” in Statistical blank. It is recommended that the answer be, that “contributed” means all funds collected in the con¬ gregation for the work of the Lord. Adopted. 1194. Items not called for in reports on Systematic Beneficence 1883, p. 60. Ordered by the Assembly: That the blank forms on Systematic Beneficence be corrected by leaving out the items, Presbyterial, Pastors’ Salaries and Congregational. 776 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV 1195. Printed copies of the reports of the Executive Committees not required 1871, p. 10. Resolved, That the reports of the Secretaries and Treasurers of the Executive Committees of Education, of Foreign Missions, of Publication, and of Sustentation, be printed and laid before the Assembly, so that time be allowed each member of the Assembly to examine the same before he is called upon to vote, in order that he may know) what he endorses by his vote. This resolution was rejected. 1196. Publishing the reports of Executive Committees 1870, p. 505. The Assembly was overtured to discontinue the separate publication of the reports of the Executive Committees, and in lieu thereof to publish these reports, or extracts thereof, in the Minutes of the Assembly, and that these Minutes be gratuitously distributed to pastors and Sessions, the Executive Committees bear¬ ing a proportion of the expense. Matter referred to the Executive Committees. This same proposition, renewed 1872 (p. 158), was declined by the Assembly. 1197. Uniform^ size for reports 1903, p. 504. It was resolved that the Secretaries of the Execu¬ tive Committees of this body be, and are hereby, directed to publish their reports in a size conformed to the size of the Minutes of the General Assembly. 1198. Abstracts of annual reports 1875, p. 46. The Stated Clerk was directed to publish hereafter, in the Appendix to the Minutes, abstracts of the annual reports of the Executive Committees of the Assembly, instead of the full reports, as heretofore. 1909, p. 60. 1. From the Presbyteries of Wilmington, Winchester, Fort Worth and Lexington, asking that the action of the Assembly of 1908 recorded on page 26, directing the Stated Clerk to make up his statistical reports on benevolent causes from the report of the Executive Committees instead of from that of the Stated Clerks of the Presbyteries, be rescinded. We recommend the following answer: That the action of the Assembly complained of does not refer to the detailed reports from the churches as given in the Minutes by Presbyteries, but only to the general comparative summary given in the back of the Minutes. 1199 Executive Committees to make appeals 1905. p. 40. An overture asking the Assembly to request our Secs. 1195-1202] Systematic Beneficence 777 Executive Committees to return to the practice of issuing appeals for their causes on a date immediately preceding the time fixed by the Assembly for their respective collections. Answered in the affirmative. 1200. Itemized reports from the Treasurers of the various Church funds 1871, p. 19. Overture praying the Assembly to require of all the Treasurers of church funds “a specific, itemized report of all receipts from all and every source, and also of all disbursements in the same specific itemized manner, and that the same be published in the Minutes of the Assembly.” Answer : The detailed accounts of all the Executive Committees are annually exhibited to the Assembly, and by its Auditing Com¬ mittees examined and settled. The Assembly regards this measure as substantially securing the faithful disbursements of the funds. 1201. The Executive Committees to audit the reports of their T reasurers 1882, p. 554. Each of the Executive Committees was directed to appoint from among its own number respectively a sub-committee to audit the accounts of their respective Treasurers, who shall sub¬ mit a written report, which shall accompany the report of the Com¬ mittee as made to the General Assembly and form part of the same. 1202. Local Auditing Committees 1889, p. 593. The Auditing Cpmmittee would respectfully recommend to the Assembly that it is eminently desirable that the Assembly should appoint for each of its committees — Foreign Mis¬ sions, Home Missions, Publication and Education — an auditing com¬ mittee of three, who are not members of said Committees, but resi¬ dents in those cities where the committees are located, whose duties shall be to examine the accounts of the Treasurers thereof, and audit the same prior to their being submitted annually to the Assembly. Adopted. P. 598. The Assembly authorized the appointment of a similar committee to audit the accounts of the Treasurer of Tuscaloosa Institute. This committee reported from year to year to the Executive Com¬ mittee of Home Missions, and' not to the Assembly. — A. 1890, p. 48. It was ordered that an expert accountant, resident in Charlottee, N. C., be appointed to audit the accounts of the Treas¬ urer of the Board of Trustees. 1891, p. 240. Your committee recommend that the order of the General Assembly passed in 1889, requiring the accounts of the Treasurer to be examined by a local auditing committee, be placed 778 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV in the Constitution of the Home Mission Committee, instead of the former rule, which required the Treasurer’s report and vouchers to be brought to each General Assembly for examination by the Assem¬ bly’s Standing Auditing Committee. Adopted. The Manual of 1896, III., 8 is to be construed in the light of this action. — A. 1203. Detailed Statement of Audits 1898, p. 231. There is no itemized statement to show in detail what the auditing committees approve, excepting in the case of the Home Mission Committee, which furnished a statement of accounts in detail; and therefore your committee can go no further than accept as correct those statements of approval. It certainly would be better to have a detailed statement of account to accompany each approval of the respective auditing committees of the General Assembly, and your committee would recommend this as a rule to be observed in the future. In most cases the several auditing committees fail to certify that disbursements were made upon proper authority. This is the main duty resting upon these committees, and we recommend that the auditing committees be so instructed by the General Assembly. Adopted. 1899, p. 425. The reports of committees to audit accounts of the Treasurers of the Executive Committees of Foreign and Home Missions, Education, Publication and Colored Evangelization have been before us, each certifying to the correctness of the accounts audited by them. The appointment of these committees is not a mere matter of form, but carries with it a duty; upon which much of the correctness in details, so necessary to the efficient work of the arms of the Assembly, must rest; and we recommend to this Assembly for adoption the following form, employed this year by the Richmond Auditing Committee, as the one to be used hereafter by all the Auditing Committees appointed by the General Assembly: We, the undersigned appointed to audit the accounts of the Trea¬ surer of . . by the Assembly of ... , beg leave to re¬ port that they have performed that duty, and find the accounts cor¬ rect, sustained by proper vouchers, and the disbursements made upon proper authority. A statement of receipts and disbursements is hereto attached. The balance in the treasury April 1, is $ . . . Adopted. 1918, p. 39. We [the Standing Committee on Audits] cordially approve the plan adopted by some of the committees of having the books of treasurers audited by and their reports submitted to the As¬ sembly certified to by practicing accountants and we suggest that this be adopted as the policy of the General Assembly, to be adhered to whenever it is feasible, and we recommend that this method, be re¬ quired of the four important committees, viz. : Executive Com¬ mittee of Foreign Missions, Executive Committee of Home Missions, Secs. 1202-1205] Systematic Beneficence 779 Executive Committee of Christian Education and Ministerial Relief, and Executive Committee of Publication. 1922, p. 38. The Committee on Audits made its report, which was adopted, as follows: We have, following the custom which has prevailed in previous Assemblies, accepted the audits made and attested by certified pub¬ lic accountants and reputable individuals. 1204. Retrenchment and Reform 1878, p. 608. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to con¬ sider the expediency of devising some plan for simplifying our ec¬ clesiastical machinery, diminishing the expense of our benevolent operations, and increasing the contributions from our churches; and that this committee report to this Assembly. P. 641. The report of this committee was tabled. 1879, p. 35. Overtures ask the Assembly to take measures to secure retrenchment of expenses in the management of its various schemes, and to consolidate the Committees of Education and Pub¬ lication. The committee recommend the adoption of the following minute in answer to the foregoing overtures: 1. While this Assembly has not sufficient data before it to justify any important changes in the management of its various schemes of benevolence, or even to determine whether such changes are needed, yet, in deference to these overtures, it hereby appoints a committee to investigate this whole subject and make a report to the next Assembly. 2. The question of the consolidation of the Committees of Edu¬ cation and Publication is hereby referred to said committee. Adopted. 1880, p. 203. The whole subject was referred to the next As¬ sembly. 1881, p. 366. “Resolved, 1, That the five Executive Committees be continued as at present, and that the Publication and Education Executive Committees shall hereafter publish monthly acknowledg¬ ments of all receipts into their treasuries in the Earnest Worker “2. That the General Assembly shall exert its influence upon the lower courts to bring about their rigid inspection of all accounts, and systematic and exact management of money matters by all di- aconal officers of our congregations.’ ’ 1885, p. 400. Similar action was taken. 1205. Statistical tables to be published 1863, p. 154. The Stated Clerk is hereby directed to publish the statistical tables of the Presbyteries in the Appendix to the Minutes; also to supply deficiencies in these tables from the latest copies that can be procured of the Minutes of the General Assem¬ bly in the United States (of America), and to use any moneys in the treasury to defray the expenses of this publication. 780 Systematic Beneficence [Book' IV 1206. The Tithe 1876, p. 241. Overtures asking the Assembly to determine the question whether the law of the tithe is of universal and perpetual obligation. The committee recommend that this subject be referred to the next General Assembly. Adopted. 1889, p. 607. In connection with its action, elsewhere given, send¬ ing down an overture to the Presbyteries on the subject of societies within and without the church, the Assembly also submitted the subject of tithing as a means of raising the funds of the church, with the direction that the Presbyteries return carefully formulated papers upon these points to the next Assembly. 1890, p. 26. In response to the overture of the last Assembly, sixty-eight Presbyteres of the seventy-one on the roll have sent up papers on the law of the tithe as a means of raising the funds of the church. All the shades of opinion expressed could; not be presented without giving the papers in full, some of which are quite volumi¬ nous. The following summary, however, is substantially correct: Of the sixty-eight reporting, fifty-one express the opinion that the law of the tithe is not binding under the New Testament dis¬ pensation; ten regard it as still binding, either upon the church or the individual, or both; one is not clear enough to be put on either side, six decline to express an opinion. Of the fifty-one that do not regard the law as binding under the present dispensation, sixteen refer to it as suggestive in the matter of systematic giving, or useful to guide the Christian in determin¬ ing his duty. Of the ten that believe the law to be binding, three advise against formal enactment of measures to enforce the law. The larger number of Presbyteries enjoin greater consecration to the Lord, and liberal and systematic giving according to one’s abil¬ ity; and quote, as setting forth the Scripture principles that should guide in the discharge of this duty, such passages as these: “Let everyone lay by him in store as God hath prospered him;” “The Lord loveth a cheerful giver;” “As a man purposeth in his heart, so let him give.” The committee recommend that these facts be spread upon the Minutes, and that no further action be taken upon the subject by the General Assembly. Approved. P. 27. Abingdon Presbytery overtures the General Assembly: 1. Not to let the general subject of giving and of raising funds for the Lord’s work drop at this stage, but, 2. That it “make a deliverance as to what are the fundamental principles laid down in the sacred Scriptures for the government and guidance of God’s people in the giving of their substance to the advancement of His kingdom.” Answer: A sufficient answer is found in the action already taken on the papers reported from the Presbyteries. 1892, p. 432. An overture from the Presbytery of Nashville in reference to the tithe was answered in the negative, for the reason Sec. 1206] Systematic Beneficence 781 that only two years ago the question was fully discussed by the Presbyteries, and a decision was reached by the Assembly. 1891, p. 260. The principle of the tithe is recommended as suggestive and useful in all matters of Christian giving, and that proportionate giving is binding on the consciences of God’s people. 1900, p. 605. The Assembly answered in the negative an over¬ ture asking the Assembly to request the ministers and churches to discuss the binding obligation of the tithe law. 1908, p. 26. Resolved, That an ad interim committee of seven,, of which the Moderator shall be chairman, be appointed to con¬ sider the whole question of the tithe, and report to the next General Assembly. 1909, p. 128. This Committee made the following report, which was adopted: 1. The General Assembly would by no means discourage the giv¬ ing of one-tenth of their income by individuals who may con¬ scientiously fix upon this proportion for themselves. Many who previously had no system have unquestionably found blessings, both temporal and spiritual, in the practice of the tithe. Any definite system of giving is vastly better than the far too common haphazard habit of mving without regard to any system whatever. This is true whether the fraction fixed be one-tenth or one-fourth or one- half, or any other definite proportion; and, other things being equal, the larger proportion will bring the larger blessing, as recorded in the case of the churches of Macedonia, which gave, out of “deep poverty,” “to their power, yea, and beyond their power,” and as verified in the experience of many Christians since. 2. But the Assembly, while encouraging and even enjoining the personal adoption of some definite proportion as a minimum, does not feel authorized to fix that proportion, which, under the gospel, has been left to the enlightened conscience of the individual, in the exercise of “the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.” The Mosaic Law prescribed rules; the gospel promulgates principles. Rules are for childhood, principles for maturity; and the Assem¬ bly cannot bring into bondage to the letter those who, having re¬ ceived the spirit of adoption, are no longer “under tutors and gov¬ ernors.” 3. The Assembly, recognizing the need and duty of a much larger liberality on the part of God’s people for the support and ex¬ tension of the gospel in response to the enlarged providential op¬ portunities of this, our day, would call attention to the following clear principles of God’s Word as bearing on this whole subject: (a) Christian liberality is a grace of the Spirit, imparted to the churches by the sovereign power of God, in answer to prayer. This grace bestowed on the churches of Macedonia caused “the abundance of the1’” ioy and their deep poverty to abound unto the riches of their liberality” (2 Cor. 8: 1, 2). (b) As a grace of the Spirit, Christian liberality is to be culti¬ vated. iVst as other graces are, by the diligent use of the means that '782 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV God has appointed. “Therefore as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also” (2 Cor. 8 7). (c) It is an important part of the work of the ministry to in¬ crease this grace in the hearts of the people. “We desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also” (2 Cor. 8: 6). (d) Ministers of the Word, in seeking to increase the grace of liberality in the hearts of the people, are to remind them of “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be Hch” (2 Cor. 8: 9), and of the goodness of God “who giveth us all things richly to enjoy,” and who gave His only begotten Son for our redemption. (e) Our recognition of God’s claimj on what we have depends on our recognition of God’s claimj on ourselves. The churches of Macedonia abounded in liberality, giving of their own accord, because, says the apostle, “they first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God.” Self-consecration to God and to His work furnishes a perennial fountain, which, even in deep poverty, overflowing in riches of liberality, “not only sup- plieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanks¬ givings unto God” (2 Cor. 9: 12). In the judgment of this Assembly the general recognition and application of these principles would produce a larger liberality than any ecclesiastical deliverance which should bind, even by its moral weight, the conscience or the conduct of God’s people in ac¬ cordance with the Mosaic Law of the tithe, and would have the further advantage of being securely based on the teaching of our Standards and of the Scriptures. The mightiest of all motives is the constraining love of God. 1207. Appeals of other Committees must he made at such time as will not encroach on the collection for Publication 1886, p. 39. Attention having been called to the fact that dur¬ ing the month of March, which is set apart foil collections for Pub¬ lication, appeals are made to the churches in behalf of the other causes, the following was adopted: The attention of the other Executive Committees is called to the matter of which complaint is made, and they are directed to make their appeals to the churches at such times as will not encroach upon the time specially set apart for collections for the cause of publication. 1208. Freewill offerings 1887, p. 203. The Secretaries of the Executive Committees re¬ spectfully memorialize the Assembly to instruct its Committee on Systematic Beneficence to consider the scheme of collections now in use in our Assembly, and to report any changes or recommendations Secs. 1206-1210] Systematic Beneficence 783 which they may think to be wise, aiming to make the system more effi¬ cient, and to increase its harmony. P. 242. Answered as follows: Resolved, That the order taken by the last General Assembly, authorizing an appeal for freewill offerings to supplement the funds of the Committee of Foreign Missions, shall stand; which order is as follows, to-wit, that the Committee of Foreign Missions be per¬ mitted to appeal to the churches for freewill offerings in October and February. That permission be given to the committees to make appeals for freewill offerings to supplement the collections, as follows, viz. : Education in April, Evangelistic fund in June, and Sustentation in August. Yet, to avoid misunderstanding on the part of the churches and embarrassment between the Committees, the General Assembly calls the attention of the churches to the distinction between freewill offer¬ ings and collections, and directs the Secretaries to keep the Church advised of the fact that no collections are enjoined by the authority of the Assembly, except the regular collections (according to sched¬ ule now in use). And the Assembly would define its action in regard to freewill offerings to mean this: that the Secretaries may at such times as designated (and at no other) lay the needs of their several causes before the public in such ways as may seem best, and that they shall in all their calls let the churches understand that the Assembly has not enjoined a supplemental collection, but has merely designated this as the tim|e at which said committee is authorized to ask for special supplemental freewill offerings. 1209. Appeal for freewill offerings withdrawn 1889, p. 619. Resolved, That all previous acts of the Assembly appointing collections and authorizing special appeals for freewill offerings be now repealed. 1210. Distribution of miscellaneous gifts 1904, p. 34. When miscellaneous gifts or legacies are made to the General Assembly, the following schedule shall be applied in dis¬ tributing the same among our various causes, viz.: Foreign Mis¬ sions, 30 per cent.; Home Missions, 30 per cent, (viz.: Sustenta¬ tion, Evangelistic Work and Church Erection, 10 per cent, each) ; Publication and Sabbath Schools, 10 per cent.; Education, 10 per cent.; Colored Evangelization, 10 per cent.; Ministerial Relief, 10 per cent. 1906, p. 48. Whenever miscellaneous gifts and legacies come into the hands of the Trustees of the General Assembly, the fol¬ lowing schedule shall govern in the distribution of such funds, un¬ less, in the judgment of the Trustees, there is sufficient reason for referring the matter to the Assembly for advice, such schedule to 784 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV stand until July 1st, 1908, when it is hoped the endowment fund for Ministerial Relief will have reached $250,000: Foreign Mis¬ sions, 25 per cent.; Home Missions, 25 per cent.; Ministerial Edu¬ cation and Relief, 25 per cent. (i. e., 10 per cent, for Endowment Fund for Ministerial Relief, 10 per cent, for Annual Fund for Min¬ isterial Relief, and 5 per cent, for Education for the Ministry) ; 'Colored Evangelization, 10 per cent.; Publication, 10 per cent, and i Schools and Colleges, 5 per cent. 1211. Uniform ecclesiastical year 1886, p. 47. Overture asking the Assembly “to establish an ec¬ clesiastical year which shall be uniform in all our Church work.” Answer : The Assembly does not consider this course practicable. Adopted. 1887, p. 202. Overture asking that all the Executive Committees be ordered to begin their fiscal year with the first of April, or at some uniform date, for the convenience of Presbyterial arrangement. Answer: It would be unwise to make the change referred to in the overture. 1212. Fiscal Year 1900, p. 604. The Assembly declined to change the beginning of the fiscal year from April 1st to January 1st. Same action 1913, p. 7 Oe ; 1914, p. 25; 1919, p. 51. 1213. Directory for the Oblation 1868, p. 278. The Committee on Systematic Beneficence would suggest to the Assembly the appointment of a committee to prepare a “Directory for the Oblation,” to be inserted in the Directory of Worship, consisting mainly of references to passages of Scripture containing the doctrine of oblation, which might be recited by the minister before or during the offering of their gifts by the congre¬ gation. In the opinion of your committee, such a directory would serve to keep this great doctrine before the faith and consciences of believers. Adopted. Rev. Drs. M. D. Hoge and T. E. Peck were appointed such a committee (p. 281.) (There is no record of a report from this committee. ) 1214. Voluntary associations and societies 1864, p. 286. The following overture was presented, and the same referred to a committee of three, of which Rev. Dr. E. T. Baird shall be chairman, with instructions to report upon the sub¬ ject-matter thereof to the next Assembly. The other members of this committee were anounced by the Moderator as follows: Rev. Dr. J. R. Wilson and Rev. Dr. Lyon. “In view of the fact that efforts have already been made to secure the permanent organization among us of voluntary societies, to Secs. 1210-1214] Systematic Beneficence 785 take the place of certain national societies from which we have been separated by the present revolution, the General Assembly is hereby overtured to take the subject under consideration, and to appoint a committee to report to the next Assembly whatever action they may deem needful, in order to secure the rights of the Presbyterian Church in so many of them as that venerable court may find needful, and may be prepared to recommend to the churches under its care for their co-operation. It is further overtured that the said committee be instructed to take into consideration the propriety of the Assem¬ bly’s making a deliverance announcing her position in the following particulars : “1. The Presbyterian Church holds that God has committeed the whole work of the publication of the gospel and the ingather¬ ing of sinners into His kingdom to His Church in its organized ca¬ pacity, which is a divinely called and constituted Missionary and Bible Society. The officers of that Church are those to whom, by Divine vocation, the executive administration of the affairs of the Church has been committeed, insomuch that no part of the work has been left entrusted to irresponsible organizations, associations, or societies; nor does God confer authority on any in the conduct¬ ing of the affairs of His kingdom for a pecuniary consideration. “2. The national societies of the North have been a source of much trouble and a cause of constant anxiety to the Presbyterian Church. Some of them she was compelled, many years ago, to exclude from her pulpits, and others of them have frequently given her much cause of complaint; and several times she has been con¬ strained to interfere in order to prevent proceedings, hurtful in their tendency or wrong in principle, which she could not tolerate. “3. The principle on which these national societies are organized, viz. : that of voluntary association, is contrary to the doctrine of the Bible, and of the mass of Protestant Christendom, that the Church is a divine organization, and its duties are obligatory on all of Christ’s people. The terms of membership, moreover, and the prin¬ ciple on which men secure influence and gain control in these so¬ cieties is a species of simony, since the one and the other are pur¬ chased by money. Against this principle and practice the Presby¬ terian Church must ever protest. “4. The constitution of the Presbyterian Church, and the sym¬ bols of the bulk of Protestant churches, recognize the propriety of holding general councils of the Church, either national or ecumenical. This principle may be made available here, and councils or con¬ ventions of the Protestant and Evangelical Church can be held, with reference to any particular subject, or to the interests of the Church in general, according to the emergencies of the cause. “5. This is the proper time to settle these questions of vital in¬ terest on a true, scriptural and satisfactory basis, before any of these national organizations have become naturalized among us. It is our belief that the church ought to determine how many of these organizations the interests of our common Christianity may require, 786 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV and that she ought to hold in check the disposition to an undue multiplication of outward and irresponsible agencies for doing her own appropriate work. Moreover, we hold that so many national organizations as may be deemed needful should be founded by the Church herself; and that, therefore, the different branches of the Protestant Church which recognize each other as evangelical ought to form an alliance for the management of these important inter¬ ests. The members of these national organizations ought to be ap¬ pointed by the proper authority of the! respective churches, accord¬ ing to their several constitutional forms and thus the whole of this difficult subject, as to how many of these societies may be needed and as to what their powers should be, and how they should be managed, would be kept under church control. “6. The national societies which it is now attempted to organize on the New England principle, ought to be notified at once of the views of the Assembly, and they ought to be informed that any co-operation which we may extend to them will be temporary, and only continue until wfe are able to see the above views carried out. This committee not reporting in 1865, was continued. 1866, p. 37. The Committee on Voluntary Associations and So¬ cieties beg leave to report that the action of this General Assembly on the Form of Government has rendered any further action un¬ necessary. The doctrine that “the Church in its organized capacity, with its officers and courts, is the sole agency which Christ hath ordained for its own edification and government, and for thei prop¬ agation of the faith and the evangelization of the world,” as set forth in that formulary, clearly teaches that the Church is God’s Bible and Missionary Society, and asserts all that it is needful for this court at present to announce. Adopted. 1889, p. 605. An elaborate overture was submitted to the As¬ sembly, discussing the relation of various voluntary agencies and societies within the church to the church in its organized capacity, and to the executive arms by which it seeks to do its divinely or¬ dained work, citing deliverances of the Assembly, 1866, pp. 37, 38 and 1888, p. 430, and asking the Assembly to make such a deliver¬ ance as will reconcile the above recited acts of 1866 and 1888 and clearly define the relation of the church to such associations, defend it from confusion resulting from the enlargement, and leaguing to¬ gether of such societies, and prevent any undue prominence to one object of church work to the injury of others, resulting from the concentration of sympathy, interest and offerings to that one cause, and check all tendencies toward independency or alienation from the organized church which rival institutions invite; and furthermore, asking the Assembly to discourage Presbyterial unions for foreign missionary and other purposes. P. 606. The Assembly, without expressing any opinion on the subject involved, sent down this overture to the Presbyteries with the direction that they patiently consider the whole subject of so¬ cieties within and without the church, together with the subject of Secs. 1214-1215] . Systematic Beneficence 787 tithing as a means of raising the funds of the church, and return carefully formulated papers upon these points to the next Assembly. 1890, p. 39. The Committee on Voluntary Societies would re¬ spectfully report, that answers have been received from, sixty-eight Presbyteries. Of these, one answers at length the objections to vol¬ untary societies in the Concord overture, such as, that “they pro¬ duce confusion,” “give undue prominence to one cause,” etc.; six emphasize the cautions in the use of these societies — four in elaborate detail; nine deny that there is any inconsistency between the Acts of the Assemblies of 1866 and 1888; twenty-two affirm their belief that the church is the agent appointed! of God to evangelize the world, and is competent for that work; twenty-four are conservative as to societies “without” the church — in general, affirming the “Chris¬ tian liberty of church members, and recognizing the good in many of them; one Presbytery insists upon no society but the church itself; two deprecate any action of the Assembly; nine (including last two) express general approval of missionary societies by inference, one seeming to approve of Presbyterial and other unions, and one to oppose anything beyond those under control of Sessions; eighteen favor “Unions” (Presbyterial and other), one of these objecting to anything beyond the Presbytery; thirty-eight object to anything be- ond local societies under the control of a Session, though three of these do not object to an informal conference of local societies. We have then, eighteen favoring unions corresponding to all the church courts; one favoring Sessional and Presbyterial societies, and thirty- nine opposed to anything beyond the local society under the control of a Session; one presents an argument in detail against any further organization. Your comimittee has simlply aimed to present a digest of Pres¬ byterial action. Adopted. P. 26. Overture from Abingdon Presbytery, asking that the Presbyteries be directed to require reports from the Sessions as to societies within their bounds, and that blank forms be provided therefor. Answer : The request is declined. In their narratives, Sessions can report on this subject what may be deemed expedient. 1215. Blanks for statistical reports 1861, p. 34. Resolved, That the Executive Committee of Pub¬ lication be requested to prepare a blank form for statistical reports, to be submitted to the next General Assembly. 1867, p. 148. Resolved, That the Committee of Publication be directed to print and keep on hand for sale blank forms for Ses¬ sional and Presbyterial statistical reports, reports on Systematic Benevolence, blank commissions to the General Assembly, and such other blank forms as may be required by Clerks of Sessions and Presbyteries. 1871, p. 20. Resolved, That the Stated Clerks of Presbyteries be recommended to furnish to all their respective churches blanks on Systematic Beneficence 788 [Book IV which to report what they have done during the ecclesiastical year for the various objects of general benevolence. 1874, p. 510. It is recommended that the Executive Committee of Publication be directed to print an adequate supply of Sessional reports, to be sent without charge to the Stated Clerks of Presby¬ teries, so that all the church Sessions may be regularly supplied without cost; and also, that supplies of Presbyterial reports be sent without charge to Stated Clerks of Presbyteries. 1876, p. 224. This court solemnly enjoins upon its constituent Presbyteries to require their Stated Clerks to furnish every church, vacant or otherwise, with printed blanks (for Systematic Benev¬ olence), at least six weeks before their spring meeting. 1881, p. 271. Overture: That inasmuch as the blanks for Pres¬ byterial reports on Sabbath Schools do not correspond with the blanks for Sessional reports on the same subject, the General Assembly in¬ struct the Secretary of Publication to so alter one of the two blanks as to make it correspond with the other, that more accurate and definite information on the subject may be given. Answer : There is no important discrepancy between the two forms referred to by the Presbytery. 1885, p. 411. Overture, calling attention to the inaccuracies of the blank forms sent down for the use of churches. Answer: The Assembly hereby appoints the Stated and Perma¬ nent Clerks a committee to arrange blank forms for all the uses of the Assembly, which forms shall agree each with each and all with one another. 1216. What items are to be reported 1861, p. 35. Ordered, That all the funds for Domestic Missions, whether dispensed by the Presbyteries themselves, or transmitted together with its missionary operations to the Committee, be fully and accurately reported by each Presbytery to the General Assem¬ bly, through the Executive Committee, and that this report be made in time to be incorporated in the Committee’s annual report. 1870, p. 505. Resolved, That the Stated Clerk be directed to pre¬ pare a separate column in the statistical tables for the contributions for disabled ministers and the families of deceased ministers; also, separate columns for pastors’ salaries actually paid, and for congre¬ gational expenses; and that Presbyterial assessments be reported in the miscellaneous collections. 1871, p. 16. The Presbytery of New Orleans having prayed the Assembly to reconsider this rule so far as it applies to a column in the statistical reports for pastors’ salaries actually paid in, the fol¬ lowing was adopted: “That the Assembly, believing the evil effect feared by the memo¬ rialists will not follow, declines to rescind a rule so recently adopted by the Assembly, and promising good results.” A similar request (1881, p. 358) was not granted. Secs. 1215-1216] Systematic Beneficence 789 1871, p. 20. Resolved, That the Presbyteries require from all their churches statistical reports of what they (the churches) have done during the ecclesiastical year for the various objects of general benevolence. 1873, p. 307. Overture, asking that another column be added to the statistical tables, exhibiting the amount of salary stipulated to be paid to the minister in charge. The committee recommend that this overture be not granted. Adopted. 1873, p. 311. Overture touching Presbyterial reports. Ordered, That the whole subject of statistical reports, together with the forms submitted in {this overture, be referred to the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, together with the Permanent Clerk and Secre¬ taries of the Executive Committees, to prepare a form, if in their judgment it is advisable, to be submitted to the next Assembly for action. P. 312. In response to an overture, it was ordered that the sub¬ ject of an additional column for non-communing members (infant and adult), in the statistical column, be referred to the committee mentioned above. On the report of this committee, the following was adopted: 1874, p. 510. 1. That four new columns be added to the sta¬ tistical tables — the first for elders, the second for deacons, the third for baptized non-communicating members, and the fourth for the evangelistic fund; and that these be arranged in the statistical tables as in the accompanying tabular statement. 2. It is also recommended that certain directions, as are herewith presented, accompany the statistical table. 1875, p. 19. Overture calling attention to the fact that the phrase¬ ology of the Presbyterial reports, issued in blank under the direc¬ tion of the Assembly, conveys an erroneous impression as to the composition of a Presbytery, and asking that the defect be corrected. The Assembly ordered the substitution of the following form for that now employed, viz. : “The Presbytery of . reports to the General As¬ sembly that it comprises . ministers and . churches, and has under its care . * . licentiates and candidates.” 1876, p. 217. Overture asking that the Assembly order the pub- lcation in its Minutes of statistics showing the strength, condition, and work of each of the Sabbath Schools under its care; and also* the publication of separate and full statistics of the number and condi¬ tion of the colored churches under the care of the Assembly. Answer: No change should be made in the arrangement of the statistical tables of the Minutes of the Assembly, one column of which shows the number of children in each Sabbath School. As to the publication of statistics concerning the condition of the colored churches, we think the end proposed would be gained by pub¬ lishing any information and reports of special interest in relation to the evangelization of the colored people in the Appendix to the Minutes of the Assembly. 790 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV 1878, p. 635. Overture asking the Assembly to “omit the word ‘children’ from the heading of the column in the statistical reports, so as to read ‘No. in Sabbath Schools and Bible classes.’ ” The Assembly ordered the change proposed. Reiterated 1880, (p. 215). 1880, p. 196. Overture asking the Assembly1 to rescind the or¬ der requiring from church Sessions a separate report on Systematic Beneficence (see Minutes, 1876, pp. 224, 225, and 1877, p. 416), it being a duplicate report, and therefore unnecessary, expensive and confusing. Not granted. / 1882, p. 547. The Assembly ordered a column for contributions to Tuscaloosa Institute to be inserted in the statistical table. 1882, p. 573. Ordered: 1. That the question calling for the number of Sabbath School scholars added to the Church be changed so as to read, “Number of pupils of the Sabbath School added to the communion of the Church.” 2. That the question calling for the number of Sabbath School teachers added to the Church be omitted altogether. 1883, p. 17. Overture asking that an additional column be added to the statistical tables for the Bible cause, received the following answer: It is unwise to multiply statistical columns so as to in¬ clude causes not ordered by the Assembly, as leading to indefinite enlargement. 1883, p. 32. See chapter on Foreign Missions (p. 151), for di¬ rections as to statistics of the foreign work. 1884, p. 214. The Assembly was asked: 1. To add a column for non-resident members to the statistical tables. 2. That, should the Assembly decline this request, explicit in¬ structions be given as to whether these non-resident members should be reported in the statistical reports. Answer : 1. The General Assembly declines the request for an additional column in our statistical tables for non-resident members. 2. It is the sense of this Assembly that the names of all mem¬ bers whose residences are known should be reported by the Sessions. 3. That the Presbyteries be enjoined to endeavor to secure the enforcement by Sessions of the rule found in Book of Discipline, Chap. XV., Art. II. 1885, p. 401. Presbytery of Memphis asks the Assembly to pro¬ vide a column in the statistical tables, showing rental value of manses. Answer : It is inexpedient to add another column to our sta¬ tistical tables as requested. 1217. Other statistical columns 1890, p. 52. Place a column for Church Erection in statistical blank. (See 1889, p. 620.) The column for Tuscaloosa Institute shall be changed to Colored Evangelization. Secs. 1216-1223] Systematic Beneficence 791 1218. Declines a statistical column for stations 1891, p. 243. Pee Dee Presbytery asks for the addition of a column, next to that of churches in the statistical tables, “for sta¬ tions.” Answer : Your committee recommend that the Assembly decline to accede to the request, and suggest that a numeral, as 1, 2, or 3, representing the stations, be placed after the name of the church, showing the number of stations or preaching places in the congre¬ gation. Adopted. 1219. Items to be embraced in report on Systematic ' Beneficence 1897, p. 26. The Systematic Beneficence reports shall embrace only the following items: Foreign Missions, Assembly’s Home Missions, Local Home Missions, Colored Evangelization, Relief Fund, Edu¬ cation, Publication, Bible Society. 1220. Value of Church property on Statistical Report 1916, p. 80a. A resolution asking that another column in the statistical table be added, giving the value of property owned by the local church, was also placed on the docket to be considered at the next Assembly. It is as follows: That another column be added to the Statistical Report calling for the value of all property owned by the local church. 1221. Question 18 defined 1921, p. 65. The Assembly defined the meaning of question 18, as referring both to outpost work and evangelistic meetings held by pastor or laymen outside the bounds of their own work. 1222 Contributions for outside causes 1904, p. 20. In answer to an overture asking instruction as to whether money given by individual members of the church to local rergious and philanthropic causes outside the Presbyterian Church (such as the Y. M. C. A., the Salvation Army, etc.), shall be included in the reports of the Church. Your committee recommended that only such sums as are used by some agency of the Church, be included in its report. But such sums as may be contributed for other causes, and reported to the Treasurer of the churches, may come under the head of mis¬ cellaneous contributions. 1223. Other proposed charges 1922, p. 36. Overture from the Presbytery of Paris, to print each of the Sessional blanks on paper of different colors. 792 Systematic Beneficence [Book IV We recommend that this be referred to the Committee of Publi¬ cation without comment. In answer to Overtures from the Synods of North Carolina and Virginia and the Presbytery of Arkansas, together with a recom¬ mendation referred to us from the Stewardship Committee report con¬ cerning certain proposed changes in the printing of the Statistical Sessional report blank, Your Committee recommends that no change be made in the statistical report blanks as now printed, for the reason that all needs are adequately provided for in the present form. Overture from the Presbytery of Concord, regarding changes in statistical blanks for reporting all money given to regular Presby¬ terian inslitutions and committees, we recommend that it be answered in the negative. Overture from Presbytery of East Hanover, to provide a column or place in the statistical blanks to show the cost of church build¬ ings, we recommend that it be answered in the negative. 1922, p. 37. In reply to Overture from, Presbytery of Brazos, asking changes on the Sessional blank on the Narrative of Christian Life and Work, we suggest the following reply: Much time, thought and prayer has been given to this question by this and other committees, always arriving at this conclusion, namely, that the questions are as near clear and simple as can be made. We would, therefore, refer this overture back to the Presbytery of Brazos, requesting them to suggest such changes as they see fit and send it to the next Assembly. 1224. Investment of Church funds 1915, p. 41. Overture from Rev. H. R. McFaden, touching the investment of Church funds. Answer: The Assembly prefers that the investments of the funds of the Church be left in the hands of the Executive Committees hav¬ ing charge of them. 1225. The Church papers to be requested to print a complete list of the Treasurers of Benevolent Causes 1916, p. 78. The Assembly requests the Church papers to carry at the head of the space devoted to Church news a complete list of the Treasurers of the Benevolent Causes of the General Assembly and their addresses. CHAPTER VIII TRUSTEES AND THE CHARTER The details of securing and amending the charter will be found in Alexander’s Digest 1910, pp. 435ff, 439. 1226. Securities of the Executive Committees a$ ex-officio members of the Board 1872, p. 166. The Trustees having complained of the embarrass¬ ment produced by the order of 1870 constituting the Secretaries of the Executive Committees ex-officio members of the Board of Trus¬ tees, having set forth the legal difficulties that such order gives rise to (1872, p. 210), the following resolution was adopted: Resolved, That the Assembly concur with the Trustees of the General Assembly as to the difficulty of the Secretaries of our Execu¬ tive Committees being ex-officio members of the corporation of the Trustees of the General Assembly; but if members at all, they should, as persons by name, be duly appointed members of the corporation. 1227. Form of bequest or testamentary donation recommended by the Board of Trustees 1868, p. 299. “I give, devise, and bequeath to ‘the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States,’ — (here insert the estate devised and bequeathed) — for the use and benefit of said Church.” In case the testator desires to give a special direction to his devise or bequest, omit the words “for the use and benefit of said Church,” and add, “for the use and( benefit of the Committee of Sustentation of said Church,” or “for the use and benefit of the Committee of Foreign Missions of said Church,” or “for the use and benefit of the Committee of Publication of said Church,” or “for the use and bene¬ fit of the Committee of Education of said Church.” 1886, p. 55. The Board of Trustees is authorized to have printed a form of devise, bequest or grant to the Board, such as will be effectual in law to make the gift valid; which forms may be printed in such shape as will be adapted for hanging upon the walls of church buildings, and be distributed for that purpose in such manner as the Board deems best. 1887, p. 246. The Board of Trustees is directed to prepare and publish “Forms of Bequest’ ’adapted to each of the Assembly’s benevolent schemes, and suitably advertise these “Forms.” 794 Trustees [Book’ IV 1228. By-laws of the Trustees See Alexander’s Digest, 1897, p. 332. 1229. Trustees divided into three classes 1868, p. 270. The Trustees having suggested in their report that the number of Trustees be reduced by the General Assembly to nine, the committee recommend that no change be made in this particular. It is further recommended that the present number of Trustees, which is fifteen, be divided into three classes of five each, of whom the first class shall be appointed to hold office for one year, the second class for two years, the third class for three years, and that, as the term of office of these classes shall severally expire, the vacancy annually occurring shall be filled by the appointment of five trus¬ tees, who shall serve for three years. The number was reduced gradually to nine, beginning in 1870 (See p. 438). 1922, p. 39. We observe that the terms of the following Trustees of Assembly expire with this meeting: Alexander Martin, D. D., John R. Ross, John R. Pharr. Concurring in the suggestion of the Board, we recommend that these worthy gentlemen be re-elected. 1230. Treasurer of the Board 1883, p. 54. The Trustees are authorized to allow their Treas¬ urer reasonable compensation, and they are allowed to appoint a Treasurer who is not a Trustee, if they deem such an appointment desirable. 1231. Executive Committees to defray the expense of securing cer¬ tain legacies 1870, p. 532. Resolved, That the Executive Committees of Edu¬ cation, Foreign Missions, Publication and Sustentation be authorized to defray, pro rata, the necessary expenses of the Trustees which may be incurred in securing the Fitzgerald and Kennedy legacies, to be refunded out of said legacies. 1232. Reports to be published 1879, p. 56. It was ordered that the annual reports of the Board be published in the Appendix to the annual Minutes. 1233. Trustees holding over 1879, p. 57. When, for any reason, the places of members of the Board whose tennis expire are not filled at a meeting of the Assembly, such members hold over until their successors are elected. Secs. 1227-1234] Trustees 795 1234. Method of distributing legacies 1873, p. 319ff. Hereafter, when the Trustees shall receive any gift, devise, or bequest, without direction from the donor as to the particular use or charity for which it is designed, the same shall be retained by them until the meeting of the next General Assembly. Whenever the donor declares the particular use, and the manner of its use, the Trustees shall pay over the same to the appropriate committees. When the donor declares the particular object of his charity, but not the manner of its use, the same shall be paid over to the Executive Committee of such use, unless the gift or bequest to that use shall exceed the sum of $3,000, in which case" the Trustees shall pay over only the interest as it accrues, andl the next General Assem¬ bly shall dispose of the principal. In all other cases not embraced in the above resolutions, the Trus¬ tees shall retain and control the fund until instructed by the Assembly as to its disposition. The several Executive Committees which have been and are now at work as the Assembly’s agents be, and they are hereby, established as the Executive Committees for the purpose recited in the first Sec¬ tion of the act of incorporation; and all the actings and doings of said Committees which have been heretofor approved by the Assembly are now ratified and confirmed. The regulation adopted above, restricting the Trustees in pay¬ ing over to the Executive Committees amounts in excess of the sum of $3,000, was repealed 1886 (p. 55). (See below.) 1886, p. 55. Resolved, 1, When a bequest has been made to the Trustees of the General Assembly, to be paid to two or more of the Executive Committees of the Church, and the terms of the bequest do not specify the proportion according to which the amount of the bequest shall be divided among the Committees, the Board of Trus¬ tees is authorized and instructed to divide the amount between the several Executive Committees for whom the bequest is intended, according to the proportion of the annual contributions of the churches (excluding legacies to these Committees for the three years next preceding the time when the warrant is divided). 2, When the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly shall have in its hands any sum) of money which is specifically directed by the donor to be paid in prescribed amounts to any of the Executive Committees of the Church, or to any other person, the Board of Trustees is authorized to pay such money without waiting for any action to be taken by the Assembly. 3, So mluch of any orders heretofore made by the General Assem¬ bly as conflicts with the provisions of the above resolutions is hereby repealed. Section 2 was adopted in response to the request of the Board of Trustees that the Assembly would remove the restriction prevent¬ ing the Board from paying out to parties named in the deeds of gift Trustees 796 [Book IV any sums that may exceed three thousand dollars. (1886, p. 90.) — A. D. see p. 441.) 1235. Distribution of miscellaneous legacies See Section 1210. 1236. Cost of litigating in the matter of legacies 1887, p. 246. The overture of the Trustees asking for power, where expenses are necessarily incurred in litigation as to legacies, to appropriate for this object amounts needed from any funds in hand not otherwise appropriated, was granted. 1901, p. 28. The Board was instructed to hand to George E. Wilson, Esq., the annual sum of $100 to defray the expenses incident to his gratuitous services as the Board’s attorney. 1237. Expenses of Trustees 1873, p. 33 7. It is ordered that the Trustees of the Assembly be authorized to pay expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties out of any funds not otherwise appropriated* 1238. Five per cent, deduction 1898, p. 231. The charge of five per cent, has been deducted from bequests and legacies and credited to account of contingent fund. Some of these gifts seem; to require nothing beyond turning them over to another committee of our church. While disclaiming the least reflection upon any one, your committee would state that they find no authority for such deduction beyond expense actually paid in each case. 1899, p. 425. Some explanation seemed needed of the charge of five per cent, deducted from bequests and legacies and credited to contingent fund. In our judgment, the actions taken by the Assemblies of 1873, 1883, and 1887 (see page 334, Alexander’s Digest), and the repeated endorsement of its financial reports, were sufficient to justify the Board of Trustees in the putting aside from funds coming into their possession of a percentage to constitute a con¬ tingent fund for necessary expenses, and we would recommend, in order to quiet all discussion, the following action by this Assembly: Resolved, That the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly be, and the same is hereby authorized to retain in possession and pass to contingent fund such a percentage of bequests and legacies as shall be sufficient, and only sufficient, to cover the necessary ex¬ penses of said Board of Trustees. 1239. Expenses of the President of the Board 1881, p. 372. The Board having asked the Assembly to provide for defraying the necessary expenses of the President of the Board Secs. 1235-1244] Trustees 797 in attending the sessions of the General Assembly (p. 422), the mat¬ ter was referred to the Auditing Committee, who reported as follows, which was adopted: Your Committee cannot realize a necessity for the attendance at the General Assembly of the President of the Board of Trustees, and therefore offer no recommendations as to that matter. 1240. Quorum of the Board The Assembly of 1864 fixed on five as a quorum of the Trustees competent to transact business. (P. 289.) 1240. President of the Board ex-officio a member of the Assembly 1879, p. 56. The following suggestion of the Auditing Com¬ mittee was adopted: Your Committee would respectfully suggest that it is the desire of the Board of Trustees that their President should be ex-officio a member of the General Assembly, the same as the Secretaries of the various Executive Committees are, that he may be present at the meetings of the Assembly, so as to explain the business of the Board if desired. We recommend that the desire be granted, if in the wisdom of the Assemblv it can be done. 1242. Members of the Board entitled to the privileges of the floor 1886, p. 55. Any member or officer of the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly, chosen by said Board for that purpose, shall have the privilege of speaking upon the floor of the Assembly on any matter pertaining to the business of the Board which is under con¬ sideration by the Assembly. 1243. Treasurer to state character of the investment of permanent funds 0 1919, p. 68. Audit No. 6, the report of Trustees of the Assem¬ bly. We find the Treasurer fails to state the' character of the in¬ vestment of its permanent funds. We recommend that hereafter, year by year, this information be furnished the Assembly. 1244. Judicial powers of Trustees — Ad Interim Committee 1921, p. 59. Resolved : 1. That an Ad Interim Committee be appointed, consisting of Judge W. H. Baker, Jacksonville, Fla.; Mr. Helm Bruce, Louisville, Ky. ; Mr. George Bryan, Richmond, Va., to consider the whole question of the legal title of individual con¬ gregations to its Church property, the rights of Presbyteries through their churches to hold property of churches which have been dis¬ solved; also the powers of trustees in all our Church Courts, suggest- Trustees 798 [Book IV ing any amendment to our Book of Church Order which may be needed to cover the mjatters referred to above. 2. That they prepare a standard set of by-laws for the Government of Church Corporations in the exercise of their corporate functions, especially defining the duties and powers of trustees, in accordance with the laws of each State, and make a report to the next General Assembly. 1922, p. 55. We recommend that the report of the Ad-Interim Committee on Judicial Powers of Trustees be referred to the Ad- Interim Committee on the Revision of the Book of Church Order, with request that they carefully consider the whole matter and report their recommendations to the next Assembly; and that the report of said Committee on Judicial Powers of Trustees be printed in the Appendix of the Minutes of this Assembly. (See page 193 of Appendix.) 1922, p. 75. An overture from the Presbytery of Central Louisi¬ ana asking advice on the matter of Trustees and incorporation of churches. Your Committee recommends that the Presbytery of Central Louisiana be referred to the report made to this Assembly by the Ad-Interim Committee on Judicial Powers of Trustees, in which the desired information is fully set forth. CHAPTER IX VOLUNTARY AGENCIES 1245. National Bible Society for the Confederate States 1861, p. 36. Resolved, That the General Assembly contemplates with the highest satisfaction the proposed organization of a National Bible Society for the Confederate States of America, and for which a meeting or convention is proposed to be held in the city of Augusta, Ga., on the third Wednesday in March, 1862; and we take the pres¬ ent suitable occasion to express a hope that a work so sacred and great as that to be embraced by this catholic institution, may receive the hearty and liberal support of all our people, churches and ju¬ dicatories. 1862, p. 19. Resolved, That this Presbytery send up to the Gen¬ eral Assembly the following overture, viz. : “That the General Assembly would take proper measures to ascer¬ tain and keep itself informed whether or not the Bible Society of the Confederate States publishes, or will publish, the Word of God pure and entire, and in case it does, and affords sufficient assurance that it will continue so to do, that the Assembly adopt that Society as its organ for publishing and circulating the Holy Scriptures, and enjoin upon the ministers and churches under its care to support it by regu¬ lar annual contributions, and require such contributions to be reported by the Presbyteries and exhibited in the Minutes of the Assembly.” Resolved, That this Presbytery send also a miemorial to the General Assembly in favor of the above overture. Answer : This General Assembly has heard with much gratifica¬ tion of the organization of the Bible Society of the Confederate States, and cordially reconimends it to the favor and patronage of our churches and people. It does not appear from the record in what Presbytery this overture originated. — A. 1246. American Bible Society 1866, p. 38. Although it is the opinion of your committee that this Society ought to be composed of representatives of the different churches, appointed through their constitutional forms, yet, as there is nothing in its Constitution to prevent the free action of every church in carrying forward the work, and as its organization is simply for the printing and circulation of the Holy Scriptures, your committee reconfmend the adoption of the following resolutions: Resolved, 1, That our ministers and churches be earnestly recom¬ mended to use all proper efforts to promote the circulation of the 800 Voluntary Agencies [Book IV Holy Scriptures, and that the efforts of the American Bible Society in this behalf deserve the cordial approbation of this Assembly, and recommend it to the confidence and support of our Christian people. 2. That our ministers and Sessions be earnestly recommended to make the Bible cause a special object in connection with their con¬ tributions for Systematic Benevolence. 1868, p. 272. Resolved, That this General Assembly express its confidence in the work of the American Bible Society, with acknowl¬ edgment of the extent and generosity of their benefactions to our people, both in the large donations they have made and are making to supply the destitute, and their magnanimous recognition of the inability of many of their Auxiliary Societies within our bounds to meet their engagements to the parent Society, or to contribute to their treasury. 1876, p. 237. Whereas the Bible is the foundation on which rest all our benevolent enterprises underlying the missionary work, the Sabbath School, and the Church itself; and whereas the American Bible Society has been, and still is, an efficient instrumentality in accomplishing the great work of the distribution of the Scriptures: therefore, Resolved, That this General Assembly renewedly commends the Ainerican Bible Society to the confidence and support of all our churches and congregations. 1878, p. 612. Resolved, 1, That we cordially recommend to all our ministers and churches to co-operate with said society in its most comjnendable efforts, by colporteurs and otherwise, to supply the World with the Holy Scriptures. 2. That our ministers be requested to present the claims of the American Bible Society to their congregations, and take up collec¬ tions for it or its auxiliary at such times as may be deemed most suitable. At other places, such as 1874, p. 492; 1877, p. 409; 1S82, p. 553; 1883, p. 48; 1885, p. 434, the Assembly commented this society to the confidence and contributions of its churches. — A. 1247. Assembly declines to add the Bible Society to the list of ben¬ evolent causes for which it asks collections 1877, p. 409. The General Assembly respectfully declines com¬ plying with the requests of the Synods of Memphis and Alabama, while cordially commending their zeal in the great work of promoting the circulation of the Word of God. The overture of the Synod of Memphis was that the Assembly would “place the Bible cause on the list of benevolent causes, and designate a time when collections shall be taken.” The overture of the Synod of Alabama was for the same, with the further request that “a column be added to our blank forms for statistical reports, that the result of such collections may appear in the summary of the benevolent work of the Church.” — A. Secs.- 1246-1248] Bible Society 801 1248. The American Bible Society adopted as an agency 1890, p. 11. Resolved, 1, That the Assembly again recognizes the American Bible Society, according to the constitution upon which it is organized and the principles upon which it is at present con¬ ducted, as an aid of our church in the distribution of the Scriptures, and as such commends it to the confidence and support of all our people. 2. That we recommend to our churches to place the Bible cause among the objects of beneficence, and to make an annual contri¬ bution to it, to be turned over to the Auxiliary Societies in their neighborhood, or directly to the parent Society in New York. 3. That the Stated Clerk of the Assembly be instructed to add to the statistical blanks sent out to the Sessions and the Stated Clerks of the Presbyteries a column for the contributions to the Bible cause, in order that our churches may be thereby reminded of their duty, and an annual exhibit be made of the amounts contributed. (1896, p. 581. Declined an overture to omit this column from the statistical blank.) 4. That the General Assembly at each meeting appoint a Stand¬ ing Committee on the Bible cause in our own and other lands, es¬ pecially within our own church. 1891, p. 254. 1. The Assembly reaffirms and emphasizes the deliverance of the last Assembly, by which the relation of the Amer¬ ican Bible Society to the church is clearly defined, and the cause represented by it is made one of the objects of systematic benefi¬ cence, and this Society is again recommended to the confidence and support of the church. 2. That whereas discussions to some extent prevalent immediately touching the Holy Scriptures must inevitably result in awakening increased interest in the study of the Word of God, and as it is its own best interpreter, we deem this an opportune time to encourage in the most substantial manner the circulation of the Holy Scriptures among all the people. 3. While not discouraging, but rather commending, the annual union meetings held in many places in the interest of the Bible cause, as expressive of the unity of the Protestant Christianity, it is recommended that the collections fori this cause be taken up in all our churches on the third Sabbath in October, or as soon there¬ after as practicable, and that these contributions be forwarded di¬ rectly to the Treasurer of the Bible Society in New York city. (Because incompatible with existing schedule, the Assembly, 1895, p. 401, declined to set apart a whole month for this cause.) 4. It is further recommiended that Presbyterial Standing Com¬ mittees upon the Bible Cause be appointed, who shall take charge of this subject in their respective Presbyteries. (See 1896, p. 581.) 1899, p. 432. The Assembly declined to set apart the month of June for the collection for the Society instead of the third Sabbath of October. 802 Voluntary Agencies [Book IV 1912, p. 32. The Assembly urges our churches to contribute faithfully and cheerfully the small amount of $10,000 named by the Assembly in its budget for this cause. It is an average of less than 4 cents per member, and ought easily to be given. Let us thus prove our sincerity in placing this important object among the five great causes of Beneficence embraced in the Assembly’s scheme. 2. Our pastors and people are urged to co-operate with the Bible Society’s agents in meeting the vast destitution at home. 3. In view of the great success which through the divine blessing has crowned our Congo mission, its prospective enlargement through the re-inforcements now going; forward, and also the probable es¬ tablishment very soon of a new mission in the same region by the M. E. Church, South, the American Bible Society is respectfully invited to consider the matter of entering formally this most needy and promising field which the great Head of the Church has given us the great privilege of opening up. 1249. Permanent Committee on Bible Cause 1903, p. 488. The Assembly appointed a Permanent Committee on the Bible Cause, consisting of Rev. T. H. Law, Rev. J. S. Wat¬ kins, Rev. J. T. Plunket and Elders T. J. Moore and G. B. Hanna. 1250. A Bible for every child in the land 1892, p. 420. The Assembly especially commends the effort to place the whole Bible in the hands of every child in the land who can read, and urges our pastors, Sessions and Sabbath School super¬ intendents to aid this effort by seeing that the children and youth of our country are supplied with the Scriptures. 1893, p. 27. The Society offers to supply our Sabbath Schools wdth Bibles at half-price, and in case a pupil is unable to pay, it proposes to give a Bible. 1251. The Bible Society and Foreign Missions 1891, p. 254. Regarding this agency as most closely allied to every effort made by the church to carry the gospel by a living ministry to foreign lands, we emphasize the great importance of the work of this Society in publishing and circulating the Holy Scriptures in foreign tongues. 1892, p. 420. That the Assembly recognizes its obligation to the American Bible Society for the generous and valuable aid it has rendered our missionaries in the foreign field in translating, printing, and distributing the Scriptures in connection with their work, and to our church at home in supplying our people with the Word of God, while we have contributed so little to the cause, and hopes that its operations may not be curtailed for the lack of adequate means. Secs. 1248-1253] Bible Society 803 1252. The Bible Society and our Colporteurs 1892, p. 420. The Committee of Publication is instructed to see that our colporteurs give such assistance to the Bible Society in disseminating the Bible as m,ay not interfere with their regular work. (1894, p. 207.) 1253. Report of Standing Committee on Bible Cause 1911, p. 24. Your Committee on the Bible Cause begs leave to report that the report of the Permanent Committee on the Bible Cause and the Ninety-first Ainnual Report of the American Bible Society have been placed in our hands, both of which contain much general information which is interesting and encouraging. The American Bible Society reports great progress in its work and has manifestly entered upon a new era of usefulness by the munificence of Mrs. Russell Sage, the late Mr. J. Stuart Kennedy and the increased gifts gathered from the Churches; these have made an enlargement of the scope of the work possible and this in turn calls for sustained interest on the part of the Churches. The attention of the Assembly is called to the work of the Bible Society in meeting the immigrant with a Bible as he comes to our shores, it matters not from what country he comes nor at what port he enters. Vigorous efforts have been put forth in the endeavor to put the Bible in the hands of the negroes so steeped in ignorance and superstition. Through the noble efforts of the “Gideons,” an organization among Christian commercial traveling men, the Bible is being placed in the rooms of hotels that the Book of all books may be in easy reach of that great and ever increasing number of men and women who are compelled to spend much of their time in hotels and boarding houses. So that if we are called to deplore the fact that the Bible is being neglected in the home, we are also permitted to rejoice that it has established itself in the hotel through the instrumentality of the “Order of the Gideons.” Attention is called to the fact that the year of our Lord 1911 is the three hundredth anniversary of the publication of the King James Version of the English Bible and is being celebrated in Churches and Assemblies all over the world. The following recommendations are made: 1. That the Assembly call upon the churches to rally with in¬ creased zeal to the support of the Bible Cause and that they be urged to contribute this year in the aggregate not less than $10,000. 2. That the work of the “Gideons” be heartily commended by the Assembly and our people be urged to support them in this most noble enterprise. 3. That pending the adoption of this report, a program, which has been prepared, be given in celebration of the three hundredth anniversary of the publication of the King James Version of the English Bible. 804 Voluntary Agencies [Book IV This cause has been commended, in varying language, to th« churches every year. 1915, p. 80. The Assembly endorsed the plan for the proposed World’s Bible Congress, in connection with the Panamia-Pacific Exposition, and commended the Society for thus exalting the Word of God. The Assembly approved of the plan to hold a Centennial Celebra¬ tion in connection with the next Assembly; the first Sabbath even¬ ing during the session of that Assembly to be placed upon the docket as the time for this celebration; and the Permanent Com¬ mittee on the Bible Cause was appointed and directed to arrange the programj and details for said celebration. 1254. Distribution of the Bible among the soldiers 1917, p. 54. The Assembly expresses its special approval of the great w'ork of distributing the Bible among the millions of soldiers in Europe, in their own language, and to the thousands of soldiers being assembled and trained in our land. In view of the special opportunities and needs arfiong the soldiers, the Assembly would ap¬ peal to our people to make special contributions to the Emergency Fund of $150,000 which is now needed by the Society to do this work. 1255. Pocket Testament League 1917, p. 55. We call attention to the fact that the Business Men’s Committee of the American Pocket Testament League, of which Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman is President, is furnishing a well-bound Testa¬ ment to every soldier and sailor who will sign up that he will carry the Word upon his person and read a chapter each day. Two hundred and fifty thousand British soldiers now on the fighting line are members of the Pocket Testament League. It is imperative that our own soldiers and sailors should be as thoroughly prepared. We recommend that the General Assembly heartily endorse the Pocket Testament League, and that our ministers and churches be urged to encourage and aid it in every way possible in its effort to put a copy of the New Testament into the hands of each of our soldiers and sailors. 1256. Relations with the American Bible Society 1917, p. 55. In answer to the overture from the Permanent Com¬ mittee on the Bible Cause, asking the Assembly to “define the status of said Committee, both in relation to the Assembly and also in relation to the American Bible Society, together with the duties, ob¬ ligations, and privileges growing out of these relations:” It seems clear to your Committee, after studying carefully the deliverances of the Assembly relative to the American Bible Society, that the Assembly’s Permanent Committee on the Bible Cause was -Secs. 1253-1257] Bible Society 805 erected simply to be a medium of communication between the Bible Society and the Assembly, especially with a view to making it easier for the agent of the Society to get his report before the Assembly and to get a hearing on the floor. In view of the fact, however, that our Assembly commends this Society and its work to the liberality of our people, and has included it as one of the objects of Systematic Beneficence, and that our As¬ sembly has no official representation on the Board of Directors of the American Bible Society, and no voice in its management, there¬ fore your Committee would recommend the appointment of an Ad- Interim Cbmmittee to study this whole question of our Assembly’s relation to the American Bible Society and report to the next General Assembly, this Ad-Interim Committee to be composed of the fol¬ lowing: Rev. Edward Mack, D. D., Rev. H. J. Williams, Mr. John S. Munce, Mr. Owsley Saunders, Mr. John W. Friend, and Rev. E. R. Leyburn, D. D. 1257. Report of Ad-Interim Committee on American Bible Society 1918, p. 156 (approved, p. 35f). While the Society is not bound to our Church by organization or control, but is an independent and self-governing body, yet its unselfish service and its direct benefits to our Church are so great as to make the relationship both intimate and vital. Formerly the work of the American Bible Society was conducted through local auxiliaries, such as State Bible Societies; but the direction of the work through these proved to be cumbersome, and most of them have been merged with the Society itself. 1. In the territory covered by our Church the American Bible Society operates though four agencies, each with its agency secre¬ tary. These are the South Atlantic, Central, Southwestern and Col¬ ored agencies. Two of these agents are Presbyterian ministers, one now in our Assembly, the other formerly a minister of our Church. 2. During the year 1916 the four agencies distributed in the South 423,208 copies of the Scriptures. In fifteen years of service (that is, since 1901), the colored agency has distributed a half million copies of the Scriptures among the people of its own race. The four agencies have distributed in the aggregate, since their erection, two and a half million copies of the Scriptures in the Southland. It can hardly be supposed that the local societies could ever have achieved such results. 3. So early as December, 1917, 100,000 New Testaments had already been distributed among our soldiers in the camps, one-half of these in the Southern camps. One hundred thousand also were distributed among the soldiers on the Mexican border. Altogether a million copies are to be distributed to soldiers through the Y. M. C. A,, at a cost of $200,000 — a great work of faith and love, since the American Bible Society had not a dollar in hand for it at the time when it determined that this work should be undertaken. 4. The wide and effective service of the Society in Foreign lands 806 Voluntary Agencies [Book IV must also be considered. To whom shall our missionaries turn for help in supplying the Bibles in their fields, and for the print¬ ing of native versions which they have made? Local societies might meet in a measure local needs, but would leave the missionary help¬ less. The debt of our Church to the American Bible Society in this particular is beyond estimate. 5. The contributions of our churches to the Society’s work fall far below the actual gifts made in their own fields. And the con¬ tributions of all the denominations of the South come far short of the actual cost, of the service rendered in their1 territories by the .Society. Its endowments and its receipts from other sources have availed for our local needs out of all proportion to our gifts and service to it. 6. In the list of thei officers of the S'ociety will be found the names of three elders in our Church who serve as vice-presidents, namely: Mr. W. T. Hardie, of New Orleans; Mr. George W. Watts, of Durham, N. C. ; and Mr. Christopher Mathewson, of Florida. 7. We find after correspondence and conferences that the affairs of the Society are being wisely and economically administered. Efficient men are in charge of the agencies which cover the territory of our own Church. 8. In view of these clear evidences of the great service which the American Bible Society is rendering, of our need of its organized and equipped facilities, and of our enthusiasm as a Church for the dissemination of the Scriptures in all the world, we recommend the following action : (1) That the Assembly again give its hearty endorsement to the work of the American Bible Society, with expression of its gratitude to God for an organization so loyal and so effective in so great a cause. (2) That the Permanent Committee on Bible Cause be continued as at present, not with a view to its having any voice in the manage¬ ment of the affairs of the Bible Society or conducting any vigorous campaign of advertising or promoting its work, but simply as a con¬ necting link between our Assembly and this Society, which have so great interests in common. (3) That the Permanent Committee be authorized, in its wisdom, to supply information to our churches by mail or otherwise, without expense to the General Assembly, in order that our churches may be informed about the great work of the Society and its need of our liberal help. (4) That subscriptions to the Bible Society Record, which is the official organ of the Society, be encouraged among our churches. 1919, p. 66. 1. The Assembly reaffirms its deep and abiding interest in the American Bible .Society; assigns .6% of the budget in the Every-Member-Canvass as a just proportion for this cause; and enjoins upon the Presbyteries, and especially upon the Sessions of churches, to have this amount given to this cause; and that the amount be sent to the Treasurer of the New York office, and not to any local Society. 2. In the event any church does not carry into effect the Every- Secs. 1257-1258] Bible Society 807 Member-Canvass for raising its funds, that the last Sabbath of September of each year, which is the universal Bible Society Day, or as near thereto as may be possible, an offering be taken for the Bible Cause. 3. That the Assembly, at the request of the American Bible Society, appoint a representative from our Church to be a member of the Advisory Council, at the expense of the Society, at the meeting at which time the annual budget is fixed, and that Dr. Russell Cecil be appointed as such representative. 4. That the first Friday night of each Assembly be set apart to the Bible Cause, and the program shall be under the direction of the Permanent Committee on the Bible Cause of the Assembly. 5. The Permanent Committee on the Bible Cause makes the fol¬ lowing request of the Assembly: First. To define the duties of the Permanent Committee. Second. To define the relation of the Assembly’s Permanent Com¬ mittee on the Bible Cause to the American Bible Society: Is this Committee a mere servant to receive suggestions and directions from the American Bible Society as to its work, or is it on an equality with the Society to make suggestions to the Bible Society and co-operate with it? ; f Third. To define the relations of the Permanent Committee on the Bible Cause to the General Assembly of our Church: Is its rela¬ tion to the Assembly anywise analagous to that of the various Executive Committees? Fourth. It is recommended by your Committee that such Ad- Interim Committee be appointed to answer these questions and define the duties and sphere of work herein described and for which infor¬ mation is asked by the Permanent Committee on the Bible Cause. 1919, p. 69 j. The following is the committee: Rev. E. B. McCluer, D. D., Rev. R. A. Lapsley, D. D., Hon. Geo. L. Christian. 1258. Recommendations 1920, p. 193. 1. The duties of the Assembly’s Committee in addition to duties hitherto performed are executive within its own department, as are the duties of other Executive Committees within their several departments. 2. The relation of the Committee to the ‘Assembly is that of a representative of the Church, through the Assembly, in promoting the great cause of Bible circulation, study and teaching in the home land and abroad, within the sphere of the Church’s influence — the Committee to report its activities annually to the Assembly. 3. The relation of the Committee to the American Bible Society is that of the executive representative of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. It is further recommended that on the adoption of this report, a modest sum, not exceeding $500 per annum, be appropriated to meet clerical and other expenses incident to effective work of the Com¬ mittee. In addition it is suggested that the slogan of the Committee, Voluntary Agencies 808 [Book IV voicing the sentiment of the whole Church, shall be — “Back to the Bible.” 1920, p. 80 d. The report of the Ad-Interim Committee on Rela¬ tions with the American Bible Society was read, amended, and ap¬ proved, except that the last recommendation, touching an appro¬ priation of $500 per annum, was amended as follows: That the American Bible Society be requested to provide the Permanent Com¬ mittee such funds as may be needed in prosecuting the work. 1921, p. 76. Your Committee recommends, 1. That our Assembly express its appreciation of the great work the American Bible Society is doing in the bounds of our own Assembly, by maintaining five of its nine American agencies in the bounds of our Church, and in distributing through these agencies the Scriptures in forty different languages among the foreign speak¬ ing people of the South, and in supplying the demands for the Word of God created by our mission and, evangelistic work. 2. That we express again our confidence in the American Bible Society as an agency through which the pure Word of God, unim¬ paired by additions or subtractions of human hands, is supplied to our people and commended to the liberality of the people. 3. That some Sunday in September be observed as Bible Cause Day, on which a sermon shall be preached, setting forth the place the pure Word of God must hold in the life of our Church and people, and commending the American Bible Society to their support by its membership plan, and where the budget system is not used an offering be taken for this cause. 4. That each church become an agency through which this Society may put the Scriptures into the home of the foreign speaking people living within their bounds. 5. That the attention of the Assembly be called to the action of the last Assembly, setting apart the first Friday night of each Assem¬ bly to be observed as Bible Cause night. 6. That Dr. Russell Cecil, Dr. W. L. Lingle, Dr. E. B. McGluer, W. S. Rhoads and D. K. Kellog be nominated as the Assembly’s Permanent Committee on this cause. 1922, p. 69. Your Committee recommends the adoption of the Permanent Committee’s report, and recommendations one and two thereof. (P. 151.) Our people are urged to subscribe for the Bible Society Record. In view of the need of Bible distribution among our people and the valuable work being carried on by the Bible Society, we recom¬ mend that the Bible Cause have a larger place assigned to it in the annual budget of the churches. In answer to the overtures of the several Presbyteries, asking for a deliverance on the “Shorter Bible,” we recommend that such de¬ liverance be made that the Assembly expresses its abhorrence of the publication known as the “Shorter Bible,” and deplores the spirit which gave it being, that we renew our acceptance of the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing more or less, as the recorded will of God Secs. 1258-1259] Bible Society 809 for our salvation. We affectionately and earnestly caution our mem¬ bers against it in its endeavor to supplant the Word of God, and urge our Committee of Publication to refuse all orders for it and decline in any way to advertise it. Concerning the request of Assistant Secretary McLaughlin that 1 per cent, of all contributions to Benevolent Causes be apportioned to the Bible Cause, we recommend that this request and the sugges¬ tion of the Permanent Committee for more liberal support be referred to the Stewardship Committee. In answer to the request of the American Bible Society that a rep¬ resentative on the Advisory Council be appointed by this Assembly, we recommend that this request be granted, and we nominate for this appointment Rev. Russell Cecil, D. D., Chairman of our Per¬ manent Committee on the Bible Cause. We recommend anew the setting apart of Friday night of each Assembly to be observed as Bible Cause! night. That Rev. Dr. Russell Cecil, W. L. Lingle, E. B. McCluer and Messrs. W. S. Rhoads and D. K. Kellog be nominated as the As¬ sembly’s Permanent Committee on this cause. That a date be listed in the Prayer Calendar issued by the Stew¬ ardship Committee for special prayer for the? work of the Bible Society. That we recommend to the churches of our denomination that they observe Bible Sunday, as promoted and planned by the Society [last Sunday in November], and that our Church papers be asked to co¬ operate in this in carrying information in their news and editorial columns on the Bible Day progrom. 1259. Report of Standing Committee on Bible Cause 1920, p, 65. We recommend (1) That the General Assembly definitely and permanently recognize the American Bible Society as its special agency for the translation, publication and distribution of the sacred Scriptures. (2) That the Assembly’s Permanent Committee on Systematic Beneficence and Stewardship be requested to consider, and report to the next Assembly, on the advisability of giving to the American Bible Society a larger percentage in the distribution of the benevolent funds of the churches. (3) That the Assembly recommend to our people “The Bible Society Record.” It will keep them informed as to the work in which the Society is engaged, both at home and abroad, and it will be a blessing to the homes of our people. It is $1.00 per annum, or 50c. in clubs of five or more. (4) That the Assembly encourage and recommend to Presbyteries the employment of Bible women in their Home Mission work. (5) Not only do we call attention to the vital .necessity of the work of the Bible Society in translating and printing and circulating the sacred Scriptures but to the supreme importance and duty of all our people as to the reading and study and teaching of the Scriptures 810 Voluntary Agencies [Book IV in private and in Bible classes. We would urge a revival of Bible study. We fear in these days of hurry and pleasure and money-mak¬ ing, our people are not being blessed with a daily meditation and study of the Bible. And the multiplicity of the minister’s cares and duties of the new day in which we find ourselves presents a fearful temptation to him to neglect his daily devotional Bible study. We urge the slogan, “Back to the Bible.” (6) That we urge all our people to put the American Bible Society upon their prayer-list, and that all our churches, as far as practi¬ cable, observe May Flower Bible Sunday, last Sabbath of September, 1920. (7) That the first Friday night of each Assembly be set apart to the Bible Cause, under the direction of the Permanent Committee on the Bible Cause. (8) That the present Permanent Committee be re-appointed with Dr. Russell Cecil as Chairmen, and that we continue to co-operate with the American Bible Society in their request to appoint a rep¬ resentative from our Church to be a member of the Advisory Coun¬ cil, and that Dr. Cecil be appointed as such representative. 1260. Ninetieth Anniversary of the American Bible Society 1905, p. 22. Inasmuch as May 8, 1906, will be the 90th anniver¬ sary of the American Bible Society, and inasmuch as the Board of Managers desire to have this event celebrated with appropriate exer¬ cises, our Assembly, in compliance with this suggestion, authorized its Permanent Committee to co-operate with the various churches in such measures as may be devised for a suitable recognition of this 90th anniversary, and to arrange for services of an appropriate char¬ acter during the sessions of our next General Assembly, May, 1906, in Greenville, S. C. This plan was carried out the next year. See Minutes 1906, p. 8. 1261. The British and Foreign Bible Society 1866, p. 27. The Assembly returns its hearty acknowledgments to the British and Foreign Bible Society for its generous relinquish¬ ment of the debt of $2,500 in gold due to it by the Publication Com- mitttee. This debt was for Bibles generously advanced the committee by that society during the war. 1903, p. 488. In view of the official information that the British and Foreign Bible Society will celebrate the one hundredth anniver¬ sary of its organization on Monday, March 7, 1904, we recommend that all our churches call especial attention to this fact on Sabbath, March 6, 1904, and that on that or the nearest Sabbath thereto our churches give special consideration to the claims of Free Bible Dis- Secs. 1259-1263] Historical Society 811 tribution and the great good accomplished by the Bible Societies, es¬ pecially the American Bible Society. 1262. Bible revision 1881, p. 383. Inasmuch as the Revised Version of the New Testa¬ ment, which has been prepared by two committees of Christian schol¬ ars from all the leading evangelical denominations of Great Britain and the United States, has been published and widely circulated; and inasmuch as the language of the Directory of Worship is that “the Scriptures shall be read from the most approved version in the vulgar tongue” — Resolved, That a comjmjittee be appointed to examine the Revised Version of the New Testament, and to report thereon to the next Gen¬ eral Assembly. 1882, p. 524. This comjmittee, after a careful consideration of the whole subject, reported to the General Assembly that, in their judgment, it is inexpedient for the Assembly to takdf any action on the subject at the present time, for the reason that the work of the revisers is as yet incomplete — the New Testament only having been published, and even that with no assurance that it may not receive further amend¬ ment at the hands of the revisors. Adopted. 1263. The Presbyterian Historical Society 1876, p. 244. A communication having been received from Rev. J. G. Craighead, D. D., general secretary of the Presbyterian Historical Society, calling the attention of this body to the effort now in progress to provide a fire-proof building for the preservation of valuable docu¬ ments relating to the history of Presbyterianism in the United States, and suggesting the preparation of historical discourses by Presby¬ terian ministers, to be deposited with the Society; it was Resolved, That this Assembly expresses gratification to learn that such an enterprise has been undertaken, and commends the effort to the liberality of our people, and recommends that our ministers, during the present year, prepare historical discourses, treating of the import¬ ant facts in the history of their churches severally, for deposit with the Presbyterian Historical Society. 1877, p. 432. A communication from the Presbyterian Historical Society, asking the attention of this Assembly to its claims. Reply. The Assembly reiterates its cordial recognition of the claims of the Presbyterial Historical Society, and earnestly commends to Presbyteries, pastors and members of our churches, all proper efforts for securing contributions of historical matter to the library of the Society, and of means to promote its laudable purposes in establishing a suitable receptacle for the safe preservation of the books and other documents placed in its care. 1878, p. 635. The Committee on Bills and Overtures, to whom was referred the annual report of the Presbyterian Historical Society 812 Voluntary Agencies [Book IV at Philadelphia, report that they examined the same, and recommend that the Assembly express^ its satisfaction with the progress made by said Society in the collection of various documents and a large library as contributions to the general history of the Presbyterian Church, and also the provision of a fire-proof building for their preservation. 1881, p. 363. The Assembly recognizes, with great pleasure, the successful prosecution of the important work of the Presbyterian His¬ torical Society, and the erection of a fire-proof building* for the preser¬ vation of its invaluable historic material. The Assembly hereby — Resolves, 1, That a committee be appointed to co-operate with the Society in every appropriate method. 2. That the Synods and Presbyteries be recommended to appoint similar committees to procure material for the Society, and in all practicable ways to further its interests for the benefit of our entire Church. A committee was appointed to correspond with the Historical Society in regard to such matters as may be suitable. Resolutions of commendation similar in tone to the above were adopted in 1882 (p. 525); also in 1892 (p. 457). 1903, p. 469. There has been referred to your Committee on Foreign Correspondence a letter from the Curator of the “Presbyterian Historical Society” of Philadelphia. This letter informs the Assem¬ bly that the Society’s “Gallery and Museum” are almost entirely des¬ titute of pictures and relics illustrating the history of our Church, and asks for any donations the Assembly may desire to make of his¬ torical materials. We recommend that the Stated Clerk be appointed a medium of communication in this matter to transmit to the Society any materials of the kind which he may gather up, or which may be placed in his hands for the purpose. 1914, p. 48. Whereas, it is not only proper and right for the Church of Christ to revere and conserve the great deeds and accom¬ plishments of those who have served their generations in the fear of God, but the duty of the Church to preserve the story of God’s deal¬ ings with it and to transmit to posterity the record of its fidelity to the truth, its faith and1 its accomplishments, the memorials of its hon¬ ored ministers and its faithful laymen, and whatever else may serve to illustrate and perpetuate its principles, or to afford a basis for histories that may yet be written; and, Whereas, the Presbyterian Historical Society is the only society in the United States which devotes itself exclusively to the collection and preservation of the records of what the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches have done, and are doing, for the world; and, Whereas, this Society is greatly hampered in the prosecution of its important and necessary work by reason of meagre and insufficient income, and has resolved to raise, if possible, a sufficient endowment fund; therefore, 1. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States heartily commends the Presbyterian Historical Society to the good will and liberality of its churches and their members. Secs. 1263-1266] Historical Society 813 2. The Assembly urges its .ministers and members, its Synods, Presbyteries and churches to contribute to the Historical Society such documents, printed or in MSS., as may illustrate the doctrines, the polity and the activities of the Church, local or at large, and be of service to future students of our history. 3. The Assembly recommends the appointment by Synods and Presbyteries of committees which shall correspond with and as far as possible assist the Historical Society in its laudable work. 4. That the, Assembly appoint a Permanent Committee of three to co- operate with the Special Committee of the Historical Society in its eff ort to preserve all historical records. 1914, p. 70. The Moderator appointed Rev. T. C. Johnson, D. D., Rev. R. C. Reed, D. D., and Rev. E. C. Gordon, D. D., a Permanent Committee to co-operate with the Presbyterian Historical Society in the preservation of historical records, in accordance with the recom¬ mendation of the Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence. 1264. Southern Presbyterian Historical Society 1883, p. 41. Resolved, That the General Assembly commends to the attention of all its ministers and churches the Southern Presby¬ terian Historical Society, recently organized, and located at Columbia, S. C., and urges that they co-operate with this Society in its purposes and aims to collect material which' will be of value in making up the history of our Church. 1884, p. 217. Overture from the Synod of South Georgia and Florida: In view of the fact that the General Assembly has com¬ mended both the Presbyterian Historical Society and the Southern Presbyterian Historical Society to the “active sympathies and assis¬ tance of all our people”; and whereas it seems impracticable effi¬ ciently to co-operate with both, the Synod of South Georgia and Florida respectfully overtures the General Assembly to say which of these Societies shall receive the co-operation and assistance of our people. It is recommended that we return answer to this overture by ex¬ pressing a preference for the Southern Historical society. Adopted. 1265. Collecting materials for the history of the Southern Church 1878, p. 635. Overture from the Synod of Texas, asking that steps be taken for gathering up and preserving the past and current history of the Southern Presbyterian Church. Answer : The Assembly urges upon all our ministers and judica¬ tories to take all necessary steps for the early preparation and collec¬ tion of materials for the history of our Church, and their careful preservation until the Assembly shall arrange for their safe keeping. 1266. American Tract Society 1903, p. 467. The following was adopted in response to the Voluntary Agencies 814 [Book IV address of the Rev. Dr. Shearer, Secretary of the American Tract Society : Resolved , That we recognize in the American Tract Society an efficient missionary agency; that we put a high estimate upon its work in circulating an evangelical Christian literature, and especially in its printing such literature in one hundred and fifty-five languages or dialects in aid of Missions abroad, and that we cordially commend said .Society to the liberal support of God’s people among us. 1907, p. 47. After an address by the Rev. Geo. L. Shearer, D. I)., Secretary of the American Tract Society, the following action was taken : The Assembly expresses its very high appreciation of the good work done by the American Tract Society during its more than four¬ score years; 1. In issuing a very large body of truly evangelical literature — tracts, periodicals, and books, in every variety, and in 174 lan¬ guages, dialects or characters, thereby becoming a Christian Liter¬ ature Society for the world. 2. In disseminating the same by missionary colporteurs among the spiritually destitute in this country, especially among the millions of immigrants, who are unprecedented in their numbers and needs. 3. In the most timely aid afforded through its issues in many languages abroad, by which the missionary force in the foreign field is being supplemented, which force is acknowledged to be quite in¬ adequate to meet the necessities and opportunities which the provi¬ dential awakening among the hundreds of millions in the Orient and elsewhere has brought upon us. The Assembly is deeply interested in the interlying and outlying territory among its own churches, partly or wholly unoccupied, in which the missionary colporteur as a forerunner would be an invalu¬ able aid. It calls attention to the opening of new ports and avenues by which these streams of immigration are to be turned into the cities, villages and plantations of the Southland, and to the fact that in the interest of economy and efficiency this Society has become officially recognized by the denominations as the commion source of supply for the immigrant literature. Wherefore, believing that our church is awake to its duty to God and to our fellowmen, Resolved, That the American Tract Society be and hereby is cor¬ dially commended to the officers and members of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and the Assembly recommends that the representatives of this Society be admitted to our churches to present its interests, and commends it to the liberality of our people. See also 1909, p. 19, 1910, p. 37, 1911, p. 64, 1913, p. 35. 1267. American Seamen’s Friend Society The following response to the address of the Rev. Dr. Stitt, Sec¬ retary of the American Seamen’s Friend Society, was adopted: Secs. 1266-1270] Voluntary Agencies 815 The Assembly has heard with great pleasure the address of Rev. W. C. Stitt, D. D., Secretary of American Seamen’s Friend Society, touching the great work being done by that Society in behalf of the three million men “who go down to the sea in ships and do business in great waters.” We record that the Society has Bethels in nine of our Southern ports, and we commend the American Seamen’s Friend Society to the confidence and generous support of all our people. 1268. World’s Sunday School Convention 1910, p. 25. A greeting was received from, the World’s Sunday School Convention in Washington, D. C., and a suitable reply was sent by the Assembly. 1269. F. M. C. A. 1918, p. 53. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States put on record their cordial endorsement of the great work being done in our Army and Navy by the Young Men’s Christian Association, and commended it to the generous support of our people. 1270. F. W. C. A. 1918, p. 54. In response to the communication from the Council of Adherents to the Evangelical Cihurch Basis of Y. W. C. A., placed in our hands, we recommend the following answer: (1) The Assembly hereby expresses its entire sympathy with the Council in its protest vs. the Change in Basis of Student Membership in the Y. W. C. A., and, believing that this basis will result in a lowering of the Standard of Confession required of a true disciple of Christ, and the impairing of the efficiency of this splendid insti¬ tution in its witness for Evangelical truth, we earnestly hope that the Council may be successful in its effort to restore the former Basis of Active Membership. BOOK V ORDINANCES 1271. Permanent Committee on the Sabbath appointed 1878, p. 626. The report of the Committee on Bills and Over¬ tures in relation to an overture from the Presbytery of Savannah, and a letter from, the International Sabbath Association of New York, concerning a concert of Christian effort in prompting the observance of the Sabbath, was adopted, recommending that this subject be referred to a special committee. The Rev. R. L. Dabney, D. D., Rev. J. E. Dunlop, with Ruling Elders 1. D. Jones and J. A. Billups, were appointed the committee provided for in the above report. P. 641. This committee reported: That they find the evil named wide-spread and formidable, and, accordingly, exceedingly difficult to control. Some enquiry shows that the legislation of the civil commonwealth is in most cases whole¬ some as it affects private citizens, and as, according to the equity, and even the letter of the laws, it should affect Sabbath breaking corpora¬ tions; but the wealth, power and recklessness of these bodies in all the States, except, perhaps, Georgia, practically set at defiance these right¬ eous laws, which all other citizens are required to obey. And it seems very obvious that any ordinary protest of any one body of Christians would be slighted by these privileged law-breakers, before whose will the majesty of the conunonwealth and the statute law is some¬ times effectually palsied and silenced. The sense of power and irresponsibility, the numbers employed and salaried by them, and the greed of the vast commercial interests which these corporations profess to serve as carriers seemingly mock at a restraining public opinion as at the laws of the land. The evils of these abuses are wide and deplorable. The conse¬ quence which is of least moral weight, but which is most likely to influence the transgressors, is a material one, viz. : that by resolving to desecrate systematically God’s holy day, these corporations vir¬ tually resolve to banish from their service every man who truly fears God, or whose body and spirit enjoy the healthful and calming influences of home, Sabbath and sanctuary, and to commit their valu¬ able machinery and the property and lives of their patrons only to such men as are willing to defy the commandments of Almighty God, to forego all the elevating and soothing influences of the domes¬ tic Sabbath’s rest, and to carry to their tasks a spirit debauched and a set of nerves fevered by this habitual violation of nature’s law, and by the spending of the holy hours of rest amidst the clangor of machinery and profanity. The result is easily foreseen in murderous Sec. 1271] The Sabbath 817 collisions of trains, neglect of official trusts, waste of employers’ property, and fierce outbreaks of arson and riot. But our concern is with the moral results. Among these must be counted the influence of an evil example almost as wide as the land, and the seduction of temptation and opportunity to profane the Sab¬ bath, offered to weak consciences. The armies of officials and ser¬ vants employed by these corporations are seduced into a common neglect of the sanctuary, and of the duties of the Christian family. The quiet and order to which even the civil law entitles all citizens is, in a multitude of our towns and villages, invaded by noise and turmoil. And last, the pretext of associated and incorporate action sophisticates the consciences of the transgressors, making them bold in actions which as private individuals they would blush to perpe¬ trate. And this is one instance of that tendency attending the growth of such corporations which is one of the gravest dangers of modern civilization. Seeing that there is no remedy in the reach of Christians, except the power of a widely combined and universal public opinion, your committee recommend the following action: I. That a permanent Sabbath Committee of three members resid¬ ing near enough to each other for concert and vigorous action, be appointed, to serve until the next Assembly and report to it, and to proceed forthwith in the following duties, viz. : to correspond and concert action with all such ecclesiastical and other bodies as are will¬ ing to act with them for this good cause ; to assist in the production and • circulation of suitable publications to instruct the people; and to procure such moneys as may be raised by voluntary contributions to defray this expense. Beside the prelates, councils, conventions, assemblies, synods, and conferences of the different Christian denominations of the land, this committee should enter into correspondence, for this special work only, with such Sabbath associations as may be found in Balti¬ more, New York, and other cities, and with the General Council of the Young Men’s Christian Association in the United States, to combine the exertions of these voluntary associations for Sabbath re¬ form under the catholic principles of Christ’s Church visible. II. This Assembly faithfully admonishes all its pastors, officers and people against overt breaches of the Sabbath law ordained by the Lord Jesus Christ for all dispensations and times; and especially, that it is their positive and personal duty to clear their own skirts of all complicity with these sins, by refraining from, all travel upon Sabbath-breaking railroad trains, steamers, etc., and to refrain as far as their knowledge may enable them, from committing to them any goods or commodities for transport on the Lord’s day. The committee provided for in the above paper was appointed, to consist of the Rev. James Stacy, D. D., Newnan, Ga. ; Rev. Donald Frazer, Decatur, Ga.; William A. Moore, ruling elder, Atlanta, Ga., and Thomas Q. Cassells, ruling elder, Atlanta, Ga. 818 Ordinances [Book V Since this beginning the Assembly has annually appointed a similar Executive or Permanent Committee on this subject. — A. 1272. A Standing Committee in the Assembly on the Sabbath 1894, p. 244. Ordered that a Standing Committee on the Sab¬ bath be added to the Committees of the Assembly. The subject of Family Religion was later assigned to this Committee and reports were regularly received both from the Permanent and from the Standing Committee. 1273. Report of Standing Committee on the Sabbath and Family Religion 1921, p. 60. The report of the Assembly’s Permanent Committee deserves the careful and grateful consideration of this Assembly. It is the most encouraging report ever made by the Committee in the seven years of its existence. For the first time a truly optimistic note is sounded in the record of the year’s work. TJie faithful and intelligent labors of the Committee in the other years are now pro¬ ducing cumulative results. Many family altars have been erected. Three thousand, by signing cards, have now joined the Family Altar League, and certainly there are other thousands of homes not in¬ cluded in this League where prayers are offered daily to God. More interest also is manifested in our homes in family piety and the re¬ ligious instruction of children. Our crowded church colleges in¬ dicate the desire of parents that their children shall have Christian education. Unfortunately, a similar optimistic view of the Sabbath situation is not justified by the facts. The chairman of your Permanent Committee, together with the members of that Committee, deserves the highest commendation for diligent and effective conduct of the work assigned to them, a work which has been done with most meager aid from the Assembly and often at the Chairman’s own expense. But while we note these signs of a rising tide in the family re¬ ligion of our own Church, we must realize that little indeed has been attained of all that we desire, and that for the coming year increased vigilance and effort are necessary. Conditions are most distressing in the matter of Sabbath desecration, all too prevalent in our con¬ gregations, and so nearly universal in our country at large, as to have become a mighty current, before which we find ourselves almost helpless. Many evident forces are at work to weaken the founda¬ tions of family piety and to neutralize the witness of our pulpits and of consistent Christians. Some of these are: 1. In the Great War’s aftermath the unwillingness, or tardiness, of communities and individuals to rid themselves of the abnormally free and easy practices which were brought in by the Sunday sports and the recreation halls of War Camps and Communities. It seems to be the interest and intention of irreligious elements to make the Secs. 1272-1274] The Sabbath 819 execessive conditions and practices of war times the normal practice of peace times. 2. The commercialized amusements of the time, financed in alarm¬ ing proportion by the avowed enemies of the Godly home and of our Protestant faith, are dependent for the floating of their stocks and the swelling of their dividends on robbing our cities of their quiet and holy Sabbath (and on drawing young and old to their amusement places by sensational and depraving allurements. The moral bread of our children is taken to feed the dogs. 3. A general tide of worldliness, which came with easy money and with the rise of the irresponsible rich, unfortunately, has drawn into itself a much younger part of our population than ever before. Now the high school boy and girl know all and do all that years ago may have been known and done by their college elders. Illicit traffic in intoxicants makes our young boys the shining marks for its attacks. The public, promiscuous dance is the frequent recrea¬ tion of our high school children. Just here home and Church care seems to be most indifferent. This Assembly would stir up the pure minds of Presbyteries and churches to remember the clear and explicit deliverances of other Assemblies on the dangerous drift of worldly amusements. 4. There is an alarming lack of knowledge and of appreciation of what the Sabbath and family religion mean both to our faith and to our land. It is our urgent business speedily to supply this lack¬ ing knowledge. In view of these menacing tendencies and conditions the Assem¬ bly enjoins on our Presbyteries more serious concern for the threat to Home and Sabbath, and the use of all possible means to over¬ come the attacks of shrewd, designing and greedy forces which would profiteer in the destruction of vital godliness. In addition to the ordinary aids of pulpit, Sunday School and home instruction, it is earnestly recommended that our churches use the equipped, intelli¬ gent and approved service of the Lord’s Day Alliance and of the Family Altar League. Distressed by the amjazing increase o^ divorces and of broken homes, by the pathetic spectacle of tender childhood orphaned, not by death but by parental infidelity and civil law, so that our own land has become a reproach even in pagan lands, the Assembly urges every minister to present often and plead for the mutual duties and the Christian graces of the Bible home, and to exercise exceed¬ ing care lest by him persons be joined in holy matrimony unlaw¬ fully and contrary to the Word of God. 1274. American Sabbath Union 1898, p. 242. We commend the efforts and literature of the American Sabbath Union to the sympathy and liberality of our people as individuals, and the representatives of our church on the union committees of the various denominations in the different cities where these members reside. 820 Ordinances [Book V 1275. Presbyterial committees on the Sabbath 1879, p. 45. Resolved, That the General Assembly recommends to all our Presbyteries and Synods that they give this subject their careful consideration, taking such action for the promotion of the general end sought as rniay seem to themselves to be wise and pru¬ dent; and as one of the means for the better organization of this work in our Church, the Assembly further recommends the appoint¬ ment of Presbyterial committees, whose object shall be to secure the proper agitation of this question in their respective Presbyteries, and, as far as possible, to co-operate with the Assembly’s committee in the way of furnishing them with facts, statistics, or such other aid as may be desirable. Repeated in 1880. (P. 216.) 1276. Application to civil authorities on the Sabbath question 1881, p. 377. Resolved, That the Committee be instructed to in¬ stitute such correspondence with other evangelical churches as will secure their co-operation in bringing the “Sabbath question” to the attention of the civilt authorities of all the States. The Assembly would not recommend any overture, either as cit¬ izens or as ecclesiastics, to the Congress of the United States until the co-operation of the great bulk of the evangelical churches of the whole country may be obtained. 1277. Petitions to Congress against Sunday work 1889, p. 621. Resolved, That/ we favor the signing by our people, of the petitions to Congress for a law against Sunday work, except works; of necessity and mercy, so far as the jurisdiction of the gen¬ eral government extends, with the usual exceptions in favor of those who observe another day of the. week as Sabbath. See also 1914, p. 76. 1278. Mammoth petition to civil authorities with reference to Sun¬ day travel and traffic 1896, p. 614. In answer to an overture the Assembly ordered: That the Permanent Committee on the Sabbath be authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary to arrange prelim¬ inaries for securing a united and simultaneous effort on the part of the different denominations of Christians in the United States to get up a mammoth petition to the civil authorities* for the enactment and enforcement of laws to stop all unnecessary state and inter-state travel and traffic on the Sabbath day. 1897, p. 31. The Permanent Committee did not carry out this recommendation for the reason that such mammoth petition had al¬ ready been forwarded to the proper authorities, which petition was signed bv many of our people, and for the further reason that they were already in union with the American Sabbath Union. Secs. 1275-1281] The Sabbath 821 Your committee recommend that this Assembly approve the action of the Permanent Committee in this matter for the reasons given. Adopted. 1279. Difficulty of co-operation among the denominations on the Sabbath movement 1883, p. 87. The Permanent Committee say: A difficulty that stares us in the face is the want of a co-operative movement on the part of the different denominations of the country. In accordance with the direction of former Assemblies, your Committee have opened correspondence with several of these different Christian denomina¬ tions. Though our communications have uniformly been received with the greatest courtesy, and in some instances corresponding com¬ mittees have been appointed, yet we regret not yet to be able to report any tangible, practical result. How this co-operative move¬ ment is to be secured in the present divided state of religious sen¬ timent is a problem of difficult solution. 1280. Meeting of Synod on the Sabbath disapproved 1886, p. 47. The Committee on the Records of the Synod of Ala¬ bama report that they have examined the same, and recommend their approval, except that the Synod held a business meeting on the Sab¬ bath, November 8, 1885. This the Assembly emphatically dis¬ approves. Adopted. 1281. National Committee on the Sabbath 1888, p. 403. Resolved, That the Rev. James Stacy and Rev. G. B. Strickler be appointed a comjnittee on the part of this General Assembly to act with the other committees appointed by the other churches of our country in the formation of a National Committee on the Sabbath, for one year, to report to the next General Assembly their action in the premises, and the aim and methods of the said National Committee, and that the paper from the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church be committed to it. 1889, p. 620. Your committee would beg leave to remind the Assembly that in the year 1878 our Assembly made the first move toward a united effort by the different evangelical denominations to secure a better observance of the Sabbath day. To this end your Permanent Committee was instructed, among other things, to corre¬ spond with the other evangelical denominations to secure, if possible, their co-operation in this great work. In obedience to this instruc¬ tion of the Assembly, Dr. Stacy, the chairman of the committee, entered upon an extensive correspondence with the different church courts, but failed to elicit anything more than warm expressions of interest in, and sympathy with, the work. Having failed to secure the desired co-operation, our church, through its Permanent Com- Ordinances 822 [Book V mittee, has continued for the past ten years to carry on this work in a quiet and necessarily restricted way. But one year ago a new and most encouraging era dawned upon our country in reference to this most important work. A communi¬ cation was received from the Methodist Episcopal Church, asking the appo ntment of a committee to act in concert with similar com¬ mittees to be appointed by the other denominations in the formation of a national association. In response to this request, Revs. Dr. Stacy and Dr. Strickler were appointed as representatives of our church, with directions to act in concert with the committees appointed by other churches of the country in the formation of a national com¬ mittee on Sabbath observance. Thus th ■‘re was inaugurated one year ago what we attempted to acc* mplish ten years ago. And we have cause for great rejoicing and unfeigned gratitude to God for the wonderful success with which the movement has already met, and for the results that have thus early been accomplished, giving promise, as they do, that the day is not far disiant when, throughout our whole country there shall be a Sabbath of quiet, peaceful rest, not only for Christians, who hail it as a day of sacred rest, but also as a day of cessation from secular labors for the toiling millions, who now enjoy no day of rest from one end of the year to the other. Never before has a popular movement taken hold so quickly and so extensively upon the hearts and consciences of all classes of our people. The general and deep interest in this matter is rvinced by the astonishing fact that, in the brief space of one year, there have gone up to the Congress of the United States the petitions of more than ten millions of people, praying Congress to give to our toiling millions the relief they desire from the enforced labor of seven davs in the week. The basis upon which the “American Sabbath Union” is founded allows to our Southern Presbyterian Church six representative mem¬ bers. These do not form a committee to meet together for the trans¬ action of business, but to be what the name indicates, representatives of the Presbyterian Church on the Union Committees of the various denominations, formed in different cities where these members reside. We would therefore suggest to complete the list of representative members to which we are entitled, by adding the names of Rev. Dr. Hoge, of Richmond, Rev. W. T. Thompson, D. D., of Charles¬ ton, Rev. Dr. H. M. Smith, of New Orleans, and Rev. Dr. Wither¬ spoon, of Louisville, to those of Rev. James Stacy, D. D. (the chairman), and Rev. Dr. G. B. Strickler, of Atlanta, who1 are already members. Adopted. (See 1889, p. 656.) Similar action was taken, 1890, p. 48, and the same six represen¬ tatives were appointed and reappointed from year to year, save that in 1896 and 1897 there is no record of such appointment, and save further that in 1892, and afterward Rev. R. Q. Mallard, D. D., was appointed in place of Rev. H. M. Smith, D. D., deceased. 1889, p. 622. We recommend the literature of the American Sabbath Union, especially its series of splendid monthly documents. Secs. 1281-1285] The Sabbath 823 1282. Discipline in cases of infraction of the Sabbath law 1884, p. 210. The Assembly directs the Presbyteries to enjoin upon Sessions to take notice of infractions of this law, and, when necessary, to administer discipline, at least, so far as admonition and reproof are concerned. 1885, p. 413. Resolved, That Sessions take notice of the viola¬ tion of the Sabbath by members of the Church, and admonish and reprove them in the name of Christ; and if they persist in their infractions of the Fourth Commandment, that it be regarded as an offence demanding and justifying suspension. (See Chap. III., Art. I., Rules of Discipline.) Similar action taken in 1886. (P. 52.) 1283. Sunday newspapers and railway trains 1886, p. 52. Whereas we, a court of the Lord’s house, believe that the Christian religion and Christian civilization rest largely upon the proper observance of the Sabbath day; and whereas, we believe that the running of railway trains and Sunday editions of newspapers are two most potent agencies for destroying the sanctity and proper use of the day; therefore, Resolved, That the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States condemns in most emphatic terms the publica¬ tion and reading of Sunday editions of newspapers and the running of all railway trains on Sunday, and earnestly advises all our people not to read newspapers of Sunday editions, nor to patronize in any way Sunday railway trains. 1887, p. 229. Resolved , That Presbyteries be enjoined to take such steps as to them] appear wisest to discourage and put a stop to such riding on Sunday trains and steamboats by church members, and by ministers of the gospel in going to and returning from ap¬ pointments, as cannot be justified on the grounds of necessity or mercy. 1284. Sunday travel 1889, p. 622. We earnestly recommend to the officers and memi- bers of our churches everywhere that they refrain from travel on the Sabbath day except in cases of necessity and mercy. 1890, p. 49. We protest against ministers of the gospel, ruling elders and deacons, office-bearers in our owii churches, making use of such conveyances as will mar their usefulness as examples to the flocks in which God has set them to govern and serve. 1285. Sunday Newspapers . . 1890, p. 49. As to Sunday newspapers, this General Assembly would occupy no uncertain position. The Sunday newspapers are eminent influences of evil and only evil. They employ their oper¬ atives on God’s day, thus allowing no rest on the Sabbath; they flood the land with promiscuous literature; they send it forth on the Sab- 824 Ordinances [Book V bath and for Sabbath reading. This Assembly protests against the members of Christ’s church in any way or to any extent giving coun¬ tenance or support to these papers. 1893, p. 17. The Assembly reiterated the deliverance of 1886, p. 52, on this subject. (See p. 458.) P. 24. Whereas former General Assemblies have, in emphatic forms, condemned Sunday papers as a great evil in our land, without distinctly singling out all the various phases thereof; and Whereas it is unquestionably true that multitudes of our church members and officers take and read and advertise in these papers on the Lord’s day, and many of our churches have their services adver¬ tised in them, and many of our ministers furnish notices of religious services to reporters on the Sabbath, which they are aware will be prepared for the press on Sabbath evening for the Monday papers; therefore. Resolved, 1. That this Assembly solemnly declares that all the above mentioned acts are wholly inconsistent with our position as avowed friends of Sabbath observance, and, unchecked, will in¬ evitably result in lowering more and more the Christian sentiment of our people on this vital question. 2. That we do most earnestly and affectionately warn all of our church officers and members against all complicity in the evils re¬ ferred to, and entreat them to refuse to countenance or patronize Sunday papers as the only consistent course for Christian people who regard the Lord’s day as one great bulwark of our holy religion. 1897, p. 44. The Assembly urges the officers and members to abstain from assisting in any way the desecration of the Sabbath day by offering news or reports for either Sunday or Monday papers, and refers to the past deliverances of the Assembly on Sabbath observance as sufficient. 1286. Pastoral letter on Sabbath desecration 1891, p. 253. Painfully impressed with the serious danger which threatens both church and state from the widespread and increasing tide of Sabbath desecration by Sabbath travel, driving, social visiting, and1 excursions for pleasure by members of our churches, we recommend that a committee be appointed by this Assembly to prepare and send down to all our churches a pastoral letter, calling the attention of all our people to this great evil, and affectionately urging them to such observance of God’s holy day as becomes His people. 1287. Address to the church on things lawful and unlawful on the Sabbath 1894, p. 244. Resolved, That a committee of seven be appointed to present to the next Assembly a paper, in the form of an address to our church, setting forth and illustrating the principles that are Secs. 1285-1287] The Sabbath 825 to guide our people in deciding between works that are lawful and those that are unlawful on the Sabbath; and also the principles that should guide our church courts in dealing with the matter. 1895, p. 382. This committee reported, and its report was referred to the Standing Committee. P. 428. Resolved , That the Assembly thanks the committee for its address, and recommends that the Committee of Publication pub¬ lish it and keep it on sale. Resolved, That the Assembly adopts the resolutions suggested by the ad interim committee as follows: 1. That the Permanent Committee on the Sabbath be instructed to correspond with the highest ecclesiastical bodies, or proper author¬ ities of all the various Christian denominations of our country, for the purpose of securing their co-operation, and that of their people, under the auspices of the American Sabbath Union, in which our Assem¬ bly is represented, and with whose purposes we are in full accord, in a continued, persistent effort to effect a better observance of the Sabbath, in all its forms, and especially to check those great^ national desecrations which can be reached only by the combined efforts of all God’s people. 2. That to accomplish this end, we propose that all the people of God, irrespective of denomination, in the various parts of our coun¬ try, unite in aiding the American Sabbath Union in the formation of “Co-operative Sabbath Associations,” not simply in the several states and territories, but in every congressional district, in every city and ward, county and town (or other similar subdivisions of the state), so that these Associations shall reach every nook and corner of our land. 3. The object of these Associations shall be: (1) , To work up a wholesome sentiment among the great mass of the people in regard to Sabbath observance, by the distribution of Sabbath literature, by addresses and sermons, and in other lawful ways. (2) , To bring this wholesome public sentiment to aid in the en¬ forcement of Sunday laws. (3) , To present the subject of Sabbath reform to the individual members of our National and State Legislatures, and secure such legislation as will guarantee to all who are directly or indirectly in the employment of our government their constitutional right to a weekly Sabbath rest. (4) , To promote, by lawful means, any other needed Sabbath reformation. 1896, p. 640. The Permanent Committee reports the organiza¬ tion, under the above suggestion, of a State Sunday Association within the State of Alabama, and auxiliary to the American Sabbath Union, and with the hope of organizing subordinate associations in every country. 826 Ordinances [Book V 1288. Closing the World's Fair on the Sabbath 1891, p. 253. To the World's Columbian Commission, Chicago, III. : The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, in session at Birmingham, Ala., May, 1891, respect¬ fully, but earnestly, request your honorable body to order that the gates of the Exposition shall not be opened on the Sabbath-day. The Stated Clerk of the Assembly was directed to forward a certified copy of this action to the Directors of the Exposition. 1892, p. 428. The General Assembly directs the Moderator and Stated Clerk, in the name of one hundred and seventy-five thousand members and seven hundred thousand adherents whom it represents, scattered all over the southern portion of our land, to protest again, before the managers of the Columbian Exposition, against the open¬ ing on the Lord’s day, and also to petition the Congress of the United States to use its authority to the same end. 1893, p. 8. The Assembly sent the following telegram,: The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States (Southern), by unanimous vote, appeals to the National Com¬ missioners of the Columbian Exposition not to permit its opening on the Lord’s day; that the celebration, which is not local or sectional, but national and universal, may be a testimony which will honor God by honoring His ,Sabbath in the eyes of the world. P. 28. Whereas we believe that our people ought, by their acts, to bear consistent testimony against Sabbath desecration, and if the World’s Fair at Chicago should be open on the Lord’s day, it will be a national disgrace and productive of great injury to the cause of Christ, therefore, Resolved, That we advise the members of our churches, if the Fair should be open on the Lord’s day, to register their disapproba¬ tion, and protest in a practical manner by remaining away from the Fair altogether. P. 40. Resolved, That the thanks of this General Assembly are due, and are hereby tendered to the administration of President Cleveland for legal and prompt measures adopted to suppress the opening of the Columbia Exposition, known as the World’s Fair, on the Sabbath-day, and this resolution be telegraphed to President Cleveland. 1289. Closing post-offices on the Sabbath 1896, p. 614. Inasmuch as it appears, from official statements of the Postmaster-General, that any post-office of the country may be closed on the Sabbath, if the people of the: town and the post¬ master in charge desire it, the General Assembly would urge the members of the Southern Presbyterian Church to do what they le¬ gitimately can to procure the proper closing of the post-offices on the Sabbath-day. 1897, p. 31. It is the opinion of your committee that there is little hope of accomplishing anything by petitioning civil author- Secs. 1288-1294] The Sabbath 827 ites as to the closing of post-offices and stopping the transmission of mails on the Sabbath. See also 1914, p. 76. 1290. Conference on the Sabbath 1904, p. 52. As to the overtures of the Synod of Florida, mask¬ ing for a conference of all evangelical churches in the South, we recommend that such conference be held, and that all the arrange¬ ments be left in the hands of the Permanent Committee on the Sabbath. 1291. Petition to Railroads 1904, p. 52. Touching the overtures of the Presbytery of Ar¬ kansas, to “appoint a committee to lay before our leading railway corporations our humble petition, that a concerted effort be made to abandon the operation of freight and passenger trains on Sunday, and that a similar petition be laid before the appropriate author¬ ities of the United States Government, that the United States mail service be not operated on Sunday, we recommend the following: The Assembly does not see its way clear to grant the request of this overture. But the Assembly would insist upon the members of our Church abstaining from the use of Sunday mails and rail¬ way trains. 1292. International Congress of Sunday Rest 1904, p. 53. In reply to the question of appointing delegates to attend the International Congress of Sunday Rest at St. Louis, in October, we answer asi» follows: While the Assembly is in full sympathy with the purposes of this Congress, we are without au¬ thority to send delegates to the sanije, and most respectfully decline to do so. 1293. Petition to corporations 1907, p. 36. That our permanent committees on this subject be urged to seek every opportunity to respectfully lay before corpora¬ tions, and employers of every kind, the law of God on the Sabbath, the working man’s need of a rest day, and the blessing that has universally followed the keeping of the Fourth Commandment, and that they endeavor to secure from these employers the liberty for their employees to attend divine worship either upon alternate Sun¬ days or on a part of every Sunday. 1294. Sunday amusements 1912, p. 69. We recommend that our people continue their efforts to secure the closing of postoffices and carriers’ windows on the Sabbath day, and that they use their influence, as Christian citizens, to have enforced all civil laws enacted for the purpose of making the Sabbath a rest day, such as the closing of places of 828 Ordinances [Book. V business, drug stores, soda fountains, and ice cream parlors, cigar stands, baseball games, etc., on the Sabbath, that the sanctity of our Sabbath may be preserved. Selling bonds on Sunday 1918, 33. 1920, p. 77. We recommend (1) That our ministers be requested to preach on these important matters of the Sabbath and Family Religion at least once during the year, and the Sabbath preceding the meeting of the General Assembly be designated as especially appropriate for the presentation of the claim of the Christian Sabbath. And further, that Sunday Schools on that day be requested to give spe¬ cial consideraion to the question of Sabbath observance, availing themselves of the program! furnished by the Lord’s Day Alliance of the United States. (2) That Presbyteries be urged to take such steps as may be necessary in order to ascertain accurately, for themselves and for the benefit of the Assembly, the number of homes within their bounds in which family worship is observed. (3) That, wherever Sunday School Institutes are held, those who are responsible for the programs be urged to set apart an hour in which to bring before parents the importance of home training and family worship. (4) That the Permanent Committee on The Sabbath and Fam¬ ily Religion be allowied a sum of money, not exceed $300.00, for the prosecution of its important work. (5) That this Assembly express its renewed approbation of the work of the Lord’s Day Alliance of the United States, and its sat¬ isfaction at the avowed purpose of the Lord’s Day Alliance to em¬ ploy a special field representative for the Southern States. That the work of the Lord’s Day Alliance be commended to the liberal¬ ity of our people, with the hope that at some future time the As¬ sembly may find it possible to give' the Lord’s Day Alliance a definite place in the Church’s budget. (6) The overture from Fayetteville Presbytery is as follows: “The Presbytery of Fayetteville overtures the General As¬ sembly to reconsider the third recommendation of the report of its Committee on the Sabbath, adopted at the New Orleans Assembly. The language seems very likely to lead many to the inference that the Assembly lends some degree of countenance to outdoor recrea¬ tion, as boating, automobiling and driving during hours not occu pied by public worship. Wef therefore overture the Assembly to reconsider the above named recommendation and positively affirm anew our strict adherence to the standards prescribed for Sabbath observance in the Westminster Confession of Faith.” In answer to this overture, your Committee recommends that the General Assembly reaffirm its loyal adherence to the time-honored standards of the Church, and that it affectionately remind our peo¬ ple that “the Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations are are lawful on other days, and the spending of the whole time in the Secs. 1294-1297] The Sabbath 829 public and private exercises of God’s worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.” 1295. Sunday closing of White House, etc. 1913, p. 69. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, in session at Atlanta, Ga., sends greetings to President Woodrow Wilson, and would record its appreciation of his action in securing a better observance of the Sabbath, as a day of rest, by closing the White House to pleasure seekers and dis¬ couraging social and State functions on the Lord’s Day. % 1296. Function of Church spiritual and not civil 1921, p. 61. A communication was received from, the Confer¬ ence Committee of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South: “As Chairman of Southern Methodist Conferences Committee, we beg your co-operation and endorsement of proposed national Sun¬ day law to stop all Sunday interstate commerce trains, newspapers, mails, securing Sunday as rest day for all. We must all co-operate to save our Sabbath or our nation will soon go like Israel to Baby¬ lon, like Europe to ruins. The cry of Blue Law is like Ahab ac¬ cusing Elijah. Letter en route. Please don’t fail to act. Notify me my expense. Answer of Assembly: “This Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U. S., reaffirms its hearty sympathy with all proper and lawful efforts to protect the Sabbath, and it is enjoined upon our members constantly to hold for themselves, and to guarantee to all others, their duties and rights in the Sabbath. But it is not the practice of our Church to partici¬ pate officially in matters of civil legislation; the function of the Church, as the Body of Christ, being, in our belief, spiritual and not civil.” 1297. Recommendations — Lord’s Day Alliance 1921, p. 62. 1. That the Rev. I. Cochrane Hunt, D. D., Southern Secretary of the Lord’s Day Alliance, be given our thanks for his informing address before this Assembly. 2. That the Assembly express its appreciation of the timely finan¬ cial aid given the Permanent Committee by the Executive Com¬ mittee of Publication through Secretary R. E. Magill, without which aid its work could not have been done; the Assembly at the same time calling attention to the excellent literature which the Publica¬ tion Committee has provided to help us save the Sabbath and pro¬ tect the home. 3. That the Permanent Committee on the Sabbath and Family Religion for the coming year be as follows: Rev. Robert Hill, D. D., Chairman, Rev. C. T. Caldwell, D. D., and Mr. F. E. Williams, elected to succeed themselves; the Rev. J. N. Ivy elected to succeed Ordinances 830 [Book V the Rev. A, F. Carr, D. D., who has removed to another field; and Mr. R. E. Magill. 4. That the Assembly suggest to the churches, through the Pres¬ byteries, the setting aside of the third Sabbath in November for presentation from Sunday School and pulpit of these fundamental causes, at which time we recommend that a collection be taken for the Lord’s Day Alliance in such churches as do not provide for it in their budgets, the program! prepared by the Lord’s Day Alliance being commended for such services. 5. That the Montreat Assembly, all summer Assemblies and all Sunday School institutes be urged to include the Sabbath and Fam!- ily Religion with prominence in their programs. 6. That the Assembly authorize the Permanent Committee on Stewardship to provide an amount not exceeding five hundred dol¬ lars for the work of the Permanent Committee on Sabbath and Family Religion for this year. 7. That the Family Altar League be commended again to all of our churches, and that they be directed to use its cards in secur¬ ing information on this important subject for the annual narrative, if no adequate method of their own be in use. 8. That the Assembly revive its relations with the Lord’s Day Alliance, formerly the American Sabbath Union, a relation so profit¬ able to both parties in former years; and that the following be appointed as our representatives in the councils of the Alliance: Rev. Robert Hill, D. D., Rev. A. B. Curry, D. D., Rev. William Crowe, D. D., Rev. Harris E. Kirk, D. D., Rev. J. H. Taylor, D. D., Rev. B. R. Lacy, D. D. 1922, p. 71. Your Committee would submit the following rec¬ ommendations: 1. That our ministers be requested to preach on “The Sabbath” each year on the last Sunday in June, or on some other convenient date, at which time, if deemed advisable, a special offering be asked for the support of the Lord’s Day Alliance. 2. That on the third Sunday of January, each year, or on some other convenient day, some phase of family religion be presented to our congregations. 3. That wherever practicable on the days above indicated or at some other more convenient time, the Sunday Schools be also asked to stress one or both of these matters. 4. That the report of the Permanent Committee on this subject be received as information and printed in the Appendix of the Min¬ utes. (See page 145, Appendix.) 5. That the Permanent Committee be composed of Rev. Robert Hill, D. D.; Rev. C. T. Caldwell, D. D. ; Rev. J. N. Ivy, and Elder F. E. Williams, and Rev. W. R. Hall, D. D. (substituted for Elder R. E. Magill on account of geographical location). 6. That Rev. T. S. McCallie, D. D., of Chattanooga, Tenn.; Rev. C. R. Hyde, D. D., of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Elder Frank Nel- ,Secs. 1297-1298] The Sabbath 831 son, Chattanooga, Tenn., be named as the Assembly’s representa¬ tives in the Councils of the Lord’s Day Alliance. 1922, p. 75. An overture from the Synod of Texas, asking the Assembly so to arrange the program of the Assembly of 1923 as to give special emphasis to the Sabbath and Family Religion. We recommend that the Permanent Committee on the Sabbath and Family Religion be requested to arrange for an evening session at the next Assembly to be devoted to this important subject. 1922, p. 80. The following dissent, signed by Dr. A. M. Fraser and ten others, was placed on record:. “We respectfully dissent from the action of the Assembly appoint¬ ing representatives on the Lord’s Day Alliance and approving the action of the Synod of Arkansas in appointing representatives on the Anti-Saloon League.” 1922, p. 74. An overture from the Presbytery of Kanawha, ask¬ ing the Assembly to combine its Committees on Narrative and Sab¬ bath Observance into one permanent Committee, to be known as the Committee on the State of Religion. We recommend that this overture be answered in the negative, on the ground that at the present time the question of Sabbath observ¬ ance needs to be specially emphasized and there seems to be no sufficient reason for making the Committee on Narrative a perma¬ nent Committee. 1922, p. 75. An overture from the Presbytery of Atlanta asking that the Assembly of 1923 be designated a Prayer Assembly and that the institutions and agencies of the Church devote the current Church year to the study of prayer and to the fostering and promoting the spirit and practice of prayer throughout our Church. We recomlmend that this overture be answered in the affirmative and that the Permanent Committee on the Sabbath and Family Religion be requested to place this matter before the Church in an effective way. 1298. Family worship 1883, p. 21. In response to an overture the committee recom¬ mend that the General Assembly appoint a committee to draft a pastoral letter, bringing the subject of family worship, and the apparent results of its neglect in a prevalent worldliness and start¬ ling failure of the covenant sons of the Church to consecrate them¬ selves to the gospel ministry, before the congregations under its care. Note. — It does not appear that this committee was ever appointed. 1884, p. 207. The Presbytery of Paducah respectfully overtures the General Assembly to appoint a committee to draft a pastoral letter, bringing the subject of family prayer before thei congregations under its care, and impressing upon our pastors the solemn obliga¬ tion of urging it on their respective congregations. Answer : We recommend that the request be granted, and that a committee of three be appointed to draft said letter. 832 Ordinances [Book V The letter prepared is found on page 459, Appendix to Minutes for 1885. 1885, p. 425. Whereas the Narratives from Presbyteries so uni¬ formly report sad, deplorable, distressing neglect of family worship and catechetical instruction in the household, therefore be it Resolved , That this Assembly recommends that the Presbyteries instruct every minister having} the care of souls within our bounds, to preach during the month of October, or as soon thereafter as prac¬ ticable (and frequently in the future), a sermon on the importance of family worship, to be followed by one on parental responsibility; these sermons to be preached in every congregation, at a time most favorable for a large attendance; and that Presbyteries require from every pastor a report as to his diligence in the performance of this duty. 1299. Catechetical instruction and family worship 1895, p. 410. The Assembly prepared a brief pastoral letter to the churches within its) bounds, touching family worship and catechetical instruction in the home, which was ordered to be read from every pulpit, and which is to be found in the Minutes. 1907, p. 36. That the overture from Holston Presbytery be adopted. This overture is as follows: “That the General Assem- bly repeat and emphasize the following extract from the Minutes of 1906: ‘That all of our people who are heads of families be earnestly and affectionately exhorted to erect and maintain family altars, where God’s richest blessing shall be invoked and vouchsafed to them, and to their children. And that our pastors and Sessions make a thorough canvass of their congregations to ascertain the number of families that have family altars, and the number that have not, and report the same to their respective Presbyteries. And we warn parents against the danger and tendency of delegating the religious training of their children to Sunday Schools, Young Peo¬ ple’s Societies, or any other agencies, all of which should be ap¬ preciated and improved as invaluable aids to parents, but not as substitutes for parental training.’ ” 1908, p. 44. That all the [Presbyteries be directed to have a thorough canvass made of all the congregations in their bounds to ascertain how many families observe family worship; secure, as far as possible, its observance, where neglected, and also get any rea¬ sons that may be given for its non-observance, and report the results to the Permanent Comimittee on Sabbath Observance and Family Religion. 1300. Pastoral letter and religious training in the family, and the church attendance of children 1873, p. 306. In response to an overture the Assembly appointed a committee to prepare a pastoral letter on religious training in the family, and the importance of parents accustoming their children Secs. 1298-1304] Family Worship 833 to worship with them regularly in the sanctuary on the Sabbath. The letter is found on page 336 of the Minutes. 1301. Pastoral letter on decline of religion in the home 1902, p. 259. On an overture asking the preparation of a pas¬ toral letter in view of the decline of religion in the home, the Com¬ mittee on Bills and Overtures reconymended that the request be granted, and that this Assembly appoint a committee to prepare such letter. Adopted. 1302. Permanent Committee on Sabbath to include family religion 1904, p. 52. In regard to the overture to broaden the scope of the Permanent Committee on Sabbath, to include family religion* we recommend its adoption. Adopted. 1303. Family Religion 1912, p. 70. 1. The General Assembly requests the Session of each church within its bounds to appoint the last Sabbath in Sepembter as a day of special prayer for a revival of family religion and Sabbath observance, and that on this day a sermon be preached on the vital importance of family worship and Sabbath observance, and how these are linked together by our Heavenly Father for the welfare of His children. 2. The Assembly heartily commends to all our people the little book authorized by the last General Assembly, and published by our Committee of Publication, entitled, “The Family Altar,” and requests that pastors and Sessions take immediate steps towards putting it in all the homes of our people, especially where family wor¬ ship is not observed. 3. In addition to the above, and as an aid to a better observance of the religion which God requires of Christian homes, we recom¬ mend that all our pastors and Sessions be urged to require, with more earnestness, that parents present their children for dedication to God in the ordinance of baptism, and that such dedications al¬ ways take place, if possible, in the sanctuary. 1304. Absence of the children from church 1919, p. 34. We earnestly call the attention of our people to the ominous absence of the children from the preaching service, and enjoin upon them to rebuild the ancient custom of the whole fam¬ ily sitting together in the family pew. We believe that the habit of the young people going home after Sunday School, instead of staying for service, is a serious menace to the efficiency of the Church at reformation. The backbone of the State is a Sabbath-loving, and the stability of the State, and calls for most determined effort church-going people, but such a people must be trained in childhood. 834 Ordinances [Book V 1305. What elements shall he used in the Lord’s Supper 1898, p. 218. “Is it competent for a church Session to elect what elements shall be used to typify the shed blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the sacrament of the Lord’s supper?” Answer: No; the Lord has indicated bread and wine as the proper elements. 1306. Fermented ivine in the Lord’s Supper 1892, p. 451. 1. In the judgment of this Assembly, the Scrip¬ tural element to be used in the Lord’s supper is the fermented grape- juice. 2. This Assembly would not, however, be understood as declar¬ ing that the use of unfermented grape-juice, as conscientiously prac¬ ticed by some of our churches, would necessarily vitiate the validity of the ordinance. 1893, p. 47. The Committee of Bills and Overtures, in response to an overture from the Presbytery of Lexington, asking that the second part of the deliverance of the Assembly of 1892, concern¬ ing the use of wine in the communion, be rescinded, respectfully report the following answer: 1. The General Assembly declines to rescind the action of the last Assembly, and refers to the action of the General Assembly of 1870, p. 522, which is as follows: “An immediate rescinding of the act of the previous Assembly would consist neither with courtesy of the Assembly, nor with that reverence which the Assembly, by its example should inculcate upon the people, for ‘decrees and de¬ terminations of Synods and councils, .not contrary to the word of God, not only for their agreement with the word, but for the power whereby they are made.’ (Confession of Faith, Chap. XXXI., Sec. II.) And this the more especially when no time has been al¬ lowed to test by experience whether the measure is liable to work injuriously or not.” 2. As distinctly affirmed by the last Assembly, in the first part of their deliverance (Minutes, 1892, p. 451), it is the judgment of this Assembly that “the scriptural element to be used in the Lord’s supper,” designated in the Scriptures as “the cup” or “this cup,” and as “the fruit of the vine,” “is the fermented grape-juice.” Adopted. 1914, p. 42. Overture from the First Presbyterian Church of Savannah, Ga., asking replies to the following questions: 1. Has the Session of an individual church the right, by a ma¬ jority vote, to choose between fermented and unfermented wine? 2. Is unfermented wine equally scriptural with the fermented wine, and is the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper equally valid when the unfermented wine is used as when the fermented wine is used? Answer: The Assembly replies in the affirmative to Question 1. Answer: The Assembly refers the second question tQ an Ad- Interim Committee composed of Rev. J. S. Lyons, D. D., by ap- Secs. 1305-1308] The Lord’s Supper 835 pointment of the Assembly, Dr. W. J. Martin, Revs. E. C. Cald¬ well, D. D., C. R. Hemphill, D. D., H. A. White, D. D., R. E. Vinson, D. D., C. W. Sommerville, D. D., J. I. Vance, D. D., J. F. Cannon, D. D., Alexander Sprunt, D. D., and J. S. Foster, D. D., requesting them to consider, by correspondence, the whole mat¬ ter and report to the next General Assembly. 1915, p. 77. The Committee was continued for a year. 1916, p. 26. The Ad-Interim Committee to which was referred an overture relating to communion wine reports that, after careful consideration of the whole subject, it is the judgment of the Com¬ mittee that the actions of previous General Assemblies meet all the needs of the case, providing ample liberty for any Session to be guided by its own interpretation of the Scriptures in this matter. 1307. Deacons may assist in distribution of the elements in case of need 1910, p. 67. To an overture from the Presbytery of Western Texas touching the distribution of the elements at the Lord’s Sup¬ per by others than elders, we recommend that the Assembly reply that under the conditions specified it is permissible that the help of deacons or of worthy members be employed. Adopted. 1308. Baptism not a burial — Its true significance 1863, p. 136. The following overture, signed by Rev. George H. Coit, was reported: “The undersigned, believing the question, ‘Unto what were ye baptized?’ to be one of much importance, respectfully overtures this Assembly in the following case, viz. : “A person presents himself for admission into this Church, who declares that he has been been baptized in water in the name of the Trinity; that when he received the ordinance his views were intelli¬ gent and clear, and that his sole apprehension of the nature of the ordinance was that it symbolized the/ burial and resurrection of Christ. “The administrator of the ordinance in this case is duly quali¬ fied, unless the holding and teaching of the above sentiments re¬ specting the nature of the ordinance of baptism disqualify one from properly administering the same. “Is such a ceremony valid Christian baptism? “Again, where the notion respecting baptism indicated in the above case becomes the prevailing and controlling idea in respect to the ordinance, does this invalidate the ordinance?” The committee do not feel prepared tq recommend an answer, either affirmative or negative, to the questions raised in this over¬ ture, without an opportunity for a more careful examination than can now be made of the subject. To represent the ordinance of bap¬ tism as the symbol of the burial and resurrection of Christ, to the exclusion of the work of the Holy Spirit, which it is designed pri- 836 Ordinances [Book V marily to signify, is grave error, and, it is feared, a growing error in our day. It is, however, no slight matter, but one of great del¬ icacy and responsibility, to determine how much of error, whether of defect or of perversion, on the part either of the administrator or of the subject, may exist without invalidating the ordinance itself. Still, as the question is important, and one which our pastors and Sessions must frequently encounter in the discharge of their functions, it is desirable that it should receive a definite answer from the highest judicatory of our Church, in order that the practice of the Church may be uniform throughout the country. The com¬ mittee, therefore, suggest that it be referred, according to a good and ancient custom* of the Reformed Church in Europe, to our learned brethren of the Theological Seminaries in Virginia and South Caro¬ lina, requesting them to bestow upon it such attention as they may be able, and to report their views to the next Assembly. If this suggestion shall be approved by the Assembly, the com¬ mittee recommend that the Rev. Drs. Adger and Howe, of the Sem¬ inary at Columbia, and the Rev. Drs. Dabney and Smith, of the Seminary in Prince Eidward, Va., constitute a committee to whom the matter shall be specially entrusted. Adopted. 1864, p. 274. The committee appointed by the last Assembly to prepare an answer to the overture respecting baptism, would rec¬ ommend to this Assembly the adoption of the following: The question, “Unto what were ye baptized?” is, without doubt, of vital importance. This Assembly holds, with Calvin, that “a sacrament is an external sign by which the Lord seals his promises upon our conscience,” ' and that “it is a fixed point that the office of the sacrament differs not from the Word of God, and this is to hold forth and offer Christ to us, and in Him the treasures of the heavenly grace.” (Inst., Book IV., Chap. XIV., Sections 1-17.) This Assembly holds also, with Pictet, that the sacrament of bap¬ tism: was instituted in order to set forth “the blood and the Spirit of Christ; our justification, by His blood, and our sanctification by His Spirit.” (Book XV., Chap. XI., Sec III.) It holds, with the Reformed Church in general, that baptism was designed to signify and seal our fellowship with Christ in His death and resurrection, with all the benefits thereof, among which are the remission of sins, regeneration, and eternal life. These things being so, of course a baptism! administered and received in attestation of false¬ hood cannot be valid Christian baptism. This is the ground upon which our Church has rejected Romish baptism. But is it equally clear that some distinctions must be made in reference to the cases to which this principle is to be appbed ? 1. We cannot say that errors, even very serious errors, in the ap¬ prehensions with which a person receives baptism necessarily render it invalid. If it be rightly administered, and he should wrongly conceive of it, we are not to repeat the baptism afterward when he becomes better informed. 2. We cannot even say that serious errors in the teachings of the Sec. 1308] Baptism 837 individual administrator render it necessary to repeat baptism. He baptizes by authority from the Church that ordains him, and the baptism which he administers is to be judged according to her doc¬ trines, and not those of each one of her individual ministers. The first inquiry which arises upon a consideration of the over¬ ture submitted to us is, Does baptism, symbolize the burial of Christ? This Assembly holds that baptism symbolizes the burial of Christ only in the sense in which the apostle speaks of our being buried with Christ in baptism. What that sense is, in both the passages where the phrase occurs, we consider to be very clear, viz. : as merely embodying an intensive form of the idea of death. The apostle’s object is to set forth the believer’s being one with Christ in His dying; and, with characteristic warmth, he says not only that we are dead with Christ, but buried with Him. It is just as when we intend to declare, with emphasis, to any person the cer¬ tainty of another’s death; we often say not only that he is dead, but that he is dead and buried. We do not perceive any al¬ lusion to immersion in Paul’s language, either in Coiossians ii. 12, or in Romans vi. 4; nor does the intelligent Haldane, in his Commentary on Romans, point out any, although himself a Baptist. Indeed, there was nothing in the mode of our Saviour’s burial which could possibly have suggested any such allusion to the writer of those epistles. Our Lord was not buried down in the earth as we bury our( dead, and as he must have been buried if His burial had been intended to be symbolized by the believer’s immersion in and rising out of what is so often called “the liquid grave;” but He was laid away in a chamber hewn out of the rock, and a great stone was rolled to the door thereof. Surely there was nothing in the mode of our Lord’s entrance into the sepulchre which resembles, in the slightest degree,; the immersion of a believer under the water. The next question is, whether the ordinance is invalidated by the notion, on the part of the recipient and the administrator both, that baptism is symbolic of the mode of our Saviour’s burial. 'This ques¬ tion is presented before us in the overture in two forms: First, whether this apprehension solely, and Secondly, whether this ap¬ prehension prevailingly, is error sufficient to invalidate the ordinance. The proper answer to both these questions we conceive to be, that the prevalence of this idea in either form is not enough to invalidate the ordinance, unless it exclude positively the true idea of baptism, viz. : that it sets forth the death of Christ. It appears to us that those who hold that baptism symbolizes Christ’s burial must all do so with this apprehension, that it symbolizes his burial — he being dead. So long as this is the case, the Assembly cannot take it upon them to say that the erroneous conception referred to makes it necessary to repeat the baptism accompanying it, if other¬ wise rightly administered. That baptism does signify real pardon of sin, purification from it by His Spirit, and engrafting into Christ so that we become one with him in His dying and in His rising, there can be no question. Christ is the matter or substance of the sac- 838 Ordinances [Book V rament. It sets himi forth to us as crucified for us, and raised for our justification. Let these truths not be shut out of view, and the application of water to the person, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, by any duly authorized Christian minister, is valid baptism. Adopted. 1865, p. 363. Overture from the Presbytery of Central Missis¬ sippi, dissenting from certain language used in the Minutes of the last General Assembly on the subject of valid and invalid baptism, and requesting this Assembly to make a new and more satisfactory deliverance. Reply : The language from which the Presbytery dissents, that this is “the true idea of baptism^ viz. : that it sets forth the death of Christ,” taken by itself, is possibly liable to misapprehension. But inasmuch as the minute in question, in two or three different forms, does distinctly state the true doctrine, it is manifest that the last Assembly meant to teach that baptism “sets forth the death of Christ” by exhibiting to us the, benefits thereof in their effectual ap¬ plication to us by the Holy Ghost. In the similar expression in the same deliverance, where it is said that baptism “sets Him (Christ) forth as crucified for us and raised again for our justification,” it is evident that this language is used in the sense previously explained in the minute itself, viz. : “that baptism was designed to signify and seal our fellowship with Christ, in His death and in His res¬ urrection, with all the benefits thereof.” These expressions, thus explained, are assuredly in accordance with our Standards and with the Word of God. 1309. May a Presbyterian minister baptize by immersion? 1872, p. 167. In answer to an overture the following was adopted : Our Confession of Faith teaches that “dipping of the person into water is not necessary, but baptism is rightly administered by pour- or sprinkling water upon the person;” and our Directory prescribes “pouring or sprinkling water on the face of a child, without adding any other ceremony.” This Assembly judges that for a Presby¬ terian minister to baptize by immersion is such a departure from the ways approved in our Standards as should be discouraged. 1310. Immersion not scriptural, but valid 1894, p. 197. An overture asking whether, “in discretion granted to Sessions to receive members from evangelical immersion churches, it is intended to admit immersion to be the scriptural mode of bap¬ tism.” Ainswer: Baptism by immersion is not scriptural as to its mode; but the irregularity of this unscriptural. mode does not invalidate the sacred ordinance, and persons who have been baptized by immersion, by the authority of an evangelical church, are not required to be Secs. 1308-1312] Baptism 839 rebaptized by the scriptural mode of sprinkling or pouring when received into the communion of our church. 1311. Romish baptism 1884, p. 206. “The Session of the Presbyterian Church in An¬ derson, S. C., respectfully petition the General Assembly to pass a deliverance on the validity of Romish baptism,” We recommend that the General Assembly, as its answer, re-affirm the action of the General Assembly of 1871 (printed Minutes, page 30), viz.: (oee p. 8^2ff, of this Digest.) Our Church has always held, agreeably to Scripture, that the administration of baptism may present irregularities or imperfections which are not to be approved, but the sacrament may still have sub¬ stantial validity. It is plain from the Scriptures that baptism has, by the Lord Jesus Christ, been given to his true visible Church catholic, and cannot be out of her pale. The administration of this sacrament may, in two ways, be in¬ validated: either by the apostasy of the body wherein it is exercised, so that this society is no true part of Christ’s visible Church, or by the utter change or corruption of the element and doctrine of the sacrament. And our Assemblies have correctly held that the form called by the Popish communion “Christian baptism” has ceased for both reasons to be valid, because that society is declared in Scrip¬ ture to be antichrist, and Babylon, and apostate, out of which ‘he Lord requireth his “people to come, that they may not be partakers of ner plagues,” and because she hath, with superstitious design, substituted a mixed element in place of water, which Christ ordained to be used as the emblem, and hath utterly corrupted the doctrine of holy baptism into an incantation working ex opere operato. (See Sec¬ tions on “Baptism not a burial,” (p. 835), and “Valid Baptism” (p. 842.) Similar action in 1909 (p. 48). 1914, p. 62. The Assembly declined to rescind this deliverance. 1312. Campbellite and Unitarian baptism 1870, p. 536. “When members in good standing in the Christian Church (commonly called Campbellite), who have been baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity, apply, with or without letters, for membership in connection with our Church, shall such persons in¬ variably be re-baptized?” Reply. The principles set forth in the deliverance of the General Assembly of 1814, concerning the baptism of Unitarians, and in the deliverance of the General Assembly of 1845, concerning Popish baptism, (see Baird’s Digest, Book III., Secs. 12, 13, pp. 102, 103,) necessarily imply the invalidity of baptism as administered by min¬ isters commonly know as Campbellites; and persons so baptized only by ministers of that body, coming into our connexion, should invariably be baptized before being admitted to the Lord’s tablr. 840 Ordinances [Book V 1882, p. 573. Overture asking the Assembly to appoint a com¬ mittee to consider the validity of Campbellite baptism, and the questions involved in a recognition of the same, with a view to rescinding the action of the Assembly of 1870 in this matter. It is recommended that the Assembly give the following answer: The organization known as the Campbellite, or Christian Church professes to receive the Scriptures as the Word of God, but has no authoritative exposition thereof, or Confession of Faith; further, as each church is absolutely independent of all the other churches, the greatest variety of doctrine must of necessity prevail. It seems dif¬ ficult, therefore, to deal with the denomination as a unit or organic whole — difficult to affirm or deny anything as true or false of the whole body. To affirm that no minister of that denomination ever administers Christian baptism, is a proposition that this Assembly is not prepared to accept; and the decision of the question of how far the certificates and sacraments of the churches of that denomina¬ tion are to be recognized and rereived must be left to the Sessions and Presbyteries immediately interested in the subject. Same action 1893, p. 55. 1313. Swedenborgian baptism not valid 1894, p. 197. An overture asking whether “Swedenborgian bap¬ tism, or baptism performed by a minister of the Swedenborgian or New Jerusalem Qhurch is valid?” Ansiver : In the judgment of this Assembly, the Swedenborgian or New Jerusalem Church is not an evangelical branch of the Church of Christ, and baptism performed by its ministers is not valid. 1314. Baptizing of Quakers 1908, p. 33. An overture respecting the baptizing of members received on certificate from the Quakers’ or Friends’ Church. Answer: That, inasmuch as the Quakers or Friends do not ad¬ minister the ordinance of baptism, it is the judgment of this Assem¬ bly that one of this faith seeking admission, to our communion should be required to submit to this sealing ordinance. 1315. May non-professing parents present their children for bap¬ tism ? 1869, p. 376. “Is it an infraction of our Standards for one of our ministers to baptize the infant child of a parent, or the ward of a guardian standing in loco parentis, who has not professed per¬ sonal faith in Christ, but who was baptized in infancy?” Answered in the affirmative. The Assembly would refer the tins answer: tirst, Sec. IV. of Chap. XXVIII., of the Confession of Presbytery to the following portions of our Standards as reasons for Faith; secondly, the answer to the 166th Question of our Larger Secs. 1312-1318] Baptism 841 Catechism; thirdly, the answer to the 95th Question of our Shorter Catechism. 1316. Baptism of the children of suspended members 1870, p. 537. “Are the infants of suspended members, upon the application of suspended parents, to receive the ordinance of baptism before said suspension is removed?” The following minute was adopted: The cases being so various in which the disciplinary sentence of suspension, which the Confes¬ sion of Faith, Chap. XXX., defines as “suspension from the sacra¬ ment of the Lord’s Supper for a season,” may be pronounced, it would be inexpedient to enact an invariable} rule to cover all cases alike. The decision upon each case as it arises should be left to the discretion of the Session of the church. 1317. Neglect of infant baptism 1871, p. 32. Whereas there appears to be in some portions of our Church a degree of neglect on the part of Christian parents in presenting their children, at the proper time, for baptism, which this Assembly regards as giving occasion to those who do not appreciate this holy sacrament, to speak against the truth, and which is detri¬ mental to household religion and to the spiritual interest of the children of the covenant; therefore, Resolved, 1. That the Presbyteries composing this General As¬ sembly be, and they are hereby, instructed to bring this subject dis¬ tinctly before the mlinds of our people, and take measures to ascertain to what extent parents in their respective bounds are forgetting their covenant vows, and send up to the next General Assembly specific reports on this subject. 2. That the publications of our Committee on the subject of bap¬ tism, and especially on infant baptism, should be disseminated and carefully read throughout our whole bounds, in order to correct the evil referred to; and that the Stated Clerks of the several Presbyteries be, and they are hereby, advised to procure and circulate such pub¬ lications among their churches. 1318. Baptisms of unconscious adults 1871, p. 19. Is it right to baptize a person whose recovery from the delirium of fever is despaired of, but who, immediately before he lapsed into the delirium, professed faith in Christ, and asked to be baptized? In other words, Is it right ever to baptize an uncon¬ scious adult person? Reply. The Sacraments are rational and spiritual means of grace, and cannot change the spiritual state of any soul ex opere operato. The Shorter Catechism (Question 94) defines baptism as “signi¬ fying and sealing our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the 842 Ordinances [Book V Lord’s” The Scriptures hold out sundry instances of believers in a state of salvation without water baptism;, thereby showing that it is not in every case necessary to redemption. Experience has also taught us the propriety of caution in judging professions of faith and repentance made in sickness, either favorably or adversely. For all which reasons this Assembly decides that an unconscious adult, in the condition described in the above 'overture, is not a suitable subject for baptism. 1319. Baptism in extremis 1878, p. 634. Overture asking, “Is it agreeable to the faith and practice of the Presbyterian Church for a minister of the gospel to administer ‘the sacrament of baptism; to an adult, in extremis, in case said person professes faith in Christ without being received into church membership?’ ” To this inquiry it is answered: 1. That the Assembly does not question the right of pastors to administer the ordinance of baptism to any who make a creditable profession of faith in Christ, but advises the exercise of great care and prudence in teaching such adult applicants as are in extrem'e illness the true use and meaning of this ordinance, in order that no countenance be given to the doctrine of baptismal regeneration. 2. As to use of baptism in admitting such persons into the Church, see Larger Catechism, Questions 165, 166, especially the clause “whereby the parties baptized are solemnly admitted into the visible Church,” and “baptism is not to be administered to any out of the visible Church.” 1320. Valid Baptism 1870, p. 537. Resolved, That a committee be appointed, which shall present to the next Assembly a report of full and clear instruc¬ tion to the Church on the whole subject of valid baptism,, and the extent to which baptism administered by other churches should be recognized. This committee was appointed, to consist of the Rev. Drs. R. L. Dabney, Thomas E. Peck, J. B. Adger and George Howe. 1871, p. 30. Your committee, in fulfillment of the duty above assigned them, would beg leave to refer to the (Baird’s) Digest, Book III., Pt. I., Chap. 2. This chapter, from the enactments of previous Assemblies, presents what appears to us to be a safe and scriptural collection of rules concerning valid and invalid baptism. We are there taught that baptism is in no case to be administered by any save a minister of the Church of Christ, called to be a steward of the mysteries of God (see Directory of Worship, Chap. VII., Sec. I.) ; that baptism by a clerical impostor, who has in fact never received ordination to the ministry in any church of Christ, or by a minister duly suspended or deposed, is invalid, and so null and void; that, although the personal unworthiness of a minister officiating in any Secs. 1318-1320] Baptism 843 church of Christ does not invalidate the ordinances of that com¬ munion, yet recommend peculiar and intentional profanity in the ad¬ ministration of a particular baptism may properly render it invalid; but in this case the church Session and pastor are the best judges, and must decide from the particular circumstances whether to re-admin- ister the sacrament in a regular manner; and that all baptisms ad¬ ministered in the Unitarian and Popish communions are invalid. We respectfully recommend to the Assembly to reaffirm all these rules. The Assembly of 1870, being asked whether persons who have been baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity in the “Christian Church” (commonly called Campbellite) , and applying for member¬ ship in our Church, shall be invariably re-baptized, did, from the same principles, answer the question in the affirmative, whereupon was adopted the resolution appointing to the undersigned the present duty. If any other instruction to the churches is needed on “the whole subject of valid baptism, and the extent to which baptism adminis¬ tered by other churches should be recognized,” we would respectfully submit the following: Inasmuch as contact may hereafter arise with religious denomi¬ nations now having no relations with our Church, or not even in existence at present, this instruction cannot now be given by a com¬ plete specific enumeration. It can only consist of the statement of scriptural principles which determine each case as it arises. Our Church has always held, agreeably to the Scripture, that the administration of baptism may present irregularities or imperfec¬ tions Which are not to be approved, but the sacrament may still have substantial validity. It is plain from Scripture, that baptism has by the Lord Jesus Christ been given to His true visible Church catholic (see Matt xviii, 19, 20; Acts ii. 41, 42; 1 Cor. xii. 13; Book of Government, Chap. VII.; Directory of Worship, Chap. VII., Sec. I), and cannot be out; of her pale. The administration of this sac¬ rament may be in two ways invalidated; either by the apostasy of the body wherein it is exercised, so that this society is no true part of Christ’s visible Church; or by the utter change or corruption of the element and doctrine of the sacrament. And our Assemblies have correctly held, that the form called by the Popish communion “Christian baptism” has ceased, for both reasons, to be valid; be¬ cause! that society is declared in Scripture to be antichrist, and Babylon, and apostate, out of which the Lord requireth His “people to come, that they may not be partakers of her plagues;” and' because she hath, with superstitious design, substituted a mixed element in place of water, which Christ ordained to be used as the emblem, and hath utterly corrupted the doctrine of holy baptism into an incanta¬ tion working ex op ere operato. In other societies, as the Unitarian, their rites may have due regularity of outward form, and yet be no valid baptism, because these bodies are not true parts of Christ’s visible Church. The validity of such cases therefore depends upon the claim of the com- 844 Ordinances [Book V munion in which they are administered to be true, churches of Jesus Christ. But the scriptural mark of a true church is its holding forth the Word of God. (See Rom. iii. 2; 1 Tim. iii. 15; Book of Government, Chap. II., Sec. II.; Confession of Faith, Chap. XXV., Sec. III.) In view of the fact that several churches hold grave errors in connection with, ntuch saving truth, and that perhaps no church receives in everything the exact mind of the Spirit, it may be asked with what degree of strictness or liberality this mark of a true visible Church is to be applied. It seems to us consonant with the Scriptures and the judgment of charity to answer, that so long as any communion so retains the essential truths of God’s Word and the aids of the Holy Ghost as to save souls by its ministrations, it shall be held a true, though imperfect, member of His visible body. Though it may omit or impugn some principles which we have received from God, and may even deny to our ordinances all recognition, and to our communion all church character, yet we may not imitate its uncharitableness; so long as Christ visibly entrusts it with His saving Word and Spirit, we are bound to recognize it as His visible body, notwithstanding its errors, and to pray for its attainment of a more peaceable unity in the bonds of the truth. But in judging the ten¬ dency of its ordinances to save souls, it is obviously proper that we shall estimate those ministrations as a consistent whole, as set forth by this communion. If their only tendency as a whole, taken as it expounds them to its members, is destructive to souls, then we cannot admit that it is a pillar and ground of saving truth, merely because of some disjointed fragments of the gospel verities, mixed with here¬ sies which, if heartily accepted by the people as taught, must be fatal to souls, or because a few persons, through the special teaching of God’s Spirit, leading them to select the spiritual meat and reject the poison, actually find Christ under those ministrations; for the proper function of a visible Church is instrumentally to communicate to its disciples spiritual discernment, and not to presuppose it; and the happy escape of these souls from damnable error is due to the special grace of God shielding them against the regular effect of these ministrations, rather than employing and blessing them,. If this rule of judgment be denied, then might a valid church character possibly be established for an association of infidels investigating parts of God’s Word only for purposes of cavil, since the Almighty Spirit might, against these purposes, employ those parts of the Word to awaken and convert some member. When we examine the numerous societies founded by Mr. Alex¬ ander Campbell and his coadjutors, we find that their distinctive principle is a rejection of all use whatsoever of creeds or symbols of faith of human composition, as anti-scriptural, and infringing upon liberty of conscience and Christian unity; but none the less do we find, in the teachings of their recognized founders and leaders, a particular theological system which has generally among them the virtual force of an accepted creed, even to the extent of being employed Sec. 1320] Baptism 845 as a test of ministerial standing and rule of expulsion. The leading points of this system we find to be the following: The inspiration of the Old and New Testaments is admitted, but the authority of the former as a rule of salvation under the new dispensation is superseded. The death of man’s soul in sin, and his inability of will unto all spiritual good, are denied. A temporal sonship of Christ, with His divinity and vicarious sacrifice, are held as also the personality and mission of the Holy Ghost as Comforter. Justification, which is defined to be remission of sins only, is on account of the merit of Christ’s sacrifice; alone; and this merit re¬ ceived by faith is first applied and sealed to the believer only in immersion, than which no other water-baptism is recognized. This faith, when genuine and justifying, always worketh by love, pro¬ ducing repentance unto life; but the renewing and quickening; agency of the Holy Ghost in producing this faith and repentance is expressly denied, save as he exercises a moral suasion, by holding forth inducements thereto in the Scriptures; and the sinner is required to quicken himself unto the exercise of these saving graces of his own free will; for it is declared that no man can receive the Spirit until after he hath received Christ and been reconciled to him in immer¬ sion. The mission of the Holy Ghost is therefore, according to them, only to promote the comfort and sanctification of the believer after his adoption by dwelling in his soul. Regeneration is taught to be no more than the introduction of a person intoi an estate of recon¬ ciliation. This, taken with other preceding propositions, manifestly abolishes the whole doctrine of effectual calling. As faith is made prerequisite to baptism in every case, infant baptism and the mem¬ bership of the children of believers in Christ’s Church are utterly repudiated. And as the only faith required for adult baptism is the temporary faith of the soul exercising solely its native powers (whereas the Scriptures require of adults a living faith in order to baptism), it is hard to see what part of the doctrine of baptism is left uncorrupted. While this is the system of faith which dis¬ tinguishes their body, they require, as the only declared basis for Christian communion, the reception of the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, expressed and sealed in immersion. If your committee may believe the current testimony within and without these societies, while some who are admitted to them hold more, many hold less of God’s saving truth than] is embraced in the above erroneous and fragmentary doctrine. Such must be the result of their rejection of all symbols of belief. If this first principle be consistently carried out, any one who is willing to attest in immer¬ sion a profession of his faith in !Jesus Christ as God’s Son, and his Saviour, must be admitted to communion, and may be admitted to the ministry — whatever may be the sense in which he construes the terms “faith,” “Messiah,” “sonship to God,” and “salvation” — although that construction may be Sabellian, Arian, Pelagian1 or Socinian. To this must be added the fact that these societies admit no theory of church government save the Independent, and no 846 Ordinances [Book V superior church courts of review and control. Whatever, then, may be the excellence of one member or one congregation in this denomi¬ nation, the Christian world has no evidence or guarantee that the next is not of a far different character. In such circumstances, even if the Assembly admitted that the system above delineated contained sufficient substance of saving truth to redeem the soul embracing it, this difficulty would remain; this communion refuses us all guarantee that the person baptized into its pale held at the time even that fragmentary outline. We are persistently left in the dark whether both he and the minister who baptized him, and the congregation which received him, may not have apprehended the Trinity whose name was used, the faith professed, and the salvation embraced, in the sense of the un¬ believing Pelagian or Socinian, unless we happen to have the incidental evidence of a personal acquaintaince with these sev¬ eral parties. In these circumstances, there appears no way for the Church to protect the testimony and sacraments of her divine Head from disparagement (a sacred duty, in the performance of which no option is left us), except to refuse to recognize in that body, as a whole, a part of Christ’s true visible Church. Believing that it eniibraces many individuals and some congregations who are true saints of God, we sincerely regret, for the sake of these, the necessity of assuming this ground. But it is a necessity which they create, in refusing to separate themselves, by a definite testimony, from those who teach “another gospel”; for our Sovereign Lord has strictly forbidden us to bid God-speed to such. Adopted. 1321. Liturgy for Public Worship not adopted 1864, p. 388. The following paper was presented by J. T. L. Preston, and, on motion of Rev. T. T. Penick, laid on the table. Inasmuch as the Directory of Worship of the Presbyterian Church prescribes an outline of prayer in the public worship of God, and suggests topics which are always appropriate to his people in their solemn assemblies in His house — such as adoration, supplication and penitential confession of sin — w*ould it be in accordance with the principles and early usages of the Presbyterian Church, and calcu¬ lated to promote the decorum and devotional character of its public service, to introduce a few scriptural and well-considered forms of prayer, requiring responses on the part of the congregation, the use of such forms to be optional on the part of pastors conducting these services? Resolved , That a committee of five be appointed, to take into consideration the above subject, and to report thereon at the next meeting of the Assembly. 1865, p. 375. A motion was made by Col. Preston to take up a resolution in regard to liturgies, which bad been laid on the table at the last General Assembly, which motion was lost. 1872, p. 154. Ruling Elder J. T. L. Preston introduced the fol- Secs. 1320-1325] Ordinances 847 lowing resolutions After citing by way of preamble the same language, word for word, found in his resolution offered in 1864 (see above), these words follow: Resolved, That a committee be appointed by this Assembly to make to the next General Assembly a report responsive to the above inquiry. P. 163. This paper was taken from the docket, and, after dis¬ cussion, the motion to adopt the paper was rejected; on an “aye and no” vote — ayes, 5; noes, 102; non liquet, 1. 1322. Christmas and Easter not to be observed as holy days 1899, p. 430. To an overture asking “a pronounced and explicit deliverance” against the recognition of “Christmas and Easter as religious days,” the following answer was given: There is no warrant in the Scriptures for the observance of Christ¬ mas and Easter as1 holy days, but rather the contrary (see Galatians iv. 9-11; Colossians ii. 16-21), and such observance is contrary to the principles of the Reformed faith, conducive to will-worship, and not in harmony with the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The answer was adopted. 1323. Directory for the Oblation 1868, p. 278. The comimittee would suggest to the Assembly the appointment of a committee to prepare a “Directory for the Obla¬ tion,” to be inserted in the Directory of Worship, consisting mainly of references to passages of .Scripture containing the doctrine of oblation, which might be recited by the minister before or during the offering of their gifts 'by the congregation. In the opinion of your committee, such a directory would serve to keep this great doc¬ trine before the faith and consciences of believers. Adopted. P. 281. Rev. Dr. M. D. Hoge and T. E. Peck were appointed such committee. 1324. Burial Service 1880, p. 196. Overture asking the Assembly to provide, and have bound with our collection of Psalms and Hymns, a suitable burial service for the optional use of laymen. This overture was referred to the committee appointed to revise the Directory of Worship. 1325. The] Benediction 1881, p. 366. The records of the Synod of Missouri were ap¬ proved, with the exception that, on page 23, it appears that the. Synod, in reply to an overture asking, “Are not our various forms of so-called benedictions prayers?” gave the answer, “They are prayers.” Exception was taken to this answer, because of its inconsistency with the Form of Government, Chap. II., Sec., IV.,, Aft. V.; and with Chap. IV., Sec. II., Art. IV. 848 Ordinances [Book V 1326. Professional and ' hired singers 1895, p. 390. The Presbytery of Macon overtures the General Assembly to take into consideration the fact that many of our churches a practice has arisen of using professional and hired singers for the purpose of giving musical performances as a part of the public worship on the Lord’s day, and for which no authority or permission is given in- the Directory for Worship of our church. The effects of this innovation are to interfere to a large extent with the privilege of the people in singing the praises of God; to violate the simplicity of the forms of worship which has always characterized our church; to distract their minds from the true objects for which the people come together in God’s house; to intro¬ duce the element of entertainment rather than assist in the worship in spirit and in truth; and to lower the tone of the sacred exercises of devotion to the level of worldly and questionable amusements. Besides which, the influence of these practices is to bring discredit upon the preaching of the doctrines of the cross, which is the only divinely prescribed way for the church to win the attention of sinful men, and to place the ministry in a doubtful position as to its adaptation for securing the most important result. These serious considerations, as well as the waste of money involved, and the trouble and anxiety which many of the pastors and Sessions realize in dealing with the developments of this prac¬ tise, influence this Presbytery to overture your venerable court that you make such deliverance as will tend to correct the evil, either by pastoral letter or otherwise, as in your judgment may seem best. The committee recommends the following: Answer: The Assembly directs the attention of our churches to Paragraph 67 of the Book of Church Order (Chap. V., Sec. III.), in which the powers of the church Session are defined, and in which the Session of each church is specifically charged “to take oversight of the singing in the public worship of God.” Recognizing and de¬ ploring the existence of the evil complained of in the overture from the Presbytery of Macon, the General Assembly hereby enjoins such oversight of this imjportant part of public worship! as will conform to the principle laid down in Chapter IV. of our Directory for Worship. 1327. Day of fasting and prayer 1866, p. 39. In view of the manifold sins and dangers of our people, the privations and distress to which many of them have been reduced, and especially in the hope that it may please God, in answer to our prayers, to bestow his blessing on our Church in all her spiritual interests and Christian enterprises, Resolved, That the last Thursday of February, 1867, be appointed a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, to be observed by all the ministers, families and congregations under the General Assembly. 1867, p. 137. Overture from the Synod of South Carolina, in Secs. 1326-1329] Ordinances 849 regard to appointing a day of fasting and prayer. The following was adopted: Resolved, That this Assembly recommend the 24th day of January, 1868, as a day of fasting and prayer, and urge upon all our churches, in view of the extraordinary distress of God’s people in this land, to observe said day by suitably religious exercises. 1868, p. 280. In view of the general condition of our Church and country, be it Resolved, That Thursday before the first Sabbath in August next be appointed and set apart by this Assembly as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, to be observed in all our churches. 1902, p. 258. On overtures from the Synod of Georgia and the Presbytery of Washbourne, asking the appointment of a day of humili¬ ation, fasting and prayer, in view of the low state of religion within our bounds, the committee recommend an affirmative answer, and that the last Thursday in June be the day. Adopted. 1328. Day of thanksgiving and prayer 1872, p. 166. In response to an overture from the Synod of South Carolina, the Comlmittee of Bills and Overtures recommend that the third Thursday of November next be observed as a day of special thanksgiving to God for His mercies to us as a church, and of humiliation and earnestness supplication to God for an abundant outpouring of His Spirit on all our pastors, and congregations. Adopted. See also 1918, p. 18; 1920, pp, 17, 35. 1329. Prayer at noon 1920, p. 79. Overture requests that the Assembly petition the President to designate the noon hour daily as a time of prayer. The Committee recommends the following: In view of present world-wide unsettled conditions and the grow¬ ing unrest and distress in our own land, the General Assembly recom¬ mends to all our churches that during the month of June our people at the noon hour unitedly join in a five minutes intercessory prayer that God will banish the evils that now threaten and give to us stability and peace, and that our Assembly request all other Chris¬ tian bodies who are willing to do so to join us in this intercession. BOOK VI TOPICS MORAL AND SEQULAR 1330. Fashionable amusements and social recreations 1865, p. 361. A paper from the Rev. Dr. Ross, on the subject of fashionable amusements, containing three inquiries, with their proposed answers: The inquiries were answered as follows, viz. : 1. Whether every church Session has the right to make it a rule that dancing and other amusements are disciplinary. Answer: No church judicatory has a right to make any new rules of church membership different from those contained in the Constitution; but it is the undoubted right of the Session, and of every other judicatory, to make a deliverance affirming its sense of what is “an offense,” in the meaning of the Book of Discipline, Chap. I., Sec. III. 2. Whether such rule commonly exists in Presbyterian churches. Answer: Probably none of our judicatories are as faithful as they ought to be; but it is believed that the churches generally do, in some form, discountenance dancing. And the Presbyterian Church, through its supreme judicatory, has repeatedly borne its testimony against dancing and other worldly amusements. 3. Whether such rule is expedient, or what should be the mind of the whole body, and what its action. Answer: It is the duty of every judicatory to enforce the teachings of our Standards on this and other fashionable amusements, such as theatrical performances, card-playing, etc. And while the Assembly believes that the “lascivious dancings” declared to be forbidden in the Seventh Commandment by the answer to the 139th question of the Larger Catechism, are not those usual in our best society, yet it is our belief that the tenor of the teachings of the^ Scriptures, and of our Standards, is in direct opposition to this social usage. Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, and the apostle exhorts Christians not to be conformed to the world. Though we do not say that all these worldly amusements are “in their own nature sinful,” it is clear that they “may tempt” those who engage in them, and others, to sin; and moreover, the .Scriptures condemn them as worldliness. If the practice of the dance in mixed assemblies be not conforming to the world, it is difficult to name any offense against the injunction of the apostle. Nor need the Church of Christ have any hesitancy1 in announcing its position on this subject; for the men of the world, with one consent, agree that it is inconsistent with the nature of the Christian profession for members of the Church to engage in the dance. .Secs. 1330-1331] Worldly Amusements 851 In this connection, the Assembly would take occasion to exhort our Christian people to avoid the excesses into which they are in danger of being drawn by the demands of fashion. The Scriptures forbid “revellings” and all intemperate self-indulgence, with which teachings the prevalent custom of protracting social assemblies, with or without music and dancing, to the hours of the morning, but es¬ pecially whei^ accompanied with drinking jand card-playijng, is manifestly inconsistent. Moreover, the Assembly, observing that parties of pleasure are usually composed almost exclusively of un¬ married young people, would give it as its earnest advice, that the best form of social reunion be made to partake as much as possible of the style and tone of the family circle, in which youthful enjoy¬ ment is tempered by the presence of the older and married members. The Assembly expresses itself with the more earnestness on this whole subject, because of the disposition which is observed in all parts of our borders to run into< the inordinate indulgence of world¬ liness at this time, in forgetfulness of the mighty chastenings of God which are even yet upon us, and because we see members of our churches and our beloved baptized youth, in forgetfulness of the cove¬ nant of Qod which is upon them, carried away with the world’s de¬ lusions, to the subversion of the divine influences of the sanctuary, and to the neglect of the interests of their souls. Wherefore the Assembly would urge our people to take the word of exhortation, to abstain from all forms of evil, and to study and pursue that sobriety which becometh the gospel, so that the Church of Christ shall indeed be “a peculiar people.” And we hereby exhort our ministers and church Sessions to a discharge of their duties. Let them proceed, by affectionate and faithful instruction from the pulpit, as well as in private, by admonition, and by such other measures as Christian prudence may dictate; but when all other means fail, then let them proceed to such methods of discipline as shall separate from the Church those who love the world, and practice conformity thereto rather than to the law of Christ. 1893, p. 23. The Assembly directs the Executive Committee of Publication to prepare and publish a tract, collating the testimony of the Standards of our church and the various deliverances of our Assemblies on worldly amusements and immoralities. P. 26. Your committee recommends this answer to the overture on card-playing and other worldy amusements : In view of the action of former Assemblies, whose deliverances have been numerous, and at the same time uniform and emphatic in their condemnation of these forms of worldly amusement, this Assembly deems a further deliverance unnecessary. 1331. Pastoral letter on Worldly Amusements 1900, p. 626. For the promotion of the spiritual well-being of the church, the General Assembly feels constrained to address all our people a few words of instruction and advice on the importance Moral and Secular 852 [Book VI of abstaining from such amusements as are destructive of or un¬ favorable to the religious life of the Christian. Under the term worldly amusements may be included the dance, the theatre and the card-table. There is dancing which is innocent in itself; there are plays that are not immoral, and card-playing without gambling cannot be called a sin. There are also dances, stage plays, and games of cards that are in themselves harmful, and contrary to the law of God, and such being evil, and only evil, are condemned! and forbidden by the church. On these matters the church, through its Constitution, the deliverances of its courts, and from its pulpits, has spoken in the strongest terms. The question then arises, May not Christians freely indulge in such forms of worldly amusements as are not sinful in themselves? In reply the General Assembly urges our people to abstain altogether from the amusements referred to, as a matter of Christian prudence, example, and out of regard for the honor of Christ, because — 1. These things are accounted worldly, and are regarded as char¬ acteristic of a worldly, as distinguished from a spiritual, life. Chris¬ tians cannot afford to do those things which are looked upon as belonging peculiarly to the world, and by doing which the line of separation between the world and the church is erased, or obscured. “Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, O my people, saith the Lord.” 2. Experience shows that persons engaging in worldly amuse¬ ments are easily led into such indulgences as are wrong in them¬ selves. Entering into these things, it is difficult to stop within the bounds of prudence, and under their fascination and the influence of worldly surroundings many are led into sin, and become alien¬ ated from God, to the ruin of their souls. Those who dance at all are in danger of being led into dances that are improper. Those who attend the theater are likely to witness and take pleasure in things which are evil: and card-playing has led many a person to gambling, which is one of the most fatal of all vices. 3. Worldly amusements, and the company into which they often bring those engaged in them, are not favorable to growth in grace, and a loving service of God and the church. It cannot be denied that those who indulge in worldly amusements do not become emi¬ nent for piety, do not hunger and thirst after righteousness, and do not excel in Christian work. It is touching such matters as these, not things evil in themselves only, but also things considered evil, or associated with evil, that Christians must practice self- denial, and live lives which will mark them as separate from the world. Those things are not “expedient” which draw the soul away from communion with God, and from the greatest efficiency in His holy church. Be Christians in earnest. Let the dear, sad, glorious cross of Christ over-shadow all your life. Never get beyond its chastening presence, and let its precious sacrifice be the model and inspiration of all you do. Secs. 1331-1334] Worldly Amusements 853 A similar letter was prepared and sent to pastors and churches. See Assembly Minutes 1911, pp. 44,, 46; 1912, 19. Pastors were requested to preach on the subject at least once during the ensuing year. Minutes, 1911, p. 44. 1332. What amusements are ta be avoided 1916, p. 73. All amusements evil in themselves are to be avoided, of course, and amusements that are innocent in themselves may become evil through excess, and it is the duty of the Session, in the exercise of its constitutional powers, to warn their young people against such, but nothing is to be considered an offense “which cannot be proved to be such” from Scripture, as interpreted in our Standards. 1333. Definition of “Worldly Conformity” 1902, p. 285. In reply to an overture asking a definition of the phrase “worldly conformity” in the narrative blanks, we would an¬ swer: By “worldly conformity” is meant conforming to the sinful practices of the world. See Rom. xii. 2, and 1 John ii.( 15 and 16. 1910, p. 68. In reply to an overture concerning worldly con¬ formity we recommend that the Assembly answer that the formula¬ tion of a complete and satisfactory definition being impossible, the matter be left to the Christian discretion of each Session. 1911, p. 28. The term Worldly Conformity in question No. 9 of the form of the narrative on the State of Religion, includes all those forms of worldly pleasure and selfish indulgence which the world and the Church both recognize as unbecoming in a follower of Jesus Christ and marking the difference between the classes of whom it is said “to be carnally minded is death, but to be spirit¬ ually minded is life and peace.” 1918, p. 32. We recommend that “Worldly Conformity” be defined: “That conformity to a sinful world, which puts self-in¬ dulgence above the will of God in such principles and practices as mar Christian character and influence.” 1334. Discipline to be enforced against certain offenses 1869, p. 390. Overture from the Rev. Dr. Dabney, that the As¬ sembly would direct all its moral and spiritual powers, by such measures as shall seem to it best to this end, effectually causing all church Sessions and Presbyteries to enforce the discipline provided in our Constitution against offenses, and especially against con¬ formity to dissipated and lascivious amusements of the world, in¬ temperance, and relaxed expedients for evading pecuniary obliga¬ tions now permitted by the legislation of the country. Answer : The Assembly would earnestly and solemnly enjoin upon all the Sessions and Presbyteries under its care the absolute necessity of enforcing “the discipline provided in our Constitution 854 Moral and Secular [Book VI against offenses/’ under the word offenses including attendance by our members upon theatrical exhibitions and performances, and pro¬ miscuous dancings; against intemperance, and against availing them¬ selves of the “expedients for evading pecuniary obligations now permitted by the legislation of the country,” in such a manner as cannot be justified by a conscience enlightened by the Spirit and the Word of God, and as must dishonor the cause of Jesus Christ. 1335. Card- playing, dancing and dancing-schools 1877, p. 411. Overture asking the Assembly to interpret the law of the Church concerning worldly amusements, as set forth in the deliverances of the Assemblies of 1865 and 1869 in the following particulars : I. Does the law forbid card-playing for purposes of amusement, or for purposes of gambling merely? II. Does it forbid dancing, or only promiscuous dancing? III. If the latter only, to what accident of the dance does the word “promiscuous” refer? Does the law forbid round dances merely as distinguished from the square? or dancing at a public ball as distinguished from dancing in a private house? or the mingling of males and females in this amusement for the reason, among others, that in such cases the dance has a tendency to in¬ fluence the licentious passions? Anszver: 1st, The Assembly has uniformly discouraged and con¬ demned the mpdern dance in all its forms, as tending to evil, whether practiced in public balls or in private parlors. 2d, Some forms of this amusement are more mischievous than others; the round dance than the square, the public ball than the private parlor; but all are evil, and should be discountenanced. 3d, The extent of the mischief done depends largely upon cir¬ cumstances. The church Session is therefore the only court com¬ petent to judge what remedy to apply; but the Assembly being persuaded that, in most cases, it is the result of thoughtlessness or ignorance, recommends great patience in dealing with those who offend in this way. 4th, The following was added by the Assembly as an amendment: And we further affectionately urge all our Christian parents not to send their children to dancing schools, where they acquire a fondness and an aptitude for this dangerous amusement. 1336. In what sense the Assembly9 s deliverances on worldly amuse¬ ments are to be understood 1879, p. 23. The Presbytery of Atlanta asks the Assembly for definite instructions, among other things, upon the following points: 1. Are the deliverances of 1865, 1869 and 1877, on the subject of worldly amusements, to be accepted and enforced as law by judicial process? Secs. 1334-1337] Worldly Amusements 855 2. Are all offenses named in them to be so dealt with, or are exceptions to be made? In answer, the following was adopted: First, This Assembly would answer the first question in the neg¬ ative, upon the following grounds: 1. That these deliverances do not require judicial prosecution expressly, and could not require it without violating the spirit of our law. 2. That none of these deliverances were made by the Assembly in a strictly judicial capacity, but were all deliverances in thesi, and therefore can be considered as only didactic, advisory and monitory. 3. That this Assembly has no power to issue orders to institute process, except according to the provisions of Book of Discipline, Chap. VII., in the old, and Chap. XIII., Sec. I., in the revised book; and all these provisions imply that the court of remote juris¬ diction is dealing with a particular court of original jursdiction, and not with such courts in general. The injunctions, therefore, upon the Sessions to exercise discipline in the matter of worldly amuse¬ ments are to be understood only as utterances of the solemn testi¬ mony of these Assemblies against a great and growing; evil in the Church. The power to utter such a testimony will not be disputed, since it is so expressly given to the Assemblies in the Form of Government, Chap. XII., Sec. V., of the old, and in the revised Book of Church Order, Forms of Government, V., Sec. VI., Art. VI.; and this testimony this Assembly does here; most solemnly and affection¬ ately reiterate. In thus defining the meaning and intent of the action of former Assemblies, this General Assembly does not mean, in the slightest degree, to interfere with the power of discipline, in any of its forms, which is given to the courts below by the Constitution of the Church; or to intimate that discipline in its sternest form may not be nec¬ essary, in some cases, in order to arrest the evils in question. The occasion, the mode, the degree, and the kind of discipline, must be left to the courts of original jurisdiction, under the checks and re¬ straints of the Constitution. All that is designed is to deny the power of the Assembly to make law for the Church in the matter of “offenses,” or to give to its deliverances in thesi the force of ju¬ dicial decisions. Second, The second question, which is, “Are all the offenses named in the deliverances of 1865, 1869 and 1877, to be dealt with in the way of judicial process, or are exceptions to be made?” needs no answer after what has been said in answer to the first. 1337. Declines to make a further deliverance on the subject of dancing 1880, p. 193. From the Presbytery of Athens, asking the As¬ sembly to make a more full and explicit deliverance on the subject of dancing and worldly amusements. 856 Moral and Secular [Book VI This Assembly declines attempting any such deliverance — 1st, Because the deliverances of former Assemblies on this subject are as full and specific as the nature of the case allows. 2nd, Because the evils referred to are to be met, not Jay resort to deliverances of the Assembly, but rather by care on the part of the court of original jurisdiction. 1338. Former deliverances have not been revoked 1881, p. 358. From Montgomery Presbytery, inquiring whether the deliverance of the Assembly of 1877, on dancing, has been af¬ fected by the action of the Assemblies of 1879-’80, and requesting that said deliverance be reaffirmed. Answer : The deliverance of 1877 has not been revoked by any subsequent action of the Assembly. 1921, p. 65. All past deliverances of the Assembly on the ques¬ tion of worldly amusements are hereby reaffirmed, and all Pastors and Sessions are requested to call the special attention of their Churches to this action. 1339. Excommunication for dancing 1893, p. 35. The Presbytery of Columbia asks a deliverance as to whether it lies within the power of a church Session to excom¬ municate a church member for dancing. Answer: The censures which may be inflicted by a church Ses¬ sion are admonition, suspension and excommunication. This last is the extreme penalty of the law, and is ordinarily to be inflicted only after the milder censures have been employed and “have failed to reclaim the delinquent,” and not unless the offender has been proved guilty of “gross crime or heresy,” and is “incorrigible and contumacious.” Nothing is to be considered as an offense “which cannot be proved to be such from Scripture, as interpreted in our Standards.” These Standards interpret the Scriptures as condemning “lasciv¬ ious dancings” (Larger Catechism, Quest. 139), and when, in the judgment of a Session, an accused person has been proved guilty of participating in such “dancings,” and when all other means have failed to reclaim the offender, it is clearly “within the power of the Session to excommunicate” the offending member in order “to deliver the church from the scandal of his offense, and to inspire all with fear by the example of his discipline.” (Rules of Dis¬ cipline, Chap. IV., Sec. IV.) 1340. Committee of inquiry as to intemperance 1883, p. 32. Whereas among the sins of the age intemperance is prominent, as leading to idleness, poverty, crime and misery; and whereas drunkenness is greatly obstructing the progress of the truth Secs 1337-1343] Intemperance 857 as it is in Christ Jesus, and on the authority of the Bible no drunk¬ ard can enter the kingdom of heaven; therefore, Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed, to report to the next General Assembly what steps, if any, can be taken by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States to avert the progress of this great evil, and, as far as possible, re¬ move this barrier to the extension of the Redeemer’s kingdom over the earth. The committee never made a report. 1341. Suppressing the liquor traffic 1886, p. 60. In response to a communication from the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, through Mrs. W. C. Sibley, vice- president, of Augusta, Ga., on the subject of the present attitude of the temperance movement, the following was adopted: As the traffic in and use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage are the prolific causes of so much crime, poverty and suffering in our land, and as it costs the people so much money in criminal prosecu¬ tions and the support of the victims of drink, and as it is one of the greatest enemies of the Church of Christ in destroying the sanctity of the Christian Sabbath in its right observance wherever its blight¬ ing influence is felt, and as we are warned against its effects in 1 Cor. vi. 10; therefore, in view of these terrible effects, this Gen¬ eral Assembly bears its testimony against this evil, and recommends to all our people the use of all legitimate means for its banishment from the land. Reaffirmed 1908, p. 22. 1342. Retailing ardent spirits 1878, p. 635. Overture from the Presbytery of Lexington, ask¬ ing the Assembly “to make a deliverance with reference to the duties of Sessions in regard to members of the Church under their care engaged in the retail of ardent spirits.” The Assembly replied by referring to the action of the General Assembly in 1842, viz.: “ Resolved , That the records (of the Synod of Pittsburg) be approved, except so far as they seem to establish a general rule in Regard to the use and sale of ardent spirits as a beverage, which use and sale are generally to be decidedly disapproved, but each case must be decided in view of all the attendant circumstances that go to modify and give character to the same.” 1343. Intemperance 1888, p. 387. Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed, whose duty it shall be after careful consideration, to prepare and report to the next General Assembly a paper, touching the intemper- 858' Moral and Secular [Book VI ate use of intoxicating drinks; to the intent that the churches under our care may be exhorted to the performance of their whole duty in suppressing this great evil, and may be also instructed and guarded concerning erroneous opinions connected therewith. P. 391. Resolved, That the action taken by this General Assem¬ bly on the third day of its sessions in appointing a Committee on Temperance was not intended to commit this Assembly to or against any political questions of prohibition or so-called moral reform now agitating the mind of the public; but the purpose was to have the committee formulate the views of the church upon the question of temperance. This committee obtained leave (1889, p. 592) to report in 1890. Its report (1890, p. 20) was then read, ordered printed by the Ex¬ ecutive Committee of Publication, supplied to the churches and ministers, and the further consideration of it referred to the next Assembly. (P. 25.) 1890, p. 39. This action was reconsidered, and the following substitute was adopted: Resolved, 1, That the thanks of this Assembly be tendered to the Special Committee on Temperance for their report. 2, That we take no further action thereon, except that we reaffirm the deliverances of former Assemblies on the subject of temperance. 1891, p. 244. Our church, in accordance with her former de¬ liverances on the subject of temperance, made in 1830, 1834, 1837 and 1848, bears her testimony against the traffic in intoxicating liquors as a fruitful source of abounding iniquity and misery. And the Assembly w'ould urge our people to use all means, which may be approved by their Christian conscience and judgment, to remedy this evil throughout the land. Especially would we urge our mem¬ bers to abstain from the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage. 1892, p. 462. Whereas we recognize the liquor traffic as an ag¬ gressive enemy to the home, the church, and the state, an alarming menace to the Christian Sabbath, and a powerful obstacle to the work of establishing Christ’s kingdom in foreign lands; and, Whereas “sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God,” and a failure to manifest disapproval of, or opposition to, a prevailing evil is a sin of omission, therefore, Resolved, That we reaffirm the deliverance and testimony of our church made in 1891 on the subject of temperance, the liquor traffic and abstinence from intoxicants as a beverage, and we bear our testimony against the establishing and promoting of the traffic in intoxicating liquors as the fruitful source of sin, crime and misery. 1895, p. 408. Resolved, That the General Assembly reiterates the deliverances of previous Assemblies on the subject of temper¬ ance, and, without any reference to the political aspect of the tem¬ perance reform, urges upon all Christians the duty of using all legitimate means to promote the cause of good citizenship, espe¬ cially by refusing to be identified in any way with the liquor traffic, the greatest and boldest modern enemy to the church and the home, Secs. 1343-1346] Intemperance 859 and deprecates the inconsistency of professing Christians who rent their property for immoral purposes. 1897, p. 17. In response to the communication signed by Edwin A. Shaver, chairman, and Thomas P. Johnston, secretary of the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Prohibition Party, peti¬ tioning this Assembly “to make some deliverance and declaration of principles on the all-important subject of temperance,” this As¬ sembly would reply: That alike by uniform practice and Consti¬ tution we are forbidden to intermeddle with political parties or questions, and that the constant and scriptural attitude of our be¬ loved church on temperance and intemperance, as shown in past deliverances on record (see\ this Digest, p. 856 f) , is too well known to require restatement. P. 19. Resolved, That in the action by the Assembly in adopt¬ ing the report of the Committee on Bills and Overtures in reply to a communication from the Executive Committee of the Prohibition Party of North Carolina, this Assembly is not to be construed as intending to commit the church to the political theory of prohibi¬ tion, either pro or con. 1344. The liquor traffic as affecting Foreign Missions 1892, p. 446. In view1 of the reports which come to us from many parts of the unevangelized world, of the appalling effects of the traffic in strong drink carried on by those belonging to our own and other Christian nations, among the heathen, we call upon our people to use all their influence against this business, and pray for the suppression of what is so destructive to the souls and bodies of those who look to us for their knowledge of God, and who expect to see in the representatives of Christian nations the fruits of that gospel which we preach. 1345. T emperance D ay 1898, p. 201. Your memorialist would respectfully represent that the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, in accordance with the plan of the London Sabbath School Union, is endeavor¬ ing to secure the observance of the fourth Sabbath in November as Temperance Day. Believing that your influence would be of great help in advancing this movement, we most earnestly request the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church to recommend the observance of this day as an annual temperance Sabbath. 'Answer: We recorrumend the following answer: While we have borne, and do now bear, our unqualified testimony against intem¬ perance as a fruitful source of evil, we decline to grant the request of the Sabbath School Department of the W. C. T. U. to set apart a special Sabbath as a temperance day. Same action in 1899 (p. 407). 1346. American Anti-Saloon League 1903, p. 470. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church 860 Moral and Secular [Book VI in the United States, in session at Lexington, Va., acknowledges the greetings just received of the “American Anti-Saloon League,” and also the request of the league that we send delegates to their National Convention, to be held in Washington, D. C., in December next. This General Assembly is in full sympathy with the object which the league proposes to accomplish; yet as we represent an organization that is purely spiritual, and whose uniform practice has been to decline affiliation with all secular organizations, how¬ ever worthy in themselves, it would be a departure from our estab¬ lished practice to comply with the request of the league, and for such departure in this instance we see no sufficient reason. 1347. Permanent Committee on Temperance 1907, p. 57. Overtures from the Presbyteries of West Hanover, Arkansas, Louisville, Transylvania, Ebenezer, East Hanover, St. John’s, Suwanee, Ouachita, Cherokee, and from the Synod of Ala¬ bama, asking the appointment of a Permanent Committee on Tem¬ perance. It is recommended that this be answered in the negative, for the reasons, (1) that the position of our Church is sufficiently well known on this question, and (2) such a measure would add indefinitely to the machinery of our Church, and would involve the possibility of political entanglement. Adopted. 1913, p. 7 Oi. There has been referred to your Special Committee the petition froni the Session of the Richwood Church, praying the Assembly to petition the State “to repeal all laws licensing the saloon and to correct all revenue laws which contradict the eternal prin¬ ciples of Rectitude,” and the recommendation of the Committee on Bills and Overtures for a special committee to reaffirm the position of the Church. We reply: (1) We regard such a petition to the State as is prayed for as of no practical value toward remedying the evils of the liquor traffic, since these remedies lie with the legislative bodies of the several States, and such legislatures will ordinarily act only in re¬ sponse to a definite demand from a majority of the voters of their States. (2) But while the Assembly does not consider it within its province to make the petition asked for, yet this Assembly would emphatically reaffirm the deliverance of the Assembly of 1892, which has also been reaffirmed by subsequent Assemblies. (See above Sec. 1343.) In conformity with these and other deliverances, we urge on all our membership the duty of using all legitimate means for the ban¬ ishment of this traffic from the land, and for striving by voice and vote, in all ways which may be approved by their Christian conscience and judgment, for the enactment of such laws as shall most speedily and effectively bring this result to pass. Secs. 1346-1348] Intemperance 861 1348. National Prohibition 1914, p. 71. A communication relating to National Constitu¬ tional Prohibition from the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was read. The Assembly adopted the following as its answer to this resolution: Resolved, That we are in hearty favor of National Constitutional Prohibition, and will do all properly within our power to secure the adoption of an amendment to the Constitution forever prohibit¬ ing the sale, manufacture for sale, transportation for sale, importa¬ tion for sale, and exportation for sale of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes in the United States. 1914, p. 80b. Whereas, in our judgment, the action of the As¬ sembly, taken this morning, in answer to an overture from the Wo¬ man’s Christian Temperance Union, viz. : “That we are in hearty favor of National Constitutional Prohibition, and will do all properly within our power to secure the adoption of an amendment to the Constitution forever prohibiting the sale, the manufacture for sale, transportation for sale, importation for sale, and exportation for sale of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes in the United States,” was a deliverance upon a political question and hence was a violation of the scriptural function of the Church of God and contrary to the historic position of our Church on the right of the Church to make political deliverances, we, the undersigned, wish to record our respectful protest against said action in its political character. [Signed with 41 names.] 1915, p. 29. Overture from the Synod of Virginia, concerning the action of the Kansas City Assembly touching amendment of the Federal Constitution. The protest is as follows: Resolved, That this Synod regard with strong disapproval the action of the Assembly in answer to a communication from the W. C. T. U. touching National Constitutional Prohibition, p. 71. While we most heartily approve of the strongest deliverance that the Assembly could possible make versus the sin of intemperance and the evils of the liquor business, we believe that this deliverance, and all such deliverances as advise us as citizens how we should vote on any political question before the public,- contravenes the vital principles upon which we have defended our existence as a separate denomination and as contrary to the Constitution of our Church, and as such we decline to accept said deliverance as repre¬ senting our views of the relation of the Church to the civil govern¬ ment. The Synod of Virginia hereby overtures the General Assembly to meet in Newport News, Va., to record this action of Synod upon its minutes as our protest against the action of the Kansas City Assembly touching the amending of the Federal Constitution. That action of the Kansas City Assembly was so serious a departure 862 Moral and Secular [Book VI from the position on civil questions our Church had always held that it would be untrue to history to refuse to record our protest. Answer: In compliance with the request of the Synod of Vir¬ ginia, its protest is admitted to record in the Minutes of this As¬ sembly. In connection with this action, the General Assembly, while heartily concurring in the views expressed by the Synod concerning the “sin of intemperance and the evils of the liquor business,” does solemnly declare its unfaltering allegiance to the principle contended for in the protest, holding to a 'strict construction of the language of the Confession (Chapter 31, paragraph 4), and it earnestly deprecates any violation of the principle on the part of any courts of the Church. 1915, p. 77. As the traffic in and use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage is the prolific cause of) so much crime, poverty, and suffering in our land, and as it costs the people so much money in criminal prosecutions and the support of the victims of drink, and as it is one of the greatest enemies of the Church of Christ, and as we are warned against its effects in I Cor. 6:10; therefore, in view of these terrible effects, this General Assembly bears its testi¬ mony against this evil, and recommends to all our people the use of all legitimate means for its banishment from the land. 1918, p. 33. An overture fromi Rev. John S. Shaw, urging similar action to that taken by the Presbytery of Louisiana in ap¬ pealing to the President of the United States to use his authority and influence in preventing “the waste of food and fuel” in the manufacture of alcoholic liquors by distilleries and breweries dur¬ ing the war. Answer: The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States respectfully and earnestly requests President, Woodrow Wilson to use his authority and influence to prohibit the waste of food and fuel, now so much needed, in the manufacture of malt and alcoholic liquors by distilleries and breweries. 1349. The use of tobacco 1913, p. 701. Overtures from Kanawha and Texas-Mexican Presbyteries, touching the use of tobacco by ministers, professors and students in our Theological Seminary. We recommend that these overtures be answered in the negative. 1350. Gambling. 1862, p. 38. Extract from a pastoral letter to the young men of our congregations in the army: Another vice, which has hereto¬ fore been confined in our country to the saloons of dissipation, we are sad to believe, has become very common among the young men of the army. We refer to gambling. Besides the moral turpi¬ tude and sin of gambling, the taking from your fellows that which Secs. 1348-1351] Gambling 863 is theirs without a just return, this vice creates a morbid thirst after speedy gains and a spirit of reckless extravagance, which usually go together, injuring the moral character, rendering a man reckless, dissatisfied, and unhappy, and generally ends in his tem¬ poral ruin. A practice which produces such results is necessarily evil. “By their fruits ye shall know them,” is the Saviour’s rule; and here is a tree whose fruit is bitter. 1351. Lotteries and Gambling 1890, p. 33. To the communication addressed to the Assembly by the Anti-Lottery League of Louisiana, and to the paper pre¬ sented by the Rev. W. A. Alexander upon the same subject, the Assembly made the following answer — viz. : Inasmuch as we have had brought before us evidence of the widespread and increasing influence of certain lottery schemes throughout the land that have sought and are seeking the patronage of our people, and inasmuch as we have had reason to believe that some of those over whom we are called to exercise spiritual oversight have been induced to buy and sell lottery tickets, this General Assembly feels called upon at this time to bear testimony against this evil. In our judgment these various lottery schemes are an unmitigated evil and a vicious iniquity. By the promise of large gains in return for small investments, they appeal with peculiar force to the covet¬ ousness of the carnal heart, and awaken a craving and corrupting greed for gain. Thus they are most seductive in their evil influence. The fact that they are in imflny cases intrenched behind forms of law, and are thus given a quasi justification in the eyes of the thoughtless and unwary, only makes them the more insidious, and, therefore, the more dangerous. They are but organized systems of gambling, are striking at the foundations of morality and right¬ eousness and have become powerful agencies for corrupting the youth of our land. In some instances they have with brazen effrontery entered the halls of legislation, and have sought to bribe! our law-makers in the interest of their nefarious traffic. We do, therefore, most emphatic¬ ally condemn, and earnestly and affectionately warn our people against this wickedness; and we call upon them not only to ab¬ stain wholly from buying or selling lottery tickets themselves, but also to use their utmost endeavors to restrain all others from so doing. We do also declare ourselves in hearty sympathy with all law¬ ful and proper efforts to secure the enactment of such laws by the State legislatures, and by] the Congress of the United States as will suppress every lottery scheme in the land, and thus protect, as far as possible, our people from the insidious temptation thus set before them. 1894, p. 241. Whereas we recognize and deeply deplore the ex¬ istence and the blighting consequences of the sin of gambling, espe¬ cially as the evil and its results are manifested in the form of lottery hazard, therefore, 864 Moral and Secular [Book VI Resolved, That this Assembly renews the deliverances of former Assemblies against this evil, and exhorts and warns our people against the insidious and destructive influences of this sin. 1352. Profanity 1862, p. 36. Extract from a pastoral letter to the young men of our congregations in the army: The awful and prevailing sin of our people is profanity. The name of God is taken in vain in the wicked curse and the lewd joke; yea, fearful as the statement is, our own ears bear testimony to the fact that the Great Name of the majestic Jehovah has been made a by-word, a jest and a mockery by the dissolute and profane on our public thoroughfares. This is our crying national sin, which, with many others, has brought down on our land the wrath of offended heaven. This international strife, and all the dreadful havoc which this war is making, are doubtless sent on us as judgments from God on account of our sins. How can we expect the blessing of God if we thus dishonor Him, treat His name with irreverence, and speak of His authority and judgments with levity and derision? 1353. Cheap religious newspaper 1895, p. 395. The Presbytery of Lexington overtures the Gen¬ eral Assembly that a committee be appointed to consider whether a religious newspaper cannot be furnished to our membership at less cost than any now within their reach; and that, if any arrange¬ ments cannot be made by which the papers already in circulation can be furnished at reduced rates, as a last resort the Assembly consider the advisability of publishing a paper at a subscription that will place it within the reach of the masses, and on a basis that will favorably compare with the cost of similar papers pub¬ lished by other denominations; and it is the sentiment of this Presbytery that if such a paper cannot be made selfsustaining at the reduced subscription, it would be wise to draw upon the funds of the Publication Committee. The General Assembly replies to this overture that it deems it inexpedient to appoint such committee. 1354. The Chinese exclusion act 1893, p. 16. The Chinese Mission in New Orleans asked the Assembly to petition for the suspension of the Geary law, or Chinese Exclusion Act. Referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Missions. This Committee, p. 42, reported resolution of sympathy, which was adopted. P. 39. Rev. C. W. Trawick offered a resolution that the Assem¬ bly petition Congress to repeal or modify this law. P. 54. The resolution touching the repeal or modification of the Geary law was taken from the docket and lost. Secs. 1349-1357] Moral and Secular 86S 1355. Sympathy with the Armenians 1896, p. 616. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, representing a large body of Christian people,, desire to express their profound sympathy with the suffering peopler of Armenia, who, for the name; of Christ our Lord, have been driven through the furnace of the fiercest persecution. We have been grieved beyond expression that our brethren in Christ in the late Christian centuries have been left unshielded from the storm. Unto the God of pity we commend this smitten people, praying for the strong hand of His power and His wise and compassionate providence in their behalf. 1356. Pastoral letter against errors 1898, p. 232. Whereas error in many subtle forms exists around us, and may invade the church, to the injury of her doctrine, polity,, spirituality and morality; and Whereas the General Assembly is to “recommend measures for the promotion of charity, truth and holiness through all the churches under its care,” therefore be it Resolved, 1. That a committee is hereby appointed to address a pastoral letter to our ministers and people, affectionately warning them against all errors, and urging them to steadfastness in “the faith once delivered to the saints.” 2. That all the papers of our church are hereby requested to publish said letter, and all our pastors are requested to read it to their congregations as soon as practicable after its publication; and where churches are vacant, that the elders be requested to read it to them. Adopted. 1357. Presbyterian monument in Monmouth county, N. J. 1899, p. 422. There has come to us an invitation from Rev. A. H. Brown, chairman of a committee of the Synod of New Jersey, asking you to appoint delegates to represent vou at the unveiling of a Presbyterial historical monument in Ola scot’s Burial Ground in Monmouth county, N. J., where assembled the first General Presby¬ tery of which any official record exists. The monument is to be unveiled in the third week of October, 1899. The Assembly at Dallas, Texas, in 1895, heartily commended this enterprise, and appointed five delegates to attend and represent us, at their own expense, at a preliminary celebration called the Monmouth Pilgrim¬ age. (See Minutes, pp. 385 and 388-389.) Of that delegation Rev. Drs. Moses D. Hoge and William U. Murkland have been called to their reward. Your committee recommend that the same persons be appointed to attend the unveiling of the monument as requested, and that the Rev. R. P. Kerr, D. D., of Richmond, and the Rev. Joseph A. Vance, of Baltimore, be substituted in place of the brethren deceased. The committee will thus consist of Rev. R. P. Kerr, D. D., Rev. Joseph A. Vance, Rev. Parke P. Flournoy, D. D., and 866 Moral and Secular [Book VI Ruling Elders T. B. Gresham, Esq., and William Wirt Henry, Esq. That the Assembly express its deep interest in all that touches the founding and early struggles of the Presbyterian Church in our country, and the importance of keeping the history in remembrance of coming generations. That the Assembly returns its hearty thanks to the Synod of New Jersey for its fraternal invitation to us to participate in these memorial services. 1358. Peace Conferences 1899, p. 423. Since the Peace Conference of the accredited rep¬ resentatives of the nations, looking forward to the disarmament of the several armies and navies of the nations, is now in session at The Hague, Holland, the Assembly, at the hour of recess this afternoon, shall be led in prayer for this conference by the Moder¬ ator. An overture asking that an endorsement be given to the forthcom¬ ing Hague Peace Conference. It is recommended that this be answered in the negative. Adopted. 1359. Mob law 1899, p. 431. The General Assembly takes occasion to express its strongest condemnation of the lawless spirit abroad in the land manifesting itself in many ways, but notably in scenes of mob violence and the taking of human life, in cases of supposed or proven crime, without due process of law, involving the awful danger of inflicting death upon an innocent person, while the real criminal goes free; tending also to cheapen human life, to unsettle the social order, and to weaken or destroy that reverence for law and con¬ stituted authority which the Scriptures require all to uphold. We, therefore, while expressing our abhorrence of the crimes that lead to the disorders referred to, urge all our people and ministers, in all Scriptural ways, to do their utmost towards cultivating and maintaining that order and reverence for authority which are en¬ joined by the Word of God. 1360. Marriage of minors 1899, p. 433. Is a minister of our church justifiable in perform¬ ing a marriage ceremony when one or both of the contracting parties reside with their respective parents, are both of marriageable age, but under the age of twenty-one (said ceremony being performed at a place other than the home of one of the parents of the contracting parties), when the minister knows, or has reason to believe, that such marriage is without the knowledge and against the consent of ithe parents of either one of the contracting parties? The General Assembly replies as follows: The Assembly is of the opinion that it would be both unwise and inexpedient to attempt to lay down any inflexible rule for the guid- Secs. 1357-1361] Divorce 86 7 ance of its ministry in relation to the performance of this ceremony,, the great bond of society. It believes that an enlightened conscience and the laws of the land are, as a rule, the safest and only guides to be followed in such cases. But the Assembly cannot forbear to express the opinion that in the cases described in the overture the greatest prudence and caution should be exercised by the minister; that he should exert his influence, as far as he can properly and prudently do so, to prevent such marriages, and only consent to per¬ form the ceremony in those cases where he is satisfied, from all the circumstances, that the best interests of all the parties (including the parent or parents) will be subserved by his so doing. 1361. Divorce 1898, p. 219. Columbia Presbytery respectfully overtures the Assembly for information regarding the phrase, “ wilful desertion,” Confession of Faith, Chapter XXIV., Section VI., which is as fol¬ lows: “Although the corruption of man be such as is apt to study arguments, unduly to put asunder those whom God hath joined to¬ gether in marriage; yet nothing but adultery or such wilful desertion as can no way be remedied by the Church or civil magistrate is cause sufficient of dissolving the bond of marriage,” etc., etc. The information desired is this: 1. Does the principle of “wilful desertion” apply to a case where both husband and wife are believers ? 2. In such a case, when they are divorced by the civil law, is it morally right for the innocent one to marry again? ■Answer: We recommend the following answers: To the first ques¬ tion, Yes. Desertion, if total, causeless and incurable, affords proper ground for divorce. (Confession of Faith, Chap. XXIV., Art. 6.) The same reason attaches whether either or both of the parties are believers or unbelievers. And to the second question, Yes. Presuming the divorce to have been correctly granted by the civil court, the innocent party has both legal and moral right to marry again. 1900, pp. 613, 643. On the overture asking the Assembly’s judg¬ ment as to the propriety of receiving into the church persons divorced under given circumstances, it is recommended that this overture be .returned to the sender, and he be advised to seek from his Presby¬ tery the information he desires. Adopted. On overtures respecting Scriptural grounds of divorce, remarriage of divorced persons, and the duty of ministers as to officiating at such remarriages, it is recommended that the Assembly call attention to the teaching of God’s Word upon this subject. The only grounds upon which divorce can be rightfully obtained are adultery, and such wilful desertion as can in no. way be remedied by the church or civil magistrate. (See Matthew v. 31, 32, and xix. 9, and 1 Corinthians vii. 15.) (See Confession of Faith, Chap. XXIV., Secs. 5 and 6.) It naturally follows that the innocent party in cases of divorce granted upon grounds has the Scriptural right to contract another 868- Moral and Secular [Book VI marriage; and the Assembly takes this occasion to admonish our ministers to watch carefully for the purity of our families, and to officiate only at the marriage of innocent parties. This answer was adopted. 1903, p. 469. The Alliance asks that the Assembly appoint a delegate to a “Joint Conference on Divorce and Re-Marriage.” We recommend that the Assembly decline to make such appointment, in¬ asmuch as it would be contrary to our well-established practice. The Alliance asks the Assembly to pass to all its ministers a strong injunction forbidding them to marry persons who have not been divorced for Scriptural reasons. We recommend, in lieu of the action proposed by the Alliance, that the Assembly declare its super¬ lative regard for the sanctity of marriage and the purity of the family; that its Standards of faith and practice clearly teach that all re-marriages, except such as are Scriptural, are sinful, and that at would disapprove the solemnizing of any unscriptural marriages by its ministers. 1904, pp. 40, 96. The following resolution of the Alliance was adopted : “Resolved, That in recognition of the comity which should exist between Christian churches, it is desirable, and would tend to the increase of a spirit of Christian unity, for each church represented in the Conference to advise, and, if ecclesiastical authority will allow, to enjoin upon its ministers to refuse to unite in marriage any person or persons whose marriage, such ministers have good reason to be¬ lieve, is forbidden by the laws of the church in which either party seeking to be married holds membership.” If the way is clear, kindly approve the foregoing resolution, and direct that the Address and’ Appeal be read from the pulpits of your churches by the pastors. In the judgment of the Conference, the time has come for united striving by Christians “for the things which are pure and true, for the sanctity of marriage, for the permanence of the family for the preservation of the home, and for the perpetuity of the State.” 1905, p. 23. Your committee recommend that the following over¬ ture be answered in the affirmative: In view of the alanning number of divorces annually granted in the United States, the ease' and facility with which they are obtained in many of the States, the numerous and often trivial grounds on which they are constantly sought and granted, and the unseemly and shocking haste in which the divorced remarry, all of which amounts to a national shame, constitutes a grave menace to public and private morals, the sanctity of marriage and the purity of the home, and threatens to subvert the family, which is the foundation of the Church, the Presbytery of Montgomery overtures the Assembly, 1. To authorize the Moderator of said General Assembly to ap¬ point three persons to represent the Presbyterian Church in the United States in the Inter-Church Conference on Marriage and Divorce. 2. To urge upon all our ministers: Sec. 1361] Divorce 869 (a) To endeavor, by special preaching of the Word, to create and maintain an elevated and healthy public sentiment on the subject of the sanctity of marriage and the sin of divorce, except where , obtained on grounds allowed by the Scriptures. (b) To exercise the utmost caution in the matter of the remarriage of divorced persons, and to refuse to officiate at the remarriage of any and all such persons, except such as have been divorced upon grounds allowed by our Church to be Scriptural; and then only in the case of the innocent party. Adopted. 1906, p. 59. The report of this committee was received as infor¬ mation; and the Assembly affirmed its sympathy with the general purpose of the Inter-Church Conference on Marriage and Divorce. 1907, p. 36. That our ministers be directed to continue to teach the nature and purpose of marriage; that while its proximate purpose is to promote our happiness and comfort, its ultimate end is to rear a godly seed to the glory of the Saviour who is the husband of the bride, the Church. And when solicited to perform the marriage ceremony for persons who may have been divorced, that they make inquiry into the facts and conform their actions to the law of Holy Scripture and its exposition in our Standards. 1908, p. 62. The Assembly noted with approval the care of the Committee with reference to the civil aspects of the matter in hand, and rcommended that our delegates in the Conference confine them¬ selves to that which is ecclesiastical. 1909, p. 47. Overtures from the Presbytery of Charleston, from the Presbytery of Chesapeake and from certain individual ministers asking the appointment of an ad interim committee of not less than five members (“memberships on the same to be preferably given to Professors of Theology in our Seminaries”) to consider the whole matter of the reception of polygamists into the Church and to report to the Assembly of 1910; and overtures from the Presbytery of Missouri asking the Assembly to take steps to so alter the Confession of Faith in Chap. XXIV., Pars. 5 and 6, as to harmonize their teachings as to what are lawful grounds of divorce; and from the Presbytery of Knoxville, asking the appointment of an ad interim committee to investigate the teaching of the Scriptures touching divorce and remarriage for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not the Confession of Faith (Chap. XXIV.) is in accord with the Word of God, and to report the result of their investigation to the Assembly of 1910. A committee of five was appointed. 1910, p. 32. In view of the fact that there is not sufficient time for thorough deliberation on such an important subject as that of Marriage and Divorce, it is Resolved, That the ad interim committee on this subject be con¬ tinued with the addition thereto of Rev. R. A. Webb, D. D., Rev W. T. Hall, D. D., and Rev. T. R. Sampson, D. D., with instruc¬ tions to report to the next Assembly. And as these members are 870 Moral and Secular [Book VI widely scattered, they are expected to do their work by correspon¬ dence, thus obviating the trouble and expense of a meeting. In accordance with this resolution the two reports on Marriage and Divorce were taken from the docket and committed to the en¬ larged committee. 1362. Marriage and Divorce 1911, p. 19. The Ad-Interim Committee on Marriage and Di¬ vorce made a report, asking that the committee be continued for another year, that Rev. Henry Alexander White, D. D., and Mr. A. M. Scales be added to the committee, and that provision be made for the necessary expenses of the committee. The requests were granted* 1912, p. 27. The Presbyteries of Knoxville, Missouri, Charles¬ ton, and Chesapeake presented overtures to the General Assembly of 1909 concerning Marriage and Divorce. The overtures were, by that Assembly, referred to an ad-interim ( Committee, which submitted majority and minority reports to the Assembly of 1910. The whole matter Was, by that Assembly, re-committed to the same Committee, with new members added, with instructions to report to the Assembly of 1911. Of that Assembly the Committee requested more time, and the request was granted, and the Committee instructed to report to the Assembly of 1912. The overtures referred to raise two questions for the consideration of the Committee: (1) Does Chapter XXIV. of the Confession of Faith on Marriage need revision? and (2) What policy ought the Church to pursue with respect to polygamists who apply for mem¬ bership in our churches in heathen lands? I. THEORIES OE MARRIAGE There are four theories as to the nature of Marriage: (1) The Sacramentarian, or Ecclesiastical; (2) The Contractual, or Civil; (3) The Mixed, or Ecclesiastico-civil ; (4) The Natural, or Divine. 1. According to the first, or Sacramentarian, theory, marriage is a religious ordinance, and the family is an ecclesiastical institution. Consequently its making and unmaking fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Church, as do the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Its whole regulation is a matter of ecclesiastical law. We must go to Church creeds and canons to learn what is law¬ ful concerning it. 2. According to the second, or Contractual, theory, Marriage is a civil ordinance, and the family a social institute. Consequently its making and unmaking fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the .State; its entire regulation is a matter of civil law: we must go to civil constitutions and statutes to learn what is lawful and right con¬ cerning it. 3. According to the third, or Mixed, theory, Marriage is both an ecclesiastical and civil ordinance, and the family is both an eccles- Sec. 1362] Marriage and Divorce 871 iastical and civil institution; its entire regulation is a matter for both ecclesiastical and civil law. It falls within the joint jurisdiction of Church and State. We must go to both to learn what is lawful and right concerning it. 4. According to the fourth, or Divine, theory, Marriage is an ordinance of God, and the family is a Divine institution. Conse¬ quently it falls exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Deity; its regulation is a matter of divine legislation only: we must go to the Bible to learn what is right and proper concerning it. That the fourth, or Divine, theory is the correct one is proved by the following considerations: ( 1 ) God created the race male and female, that the relation of husband and wife might be possible. (2) He created Adam' and Eve and related them to each other as husband and wife. (3) The Scriptures teach us that it was God who “set the solitary in families.” (4) In His Word God has specifically legislated concerning mar¬ riage and the formation of the family. As the family is thus an original and natural institution of Divine constitution, it is related to those other Divine institutions, the State and the Church; neither can lawfully originate legislation concern¬ ing marriage; each must take the responsibility of interpreting and applying God’s marriage laws within its own sphere and for its own purposes; each must protect itself by the powers of discipline lodged in its hands. II. THE DIVINE MARRIAGE LAW There have been five statements, or re-statements, or interpretations of God’s marriage law as promulgated in the Scriptures: (1) The Edenic; (2) The Mosaic; (3) The Christian; (4) The Pharisaic; (5) The Pauline. 1. The Edenic Law. — The primal law was promulgated in Eden in this language: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Gen. ii, 24. This was the statute for the race in innocency. It prescrbes two things: (1) Monogamy,, and (2) The indissolubility of the marriage tie. It makes no provision for divorce on any grounds. In a sinless and paradisical state, there could never be any occasion for a divorce. 2. The Mosaic Law. — But the race did not continue in innocency, but fell and became sinful. So God through Moses promulgated his marriage law for a fallen and sinful race, in this language: “When a, man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her; then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it into her hand, and send her out of his house.” Deut. xxiv, 1. This law (1) prescribes monogamy; (2) allows divorce for un- 872 Moral and Secular [Book VI cleanness, and (3) prohibits the re-marriage of the guilty partner. 3. The Christian Law. — When our Lord came He re-stated the marriage law of God in His Sermon on the Mount in these words: “Whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of forni¬ cation, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is divorced comm'itteth adultery.” Matt, v, 32; Luke xvi, 18. This statement of our Lord exactly coincides with the law of Moses. (1) It approves monogamy; (2) It allows divorce upon the ground of uncleanness; (3) It denies the right of re-marriage to the guilty party. 4. The Pharasaic Law. — But the Pharisees and ecclesiastics, per¬ verting the clause “if it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes,” allowed a plurality of wives, and divorce on any. grounds. In the 19th chapter of Matthew our Lord denied this Pharisaic inter¬ pretation. (1) He re-affirmed the original Edenic law as God’s primal marriage law: In the beginning of the race’s history, when men were innocent, there were no divorces at all. (2) He declared that Moses, “because of the hardness of your hearts” (that is, because the race has become sinful) allowed divorce. (3) He then denied the right of re-marriage to the guilty party. Ideally, there ought to be no divorce at all; but because of the sin of uncleanness, divorce is permissible; but the right of re-marriage is denied to the guilty party. 5. The Pauline Law. — Paul gave an interpretation of the marriage law which is thought by some to be inconsistent with that of Moses and Christ: “Let not the wife depart from her husband, but if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. . . . But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such a case.” 1 Cor. vii, 11, 15. There is no inconsistency here. Moses spake of a man “sending his wife out of his house,” and said no man could lawfully do that except for the sin of “uncleanness.” Our Lord spake of a man “putting away” his wife and declared that that could be lawfully done only for the cause; of, “fornication.” Paul spake of the brother or sister who “departs,” goes out of the house of his own violition and choice, voluntarily abandons his partner. When a brother or sister thus wilfully and incurably deserts his mate, the deserted is free from the marriage bonds, but the guilty deserter is not permitted to re-marry: “if she depart, let her remain unmarried.” III. THE XXIV CHAPTER OF THE CONFESSION Is the Confession of Faith out of harmony with these principles and interpretations? It prohibits three classes of marriages: (1) Polygamous marriages; (2) Incompetent marriages; (3) Incestuous marriages. It allows divorce upon ..two grounds: (1) Upon the ground of adultery and social uncleanness, and (2) Upon the ground of wilful and irremediable desertion. Secs. 1362-1364] Marriage 873 Of revisionists there are two classes: (1) Those who think the Confession is too lax, and (2) Those who think the Confession is too strict. 1. The first class wbuld change it in two particulars: (1) Strike out desertion altogether as a ground of divorce; or (2) Restrict its application to heathen or mixed marriages. 2. The second class would alter the Confession in one or more of the following particulars: (1) Authorize the re-marriage of all guilty divorcees; (2) Authorize the re-marriage of all penitent di¬ vorcees; (3) Add marital wretchedness as a third reason for divorce; (4) Add mutual consent as a fourth way in which marriage can be annulled. But there is nothing biblical in support of any of these suggested changes. The re-marriage of the guilty party is categorically for¬ bidden in every statement of the law: “Whosoever marrieth her that is divorced committeth adultery,” said our Lord. “Let her remain unmarried,” said Paul. “Marital wretchedness” is often tragic, and the State, in the exercise of its police power and judicial oversight, ought to go far in granting relief, but always stop short of divorce. And the proposition that marriage can be lawfully dissolved by “mutual consent” is predicated upon the fallacy that two persons can make a thing right by agreeing to do wrong. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. We recommend that the Assembly answer the overtures asking a revision of the 24th Chapter of the Confession of Faith in the negative; for the reason that it is a sufficiently full and accurate ex¬ position of the Bible doctrine of Marriage and Divorce. 2. We recommend that the Assembly answer the overtures on polygamy as follows: Polygamy is both unscriptural and unconfes¬ sional, and the practice of the Church must conform to this doctrine. (The majority report will be found in the Appendix XII., p. 123.) 1363. Remarriage of divorced persons 1912, p. 37. Overture from the Presbytery of Central Texas, asking a deliverance on the admission to Church membership of re-married divorced persons. Answer — Some parties to such marriages are innocent and are admissible to Church membership. The Sessions must discriminate in each case, using the Scriptures, the Confession of Faith, and the deliverances of the Assembly as their standard of judgment. 1364. Polygamy 1904, p. 50. In answer to an overture in reference to Polygamy, asking the General Assembly to make a deliverance on the subject, in its relation to the work of our missionaries in our foreign fields — :§UIM.0pOJ 9ip pU3UrUI099I 9y\Y 874 Moral and Secular [Book VI In view of the fact that the Presbyterian Church is unalterably opposed to polygamy, and would not, under any circumstances, toler¬ ate the entrance into polygamous relations of any of its members, even in heathen lands, and in view) of the great car© of our Executive Committee of Foreign Missions in appointing to the work in foreign land only workers of piety and discretion, we deem it unnecessary to make any deliverance on this subject. Reaffirmed in 1907 (p. 57). 1908, p. 65. The Assembly sympathizes with our missionaries in the many difficulties they encounter in practically applying the teachings of Christianity to conditions in heathen lands, and realizes that much must be left to the discretion of the missionaries on the ground. At the same time the Assembly affectionately enjoins on our mis¬ sionaries that in dealing with questions arising out of these conditions, such as, for example, the prevalence of polygamy or of ancestral wor¬ ship, and other forms of idolatry, they ought all to be very careful not to compromise thq honor of our church or any of the principles of our holy ireligion, nor to pursue any policy that would fail to make it plain, either to the church at home on to the native churches, or to the heathen themselves, that such customs and practices are to be condemned as contrary to the law of Christ, as revealed in the Scriptures. 1365. White slave traffic 1913, p. 70m. A communication from Paul R. Hickok, Director ©f the International Reform! Bureau, Washington, D. C., looking to resolutions on the white slave traffic. We recommend that this paper be answered) in the negative. 1366. Child labor 1908, p. 19. WheVeas, The evil of child labor has become pre¬ valent in the Southern states as well as in other parts of the nation; and, Whereas, The known results of the child labor system are the disintegration of the family, the promotion of illiterary, the de¬ struction of church influences and the development of a class of parents who reverse the dictum of Scripture, that the parents should lay up for the children and not the children for the parents; Resolved, That we call upon Christian employers and Christian parents to obey the laws that have been enacted on this subject and to strive after more effective laws to the end that the exploitation of childhood within our borders shall be ended. 1367. Christian Science 1909, p. 47. Being asked to make a deliverance in regard to Christian Science, warning the Church against the evil and sub- Secs. 1364-1369] Moral' and Secular/ 875 versive character of this doctrine to the Christian religion, the As¬ sembly replied : Relying upon the positive teaching of the great principles of our faith as the best protection of our people against such vagaries, we do not think such a deliverance necessary. 1368. Tuberculosis 1909, p. 55. The select committee, to which was referred a paper from E. G. Routzahn, Director of American Tuberculosis Exhibition, to confer with the National Association for the study and prevention of tuberculosis, made the following report, which was adopted: By reason of the world-wide interest exhibited in the prevention of tuberculosis, which is now recognized as contagious and prevent¬ able disease, and because of the broadly humanitarian character of this work which is engaging the attention of all civic and educational bodies, we would respectfully recommend that this Assembly express its hearty appreciation of the work of the National Association for the study and prevention of tuberculosis, and endorse the educational propaganda which is now being conducted under its auspices. 1369. Reformation Day 1905,. p. 39. At the suggestion of the Western Section of the Alliance the following was adopted: That the first Sabbath in November be set apart as a season of special thanksgiving to God for the blessings bestowed upon so many churches and countries from that great religious revival which we call the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century. 1909, p. 70. Rev. Dr. W. W. Moore was appointed a comtnittee of one to consider and report to the next Assembly, concerning “The Day of the Reformation,” as existing in the French churches. (First Sunday in November.) 1910, p. 19. The report was approved and is as follows: 1. That many years ago our brethren of Continental Europe of the two communions, Lutheran and Reformed, with a view to pre¬ serving the heritage bequeathed to them by the Reformation of the sixteenth century, established the custom of observing one Sabbath in the year as Reformation Day, the Germans as a rule taking the last Sabbath in October and the Swiss and French the first Sabbath in November. 2. That in their observance of the day they give thanks to God for the Reformation not merely as a mighty intellectual Renaissance, a vast political upheaval, a heroic vindication of liberty of conscience, and a radical purification of the Church, but above all as the greatest revival of religion since the Day of Pentecost — an awakening of un¬ told multitudes by the power of the Holy Ghost. 3. That frequently the day is made an occasion for speaking of the special services rendered in this recovery of the gospel, by 876 Moral and Secular [Book VI one or more of the illustrious men whom God raised up and used in carrying out His gracious purposes, and that in so doing there is no approach to man worship, the names of these heroes of the faith being remembered not for their own sakes but for what they accomplished as God’s instruments in opening afresh the choked fountains of truth and restoring the pure teaching of Scripture. 4. That in 1904 at Liverpool the Eighth General Council of the Alliance of Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian System unanimously recommended to the Churches of the Alliance the ob¬ servance of one Sabbath during the year, preferably the last Sabbath of October or the first Sabbath of November, “as a day of special thanksgiving for the blessings resulting to so many churches and countries from that great religious revival which we call the Refor¬ mation of the Sixteenth Century.” 5. Your committee, believing that such commemorative thanks¬ giving services are fitted to render most important service in our own land at the present time, would respectfully recommend that the Gen¬ eral Assembly suggest to our pastors and churches the observance of Reformation Day in the manner above indicated on the first Sabbath in November, or, if that be impracticable, on some convenient Sab¬ bath near that date. 1911, p. 33. It was ordered that Reformation Day be changed from the first Sunday in November to the last Sunday in October. 1913, p. 68. The Moderator appointed the following Permanent Committee on program for Reformation Day: Rev. Walter W. Moore, D. D., Rev. R. C. Reedy D. D., Rev. T. R. Sampson, D. D., Ruling Elders R. E. Magill and J. S. Munce. 1922, p. 33. We recommend that the matter of the Huguenot- Walloon Ter-Centenary Celebration be referred to Rev. W. W. Moore, D. D., as Chairman of the Assembly’s Reformation Com¬ mittee. The communication from the International Reform Bureau con¬ cerning certain laws now before thcj Congress/ of the U. S. was placed in our hands, and we recommend that no action be taken. 1915, p. 38. In view of the fact that July 6, 1915, will be the five hundredth anniversary of the martyrdom of John Huss, and in view of the fact that this anniversary will be engaging the attention of all Protestant Christendom at that time, and in view of the recommenda¬ tion of the Continental Committee of the Western Section of the Re¬ formed Churches holding the Presbyterian System that a “Huss Ser¬ vice” be held by each pastor at his; convenience on a Sunday near to July 6, 1915, your Committee would respectfully recommend that the Assembly authorize the celebration of Reformation Day this year on Sunday, July 4th, instead of the last Sunday in October, and appoint as the subject for that occasion ‘Huss and the Hussites.’ “Your Committee would call attention to the fact that the Presby¬ terian Board of Publication has prepared an Order of Service for the occasion, containing, among other features, hymns of Huss and the Bohemian brethren. Secs. 1369-1371] Moral and Secular 877 1916, p. 26f. Erasmus was chosen as the subject for this year. 1917, p. 29. The subject for this year was Luther. 1919, p. 23. “The Edict of Nantes” was appointed for this year. 1920, p. 32. For this year the subject was “Providential Events Contributing to the success of the Protestant Reformation” — such events as the fall of Constantinople and the resultant westward movement of Greek learning; the invention of printing and the dis¬ covery of America. 1921, p. 31. The subject for 1921 was “The making of the Eng¬ lish Bible and its Relation to the Progress of the Reformation.” 1922, p. 55. “The return of John Huss to Czecho-Slovakia.” 1370. Jamestown Exposition 1907, p. 55. An overture from East Hanover Presbytery, asking approval by the General Assembly of the Pan-Presbyterian Exhibit at the Jamestown Exposition, and to commend same to our people for hearty support. It is recommended that this be answered in the affirmative. Adopted. 1910, p. 67. To the overture from the Presbytery of Norfolk touching the deficit in expenses incurred during the Jamestown Exposition, we recommend that the General Assembly make answer that in the opinion of the Assembly, for the Church to relieve the burden on our brethren in paying off the deficit on the Presbyterian exhibit in the Jamestown Exposition would be a fulfillment of our Lord’s Golden Rule, and that the Assembly ask the Norfolk Presby¬ tery to convey this resolution to our people and ask them to pay the money. Adopted. 1914, p. 66. 1. Resolved, That the Assembly include in its next contingent assessment one cent per communicant upon the Presby¬ teries which have not already participated in the discharge of this debt, or have not paid their full (apportionment. 2. That the Treasurer of the Assembly be instructed to pay said assessment to the Treasurer of the Presbytery of Norfolk. 1915, p. 80j. The Assembly having accepted the responsibility for the discharge of the indebtedness of the Presbyterian exhibit at the Jamestown Exposition, and some of the Presbyteries having paid their one cent per capita, as ordered by the Atlanta Assembly, Resolved, That the Treasurer be instructed to pay the balance of said indebtedness. Should additional funds be needed for this pur¬ pose, the Treasurer is hereby authorized to negotiate a loan to pay the same, and to call upon the Presbyteries for an increase of one cent per member additional funds for the present year, especially those Presbyteries that have not paid their apportionment for this fund. 1371. Prayer for President Wilson 1917, p. 23. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in U. S., in session at Birmingham, Ala., would make known to 878' Moral and Secular [Book VI President Wilson the fact that this Assembly, with which his honored and venerable father was so long and so closely associated, unites in earnest prayer that he and those associated with him in authority might be given Divine guidance and strength ; and that the Assembly, in sympathy and faith, commends him, our army and navy, and all our distressed homes to God and the Word of His grace, that they may be enriched with faith and patience, comforted and guided in this day of trial and need. 1372. Reply of President Wilson 1917, p. 31. Accept my cordial thanks for your telegram. I am heartened and cheered by such a message, and am grateful to the members of the Assembly for their prayers. Woodrow Wilson. 1373. Message to President Wilson 1918, p. 13. The Select Committee appointed to prepare a tele¬ gram to be sent to President Woodrow Wilson, made a partial report recommending that the following telegram be sent, which was adopted by a rising vote. In this crucial hour of Christian civilization, the General Assem¬ bly of the Presbyterian Church in the United .States commends you you to the God of all grace; we, are confidently relying upon you, as the spokesman for the moral forces of the world, to carry on your gigantic task to a righteous consummation. We express our earnest sympathy and assure you of our Christian fellowship and all possible and proper support in these days of trial, and pray God’s wisdom may guide you. We believe that, with your superb courage and sublime faith, you will be used as the means of saving to us and to humanity the Chris¬ tian principles which are our priceless heritage from our fathers. 1374. Reply of President Wilson Note — The following autograph reply of the President came after the Assembly had been dissolved. — Stated Clerk. My dear Doctor Vance: I am sincerely obliged to you and your associates for the cheering and reassuring message which you sent me in the name of your Gen¬ eral Assembly, and I beg you to accept for yourself and for them this expression of deep appreciation and warm thanks. Your con¬ fidence and support strengthen and hearten me very much. Cordially and sincerely yours, Woodrow Wilson. 1919, p. 69 j. The Moderator, by special request, led the Assem¬ bly in special prayer for President Woodrow Wilson. 1375. Ex-President Wilson 1921, p. 15. The following message to Hon. Woodrow Wilson Secs. 1371-1377] Moral.) and Secular 879 was presented by Ruling Elder E. T. George, and adopted by a ris¬ ing vote. It was ordered to be signed by the Moderator and Stated Clerk, and sent by wire at once. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, recalls with satisfaction and affection the long and faithful official connection of your honored and revered father, and, felicitates you upon the completion of your eight years as President of the United States under conditions of unparalleled importance involving grave responsibilities and overwhelming burdens. We congratulate you on having been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the years 1919-1920 and for your great achievements in behalf of peace and for the relief of the war stricken peoples of the earth; on your fidelity to duty, and for persistently holding aloft Christian stand¬ ards and ideals in this age of turmoil and unrest. Please be assured; that the prayers of the Assembly will be offered for the com¬ plete restoration of your health and for* long continued usefulness. The Assembly was then led in prayer by the Moderator for Mr. Wilson’s restoration to health. 1376. Reply of M\r. Wilson 1921, p. 27. Please convey to the Assembly my heartfelt thanks for the message they were generous enough to send. It has greatly cheered me. Woodrow Wilson. 1377. War Work 1918, p. 17. We have carefully examined the report of the War Work Council and have noted these facts concerning the results that have been accomplished: The sum of $49,278 has been contributed to this cause; fifteen camp pastors are now actively employed by the Council; nine men have been furnished cars to aid them in their Work in the camps; the work of pastors and churches in cities con¬ tiguous to the camps ha3 been organized and stimulated with splen¬ did results; thousands of soldiers have been drawn into closer fel¬ lowship with the Church, while hundreds have been led to a con¬ fession of the Saviour. The camp pastor, in hi& ministry to our soldiers, is filling a very definite place and is working along well defined lines. His work does not conflict with, nor overlap, that of the army chaplain or of the Y. M. C. A. By suggesting the activities of the local church in its work for the men, by ministering to them in their sickness, lone¬ liness and need, by bringing the repentant into the communion of the Church, he is rendering a service in the name of the mother Church which no other agency can so well perform. He is to the soldiers in his denomination in the camp what the local pastor is to his people. Never before in her history has the Church faced an opportunity like this. In the providence of God there have been gathered into 880 Moral and Secular [Book VI the various training camps the young men who will soon become the leaders in the thought and activity of our country. They are think¬ ing as they have never thought before of the great realities of life; they eagerly respond to the appeals of the gospel, and it is largely ’within the power of the Church to determine at this time whether these men shall be won for Christ and the Church or shall drift into indifference, worldliness and skepticism. Moreover, these men are ifrom our own homes and churches. Many of them have been bap¬ tized and have thus come into covenant 'relations with the Church and the Church has thereby assumed a definite responsibility for their spiritual welfare. If the Church fails in her duty to these men now, can she expect them to rally to her call in the years to come? In view of such an opportunity and responsibility your Committee makes the following recommendations: 1. That the Assembly express its hearty approval and its deep appreciation of the splendid work of the War Work Council. 2. That each church in our bounds be urged to assume its share of the responsibility for this work. 3. That the Assembly continue the War Work Council as the proper agency through which to minister to the soldiers, and that this Council shall be expected to meet not oftener than twice a year, and that the administration in the interim be left in the hands of an Executive Committee that can be gotten together quickly and with¬ out large expense. That the Council shall be composed of the fol¬ lowing members: Rev. Jas. I. Vance, Rev. A. S. Johnson, Rev. Homer McMillan, Rev. R. O. Flinn, Rev. Thornton Whaling, Rev. R; H. McCaslin, Rev. A. G. Jones, Rev. E. T. Wellford, Rev. W. R. Dobyns, Rev. A. A. McGeachy, Rev. S. E. Hodges, Rev. S. L. McCarty, Rev. Geo. Summey, Rfev. Wm. Crowe and Elder T. S. McCallie. 4. That the sum of one hundred thousand dollars be raised for this work during the next year, and that the fourth Sunday in Oc¬ tober be set apart for the offering for this cause. 5. That pastors of local churches be urged to strengthen the ties between the Church and the men who enter the service by the use ■of service flags, correspondence, and such other means as may be in their power, and that our people be much in prayer for the men in the service. The following resolution is offered by the members of the War Work Council: That the Assembly record its grateful appreciation of the untir¬ ing effort and splendid leadership of Rev. James I. Vance, D. D., in behalf of our Church’s work for the Presbyterian boys in the ■cantonments and training camps. As Chairman of the War Work Council, in addition to the burdens of a large pastorate, Dr. Vance has given much of his time to this work since October 15, 1917, without any compensation whatever, save the satisfaction of serving his Church and country. Sec. 1377] Moral and Secular 881 Also that the thanks of the Assembly be given to the Session and members of the First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, for so gen¬ erously allowing Dr. Vance to devote so mtich of his time to this work, and for providing without cost office room and stenographic help for the work of the Council. It is the unanimous judgment of the War Work Council that it is largely due to the deep interest and ceaseless labors of the Chair¬ man that the Council is able to make this encouraging report to the Assembly. 1919, p. 38. Your Committee has studied with some diligence the matter placed in its hands. Unquestionably a very large and difficult work was committed to vour Council, and the Council has handled it in a very large way. The brethren of that body richly deserve the appreciation and thanks of the entire Church. None of us were without loved ones who were the objects of the Council’s care. We note with patriotic pride and gratitude to God that in the supreme crisis, when all things worth having were at stake, Presbyterians of the South bore their part. They bore it as enlisted men and in organizations devoted to the enlisted men’s care, phys¬ ically, socially and morally. We remind the Assembly that, while the war seems over, yet the problems of reconstruction abroad and demobilization at home still remain. We recommend that the Assembly continue the War Work Council as at present constituted for another year, and that it be instructed to give its attention to the following matters: 1. The raising of $125,000 from the churches, of which $100,- 000 be given to the Protestant world’s $3,000,000 fund for the re¬ habilitation of the ruined Protestant Churches of Belgium and France; that the remaining $25,000 be used by your Council in such reconstruclion and conservation work at home as may be ad¬ visable and necessary. And since the last Sunday of October has already been designated as Reformation Day, with the “Edict of Nantes” as a topic, that the Assembly designate said date as the one on which the above amount be raised. 2. Such work in demobilization camps and remaining canton¬ ments as may be possible. 3. The conservation of the soldier’s experience for the Kingdom of Christ and his enlistment in the useful callings, especially mis¬ sions and the gospel ministry. 4. That, inasmuch as the Council is already engaged in compil¬ ing valuable statistics of the churches as related to the war, it is requested to complete the same. 1920, p. 80b. Your Select Committee to consider the report of the War Work Council finds that the Council has faithfully per¬ formed the duties entrusted to it by the last Assembly, and deserves the appreciation of the whole Church for its splendid services to our soldiers. We would, therefore, recommend as follows: (1) That the six volumes containing the War Statistics of the Churches be presented to Union Theological Seminary, to be kept 882 Moral and Secular [Book VI in the library of that institution and to be accessible for purposes of reference. (2) That the present work for soldiers at Lawton, Okla., Wash¬ ington, D. C., and Manchester and Southport, N. C., be continued for another year. (3) That the cash balance be kept in bank until the above work is completed, and any balance after completion of the work for the soldiers be turned over to Protestant Relief in Europe. (4) That an offering be taken on Reformation Sunday, October 31, 1920, for Protestant Relief in Europe, and that the churches be asked to contribute $75,000 on that day to complete our fund for this cause. (5) That the name of the Committee be changed from War Work Council to the Committee on French and Belgian Relief, mid that the following committee, appointed by this xAssembly, shall be charged with carrying out the foregoing recommendations: Rev. Jas. I. Vance, D. D., Rev. T. ,S. McCallie, D. D., Rev. Wm. Crowe, D. D., Rev. Homer McMillan, D. D., and Ruling Elder Edwin F. Willis. 1922, p. 22. Rev. A. M. Fraser, D. D., offered the following resolution, which was adopted: “ Resolved , That at the devotional hour on Tuesday morning, the following subjects shall be made subjects of special prayer: “1. That God will guide the nations of this world to universal peace and international understanding and the rebuilding of a shat¬ tered race. “2. That God will grant a world-wide revival of religion.” 1378. Relief .in France and Belgium 1918, p. 36. A communication from the United Committee on Christian Service for Relief in France and Belgium, and a letter from the Reformed Church of France have been placed in our hands, in which the request is made that our Assembly appoint a Com¬ mittee to take up with our churches the matter of this relief work and to co-operate with the United Committee. We recommend that such a Committee be appointed and that it be instructed to render similar service in reference to the other war- stricken peoples. We nominate the following Committee: Rev. W. W. Moore, D. D., Chairman; Rev. R. C. Reed, D. D., and Rev. W. S. Jacobs, D. D. 1379. Arbitration 1920, p. 80. Overture requests the Assembly to appeal to Chris¬ tians throughout the world to co-operate in establishing the com¬ pulsory settlement of international disputes. We recommend the following reply: In response to the overture of Rev. C. W. Humphreys, D. D., we recommend that this Assembly, in line with previous deliverances, appeal to all Christians throughout the world, and especially those Secs. 1377-1382] Moral and Secular 883 in our own country, to co-operate in securing the settlement of in¬ ternational disputes without a resort to war. 1380. National Reform Association 1914, p. 74. The Assembly heard Dr. Jas. S. McGaw, Field Secretary of the National Reform Association, in the interest of this association. The Assembly expressed its gratification and most hearty sym¬ pathy with the work in which he is engaged. 1381. Civic Righteousness 1920, p. 74. A resolution was offered by Rev. C. M. Richards, D. D., which was adopted, and is as follows: Whereas our country and the world are passing through a period of reconstruction and readjustment, the issues of which are tre¬ mendous beyond our powers to estimate, and Whereas there is at such a time grave danger that men may lose sight of the one righteous standard of conduct and adopt wrong principles for the solution of pressing problems, and Whereas there seems to be almost prevalent in this particular period an atmosphere unfavorable to the regard for law, either statutory or constitutional, and Whereas also there are many characteristics of the time that conduce to the deadly sin of covetousness, and Whereas we recognize the right and the duty of the Church to warn against danger and to hold up a standard of righteousness; therefore, be it Resolved, That the Presbyterian Church in the United States, speaking through this Assembly, renews its witness against every disobedience to established law and all disregard of constituted au¬ thority; that it lifts its voice against the destructive iniquity of covet¬ ousness in its many and insidious forms; that it would, in this deliverance, lift up before all the people the Bible standard of right doing as the only measure of conduct; that it urges upon all, espe¬ cially the rulers of mankind, the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the only safe guide to the solution of the world problems; that it calls upon all its preachers and teachers incessantly to lift up this standard and urge these principles; and that! it lovingly enjoins its own constituency in particular, in loyal devotion to them, to show among all the people examples of good citizenship and righteousness, observing every right law, hating covetousness, and walking humbly with the Lord. 1382. Amendment to the Constitution of the United States 1920, p. 61. In response to the address of the Rev. Walter C. Mc- Clurkin, of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod, touching a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States recognizing the 884 Moral and Secular [Book VI authority and law of Jesus Christ, your Committee respectfully recom¬ mends that, while not without sympathy for the ends sought, never¬ theless the Assembly take no formal action in the matter. 1383. Land in Texas The will of Martha F. Harwood [was submitted to the Standing Committee on Audits]. 1920, p. 75. This we submitted to Judge H. L. Moseley, of Weatherford, Texas, who very kindly gave us the following opinion: “These proceedings are legal and regular. However, it is greatly to the possible benefit of the Assembly to postpone the sale of this land as long as possible, because) of the oil development in this section of the State. It might be worth a great deal of money.” We therefore recommend that this land be not disposed of for the present. BOOK VII RELATIONS OF THE CHURCH WITH OTHER BODIES CHAPTER I NON-SECULAR CHARACTER OF THE CHURCH 1384. Address to all the Churches of Jesus Christ throughout the Earth 1861, p. 7. On motion of Dr. Thornwell, the Assembly — Resolved, That a committee, consisting of one minister and one ruling elder from each of the Synods belonging to this Assembly, be appointed to prepare an Address to all the Churches of Jesus Christ throughout the Earth, setting forth the causes of our sepa¬ ration from the churches in the United States, our attitude in rela¬ tion to slavery, and a general view of the policy which, as a Church, we propose to pursue. P. 9. The Moderator announced the following committee on the Address to the Churches: James H. Thornwell, D. D., Theodor- ick Pryor, D. D., F. K. Nash, R. Mclnnis, C. C. Jones, D. D., R. B. White, D. D., W. D. Moore, J. H. Gillespie, J. I. Boozer, R. W. Bailey, D. D., J. D, Armstrong, C. Phillips, Joseph A. Brooks, W. P. Finley, Samuel McCorkle, W. P. Webb, Wm. L. Black, T. L. Dunlap and E. W. Wright. P. 19. W. P. Webb offered the following resolutions, which were adopted : Resolved, That the Address to the Churches of Jesus Christ throughout the World, reported and read by the Rev. Dr. Thorn¬ well, chairman of the special committee appointed for that purpose, be received, and is hereby adopted by this Assembly. Resolved, That three thousand copies of this address be printed, under the direction of the Stated Clerk, for the use of the Assembly. Resolved, That the original address be filed in the archives of the Assembly, and that a paper be attached thereto, to be signed by the Moderator and members of this Assembly. P. 24. On motion of Judge Shepherd, the Assembly directed that the affixing of their signatures on the part of the members to the “Address to the Churches of Jesus Christ throughout the Earth,” should take place in connection with the regular calling of the roll tomorrow morning. This was done. P. 51. Following is the address: 886 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Con¬ federate States of America, to all the Churches of Jesus Christ throughout the Earth, Greeting: Grace, mercy and peace be mul¬ tiplied upon you! Dearly Beloved Brethren: It is probably known to you that the Presbyteries and Synods in the Confederate States, which were formerly in connection with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, have renounced the jurisdiction of that body, and dissolved the ties which bound them ecclesiastically with their brethren of the North. This act of separation left them without any formal union among themselves. But as they were one in faith and order, and still adhered to their old Standards, measures were promptly adopted for giving expression to their unity, by the or¬ ganization of a supreme court, upon the model of the one whose authority they had just relinquished. Commissioners, duly ap¬ pointed, from all the Presbyteries of these Confederate States, met accordingly, in the city of Augusta, on the fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and then and there proceeded to constitute the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States of America. The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, that is to say, the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Larger and .Shorter Catechisms, the Form of Government, the Book of Dis¬ cipline, and the Directory of Worship, were unanimously and sol¬ emnly declared to be the Constitution of the Church in the Confederate * States, with no other change than the substitution of Confederate for United wherever the country is mentioned in the Standards. The Church, therefore, in these seceded States, presents now the spectacle of a separate and independent and complete organization, under the style and title of the Presbyterian Church in the Con¬ federate States of America. In thus taking its place among sister churches of this and other countries, it seems proper that it should set forth the causes which have impelled it to separate from the Church of the North, and to indicate a general view of the course which it feels is incumbent upon it to pursue ‘in the new circum¬ stances in which it is placed. We should be sorry to be regarded by our brethren in any part of the world as guilty of schism. We are not conscious of any pur¬ pose to rend the body of Christ. On the contrary, our aim has been to promote the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. If we know our own hearts, and can form any just estimate of the motives which have governed us, we have been prompted by a sincere desire to promote the glory of God, and the efficiency, energy, harmony and zeal of His visible kingdom in the earth. We have separated from our brethren of the North as Abraham separated from Lot, because we are persuaded that the interests of true religion will be more effectually subserved by two independent churches, under the cir- Sec. 1384] Non- Secular Character of the Church 887 cumstances in which the two countries are placed, than by one united body: 1. In the first place, the course of the last Assembly at Phila¬ delphia, conclusively shows that, if we should remain together, the political questions which divide us as citizens will be obtruded on our church courts, and discussed by Christian ministers and elders with all the acrimony, bitterness and rancor with which such ques¬ tions are usually discussed by men of the world. Our Assembly would present a mournful spectacle of strife and debate. Com¬ missioners from the Northern would meet with commissioners from the Southern Confederacy, to wrangle over the questions which have split them into two confederacies, and involved them in furious and bloody war. They would denounce each other, on the one hand, as tyrants and oppressors, and on the other, as traitors and rebels. The Spirit of God would take His departure from these scenes of confusion, and leave the Church lifeless and powerless, an easy prey to the sectional divisions and angry passions of its members. Two nations, under any circumstances except those of perfect ho¬ mogeneousness, cannot be united in one Church without the rigid exclusion of all civil and secular questions from its halls. Where the countries differ in their customs and institutions, and view each other with an eye of jealousy and rivalry, if national feelings are permitted to enter the church courts, there must be an end of harmony and peace. The prejudice of the man and the citizen will prove stronger than the charity of the Christian. When they have allowed themselves to denounce each other for their national pe¬ culiarities, it will be hard to join in cordial fellowship as members of the same spiritual family. Much more must this be the case where the nations are not simply rivals, but enemies — when they hate each other with a cruel hatred, when they are engaged in a ferocious and bloody war, and when the worst passions of human nature are stirred to their very depths. An Assembly composed of representatives from two such countries could have no security for peace, except in a steady, uncompromising adherence to the. Scrip¬ tural principle, that it would know no man after the flesh; that it would abolish the distinctions of Barbarian, Scythian, bond and free, and recognize nothing but the new creature in Christ Jesus. The moment it permits itself to know the Confederate or the United States, the moment its members meet as citizens of these countries, our political differences will be transferred to the house of God, and the passions of the forum will expel the spirit of holy love and of Christian communion. We cannot condemn a man in one breath as unfaithful to the most solemn earthly interests — his country and his race — and com¬ mend him in the next as a loyal and faithful servant of his God. If we distrust his patriotism, our confidence is apt to be very meas¬ ured in his piety. The old adage will hold here as in other things, falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus. The only conceivable condition, therefore, upon which the Church 888 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII of the North and the South could remain together as one body, with any prospect of success, is the vigorous exclusion of the questions and passions of the forum from its halls of debate. This is what always ought to be done. The provinces of Church and State are perfectly distinct, and the one has no right to usurp the jurisdiction of the other. The State is a natural institute, founded in the con¬ stitution of man as moral and social, and designed to realize the idea of justice. It is the society of rights. The Church is a super¬ natural institute, founded in the facts/ of redemption, and is designed to realize the idea of grace. It is the society of the redeemed. The State aims at social order, the Church at spiritual holiness. The State looks to the visible and outward; the Church is concerned for the invisible and inward. The badge of the State’s authority is the sword, by which it becomes a terror to evil doers, and a praise to them that do well; the badge of the Church’s authority is the keys, by which it opens and shuts the kingdom of heaven, according as men are believing or impenitent. The power of the Church is ex¬ clusively spiritual; that of the State includes the exercise of force. The constitution of the Church is a divine revelation; the consti¬ tution of the State must be determined by human reason and the course of providential events. The Church has no right to con¬ struct or modify a government for the State, and the State has no right to frame a creed or polity for the Church. They are as plan¬ ets moving in different orbits, and unless each is confined to its own track, the consequences may be as disastrous in the moral world as the collision of different spheres in the world of matter. It is true that there is a point at which their respective jurisdictions seem to meet — in the idea of duty. But even duty is viewed by each in very different lights. The Church enjoins it as obedience to' God, and the State enforces it as the safeguard of order. But there can be no collision, unless one or the' other blunders as to the things that are materially right. When the .State makes wicked laws, contra¬ dicting the eternal principles of rectitude, the Church is at liberty to testify against them, and humbly to petition that they may be repealed. In like manner, if the Church becomes seditious and a disturber of the peace, the State has a right to abate the nuisance. In ordinary cases, however, there is not likely to be a collision. Among a Christian people there is little difference of opinion as to the radical distinctions of right and wrong. The only serious dan¬ ger is where moral duty is conditioned upon a political question. Under the pretext of inculcating duty, the Church may usurp the power to determine the question which conditions it, and that is precisely what she is debarred from doing. The conditions must be given. She must accept it from the State, and then her own course is clear. If Caesar is your master, then pay tribute to him; but whether the if holds, whether Caesar is your master or not, whether he ever had any just authority, whether he now retains it or has forfeited it, these are points which the Church has no commis¬ sion to adjudicate. Sec. 1384] Non-Secular Character of the Church 889 Had these principles been steadily maintained by the Assembly at Philadelphia, it is possible that the ecclesiastical separation of the North and South might have been deferred for years to come. Our Presbyteries, many of them, clung with tenderness to the rec¬ ollections of the past. Sacred memories gathered around that ven¬ erable Church which had breasted many a storm and trained our fathers for glory. It had always been distinguished for its con¬ servative influence, and many fondly hoped that, even in the pres¬ ent emergency, it would raise its placid and serene head above the tumults of popular passion, and bid defiance to the angry billows which rolled at its feet. We expected it to bow in reverence only at the name of Jesus. Many dreamed that it would utterly refuse to know either Confederates or Federalists, and utterly refuse to give any authoritative decree without a “thus saith the Lord.” It was ardently desired that the sublime spectacle might be presented of one church upon earth combining in cordial fellowship and in holy love the disciples of Jesus in different, and even in hostile lands. But, alas ! for the weakness of man, these golden visions were soon dispelled. The first thing which roused our Presbyteries to look the question of separation in the face was the course of the Assembly in venturing to determine, as a court of Jesus Christ, which it did by necessary implication, the true interpretation of the Constitution of the United States as to the kind of government it intended to form. A political theory was, to all intents and pur¬ poses, propounded, which made secession a crime, the seceding States rebellious, and the citizens who obeyed them traitors. We say nothing here as to the righteousness or unrighteousness of these decrees. 'What we maintain is that, whether right or wrong, the Church had no right to make them; she transcended her sphere, and usurped the duties of the State. The discussion of these ques¬ tions, we are sorry to add, was in the spirit and temper of partisan declaimers. The Assembly, driven from its ancient moorings, was tossed to and fro by the waves of the popular passion. Like Pilate, it obeyed the clamor of the mtultitude, and, though acting in the name of Jesus, it kissed the sceptre and bowed the knee to the mandates of Northern frenzy. The Church was converted into the forum, and the Assembly was henceforward to become the arena of sec¬ tional divisions and national animosities. We frankly admit that the mere unconstitutionality of the pro¬ ceedings of the last Assembly is not, in itself considered, a suffi¬ cient ground for separation. It is the consequences of these proceedings which make them so offensive. It is the door which they open for the introduction of the worst passions of human nature into the deliberations of church courts. The spirit of these pro¬ ceedings, if allowed to prevail, would forever banish peace from the Church, and there is no reason to hope that the tide which has begun to flow can soon be arrested. The two Confederacies hate each other more intensely now than they did in May, and if their citizens should come together upon the same floor, whatever might 890 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII be the errand that brought them there, they could not be restrained from smiting each other with the fist of wickedness. For the sake of peace, therefore, for Christian charity, for the honor of the Church, and for the glory of God, we have been constrained, as much as in us lies, to remove all occasion of offense. We have quietly separated, and we are grateful to God that, while leaving for the sake of peace, we leave it with the humble consciousness that we ourselves have never given occasion to break the peace. We have never confounded Caesar and Christ, and we have never mixed the issues of this world with the wieighty matters that properly be¬ long to us as citizens of the kingdom of God. 2. Though the immediate occasion of separation was the course of the General Assembly at Philadelphia in relation to the Federal Government and the war, yet there is another ground on which the independent organizations of the Southern Church can be amply and Spiritually maintained. The unity of the Church does not require a formal bond of union among all the congregations of be¬ lievers throughout the earth. It does not demand a vast imperial monarchy like that of Rome, nor a strictly universal council like that to which the complete development of Presbyterianism would naturally give rise. The Church catholic is one in Christ, but it is not necessarily one visible, all-absorbing organization upon earth. There is no schism where there is no breach of charity. Churches may be perfectly at one in every principle of faith and order, and yet geographically distinct, and mutually independent. As the unity of the human race is not disturbed by its division into countries and nations, so the unity of the spiritual seed of Christ is neither broken nor impaired by separation and division into various church constitutions. Accordingly, in the Protestant countries church or¬ ganizations have followed national lines. The Calvinistic churches of Switzerland are distinct from the Reformed Church of France. The Presbyterians of Ireland belong to a different church from the Presbyterians of Scotland, and the Presbyterians of this country constitute a church, in like manner, distinct from all other churches on the globe. That the division into national churches, that is churches bounded by national lines, is, in the present condition of human nature, a benefit, seems to us too obvious for proof. It realizes to the Church catholic all the advantages of a division of labor. It makes a church organization homogeneous and compact; it stimu¬ lates holy rivalry and zeal; it removes all grounds of suspicion and jealousy on the part of the State. What is lost in expansion is gained in energy. The Church catholic, as thus divided, and yet spiritually one, divided, but not rent, is a beautiful illustration of the great philosophical principle which pervades all nature — the co-existence of the one with the many. If it is desirable that each nation should contain a separate and an independent church, the Presbyteries of these Confederate States need no apology for bowing to the decree of Providence, which, in withdrawing their country from thei government of the Sec. 1384] Non-Secular Character of the Church 891 United States, has, at the same time, determined that they should withdraw from the Church of their fathers. It is not that they have ceased to love it — not that they have abjured its ancient principles, or forgotten its glorious history. It is to give these same principles a richer, freer, fuller development among ourselves than they possibly could receive under foreign culture. It is precisely because we love that Church as it was, and that Church as it should be, that we have resolved, as far as in! us lies, to realize its grand idea in the country and under the government where God has cast our lot. With the supreme control of ecclesiasti¬ cal affairs in our own hands, we may be able, in some competent measure, to consummate this result. In subjection to a foreign power, we could no more accomplish it than the Church in the United States could have been developed in dependence upon the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The difficulty there would have been, not the distance of Edinburgh from New York, Philadelphia or Charleston, but the difference in the manners, habits, customs and ways of thinking, the social, civil and political institutions of the people. These same difficulties exist in relation to the Cbn- federate and United States, and render it eminently proper that the Church in each should be as separate (and independent as the governments. In addition to this, there is one difference which so radically and fundamentally distinguishes the North and the .South that it is becoming every day more and more apparent that the religious, as well as the secular, interests of both will be more effectually pro¬ moted by a complete and lasting separation. The antagonism of Northern and Southern sentiment on the subject of slavery lies at 'the root of all the difficulties which have resulted in the dismem¬ berment of the Federal Union, and involved us in the horrors of an unnatural war. The Presbyterian Church in the United States has been enabled by the Divine grace to pursue, for the most part, an eminently conservative, because a thoroughly Scriptural, policy in relation to this delicate question. It has planted itself upon the W’ord of God, and utterly refused to mlake slaveholding a sin, or non-slaveholding a term of communion. But though both sections are agreed as to this general principle, it is not to be disguised that the North exercises a deep and settled antipathy to slavery itself, while the .South is equally zealous in its defense. Recent events can have no other effect than to confirm the antipathy on the one hand and strengthen the attachment on the other. The North¬ ern section of the Church stands in the awkward predicament of maintaining in one breath that slavery is an evil which ought to be abolished, and of asserting in the next that iit is not a sin to be visited by exclusion from the communion of the saints. The consequence is, that it plays partly into the hands of abolitionists and partly into the hands of slaveholders, and weakens its influence with both. It occupies the position of a prevaricating witness, whom neither party will trust. It would be better, therefore, for 892 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII the moral power of the Northern section of the Church to get en¬ tirely quit of the subject. At the same time, it is intuitively obvious that the Southern section of the Church, while eveii partially under the control of those who are hostile to slavery, can never have free and unimpeded access to the slave population. Its ministers and elders will always be liable to some degree of suspicion. In the present circumstances, Northern alliance would] be absolutely fatal. It would utterly preclude the Church from a wide and com¬ manding field of usefulness. This is too dear a price to be paid for a nominal union. We cannot afford to give up these millions of souls, and consign them, so far as our efforts are concerned, to hopeless perdition, for the sake of preserving an outward unity which, after all, is an empty shadow. If we would gird ourselves heartily and in earnest for the work which God has set before us, we must have the control of our ecclesiastical affairs, and declare ourselves separate and independent. And here we m^y venture to lay before the Christian world our views as a Church upon the subject of slavery. We beg a candid hearing. In the first place, we would have it distinctly understood that, in our ecclesiastical capacity, we are neither the friends nor the foes of slavery, that is to say, we have no commission either to propagate or abolish it. The policy of its existence or non-exist¬ ence is a question which exclusively belongs to the State. We have no right, as a Church, to enjoin it as a duty, or to condemn it as a sin. Our business is with the duties which spring from the relation; the duties of the masters on the one hand, and of their slaves on the other. These duties we are to proclaim and to en¬ force with spiritual sanctions. The social, civil, political prob¬ lems connected with this great subject transcend our sphere, as God has not entrusted to His Church the organization of society, the construction of governments, nor the allotment of individuals to their various stations. The Church has as much right to preach to the monarchies of Europe and the despotism of Asia the doctrines of republican equality as to preach to the governments of the South the extirpation of slavery. This position is impregnable, unless it can be shown that slavery is a sin. Upon every other hypothesis, it is so clearly a question for the State that the proposition would never for a moment have been doubted, had there not been a fore¬ gone conclusion in relation to its moral character. Is slavery, then, a sin? In answering this question as a Church, let it be distinctly] borne in mind that the only rule of judgment is the written Word of God. The Church knows nothing of the institutions of reason or the deductions of philosophy, except those reproduced in the sacred Canon. She has a positive constitution in the Holy Scriptures, and has no right to utter a single syllable upon any subject except as the Lord puts words in her mouth. She is founded, in other words, upon express revelation. Her creed is an authoritative testimony Sec. 1384] Non-Secular Character or the Church 893 of God, and not a speculation, and what she proclaims she must proclaim with the infallible certitude of faith, and not with the hesitating assent of an opinion. The question, then, is brought within a narrow compass: Do the Scriptures directly or indirectly condemn slavery as a sin? If they do not, the dispute is ended, for the Church, without forfeiting her character, dares not go beyond them. • Now, we venture to assert that, if men had drawn their conclu¬ sions upon this subject only from the Bible, it would no more have entered into any human head to denounce slavery as a sin than to denounce monarchy, aristocracy or poverty. The truth is, men have listened to what they falsely considered as primitive intuitions, or as necessary deductions from primitive cognitions, and then have gone to the Bible to confirm the crotchets of their vain philosophy. They have gone there determined to find a particular result, and the consequence is, that they leave with having made, instead of having interpreted, Scripture. Slavery is no new thing. It has not only existed for ages in the world, but it has existed, under every dispensation of the covenant of grace, in the Church of God. Indeed, the first organization of the church as a visible society, separate and distinct from the unbelieving world, was inaugurated in the family of a slaveholder. Among the very first persons to whom the seal of circumcision was affixed, were the slaves of the father of the faithful, some born in his house, and others bought with his money. Slavery again re-appears under the Law. God sanctions it in the first table of the Decalogue, and Moses treats it as an institution to be regulated, not abolished; legitimated, and not condemned. We come down to the age of the New Testament, and we find it again in the churches founded by the apostles under the plenary inspiration of the Holy Ghost. These facts are utterly amazing, if slavery is the enormous sin which its enemies represent it to be. It will not do to say that the: Scriptures have treated it only in a general, incidental way, without any clear implication as to its moral character. Moses surely made it the subject of ex¬ press and positive legislation, and the apostles are equally explicit in inculcating the duties which spring from both sides of the rela¬ tion. They treat slaves as bound to obey, and inculcate obedience as an office of religion — a thing wholly self-contradictory if the authority exercised over them were unlawful and iniquitous. But what puts this subject in a still clearer light is the manner in which it is sought to extort from the Scriptures a contrary testimony. The notion of direct and explicit condemnation is given up. The attempt is to show that the genius and spirit of Christian¬ ity are opposed to it — that its great cardinal principles of virtue are utterly against it. Much stress is laid upon the Golden Rule and upon the general denunciations of tyranny and oppression. To all this we reply, that no principle is clearer than that a> case positively excepted cannot be included under a general rule. Let us concede, for a moment, that the laws of love and the condemnation of tyranny 894 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII and oppression seem logically to involve, as a result, the condemna¬ tion of slavery; yet, if slavery is afterwards expressly mentioned and treated as a lawful relation, it obviously follows, unless Scripture is to be interpreted as inconsistent with itself, that slavery is, by necessary implication, excepted. The Jewish law forbade, as a gen¬ eral rule, the marriage of a man with his brother’s wife. The same law expressly enjoined the same marriage in a given case. The given case was, therefore, an exception, and not to be treated as a violation of the general rule. The law of love has, always been the law of God, It was enunciated by Moses almost as clearly as it was enunciated by Jesus Christ. Yet, notwithstanding this lawr Moses and the Apostles alike sanctioned the relation of slavery. The conclusion is inevitable, either that the law is not opposed to it,, or that slavery is an excepted case. To say that the prohibition of tyranny and oppression includes slavery, is to beg the whole question. Tyranny and oppression involve either the unjust usurpation or the unlawful exercise of power. It is the unlawfulness, either in its prin¬ ciple or measure, which constitutes the core of the sin. Slavery must, therefore, be proved to be unlawful before it can be referred to any such category. The master may, indeed, abuse his powrer, but he oppresses not simply as a master, but as a wicked master. But, apart from all this, the law of love is simply the inculcation of universal equity, implies nothing as to the existence of various ranks and gradations in society. The interpretation which makes it repudiate slavery would make it equally repudiate all social, civil and political inequalities. Its meaning is, not that we should con¬ form ourselves to the arbitrary expectations of others, but that we should render unto them precisely the same measures which, if we were in their circumstances, it would be reasonable and just in us to demand at their hands. It condemns slavery, therefore, only upon the supposition that slavery is a sinful relation — that is, he who extracts the prohibition of slavery from the Golden Rule begs the very point in dispute. We cannot prosecute the argument in detail, but we have said enough, we think, to vindicate the position of the Southern Church. We have assumed no new attitude. We stand exactly where the Church of God has always stood — from Abraham! to Moses, from Moses to Christ, from Christ to the Reformers, and from the Re¬ formers to ourselves. We stand upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone. Shall we be excluded from the fellowship of our brethren in other lands because we dare not depart from the charter of our faith? Shall we be branded with the stigma of reproach because we can¬ not consent to corrupt the Word of God to suit the intuitions of an infidel philosophy? Shall our names be cast out as evil, and the finger of scorn pointed at us, because we utterly refuse to break our communion with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, with Moses, David and Isaiah, with apostles, prophets and martyrs, with all the noble army of confessors who have gone to glory from slave-holding countries,. Sec. 1384] Non-Secular Character of the Church 895 and from a slave-holding Church, without ever having dreamed that they were living in mortal sin by conniving at slavery in the midst of them? If so, we shall take consolation in the cheering conscious¬ ness that the Master has accepted us. We may be denounced, de¬ spised, and cast out of the synagogues of our brethren; but while they are wrangling about the distinctions of men according to the flesh, we shall go forward in our divine work, and confidently an¬ ticipate that, in the great day, as the consequence of our humble labors, we shall meet millions of glorified spirits, who have come up from the bondage of earth to a nobler freedom than human philosophy ever dreamed of. Others, if they please, may spend their time in declaiming on the tyranny of earthly masters; it will be our aim to resist the real tyrants which oppress the soul — sin and Satan. These are the foes against whom we shall find it employment enough to wage a successful war. And to this holy war it is the purpose of our Church to devote itself with redoubled energy. We feel that the souls of our slaves are a solemn trust, and we shall strive to present them faultless and complete before the presence of God. Indeed, as we contemplate their condition in the Southern States, and contrast it with that of their fathers before them, and that of their brethren in the present day in their native land, we cannot but accept it as a gracious providence that they have been brought in such numbers to our shores, and redeemed from the bondage of barbarism and sin. Slavery to them has certainly been overruled for the greatest good. It has been a link in the wondrous chain of Providence, through which many sons and daughters have been made heirs of the heavenly inheritance. The providential result is, of course, no justification if the thing is intrinsically wrong, but it is certainly a matter of devout thanksgiving, and no obscure intimation of the will and purpose of God, and of the consequent duty of the Church. We cannot forbear to say, however, that the general opera¬ tion of the system is kindly and benevolent; it is a real and effective discipline, and without it we are profoundly persuaded that the African race in the midst of us can never be elevated in the scale of being. As long as that race, in its comparative degradation, co¬ exists side by side with the white, bondage is its normal condition. As to the endless declamation about human rights, we have only to say that human rights are not a fixed, but a fluctuating quantity. Their sum is not the same in any two nations on the globe. The rights of Englishmen are one thing, the rights of Frenchmen another. There is a minimum without which a man cannot be responsible; there is a maximum which expresses the highest degree of civilization and of Christian culture. The education of the species consists in its ascent along this line. As you go up, the number of rights in¬ creases, but the number of individuals who possess them diminishes. 'As you come down the line, rights are diminished, but the individuals are multiplied. It is just the opposite of the predicamental scale of the logicians. There comprehension diminishes as you ascend and extension increases, and comprehension increases as you descend and 896 Relations \Yith Other Bodies [Book VII extension diminishes. Now, when it is said that slavery is incon¬ sistent with human rights, we crave to understand what point in this line the slave is conceived to occupy. There are, no doubt, many rights which belong to other men — to Englishmen, to French¬ men, to his master, for example — which are denied him. But is he fit to possess them? Has God qualified him to meet the responsi¬ bilities which their possession necessarily implies ? His place in the scale is determined by his competency to fulfil its duties. There are other rights which he certainly possesses, without which he could neither be human nor accountable. Before slavery can be charged with doing him injustice, it must be shown that the minimum which falls to his lot at the bottom of the line is out of proportion to his capacity and culture — a thing which can never be done by abstract speculation. The truth is, the education of the human race for liberty and virtue is a vast providential scheme, and God assigns to every man, by a wise and holy decree, the precise place he is to occupy in the great moral school of humanity. The scholars are distributed into classes, according to their competency and progress; for God is in history. To avoid the suspicion of a conscious weakness of our cause, when contemplated from the side of pure speculation, we may advert for a moment to those pretended intuitions which stamp the reprobation of humanity upon this ancient and hoary institution. We admit that there are primitive principles in morals which lie at the root of human consciousness. But the question is, How are we to distinguish them? The subjective feeling of certainty is no adequate criterion,, as that is equally felt in reference to crotchets and hereditary prej¬ udices. The very point is to know when this certainty indicates a primitive cognition, and when it does not. There must, therefore, be some eternal test, and whatever cannot abide that test has no authority as a primary truth. That test is an inward necessity of thought, which, in all minds at the proper stage of maturity, is abso¬ lutely universal. Whatever is universal is natural. We are willing that slavery should be tried by this standard. We are willing to abide by the testimony of the race, and if man, as man, has every¬ where condemned it — if all human laws have prohibited it as crime — if it stands in the same category with malice, murder and theft, then we are willing, in the name of humanity, to renounce it forever. But what if the overwhelming majority of mankind have approved it? What if philosophers and statesmen have justified it, and the laws of all nations acknowledged it? What then becomes of these lumi¬ nous intuitions? They are an ignis fatuus mistaken for a star. We have now, brethren, in a brief compass, for the nature of this address admits only an outline, opened to you our whole hearts upon this delicate and vexed subject. We have concealed nothing. We have sought to conciliate no sympathy by appeals to your charity. We have tried our cause by the Word of God; and though protesting against its authority to judge in a question concerning the duty of the Church, we have not refused to appear at the tribunal of reason. Are Sec. 1384 j Non-Secular Character or the Church 897 we not right, in view of all the preceding considerations, in remitting the social, civil and political problems connected with slavery, to the State? Is it not a subject, save in the moral duties which spring from it, which lies beyond the province of the Church? Have we any right to make it an element in judging of Christian character? Are we not treading in the footsteps of the flock ? Are we not acting as Christ and His apostles have acted before us? Is' it not enough for us to pray and labor, in our lot, that all men may be saved, without meddling as a Church with the technical distinction of their civil life? We leave the matter with you. We offer you the right hand of fellowship. It is for you to accept it or reject it. We have done our duty. We can do no more. Truth is more precious than union, and if you cast us out as sinners, the breach of charity is not with us as long as we walk according to the light of the written Word. The ends which we propose to accomplish as a Church are the same as those which are proposed by every other church. To pro¬ claim God’s truth, as a witness to the nations; to gather His elect from the four corners of the earth, and through the Word, ministers and or¬ dinances, to train them for eternal life, is the great business of His people. The only thing that will be at all peculiar to us is the manner in which we shall attempt to discharge our duty. In almost every de¬ partment of labor, except the pastoral care of congregations, it has been usual for the Church to resort to societies more or less closely connected with itself, and yet logically and really distinct. It is our purpose to rely upon the regular organs of our government, and executive agencies directly and immediately responsible to them. We wish to make the Church, not merely a superintendent but an agent. We wish to devolop the idea that the congregation of believers, as visibly organized, is the very society or corporation which is divinely called to do the work of the Lord. We shall therefore, endeavor to do what has never yet been adequately done — bring out the ener¬ gies of our Presbyterian system of government. From the Session to the Assembly, we shall strive to enlist all our courts, as courts, in every department of Christian effort. We are not ashamed to confess that we are intensely Presbyterian. We embrace all other denominations in the arms of Christian fellowship and love, but our own scheme of government we humbly believe to be according to the pattern shown in the Mount, and, by God’s grace, we propose to put its efficiency to the test. Brethren, we have done. We have told you who we are, and what we are. We greet you in the ties of Christian brotherhood. We desire to cultivate peace and charity with all our fellow Chris¬ tians throughout the world. We invite to ecclesiastical communion all who maintain our principles of faith and order. And now we commend you to God and the word of His grace. We devoutly pray that the whole catholic Church may be afresh baptized with the Holy Ghost, and that she may speedily be stirred up to give the Lord Relations With Other Bodies 898 [Book VII no rest until He establish and make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. [Signed] B. M. Palmer, Moderator. Jno. N. Waddel, Stated Clerk, Joseph R. Wilson, Permanent Clerk, D. McNeill Turner, Temporary Clerk. Ministers'. John S. Wilson, Wm. Henry Foote, John H. Bocock, Samuel R. Houston, Francis McFarland, W. T. Richardson, Peyton Harrison, Theodorick Pryor, Samuel D. Stuart, James B. Ramsey, Drury Lacy, P. H. Dalton, Robert Hett Chapman, J. W. Elliott, R. B. McMullen, Shepard Wells, J. H. Lorance, John B. Adger, John S. Harris, J. Leighton Wilson, D. E. Frierson, J. H. Thornwell, A. W. Leland, J. E. DuBose, N. A. Pratt, G. W. Boggs, Robert B. White, A. B. McCorkle, John A. Smylie, James A. Lyon, J. Frank¬ lin Ford, W. C. Emerson, John Hunter, Richmond Mclnnis, W. D. Moore, J. H. Gillespie, W. N. Frierson, A. H. Caldwell, Thos. R. Welch, John I. Boozer, Cyrus Kingsbury, R. M. Loughridge, Rufus W. Bailey, Hillery Moseley, R. F. Bunting, Levi Tenney. Ruling Elders: James D. Armstrong, B. F. Renick, J. W. Gilke- son, J. L. Campbell, T. E. Perkinson, W. F. C. Gregory, Samuel McCorkle, Jesse H. Lindsay, Charles Phillips, James H. Dickson, J. G. Shepherd, James G. Ramsey, William Murdock, Samuel B. McAdams, A. W. Putnam, Lewis B. Thornton, Thos. C. Perrin, Joe Johnstone, R. S. Hope, J. S. Thompson, W. Veronneau Finley, John Bonner, William A. Forward, D. C. Houston, Wm. P. Webb, James Montgomery, W. H. Simpson, Wm. C. Black, David Hadden, H. H. Kimmons, J. T. Swayne, T. L. Dunlap, Edward W. Wright. 1385. No religious establishment by the government 1861, p. 18. Dr. McFarland, from the Committee on Bills and Overtures, reported on Overture that the committee deem it in¬ expedient at this time for the Assembly to take any action on the subject. The Assembly rejected the recommendation of the com¬ mittee, and on motion of Dr. Pryor, adopted the overture, which is as follows: The Assembly approves of that clause in the Constitution of the Confederate States which forbids the Congress to enact any law respecting a religious establishment, and understands that prohibi¬ tion equally to restrain the Executive from establishing in the public service, in any manner or on any plea whatever, one branch of the Church in preference to another. 1386. Memorial to Congress to embody in the Constitution a recognition of the Christian religion 1861, p. 21. Pursuant to a previous order, the Assembly pro¬ ceeded to consider Overture to-wit, a memorial to the Congress of the Confederate States for the incorporation of an article in the Constitution distinctly recognizing the Christian religion. Dr. Thornwell asked and obtained leave to withdraw the overture. Secs. 1384-1388] Non-Secular Character of the Church 899 1387. Observance of days of fasting, thanksgiving and prayer , when designated by the civil magistrate 1866, p. 13. An overture sent by Tuskegee church to the Pres¬ bytery of East Alabama, and referred by said Presbytery to this General Assembly. This overture has reference to the relation between the Church and the State, and especially in respect to the observance of those days designated by the civil magistrate as days of fasting, prayer or thanksgiving. On these points, the Assembly would declare anew the doctrine of our time-honored Confession, that Christ alone is King and Head of His Church, and that all ordinances of worship binding on us are ordained by Him alone; that there are two commonwealths, equally appointed by God: the civil, whose object is to protect the persons and property, and promote the well-being of men as they are mem¬ bers of civil society; and the religious, the commonwealth of Israel, whose object it is to train men, as they are sinners, for glory and immortality. Although these exist together in this world, each is independent of the other in its own sphere. The Church of Christ, as it is visible in any country, is divided among many denominations, who act in their appointments for religious observance without refer¬ ence to each other, each being responsible to Christ their Head. In the civil commonwealth there is one and the same civil authority ruling in its own sphere over all. On occasions of national calam¬ ities and sorrows, or of prosperity and joy, it is the dictate of that religious nature with which God has endowed us, and accordant with the teachings of His Holy Word, that we should humble ourselves, as a people, with prayer and fasting, or offer to him thanksgiving and praise. The people that truly abases itself before God, or offers to Him thanksgiving, performs an act well pleasing in His sight. And when the civil power, which alone can reach us all, invites to these acts, and so furnishes the occasion for their performance, it is right for those who bear rule in the visible Church to consider whether Christ their Head, who, as Mediatorial King, rules over the nations of the earth as well as over His Church, does not Himself invite them to these acts of worship. He is their Lord. And to their own Mas¬ ter they stand or fall. The act of the civil power does but secure that concert of prayer, praise and worship that would be wanting without it. And we cannot condemn the civil magistrate who thus furnishes the opportunity of united religious acts, so consonant to the dictates of the hearts of a Christian people and to the religion they profess. We do not enjoin the observance of such days in all cases, nor would we dissuade from such observance, but remit the determination of the question, in each case, to our church Sessions. 1388. Duty of citizens to the State 1862, p. 19. We distinctly recognize the right of the State to 900 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII claim the services of any or all her citizens in this the time of her need. We also acknowledge it as a high privilege, as well as a plain duty, for our people to pledge to each other, and the government of their choice, their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor, in united efforts to drive back the invaders of our soil and the enemies of our institutions. 1389. The non- political character of the Church 1866, p. 30. Extract from report of Committee on Foreign Cor¬ respondence, which was adopted: “This argument, of visibly realizing the spiritual unity of the Lord’s people, is enforced by the peculiar circumstances of the times in which we live and by the nature of the controversies which now agitate the Church. The old conflict for the spirituality and inde¬ pendence of the Church is, to the amazement of many, renewed in our day and upon our own continent. The battle fought generations ago by the Melvilles, Gillespies and Hendersons, of Scotland, is re-opened with singular violence, and the old banner is again float¬ ing over us with its historic inscription, “For Christ’s Covenant and Crown.” Upon no^bne subject is the mind of this Assembly more clearly ascertained, upop. no one doctrine is there a more solid or perfect agreement amongst those whom this Assembly represents, than the non-secular and non-political character of the Church of Jesus Christ. Whatever ambiguous or indiscreet expression may have been extorted under the pressure of extraordinary excitement, from individuals amongst us, the Assembly of this Church deliber¬ ately reaffirms the testimony given in the solemn Address to the Churches of Jesus Christ throughout the Earth, issued in 1861, during its first sessions in the city of Augusta, and which was pro¬ nounced in these words.” (Here follows an extract from that address, beginning with the words, “The provinces of the Church and State are perfectly dis¬ tinct,” and concluding with the words, “different! spheres in the world of matter.” For this extract, see above, p. 888.) “The early assertion of this radical distinction, at the very open¬ ing of our history, commits us to the maintenance and defence of the crowp rights of the Redeemer, whether, on the one hand, they be usurped by the State, or whether, on the other, they be re¬ nounced by any portion of God’s professing people. Summoned thus in the providence of God to contend for the same principles for which our martyr fathers of the Scottish Reformation testified even to the death, and which the fathers of the Southern Presbyterian Church labored so earnestly to secure and rejoiced in having ob¬ tained their full recognition by the civil government in America, it would be most happy if all those in the different branches of the Presbyterian family who are called to renew the protest could be ’united in one homogeneous body for the reassertion of Christ’s royal supremacy in and over His spiritual kingdom, the Church. The scattered testimony of separate and individual witnesses would deepen Secs. 1389-1390] Non-Secular Character of the Church 901 in intensity if gathered into one volume, and rolled against those who would place the crown of Jesus upon the head of Caesar.. In view of all which, this Assembly would tender the hand to all who are of like mind with us as to the doctrines of grace and as to the order and discipline of God’s house, that as one compacted Church we may oppose a breakwater against the current which is sweeping from its moorings our common Protestantism, until the doctrine of the Church as a free spiritual commonwealth shall regain its ascen¬ dancy, not only over the Presbyterian, but over the whole American Protestant mind.” 1390. The spirituality of the Church 1866, p. 37. The following resolution, offered by the Rev. Dr. Palmer, was adopted: In view of the great controversy now pending in this country, upon the spirituality and independence of the Church as the visible king¬ dom of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the earth; and in view of the fact that the Assembly did, at the time of its organization in 1861, plant itself firmly upon the ground, that the Church is a spiritual commonwealth, distinct from and independent of the State; be it therefore, Resolved , That the Rev. Messrs. T. E. Peck, A. W. Miller, and George Howe, D. D., be appointed a committee to prepare, and report to the next General Assembly, a paper defining and limiting this whole subject, for the instruction of our people, and suitable to be adopted by the Assembly as a full and public testimony against the alarming defection manifested in so many branches of the Protes¬ tant Church in this country. 1867, p. 139. A letter was received from Rev. Dr. T. E. Peck, giving reasons for not having presented a report upon the subject as¬ signed to himself and others by the General Assembly, which were accepted as satisfactory, and the committee was discharged. 1922, p. 77. Minutes of the Synod of Mississippi were approved with the following exception: “That part of the resolution concern¬ ing the mort main statute on page 39, which reads as follows, to- wit, ‘We appeal to the fair-minded citizenship of our State to go to the polls when this question shall be submitted to a vote, and ratify this proposed change.’ “Your Committee is of the opinion that the above appeal made to the citizenship of the State to influence them in a civil matter, is contrary to the letter and spirit of our constitution.” 1391. Official utterances of the Assembly on the spirituality and independence of the Church to be published 1870, p. 542. The Committee of Publication is instructed to pub¬ lish, in tract form, the public official utterances of our Assemblies in relation to the spirituality and independence of the Church, in- 902 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII eluding the Address of the Assembly of 1861 to the Churches of Jesus Christ throughout the World, and the Pastoral Letter now to be issued from this Assembly, and such other papers as the committee may deem needful to explain the references in said letter. The Executive Committee reported (1871, p. 64) that it had so done, and that it had added extracts from proceedings of the Old School Assembly from 1861 to 1867. (A second edition contained, also, extracts from the proceedings of the New School Assembly of the same period. — A.) 1392. On the competency of the Church to seek the intervention of the civil powers 1883, p. 24. In reply to an overture from Abingdon Presbytery touching the observance of the Sabbath, the following was adopted: While recognizing the right of members of the Church, as citizens, to bring the matter of the observance of the -Sabbath to the notice of the civil government, by petition or otherwise, yet it is the judg¬ ment of the Assembly that it is not competent for the Church, in its organic capacity, to seek the intervention of the civil powers for the accomplishment of any of the ends before it, as a witness for the truth of God. The Assembly would furthermore deprecate all action which might be construed as committing the Church to any alliance with associations or societies outside of its pale for the accomplish¬ ment of this, or any other object, however worthy in itself. 1884, p. 209. Overture of the Presbytery of St. Johns, asking this Assembly to reverse the action of the Synod of South Georgia and Florida in excepting to its Minutes, as found on page 124, to-wit: “ Resolved , That all our Sessions he requested to call the at¬ tention of the executors of the law and the grand juries of the courts to the statutes enacted by the Legislature touching the Sabbath; that they take such measures as wisdom and prudence suggest to have the offenders brought to justice, and the laws of God and the State vindicated.” Reply : Resolved, That the action of Synod be sustained, accord¬ ing to the deliverance of the Assembly of 1883, touching the same matter, as found on pages 24 and 25 of the Minutes. 1903, p. 500. 1. To the overture from the Presbytery of Arkansas asking “that a representative committee be appointed by the Assem¬ bly, . the duty of which committee shall be, in, the most effective way, to take up the question of -Sabbath observance with the executive departments of our government, with the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the leading railway corporations, to the end that influences emanating from these centers of power may as far as possible secure a cessation from all executive, governmental and railroad work on the Sabbath day,” we recommend the following answer : Fully realizing the vital importance of the Sabbath as a divine institution, given to man in his estate of innocence and for his highest good to conserve what is best in Church and State, yet we Secs. 1391-1395] Non-Secular Character of the Church 903 cannot grant the request, inasmuch as it would be in violation of our fundamental law as shown in Confession of Faith, Chapter XXXI., Section 4. 2. To the Secretary of the “Atmerican Sabbath Union,” asking first, “the recognition of the American .Sabbath Union”; second, “that the Church, South, be officially represented in the Sunday Rest Congress to -be held in St. Louis, Mo., October 6, 7 and 8, 1904,” we recommend the following answer: Wishing you abundant success in your very laudable work, and realizing die deadly nature of the tremendous forces at work for the destruction of the Sabbath as a day of sacred rest, still, as a court of the' church of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in the presence of Pilate declared, “My kingdom is not of this world,” we cannot grant the request for the reason that it would be a departure from the teach¬ ing of the Great Head of the Church, as also from our Standards, as seen in Confession of Faith, Chapter XXXI., Section 4. 1393. Amendment to the Constitution of the United States 1892, p. 439. Your committee reports that, having examined the “memorial of the National League for the Protection of American Institutions,” asking the thoughtful consideration of this Assembly to a proposed additional amendment to the Constitution of the United States, regardless of our private opinions as to the subject-matter of the communication, they would respectfully recommend that no formal action be taken by the Assembly. Adopted. 1394. No political deliverances in church courts » - : f 1912, p. 70g. In reference to the resolution proposed concerning political deliverances by church courts, your committee would report as follows: Inasmuch as the General Assembly is on record, having already made numerous deliverances on this subject, we would refer this Assembly to these deliverances. 1395. Arbitration of international disputes and the Peace Con¬ ference' 1890, p. 18. The following was offered by Rev. W. A. Campbell, D. D., and referred to the Committee on Bills and Overtures: Whereas Synods and councils may handle affairs which concern the Commonwealth “by way of humble petition in cases extraor¬ dinary”; and Whereas the spectacle of Christian nations continuing to settle disputes which arise, by force of arms, and to maintain heavy arma- Relations With Other Bodies 904 [Book VII merits for this end, presents a “case extraordinary,” calling for “hum¬ ble petition”; Resolved, That the General Assembly ask the co-operation of the several churches of our own and other countries in this object. (A memorial was adopted inviting other churches to join in this movement.) P. 53. This Committee (Bills and Overtures) made the follow¬ ing report, which was adopted: Recognizing the right of petition to civil governments in regard to momentous matters, and the obligation of the church through its highest judicatories, to place itself on the side of the truth and right¬ eousness, your committee recommend the adoption of Dr. William A. Campbell’s paper, and the filling of the blanks in the Committee of Correspondence with other Christian churches, with the names of Rev. Wm. A. Campbell, D. D., Rev. Moses D. Hoge, D. D., and Mr. Marshall M. Gilliam, and Rev. R. P. Kerr, D. D. They fur¬ thermore recommend that Rev. William A, Campbell, D. D., and Rev. Moses D. Hoge, D. D., be appointed our delegates to the con¬ ference in the interests of peace, contemplated in 1891; but that this Assembly does not by this appointment of delegates commit itself in advance to any measures that this Peace Conference may adopt. 1891, p. 242. The Committee on Arbitration reported progress, and was continued. 1892, p. 422. T^he following was read and approved: The com¬ mittee appointed by the Assembly of 1890, and continued by that of 1891, charged with the duty of communicating to other ecclesiastical bodies an overture, asking them to join in petitioning governments in behalf of international arbitration, report that, carrying out the action of the Assembly, they convened a conference in New York City on December 17, 1891, composed of delegates from the leading denominations of this country. Two of our number, Dr. Hoge and Dr. Campbell, who had been appointed by the Assembly as delegates to that conference, attended and took part in its deliberations. The action there taken is embodied in resolutions embraced in a circular, which we herewith transmit. This ecclesiastical movement in behalf of international arbitration, inaugurated by our Assembly, has met with the hearty endorsation of leading men in all branches of the church, and of prominent statesmen. And whenever the matter has been intelligently brought before ecclesiastical bodies, so far as we know, they have joined in the petition. The very large undertaking, however, of reaching all the leading ecclesiastical bodies of Christendom is not yet complete; but by the action of the conference its further prosecution has passed into the hands of representatives of all denominations. A General Executive Committee has the matter now in hand, and is aided by a Committee of Correspondence for each denomination, and other com- Sec. 1395] Non-Secular Character of the Church 905 mittees for other departments of the work. The committee to cor¬ respond with the Presbyterian bodies of the world consists of Rev. John Hall, D. D., Rev. Talbott W. Chambers, D. D., and Rev. R. W. Kidd, all of New York. Further communication with our As¬ sembly, so far as it may be called for, will be through this committee. 1893, p. 51. A communication from the Rev, Dr. W. A. Camp¬ bell, chairman of the Assembly’s Committee on International Arbi¬ tration, written at the request of the Rev. Dr. John Hall, chairman of the General Committee of Correspondence, asking, First, that the petition adopted by the Assembly of 1890, and since adopted by other ecclesiastical bodies, now printed in several languages and addressed to the several governments, and sent to this Assembly for proper signature, be signed by the Moderator of the present Assembly, or by that of the Assembly of 1890, as this Assembly may direct; Secondly, that one or more delegates be appointed to attend a con¬ ference, to be held in Chicago in August next, for the purpose of carrying out the original design of our General Assembly. The committee recommend that the said petition be signed by the Moderator of this Assembly, and that the Rev. Dr. W. A. Camp¬ bell, of Virginia, and the Hon. J. Quincy Ward* of Kentucky, be appointed delegates to attend the approaching conference in Chicago. 1894, p. 303. The following resolutions were adopted: 1, That the diligence and fidelity of Rev. Dr. Wm. A. Campbell and Hon. J. Quincy Ward, as delegates herein acting under appointment of the Assembly, be commended. 2, That this Assembly regards with high Christian pleasure and satisfaction the progress already made in promoting the cause of peace on earth by submitting to arbitration questions of difference and strife tending to war. 3, That as it is reported by our delegates that much more could have been accomplished for this great end by the contribution of larger funds, the Assembly recommend to the good people of our Southern territory to contribute as liberally for this purpose as their means will allow, and to forward these contributions to any one of the committee already appointed to receive funds, viz.: John Hall, D. D., LL. D., New York; Wm. H. Roberts, D. D., LL. D., Phila¬ delphia; Josiah W. Leeds, Seal, Penn.; John S. Kennedy, Esq., New York; Col. E. W. Cole, Nashville. 1895, p. 387. Your committee recommends, First, That this Assembly hereby repeat its commendations of this great cause, and declare anew its unabated interest in the work of the Ecclesiastical Peace Conference, and its deep and thankful joy in view of the good measure of success already attained. Secondly, Your committee recommends that this Assembly hereby appropriate fifty (50) dollars to the treasury of the Executive Com¬ mittee of the aforesaid Peace Conference from any funds, not other¬ wise appropriated, in the hands of the Treasurer of this Assembly. Adopted. 906 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII 1396. Congo atrocities 1903, p. 504. The following resolution having been previously adopted but reconsidered, was now amended and adopted, to-wit: Resolved, by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, that a committee consisting of five members be appointed by the Moderator, whose duty it shall be to prepare and present to the President of the United .States a memorial setting out the rights of missionaries from this country in the Congo Free State under the treaty of Berlin; how these rights are disregarded by the government of the Congo Free State, and urging the government of the United States to take such action as may be necessary and proper under the circumstances to ascertain and correct the wrongs com¬ plained of, and to secure the rights to which citizens of the United States who are missionaries to Africa are entitled. And the Senators and Representatives for the State under the jurisdiction of this Assembly are earnestly requested to give to the committee appointed under this resolution all the assistance which it may be in their power to afford. The Committee appointed under this resolution is as follows: Hon. Wm. H. Mann, FJon. Clifton R. Breckinridge, Hon. L. Living¬ ston, Hon. A. G. Dayton, Hon. H. St. George Tucker. 1909, p. 17. The following resolution, offered by Dr. Samuel A. King, was adopted: Resolved, That the action of the Assembly in the transmission of a telegram to the Government at Washington, about the protection of its missionaries, Rev. Dr. W. M. Morrison and Rev. Dr. W. H. Sheppard, in a trial to which they are about to be subjected (See Minutes, pages 14, 76), should not be construed as a violation of the historic position of the Church bearing upon the relations of the Church to the State, inasmuch as it was considered and said to be an extraordinary case and an humble petition. 1397. The Federal census 1890, p. 34. Report on a paper touching the Federal census, which was adopted : The Assembly deems it unwise to appoint the committee asked for; but in view of the importance of securing full statistical information for the United States census about to be taken, the Stated Clerks of our Presbyteries are earnestly urged to co-operate promptly with the proper census officers, and to render them all the assistance possible in securing the said information. 1398. Liquor and fire-arms in the South Sea Islands 1892, p. 457. An extract from the Minutes of the New Hebrides Mission Synod, signed by W. Watt, the Clerk of the said Synod, and accompanied by an explanatory letter from the same, asking this Secs. 1396-1400] Non-Secular Character of the Church 907 Assembly to appeal to the government of the United States, through the President, to concur with other powers in prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors, fire-arms and ammunition in the South Sea Islands, and especally in the New Hebrides. We recommend the adoption of the following resolution: Resolved, That while we heartily sympathize with the mission in their opposition to the sale of intoxicating liquors in those islands, and heartily desire the good-will and peace may everywhere prevail among our fellow men, yet wei do not think it would be wise, that, as a church, we should advise the United States government as to what action it should take in the premises, for the reason that the church has no right to interfere with, or attempt to control, the civil policy of the State. 1399. Preaching of the Gospel and Observance of the Sabbath 1898, p. 222. Rev. Dr. R. P. Kerr, presented a paper exhort¬ ing the confining of the pulpit to the proclamation of the gospel, and cautioning against disregard of the Lord’s day. The paper was unanimously adopted, and is as follows: In view of the fact that the government of the United States is now engaged in a war, which naturally creates excitement, and more or less tension of anxiety, from time to time, with reference to the results of battles on land and sea, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States would call the atten¬ tion of all our ministers to the historic position of the church on all such matters; that while ministers and people, in public and private, should pray for our rulers, and for the officers and men of the army and navy, and that peace with honor may be soon estab¬ lished, yet it is the duty of ministers to proclaim from their pulpits at all times nothing but “the glorious gespel of the blessed God,” ac¬ cording to the church’s commission from her sovereign Head, Jesus Christ the Lord. We urge also upon all our people that they abstain on Sabbath from such reading and conversation as may be inconsistent with the holy resting of the Lord’s day, devoting its sacred hours wholly “to the public and private exercises of God’s worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.” We recommend that this action of the General Assembly be read from all our pulpits at as early a day as possible. 1400. Invitation to attend the decoration of Ex-Confederate graves 1901, p. 29. In response to an invitation from the Omer D. Weaver Camp, of United Confederate Veterans to attend “the deco¬ ration of ex-Confederate graves,” the following was adopted: The invitation is received with thanks, and we express our pro¬ found sympathy with our friends on the occasion, and our regret 908 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII that we are unable, on account of the pressure of business, to take a recess in order to permit the members of the Assembly to attend. 1401. Distinctive Principles See Alexander’s Digest, 1910, p. 539. CHAPTER II ORGANIC UNION WITH OTHER ECCLESIASTICAL BODIES 1402. Presbytery of Patapsco unites with the Assembly 1867, p. 131. The Stated Clerk presented a memorial from the Presbytery of Patapsco, in the State of Maryland, composed of ministers and churches which had withdrawn from their connection with the “General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.” See Alexander’s Digest, p. 399. Whereupon it was resolved, on motion of Rev. Dr. J. R. Wilson, that, in view of this memorial and the certified appointment of com¬ missioners to this body, the said Presbytery of Patapsco be, and the same is hereby, received into regular connection with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States; that the commissioners appointed by it be, and are hereby, received as members of this body, and that the said Presbytery shall be, and hereby is, attached to the Synod of Virginia, as a component part of it. 1403. Union with the United Synod of the South 1863, p. 137. “The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States is hereby overtured by the Presby¬ tery of East Hanover to take such steps as its wisdom may suggest, at its approaching meeting in Columbia, to bring about a union be¬ tween the Old and New School Presbyterians in the Confederate States.” The Committee oil Bills and Overtures recommended the appoint¬ ment of a committee to confer on the subject with any committee that may be appointed by the United Synod, and report results of such conference to the next Assembly. Adopted. Committee: Rev. R. L. Dabney, D. D., Rev. J. N. Waddel, D. D., Rev. Wm. Brown, D. D., Rev. J. B. Ramsey, D. D., Rev. E. T. Baird, D. D., Col. J. T. L. Preston and F. N. Watkins, Esq. 1864, p. 253. The committee to confer with a committee of the United Synod report to the General Assembly: That they met a committee appointed by the United Synod in July last, and, after prayer and conference, unanimously agreed to recommend to the General Assembly the adoption of a paper, which the committee of the United Synod likewise recommended, with similar unanimity, to that body. 910 Relations With Other Bodies [Book YII A motion to adopt the report of the committee of conference led to a prolonged discussion. It was then referred to a special com¬ mittee, consisting of one minister and one ruling elder from each Synod represented in this Assembly. Committee: J. A. Lyon, D. D., J. M. McKee, D. Wills, D. A. Penick, Dr. Adger, R. F. Bunting, Dr. Dabney and D. H. Cummins, ministers; G. H. Dunlap, Sam’l Barnett, J. Patrick, J. G. Shepherd, G. McC. Witherspoon, J. T. L. Preston and R. S. Stewart, riding elders. (P. 263.) P. 270. This coifimittee made a report, which, after the Assem¬ bly had been led in prayer by Rev. Dr. White for Divine direction, was discussed and adopted seriatim, and then as a whole. The plan of union is as follows, viz. : The General Assembly and the United Synod of the Presbyterian Churches in the Confederate States of America, holding the same system of doctrine and church order, and believing that their union will glorify God by promoting peace and increasing their ability for the edification of the body of Christ, do agree to unite under the name of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States of America, and under the existing charter of the Trustees of the Gen¬ eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States of America. (See Alexander's Digest, pp. 401-403; also pp. 404-6, for origin and history of the United Synod.) 1404. Relations with the Associate Reformed Church 1861, pp. 7, 10. Rev. Henry Quigg, delegate from the Associate Reformed Synod of the South, bore the fraternal greetings of that body of Christians. P. 9. A paper introduced by Judge Swayne, on the subject of a union between the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States of America and other churches of like faith and order, was referred to a special committee, consisting of one minister and one elder from each Synod in connection with this Assembly. Dr. McMullen, Dr. Ramsay, Dr. Chapman, Dr. Adger, Dr. Pratt, A. B. McCorkle, R. Mclnnis, A. H. Caldwell, T. R. Welch, R. F. Bunting, ministers; with W. F. C. Gregory, J. H. Dickson, L. B. Thornton, T. C. Perrin, W. Ardis, James Montgomery, W. H. Simp¬ son, D. Hadden, J. T. Swayne and E. T. Wright, ruling elders, were appointed on this committee. P. 35. The report of this committee, after being amended, was cordially and unanimously adopted. (See Alexander’s Digest, p. 407.) The Stated Clerk was directed to forward a copy of this paper to the Stated Clerk of each Presbytery of the Associate Reformed Church at an early day. Secs. 1403-1404] Union With Other Bodies 911 After some further correspondence the negotiations for organic union were terminated by the Associate Reformed Synod. (Alex¬ ander’s Digest, p. 408.) The Assembly then adopted the follow¬ ing * 1866, p. 30. The Assembly, laying aside ecclesiastical etiquette, would affectionately say to theitf brethren of the Associate Reformed Synod, that they may pull the latch-string of our dwelling whenever they may choose, and may be incorporated with us, upon the simple adoption of our Standards wherever they may happen to differ from their own. 1894, p. 196. The Synod of North Carolina asks the Assembly to appoint a committee with instructions to present to the Associate Reformed Synod of the South our desire for closer relations with said church. The conamittee finds, on consulting Alexander’s Digest, pp. 406- 408, that this Assembly in 1861 did make said Synod an “offer of union and amity,” which resulted in negotiations between the two bodies, lookihg to organic union. It finds, further, that the Asso¬ ciate Reformed Synod did in 1865 terminate the negotiations on this subject. Your committee recommends for the adoption of the Assembly the following action: This Assembly reaffirms its cordial desire for closer relations with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and hereby expresses its readiness to renew negotiations on this subject in any form agree¬ able to the Synod of said church. Adopted. 1898, p. 239. The report of the Committee on Foreign Corres¬ pondence on the overture relating to union with the Associate Re¬ formed Synod of the South, was taken from the docket and adopted, and is as follows: The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, to which was referred the overture from Columbia Presbytery proposing organic union with with the Associate Reformed Church, report recommending that the petition of the overture, asking for the appointment of a committee to confer with the Associate Reformed Church, be granted. We recommend that the Rev. F. B. Webb, D. D., Rev. M. S. Kennedy, Rev. Alexander Sprunt, and Hon. J. W. Lapsley be appointed, and that they be directed to confer with the Associate Reformed Church, proposing organic union with that church, and asking for the appointment of a committee on their part to confer with our committee. If the Associate Reformed Church agrees, our committee is authorized to arrange details for a union, and report to the next General Assembly. Our committee is directed to express to the Associate Reformed Church our most cordial, fraternal regard, and to assure them of our readiness for a union with them. 1899, p. 403. The Committee made the following report, and was discharged: Your committee beg leave to report that, in accordance with the 912 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII direction of the Assembly, they appointed one of the committee, viz., Rev. Alexander Sprunt, to visit the Associate Synod, in session at Chester, S. C., October la^t, and bearing the greetings of our Assem¬ bly, to make known the desire of our church, and request the appoint¬ ment of a committee of conference on the subject. Dr. Sprunt visited the Synod, and ably presented the matter to said body. In response the “Associate Reformed Presbyterian Synod 'of the South” passed the following resolutions, respectfully declin¬ ing to appoint the committee asked for by our Assembly; the res¬ olutions are as follows: In reference to the proposed organic union between the Asso¬ ciate Reformed Synod of the South, and the Presbyterian Church of the United States, commonly known as the Southern Presbyterian Church, which cause was presented by Dr. Alexander Sprunt, of Rock Hill, S. C., the representative of that church, it was “ Resolved, 1. That this Synod desires to express in the warmest terms its esteem and affection for this noble church of Christ, be¬ cause of its fidelity to the truth of God, because, also, of the great work it is doing for the Master, and, further, because ‘we have so many things in common.’ “Resolved, 2. That we regard union with this honored body most desirable, provided our historic testimony in favor of an exclusive use of an inspired psalmody for the united church might be main¬ tained. “Resolved, 3. Inasmuch, however, as such testimony is, in our judgment, a barrier to organic union, we regard it unwise to prose¬ cute negotiations to that end.” Your committee, having discharged the duty assigned to them, respectfully ask to be discharged. 1905, p. 40. We express our most cordial regard for the Asso¬ ciate Reformed Church of the South, and our readiness at any time to consider overtures from this honored body looking towards closer relations with our Church, but in view of the recent action of this Assembly appointing a committee to present the willingness of this Assembly to confer with the Associate Reformed Synod of the South ■on this subject, and the action of the Associate Synod of the South responding, the Assembly does not deem it expedient to appoint a second committee on this subject at this time. 1909, p. 63. In answer to the overture from the Presbytery of South Carolina, that we take steps looking to organic union with the A. R. P. Church, the Assembly would say that our Assembly has already expressed itself in favor of such a union and expressed Its willingness to print their psalms in our Psalms and Hymns and it does not see that there are any further steps to take at present. However, the General Assembly reiterates its willingness for such n, union whenever the 7 A. R. P. Church shall favor the same. 1910, p. 30. It was decided: 1. That the Rev. R. C. Reed, D. D., be appointed a fraternal del¬ egate to the Associate Reformed Presbyterian .Synod of the South, Sec. 1404] Union With Other Bodies 913 and Rev. S. L. Morris, D. D., be appointed alternate. Our dele¬ gate is instructed to convey to the Synod assurances of our fraternal and cordial Christian affection, and to invite the Synod to appoint a committee of conference with reference to closer relations. 2. That in the event the Synod appoints such a committee, this Assembly hereby gives Drs. R. C. Reed and S. L. Morris authority to act as a committee from this Assembly, and if they think neces¬ sary, to appoint three other members of our Assembly to act with them. 1921, p. 35. There was placed in our hands a communication from Dr. R. C. Reed, Chairman of our Committee on Comity with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, reporting progress, and announcing that the Synod of that Church had appointed a Committee on Comity to confer with our Committee, and also a fraternal delegate to our Assembly. We recommend that our Committee on Comity be continued and that the diligence of the Committee in the discharge of its duty be commended. The Committee is composed of Dr. R. C. Reed and Dr. S. L. Morris. We recommend that before the report of the Committee is entered on our minutes, certain phrases in it that might be offensive to the Associate Reformed Church be eliminated. 1922, p. 26. The report of the Ad-Interim Committee on Comity with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church was adopted. Rev. R. C. Reed and Rev. ,S. L. Morris, D. D., were re-elected to represent this Assembly in the matter of comity with the A. R. P. Church. The report follows: 1922, p. 192. Your Committee begs leave to report that it has been slow, of necessity, in discharging the duty committed to it. Having been appointed immediately after the Synod of the Asso¬ ciate Reformed Presbyterian Church had held its annual meeting, the Committee' could do nothing till the next annual meeting of this Synod. In response to the Committee’s request, this next annual meeting of the Synod appointed a Committee, consisting of Drs. D. G. Phillips and J. L. Oates. The two committees held a joint meeting in Columbia, S. C., on the 26th of March, last. They spent several hours in delightful fellowship, and had no difficulty in seeing eye to eye, touching all matters of common interest to the two Churches. The more one mingles with the brethren of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and the more intimately acquainted he becomes with them, the more he wishes that the two Churches might be no longer twain, but one, and the more difficult it is for him to see any sufficient rea¬ son why they should not be. The temptation was strong to seek enlightenment on this subject during the session of the Committees, but it was clearly understood that the Synod did not commission its Committee to impart such information. The following rules were adopted by the Cpmmittees, and are hereby submitted for the consideration of your venerable body. They 914 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII will likewise be submitted to the Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church at its approaching meeting: 1. When Presbyteries belonging to the two Churches overlap,, they will endeavor through Committees of Comity, before beginning new work, to divide the territory in such way as to prevent the efforts of one Church from interfering with the work of the other. 2. When there are weak Churches belonging to one Church, un¬ able of themselves to support a minister, but capable of being grouped with like weak Churches belonging to the other Church, so as to form one pastoral charge, the Presbyteries having jurisdic¬ tion are advised to encourage such Churches to be grouped under a minister from either body, to whom the respective Presbyteries are willing to give them in charge, leaving the relation of these Churches to their Presbyteries undisturbed. 3. In towns of less than 5,000 inhabitants, where either Church is already at work, the other will not enter without conference and agreement with the Church already at work. 4. In a community where either of the Churches has a Church and the community is not capable of supporting more than one Pres¬ byterian Church, the people of the community should be encouraged to connect themselves with the existing Church, it being understood that a fair exchange will be encouraged in other communities. 5. The Supreme Judicatories will recomjnend to their Church members that when members of one Church move into a communit)r where there is no Church of their own, they join, for the time be¬ ing, the Church of the other, if there be one in reach. 6. The Supreme Judicatories will each appoint a permanent Com¬ mittee on Comity, to which all matters covered by the foregoing rules may be referred for settlement. 1405. Alabama Presbytery of the Associate Reformed Church 1866, p. 16. Committee on Bills and Overtures reported Over¬ ture, with an answer, which was adopted, and is as follows: Overture, resolutions of the Alabama Presbytery of the Associate Reformed Church, seeking a union with this body, and the resolu¬ tions of the Presbytery of South Alagama in response. Following is the answer of the Assembly: It would be accordant with the wishes of this Assembly if it could immediately consummate, by its own act, the union which these Presbyteries earnestly desire. But in the written Constitution of our Church, the erecting, uniting and dividing of Presbyteries is enumerated among the prerogatives of Synods. This Assembly does, therefore, 1st, authorize the Synod of Alabama to receive into union with itself the Alabama Presbytery of the Associate Re¬ formed Presbyterian Church, provided it shall adopt the Form of Government and Rules of Discipline of our own Church, wherein they may differ from theirs; that this Presbytery be received as co¬ ordinate with the Presbytery of South Alabama; that the Synod, Secs. 1404-1406] Union With Other Bodies 915 after this reception, proceed to dissolve the two Presbyteries, which, if continued, will cover one and the same territory; that out of these Bodies they form a new Presbytery, the ministers of which shall be enrolled according to their seniority in their ordination. 2d. This Assembly recognizes, as preceding Assemblies have 'done, the right of our members to use the old psalmody, commonly known as Rouse’s Version, if they prefer it, and will protect the ministers and churches thus received into connection with us from the Associate Reformed Churches in the use of that psalmody, to which they have so long been accustomed. 3d. That the same order may be observed by other .Synods, in the reception of organized Presbyteries of the Associate Reformed Church within their bounds, if need so require, without further action of this body. 1406. Associate Reformed Presbytery of Kentucky 1870, p. 521. The following was adopted: The Committee on Bills and Overtures have considered the re¬ quest of the committee of the Synod of Kentucky, that the Assem¬ bly will express its judgment concerning the propriety and expe¬ diency of organic union with the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Kentucky, and beg leave to report to the Assembly for its adoption the following resolutions: Resolved, That this Assembly does hereby express its hearty approbation of the action of the Synod in this matter of organic union with the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Kentucky, on the following terms, viz. : The Committee of Conference on Union, recognizing the fact that the bodies are one in doctrine, government and discipline, and that the difference between them on the subject of psalmody is a proper matter of forbearance, agree to the following propositions: 1st, That the Associated Reformed churches, in their worship and in the ministration of the gospel, shall be undisturbed in their usages. 2d, That the Synod will secure, as soon as practicable, the in¬ sertion of an acceptable version of the Psalms in the general book of praise. 3d, That on the acceptance of these terms by each body, the Associate Reformed congregations and ministers, being received as a Presbytery, shall become connected with the Presbyteries of Synod most convenient to them. The following explanatory resolution was adopted: Resolved, 4th, By the terms of the second proposition in the basis of union is meant, that Synod will secure, as soon as practicable, the insertion, in the general book of praise, of that edition of Rouse’s Version now in use in the Associate Reformed Church, for the accommodation of those churches in our connection: that may desire to use it. (See Minutes of the Synod of Kentucky, 1869, p. 7.) 916 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII 1407. Union with the Independent Presbyterian Church 1863, p. 141. Intimations have reached your committee that there exists a willingness on the part of the Independent Presby¬ terian Church to unite with us, if a satisfactory basis of union can be agreed upon. Your committee recommend that the whole subject of a union with these brethren be referred to the Synod of South Carolina, for their consideration and action, should they deem it expedient. Adopted. The Assembly appointed Rev. J. E. White delegate, to convey its fraternal greetings to the convention of this Church. This brother reported : 1864, p. 282. According to the appointment of the last Assem¬ bly, it was my privilege to convey to the convention of the Independ¬ ent Presbyterian Church the salutations of our Church. The Assembly will be pleased to learn that our mission has resulted in the union of that body of the Presbyterian family with our own Church, on the basis proposed by the Synod of South Carolina, to whom the subject was referred by the last Assembly. (For details of the negotiations and origin of this Church, see Alexander’s Digest, pp. 410-421.) 1408. Union with the Synod of Kentucky 1867, p. 133. The Rev. Dr. J. R. Wilson announced to the Assembly that a delegation to this body from the Synod of Ken¬ tucky was present; whereupon it was resolved that this delegation be immediately introduced and heard. The following commission¬ ers from that Synod then appeared, bearing a communication to the Assembly, viz.: Rev. J. T. Hendrick, D. D., Rev. J. D. Matthews, D. D., Rev. Stuart Robinson, D. D., Rev. D. O. Davies, Rev. G. O. Barnes, and Ruling Elders Samuel Casseday, E. ,S. Edmonds and Glass Marshall. The Rev. Stuart Robinson proceeded, in behalf of these commis¬ sioners, to address the General Assembly, presenting the views and purposes under which they had been delegated by their Synod. At the close of this address, it was resolved that the subject pre¬ sented, together with the communications handed in by the com¬ missioners, be referred to a special committee of nine. This committee was appointed, to consist of the Rev. James A. Lyon, D. D., Rev. R. Hett Chapman, D. D., Rev. J. R. Wilson, D. D., Rev. John Jones, Rev. T. R. Markham, Rev. J. A. Lefevre, with Ruling Elders P. P. Batte, James Hemphill and John A. Leland. It was also resolved that the commissioners from the Synod of Ken¬ tucky be requested to meet with this committee for conference. P. 143. The report of the committee concerning the letter from the Synod of Kentucky was taken up, and the members of that dele¬ gation from that Synod were invited to participate in the discussion. The paper reported by the committee concerning the Synod of Kentucky was unanimously adopted. After its adoption, deeply Secs. 1407-1408] Union With Other Bodies 917 interesting addresses were made by Rev. Dr. Stuart Robinson, Rev. Dr. J. D. Matthews, Rev. G. O. Barnes and Rev. D. O. Davies; to which the Moderator made a suitable response. At the close of these addresses, the Rev. G. O. Barnes, at the request of the Mod¬ erator, led the Assembly in thanksgiving to God for the happy result which had been reached; and then all present arose and sang the hymn, “Blest be the tie that binds,” etc. The following is the paper in part (See Alexander’s Digest, p. 412). Resolved, 1, That this Assembly express its deep sympathy with our brethren in Kentucky in the troubles through which they have been passing, during the last seven years, and its admiration of the firm stand which they have taken for the spiritual independence of the Church of Christ. 2. That this General Assembly declines now, as heretofore, to make any utterance concerning the acts of the body against which the Synod protests. Yet the Assembly feels free solemnly to assure the Synod of Kentucky not only of our cordial approval of, and sincere concurrence substantially in, the Synod’s statement of doc¬ trine and constitutional principles, as contained under the four heads of the third division of their letter, but of our sincere joy to find our brethren of Kentucky so ready to unite with us in solemn cov¬ enant, with a view, among other things, to the advancement and maintenance of these doctrines and principles as against the ap¬ parent Erastian tendencies of our American Protestantism. 3. That the letter of the Synod of Kentucky be admitted to rec¬ ord, as they suggest, as a part of the historical acts and monuments of the Church, by publishing it in the Appendix to the Minutes of this Assembly. (See also Alexander’s Digest, pp. 414ff.) 4. That this Assembly cordially approves of the determination of the ,Synod of Kentucky, as expressed in the fourth resolution of its Minutes of June 28, 1867, communicated by its commissioners to this Assembly, to assert fully all its legal claims as a part of the “Presbyterian Church of the United States of America,” and to reserve all its legal rights of property as a Synod in any union which may be formed with this body. 5. That this Assembly assures the Synod of Kentucky a cordial welcome. And its Standing Committee on Commissions is hereby instructed to receive and enroll, without further order, commissioners properly accredited from the Presbyteries of Ebenezer, Louisville, Muhlenburg, Paducah, Transylvania and West Lexington. 1868, p. 264. The Rev. Robert L. Breck was introduced to the Assembly as a delegate from the Synod of Kentucky, and de¬ livered an address conveying the assurance of the kind feeling, sympathy and confidence of that body, and explaining its present position in regard to an organic connection with this Assembly. To this address an appropriate response was made by the Moderator. P. 281. Rev. J. A. Lefevre was appointed principal, and Rev. Relations With Other Bodies 918 [Book YIl E. W. Bedinger alternate commissioner, to convey to the Synod of Kentucky the salutations of this body. (Extract from History of the Schism in the Synod of Kentucky. Alexander’s Digest, pp. 427-429.) Synod, at its session in October, 1867, having sent a deputation to the Nashville Assembly, did, at its meeting in 1868, adopt the fol¬ lowing offered by Rev. J. T. Hendrick, D. D.: “Whereas, The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States received our commissioners with great kindness and cordiality, and approved and published in their Minutes our statement of the doctrines and testimony; and whereas this Synod is perfectly satisfied that an organic union with said Assembly is most desirable, and will ultimately be consummated; and whereas a highly respectable portion of this Synod believe that such an organic union at this time would be greatly injurious to a number of our churches, and per¬ haps jeopardize other interests in the State; therefore, “ Resolved , That, as the final action of this Synod, the whole sub¬ ject be referred to the Presbyteries, for such action as may be deemed most advisable, to send delegates to the next Assembly or not.” As the result of this action, delegates appeared in the Assembly of 1869 from all the Presbyteries of the Synod of Kentucky, and were enrolled. — A. 1869, p. 369. The Stated Clerk reported that the Committee on Commissions have enrolled commissioners from the Presbyteries of the Synod of Kentucky, in accordance with the order of the As¬ sembly of 1867. 1409. Union with the Synod of Missouri 1867, p. 143. Rev. A. P. Forman, delegate from the Synod of Missouri, addressed the house, assuring the Assembly of the most cordial sympathy of that venerable Synod, and bearing testimony to their sincere wishes for our prosperity. To this address the Mod¬ erator made a suitable reply. The subject presented by the delegate from Missouri was re¬ ferred to a committee, consisting of the Rev. B. M. Smith, D. D., Rev. John Jones, and J. A. Leland, to bring in a proper minute for adoption by the Assembly. P. 149. This committee presented a report, which was adopted, and is as follows: This Assembly has heard with profound interest the communi¬ cation made by the Rev. A. P. Forman on behalf of the Synod of Missouri, and desires to place on record its high appreciation of the principles and conduct of that venerable Synod as set forth by Mr. Forman. The Assembly expresses its deep sympathy for the brethren in Missouri, both officers and members: of the Church, in the great fight of affliction through which they have not yet fully passed, though it is hoped they have successfully encountered the greatest trials to which the great Head of the Church has been pleased to call them. The Assembly feels entire confidence in the full and cordial at- Secs. 1408-1409] Union With Other Bodies 919 tachment of the ministers and members of the Presbyterian Churches in Missouri, as represented in the Synod, for the principles of doc¬ trine and church order set forth in the time-honored Standards of our Church, and is entirely persuaded that, should that Synod be prepared to form an organic union with this Church, no difficulties could arise owing to discrepancies of opinion on any fundamental or important doctrines of the gospel, or any theories of church gov¬ ernment which find a practical expression in our Standards. As to the future relations of this Synod, the Assembly does not feel prepared to express any opinion, whatever it may desire. But it is due to us and to them to say, that this Assembly cordially sympathizes with the Synod of Missouri, as represented by Mr. Forman, in expressing a longing desire for the day when through¬ out our land all who agreei with us in the great truths of the “gospel of the grace of God,” and especially who fully isympathize in our position as a truly simply spiritual body, ever testifying; for the supreme and sole authority of the divine and exalted Head of the Church, shall constitute one organized Christian communion, pre¬ pared by the spiritual weapons of her warfare to contend earnestly “for the faith once delivered to the saints,” and successful in “cast¬ ing down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 1871, p. 21. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence beg leave to make the following report: The General Assembly has been well pleased to receive the Chris¬ tian and fraternal salutations of the Rev. R. P. Farris, D. D., the Rev. J. L. Yantis, D. D., and Mr. Edward B redell, delegates from the Synod of Missouri (Old School), and recommends the adoption of the following resolutions: Resolved, 1, That this Assembly gratefully acknowledges and highly appreciates the Christian salutations of the Old School Synod of Mis¬ souri as expressed by its delegates, and does hereby cordially invite them to a seat on the floor of the Assembly. 2. That the Assembly hereby expresses its Christian sympathy with the Synod of Missouri in the trials to which it has been sub¬ jected during the past as a witnessing Church for Christ’s crown and kingdom, and does rejoice in its steadfast faith, success and prosperity. 3. That the Assembly does hereby appoint the Rev. David Wills, D. D., principal, and the Rev. R. Mclnnis, alternate, commission¬ ers to attend the meeting of the Old School Synod of Missouri, to convene at Cape Girardeau on the second Tuesday in October, 1871, and bear to it the fraternal regards of the Assembly. Adopted. 1873, p. 330. Whereas it has come to the knowledge of this General Assembly that the Old School Synod of Missouri did at its late session in Missouri appoint a Committee of conference to meet a similar committee of this Assembly, and a committee of the General Synod of the Reformed Church, should such committee be Relations With Other Bodies 920 [Book VII appointed, to bring about closer relations between this Assembly and that Synod; therefore be it Resolved, That this Assembly appoint the Committee of Con¬ ference to meet such committee, and said committee shall be the one already appointed to meet the committee from the General Synod of the Reformed Church. It shall have the same powers, and shall report to the next General Assembly. Resolved, That said committee have full power to fill all vacan¬ cies which may occur. The following were the committee: Rev. B. M. Palmer, D. D., Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, D. D., Rev. William Brown, D. D., Major T. J. Kirkpatrick, William Henry Smith, General A. M. Scales and R. K. Smoot. (P. 313.) 1874, p. 479. The Stated Clerk reported that delegates from six Presbyteries belonging to the Old School Synod of Missouri had presented regular commissions with a view to being connected with this body as constituent parts thereof. Whereupon the following resolution, offered by the Rev. Dr. Plumer, was adopted unani¬ mously, the Assembly rising when the vote was taken: Resolved, That it is with peculiar pleasure we welcome among us our brethren from the Synod of Missouri, and that we congrat¬ ulate them and the churches they represent, and our entire com¬ munion, on the happy consummation of our reunion, to which the providence of God has long pointed, and for which the Lord has fully and happily opened the way. Resolved, That all the commissioners now present from Presby¬ teries in the Synod of Missouri be at once enrolled as members of this body, and that without further action the names of other com¬ missioners from the Synod of Missouri shall in like manner be enrolled when they shall present their commissions. The Moderator then addressed the delegates from Missouri, ex¬ tending to them a most hearty welcome to seats in this body and a home in the Southern Presbyterian Church. To this address the Rev. Dr. Yantis made an appropriate response. (For an account of the Schism in Missouri, and of the steps leading to union with the Assembly, see Alexander’s Digest, pp. 431-432.) 1410. Declines to appoint a General Committee of Conference 1903, p. 497. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence made a report, which was adopted and is as follows: There has been referred to the Committee of Foreign Corre¬ spondence a communication from the General Synod of the Re¬ formed Presbyterian Church, asking the General Atesembly to appoint a committee of conference to meet any other similar committees which may be appointed by the various bodies belonging to the Alliances of Reformed Churches to consider the closer co-operation and organic union of all the Presbyterian Churches in the United Secs. 1409-1414] Union With Other Bodies 921 States. We recommend that the General Assembly express its fra¬ ternal regards for this branch of the Reformed Church and its sym¬ pathy with the spirit that desires closer fellowship among Pres¬ byterian bodies, but declines to appoint the committee asked for, because there is ni evidence in sight to justify the Assembly in hop¬ ing that the object proposed may be gained in this way. 1411. Mode of effecting organic union with other bodies 1907, p. 56. An overture from the Presbytery of Paris asking for an amendment to the Book of Church Order, Chapters 5 and 7, so as to provide a mode for effecting organic union with other bodies, to be! sent down to the Presbyteries for their consent and ap¬ proval. It is recommended that this be answered in the negative. Adopted. 1412. Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah, Ga. 1909, p. 64. The Assembly sent to the Independent Presbyterian Church, of Savannah, Ga., the following letter, and Rev. James Y. Fair, D. D., of the Presbytery of Savannah, was appointed to carry the same to the church. “To the Independent Presbyterian Church, of Savannah, Ga. “Dear Brethren: The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, now in session in the city of Savan¬ nah, Ga., sends you fraternal greeting and would hereby express to you its pleasure in your loyalty to the Presbyterian faith and its appreciation of your co-operation in the enterprises of this Assem¬ bly. We would express, also, our satisfaction in the fact that a common heritage of faith, sentiment and tradition is held alike by you and by us, and that your local habitation is in the midst of our own territory. And we would hereby cordially extend to you by these presents and through our representative, Rev. James Y. Fair, D. D., of the Presbytery of Savannah, appointed to convey this to you, our cordial invitation to consider thei advisability of coming into organic relationship with our body.” 1910, p. 12. The following response was received: Whereas the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States through their representative, Rev. James Y. Fair, D. D., has cordially invited the Independent Presbyterian Church to consider the advisability of coming into organic union with their body; and Whereas prayerful consideration has shown that our people are not sufficiently in accord on that important question to justify the hope for greater usefulness, be it Resolved, by the Independent Presbyterian Church in meeting assembled : 922 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII 1. That Rev. Jas. Y. Fair, D. D., as representative, be requested to convey to the brethren of the Presbyterian Church in the United States our fraternal greetings, and say that the way is not clear for the acceptance of their kind invitation. 2. That we highly appreciate the relations existing between our brethren of the Southern Church and ourselves, and declare our purpose to continue them and to work with and through their or¬ ganization for carrying the gospel to the neglected regions of our country and to the earth’s remotest bounds. 1413. Union with other ecclesiastical bodies 1914, p. 69. Fifty-eight Presbyteries voted in the affirmative on the overture relating to the union of our church, with other ecclesi¬ astical bodies, twelve voted in the negative, and fifteen did not vote. The Assembly formally enacted the following amendment : 1st. By adding to Chapter VII the following words as Para¬ graph IV of said chapter: “Paragraph III of this Chapter shall also be the rule governing the union between the Presbyterian Church in the United States and any other ecclesiastical body, so that such union may be effected only upon the recommendation of one Gen¬ eral Assembly, the concurrence of at least three-fourths of the Pres¬ byteries, and the consummation of the same by a subsequent Assembly.” 2nd. By substituting the words “three-fourths” for the words “a majority” in Paragraph 90, and inserting after the words “correspond with other churches” in the same paragraph the following clause: “To unite with other ecclesiastical bodies whose organization is conformed to the doctrines and order of this Church, such union to be effected by a mode of procedure defined in Chap¬ ter VII, Paragraph IV.” 1414. Union of all the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches in the United States 1916, p. 72. In answer to Overture from the Synod of Arkansas, asking that the Presbyterian Church, U. S., take steps toward the union of all the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches in the United States : We recommend that the Assembly answer that, while the Assem¬ bly is responsive to the spirit of the overture from the Synod of Arkansas, it does not deem the time opportune to take such steps. CHAPTER III FRATERNAL CORRESPONDENCE WITH OTHER BODIES 1415. The Assembly solicits fraternal correspondence with various churches 1861, p. 13. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States of America appreciates the precious import of that memorable prayer addressed by the adorable Redeemer to the Father, in full view of the agony of the garden and the cross: “that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me;” and impelled by a sincere desire to meet the full measure of responsibility which devolves upon us as a branch of Christ’s vis¬ ible Church, in the accomplishment of this vastly important petition, would most earnestly endeavor to draw closer the bonds of Christian intercourse and communion between all churches of like faith and order in the Confederate States of America. This Assembly, therefore, affectionately solicits fraternal correspondence with the following churches, viz. : The Associate Reformed .Synod of the South, the United Synod of the Presbyterian Church, the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the Independent Presby¬ terian Church, and the German Reformed Synod, within the Con¬ federate States. And in order to consummate this, our Christian purpose and desire, the Assembly will, at its present session, appoint and commission delegates to the aforesaid churches, with full power and authority to arrange and adopt articles of permanent inter¬ course and correspondence, which, however, shall be submitted to the Assembly for its ratification or rejection. 1862, p. 14. The General Assembly need scarcely re-assert its earnest desire to cultivate friendly relations with churches profess¬ ing the same doctrines, and practicing the same polity. The unity of God’s people is not only a reality, but it is of the highest impor¬ tance that this unity should be manifested to the world. Where this is not practicable this Assembly is ready to do all that is con¬ sistent with truth to promote peace, and hopes that the charity which is the “bond of perfectness” will ever characterize its intercourse with other ecclesiastical bodies. 1416. Correspondence with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South 1867, p. 138. A memorial from the Synod of Georgia as to the propriety of establishing a correspondence with the General Confer¬ ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The following answer was adopted by the Assembly: 924 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII Resolved, That, in view of the fact that the Methodist General Conference meets so much less frequently than our Assembly, such correspondence could not be conveniently conducted with any special advantages greater than what are already possessed by occasional ministerial intercourse, and the intercommunion of mir people. 1870, p. 508. In response to the resolution adopted by the Bish¬ ops of the Methodist episcopal Church, recently assembled in the city of Memphis, and transmitted to us through the Rev. Dr. A. H. Kerr, conveying their “Christian salutations to this General Assem¬ bly, with the expression of their profoundest regards, and with their most earnest prayers for the presence and blessing of God upon its deliberations,” your committee recommend the following resolution: Resolved, That this General Assembly recognizes in this fraternal greeting a beautiful illustration of 'that “unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace,” whereby the different parts of the one catholic visible Church of the Redeemer represent to the world that, amidst minor diversities, they still have “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” And the Assembly hereby directs its Stated Clerk to transmit to the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, this cordial reciprocation of their generous Christian affection, with our fervent prayers that the labors of both the denominations participating in this correspondence may be owned and blessed by our Great Head in turning many to righteousness, and in hastening the day when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Cjhrist. See further Assembly Minutes 1878, p. 622; 1902, pp. 247, 252; 1906, pp. 9, 14; 1914, pp, 20, 23; 1918, p. 13, 17; 1922, p. 23. 1417. Board of Missions of the M. E. Church, South 1909, pp. 19, 63. In answer to the communication from Dr. W. R> Lambuth, Secretary of the Board of Missions of the M. E. Church, South, the following resolutions were adopted and ordered to be forwarded: Resolved, That the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, in session at Savannah, Ga., sends cordial greetings to the Board of Missions of the M. E. Church, South, at Nashville, Tenn., with assurance of grateful appreciation of inter¬ est expressed in the trial of our missionaries in Africa. 1418. Greetings from the Methodist Episcopal Church, North 1884, p. 233. The General Conference of the Methodist, Epis¬ copal Church, in session in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., May, 1884, unanimously adopted the following resolutions, to-wit: 1. That the bishops and delegates of the Methodist Episcopal Church in General Conference assembled do hereby send fraternal greetings to your body, and do invoke the Divine blessing upon your labors to save souls and to win the world back to God. Secs. 1415-1419] Correspondence With Other Bodies 925 2. That the secretary of this Conference be and is hereby in¬ structed to furnish your body with a copy of these resolutions. To this fraternal salutation a hearty response was adopted by the Assembly and sent to the secretary of the Conference. (P. 237.) 1920, pp. 54, 61. Similar action with reference to the Methodist Protestant Church. 1419. Aid for the Waldensian Churches 1878, p. 656. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, to whose consideration was referred an appeal in behalf of the pastors of the Waldensian Church in Italy, report, recommending: 1. That this Assembly extend its heartiest sympathies to this ancient and impoverished Church. 2. That the Assembly affectionately urge upon all believers under its care, who are able to do so, to forward money, in smaller or larger sums, to the Rev. G. D. Mathews, of New York, to be sent on by him, as the agent in America of the recent General Presby¬ terian Council, to the proper authorities of the Vaudois Church. 1892, p. 438. With reference to the appeal which Dr. Gay makes to us, in behalf of the Waldensian Church, that we should take a share in the evangelistic work in Italy, in which that Church is engaged, your committee find that the subject has already been before our Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, and has been .acted on by that Committee after full conference with Dr. Gay. We recommend, therefore, only an expression of our deep interest in the work. Adopted. 1910, p. 46. The Assembly has heard with much pleasure the message from the Rev. Alberto Clot, delegate of the Waldensian Church of Italy to the Evangelical Churches of the United States of America, and greatly rejoices in the progress of the gospel of our common Lord in Italy. We salute this ancient and honored Church, which truly said at its introduction into the Pan-Presbyterian Coun¬ cil, that it had no claim to being Re-formed, inasmuch as it has never been de-formed, but in polity and doctrine had remained the same since the days of the Apostles. 1911, p. 55. The following letter was sent to the Waldensian Church : To the oldest Protestant and Presbyterian Church from one of the youngest, salutation and greeting : Our General Assembly, celebrating in the City of Louisville the semi-centennial of its history, has heard with peculiar pleasure the message of your delegate, the Rev. Professor Alberto Clot; and through him we send back to you expressions of our cordial and fraternal regard. We shall nourish, and, we hope, increase our •affection and sympathy for your venerable Church: for the fast¬ nesses of your mountains have been through patient centuries of suffering, the fortress of our common faith. We rejoice to know that God has greatly prospered you, and that Rome, once the cap- 926 Relations With Other Bodies [Book Vir_ ital of your persecutors, is now the centre of your labors. May the-. God of the gospel continue to bless and strengthen you and make- you, in the past so abundant in sufferings, in the future still more- abundant in the activities and success of the gospel. See also Assembly Minutes 1914, p. 48; 1915, p. 38; 1919, p. 23- 1420. Correspondence with the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland 1873, p. 324. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence beg: leave to report the following paper touching the question of the’ correspondence of our General Assembly with the Synod of the- United Presbyterian Church of Scotland: Whereas the General Assembly has been officially informed that: said Synod has deputed Rev. John Eadie, D. D., LL. D., and the; Rev. Henry Calderwood, LL. D., to convey to this body the fra¬ ternal regards of the above-named Church; and Whereas these brethren have found it impossible to attend the; sessions of this General Assembly, but have forwarded from New York their formal commission, with the expression of their regrets; at being unable to attend in person; therefore, be it Resolved, 1, That this Assembly hold in high esteem the eccle¬ siastical body from which the Scotch deputation has proceeded, and fully reciprocate the fraternal feelings which dictated the appoint¬ ment of the above-named delegation, and regret that their presence- could not be enjoyed by this Assembly. Resolved, 2, That this Assembly appoint the Moderator and Stated and Permanent Clerks a committee, who shall be authorized to commission one or more suitable brethren, who, in the providence* of God, may find it, in their power to attend the Synod of the United Presbyterian Church; and such brethren shall be commissioned to represent the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the- United States in that venerable body. Resolved, 3, That the Stated Clerk be directed to transmit this; paper to Drs. Eadie and Calderwood, with the request that they' will convey to the Synod of the United Presbyterian Church ex¬ pressions of our Christian affection. 1421. Corrrespondence with the Free Church of Scotland 1874, p. 515. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church; in the United States has received with great pleasure the commis¬ sion, with accompanying documents, of the Rev. James Chalmers- Burns, M. A., and the Rev. James Hood Wilson, M. A., deputies, from the Free Church of Scotland to this Assembly, appointed to* visit us and “express the cordial feelings of affection and respect entertained by the Assembly which they represent” toward the Church- which we represent. This Assembly sincerely regrets that the other official engagements of these distinguished brethren rendered it im- Secs. 1419-1422] Correspondence With Other Bodies 927 possible for them to be present at our sessions, and that we have been, on that account, denied the privilege of returning to them, and through them to the Church to which they belong, our fraternal salu- ations and the sentiments of profound and affectionate iregard which we entertain for the Free Church of Scotland. We have not been unobservant, indifferent spectators of the noble stand taken by that Church in behalf of sound doctrine and of the crown-rights of our Divine Lord. With ourselves, they are wit¬ ness-bearers for Christ’s Kingship in Zion, even “unto the spoil¬ ing of their goods.” We cordially reciprocate the expressions of esteem and affection contained in the letters of the deputies to this body, and desire them to convey to their General Assembly our fraternal salutations, and cur God-speed to the venerable Church which they represent, in all its endeavors to advance the cause of our common Redeemer rand Lord. 1917, p. 23. The following cablegram was received from Dr. George Adam Smith, Moderator of the United Free Church of 'Scotland : “With firm faith in the righteousness of our course, we gratefully hail the entrance of your people into the alliance for Justice, Free¬ dom, and Peace.” Answer : The Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U. S., in session in Birmingham, Ala., in acknowledging the receipt of this cablegram from the United Free Church of Scotland, would take advantage of the occasion to express their profound sympathy for them in their time of trial and suffering, and pray that the God •of all Grace may give them consolation and peace. 1422. John Knox 1905, p. 8. Rev. Dr. Neel stated to the Assembly that as the Moderator of the last Assembly he had received a communication from the officers of the Alliance of the Reformed churches holding the Presbyterian System, requesting, according to a resolution adopted by the last General Council of that body, that steps be taken to celebrate on some appropriate occasion this year the 400th. anniversary of the birth of John Knox, the great Scotch Reformer; -and that he had accordingly requested Rev. Dr. R. C. Reed, of "Columbia Theological Seminary, to prepare a discourse suitable to the occasion, to be delivered before the General Assembly in this house next Sabbath afternoon; and he requested the Assembly to endorse this action. The Stated Clerk presented an overture from the Presbytery of Nashville asking the Assembly to concur in this action of the last Moderator. The request of the overture was granted, and Sabbath next, at 3.30 P. M., was fixed as the time for hearing this commemorative discourse. 928 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII 1423. Calvin Celebration For details of the observance of the 400th. anniversary of the; birth of John Calvin, see Alexander’s Digest, 1910, p. 642. 1424. The evangelical churches of France and Geneva 1893, p. 25. Mr. Frederick Necker, of Geneva, and Rev. E_ J. Dupey, of Paris, delegates of the Franco- American Committee for the Evangelization of France, addnessed the Assembly and were replied to by the Moderator. P. 31. The General Assembly has heard with much delight MM. Necker and Dupuy, the representatives of the French and Genevan churches, apd heartily commends them and the great cause of which they are the ambassadors, to the churches under its care. The Church of Calvin and the Church of the Huguenots have a constitutional and traditional claim to sympathy and succor upon all the Presbyterians of this land — a claim which we gladly recognize^ The Assembly suggests as worthy of commemoration by its min¬ isters and churches the two hundred and eighth anniversary of the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, which occurs the 2 2d day of October of the present year. 1895, p. 388. In response to a letter from Edward G. Thurber,, in behalf of the Franco- American Committees in Paris and New York, the Assembly adopted the following: Your committee recommends 1. That this Assembly hereby records and publishes its tender and profound love for the Reformed Churches in France, and its gratitude to God for the grace and progress vouchsafed to them in their faithful ^efforts under unequal and arduous circumstances. 2. This Assembly commends these noble and struggling churches to the love, prayers and liberal financial help of the people of God under our charge and oversight. 3. This Assembly requests the Sessions of our stronger churches to remember and care lovingly for this ancient people of God whose sons and daughters have ever been, and now are, a tower of strength in all the American Protestant churches. 4. This Assembly advises that contributions for this purpose be sent to the Treasurer of Home Missions, and be by him forwarded twice per annum to the Treasurer of the Franco- American Com¬ mittee in Paris. 1912, p. 70a. In response to the communication from the Na¬ tional Protestant Church of Geneva, we recommend that the Stated Clerk be instructed to make a suitable reply, expressing our warm affection for and our abiding interest in this historic Church. Dr. d’Aubigne and the Reformed Churches of France — Protestant, Relief in Europe 1920, p. 66. The General Assembly heard with pleasure and Secs. 1423-1424] Correspondence With Other Bodies 920 sympathy the address of the Rev. Charles Merle d’Aubigne, of Paris, representing the Reformed Churches of France. Dr. d’Aubigne suggested that our Church undertake the re-erection of one of the destroyed church edifices in some French town on the front of the battle line where our boys were actively engaged in the struggle. We recommend that the General Assembly ask our churches to contribute a sum of not less than $25,000 to be devoted to the erection of a church in the devastated region of France, as a memorial to the soldiers of our Church who fell in France during the war, and that the carrying out of this matter be placed in the hands of the Committee on French and Belgian Relief. 1921, p. 16. The following telegram from1 the Reformed Evangel¬ ical Church of France was read and referred to the Standing Com¬ mittee on Foreign Correspondence: Reformed Evangelical Church France sends cordial greetings. Heartiest thanks for reconstruction Church Compiegne. Daubigne. 1921, p. 4. We recommend that the cable message from Rev. Charles Merle d’Aubigne be answered as follows: The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States sends assurance of its profound interest in the welfare of the Reformed Evangelical Church of France, and invokes God’s richest blessing on its membership and its work. We recommend that the Committee in charge of the fund for building the Memorial Church at Compiegne be encouraged to con¬ tinue its work until the full amount required has been raised, and that this enterprise be again commended to the generosity of our people. 1921, p. 79. The Select Committee on Protestant Relief in Europe made the following report, which was adopted: 1. We recommend that the Assembly authorize the raising of $75,000 during this year for relief in Protestant Europe, $10,000 of which shall go for the aid of the work of the Evangelical Church in Czecho-Slovakia and $65,000 for the relief in France and Belgium. That the first $15,000 raised shall go toward the finishing of the Memorial Church at Compiegne. In the event the whole amount of $75,000 is not raised, the amount raised be prorated to the Evangel¬ ical Church of Czecho-Slovakia and the churches of France and Belgium in the proportion of $10,000 to $65,000. 2. That the Committee be instructed to set aside $2,000 of the money in hand to be used during the present year as an emergency fund to be used in the four army camps if necessary, and that the Home Mission Agencies within whose bounds these camps are located be urged to undertake this work at the earliest possible time. 3. That the Committee be authorized to supplement the salaries of our own men who are serving as chaplains in the army and navy of the United States to the amount of $300 each. 4. That on Sunday, October 30, which has been designated as Reformation Day, the pastors of all of our Churches be urged to Relations With Other Bodies 930 [Book VII present this cause and take an offering for Protestant Relief in -Europe. 5. That the name of the Committee be changed to “The Assembly’s Committee on Protestant Relief in Europe,” so as to conform to its •enlarged sphere of work, and that the following Committee be charged with the carrying out of the foregoing recommendations: Rev. Jas. I. Vance, Rev. Wm. Crowe, Rev. Homer McMillan, Rev. W. L. Caldwell and Ruling Elder Edwin F. Willis. 1425. Bohemia 1921, p. 36. We recommend that the needs of Bohemia as pre¬ sented in the address of Rev. V. Losa and in the report of the Com¬ mittee of Foreign Correspondence adopted yesterday, be referred to the Special Committee now considering the report of the Committee On French and Belgian Relief, with the suggestion that the name of the Committee be changed to the Committee on Protestant Relief in Europe, and that provision be made for substantial aid to Bohemia as well as France and Belgium. 1921, p. 35. The Assembly has listened with pleasure to the address of Rev. V. Losa, D. D., of the Evangelical Church of the Czech Brethren, and assures him of the deep interest felt by our Church in the welfare and prosperity of the Church which he rep¬ resents, and our desire to help that Church in every practical way in the accomplishment of its great mission. 1426. Armenia 1920, p. 72. The time was extended to hear Rev. Isaac Yonan, of Armenia. The Rev. Russell Cecil, D. D., presented a resolution concerning the work in Persia, which was referred to a select committee con¬ sisting of Rev. Russell Cecil, D. D., Rev. W. J. McMillan, D. D., and Rev. J. B. Hutton, D. D. 1920, p. 78. The select committee to whom was referred the address of Rev. Isaac Yonan made the following report, which was adopted : Whereas we have learned of Armenia devastated, crushed and ruined; her people enslaved and bleeding, wandering exiled in the desert; her children orphaned; Christian girls prisoners or slaves in Moslem harems; her ancestral territory seized by others; her homes in ruins; her hopes shattered and her life imperiled; And whereas America shares responsibility for carrying out the provisions made for the protection of the weaker nations, and for ■the reorganization of the world on the basis of justice and freedom; And whereas the survivors of the massacres and deportations of 1915 have since that time been kept alive in large measure by the Smore than fifty millions of dollars contributed by American citizens tand administered by more than five hundred American missionaries Secs. 1424-1427] Correspondence With Other Bodies 931 and relief workers, who heroically remained at their posts protecting this exiled remnant of the oldest Christian nation from extinction by starvation, Be it resolved, That we petition the government of the United States, in the name of justice, of humanity, and of Christian civiliza¬ tion, to take such action as may be\ necessary to assist the Armenian people to live, establish order and achieve the economic regeneration of their country; And be it further resolved, That we commend and endorse the efforts of the Near East Relief to secure from the American people such contributions as may be necessary to sustain this sorely stricken people until, with stable government established, they can be restored to their homes and to self-support. 1921, p. 80. The Assembly has heard with profound interest the stirring and pathetic appeal of Rev. Isaac M. Yonan of Persia, in behalf of suffering Armenia and the Near East Relief, and recom¬ mends that this Assembly assure him and his noble people of our deepest sympathy in their continued sufferings and the oft-recurring injustices inflicted upon them by the heathen Turks for centuries, past, culminating since the world war in outbreaks of beastly and indescribable character, enslaving more than 100,000 young women and claiming the lives of nearly two million men and women of all ages, murdered in brutal ways beyond our ability to conceive,, because of their loyalty to Christ and refusal to deny Him. The pastors, Sessions, diaconates and members of our churches and Sunday Schools are urged to pray in and out of season with great, earnestness and faith, and also to respond cheerfully, liberally and whole-heartedly to every practical appeal, looking to the speedy and permanent deliverance of our long-suffering brethren in Armenia. The cause is truly a righteous one and none of us should grow faint in the way or stumble in our service; instead, our own and other Christian nations during this period of reconstruction of world affairs should insist in unmistakable terms that the Armenians shall be guaranteed freedom of worship and the protection of their lives and liberties, to the end that they may gather together their scattered and suffering people and broken threads of holy purpose. The Assembly prays that God will keep and protect Brother Yonan in his efforts in behalf of this ancient people of God, and that he may realize that in fellowship with Him his resources are inexhaustible. 1427. Near East Relief 1921, p. 32. The Assembly suspended the consideration of this; subject for a short time in order to hear an address by Rev. Johr* R. Voris, Associate Secretary of the Near East Relief Fund. The following resolution on this subject was adopted: Whereas reports from the Near East show continued suffering from lack of necessities of life among the Armenians, Syrians, and other peoples of the Bible Lands, and 932 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII Whereas more than 100,000 orphan children would face imme¬ diate starvation were it not for food supplied by America, and Wrhereas, American philanthrophy led by the Church has saved these children and hundreds of thousands of adult refuges, and Whereas any withdrawal of this support would endanger not only all of these lives but would literally menace the cause of Christian civilization in those lands, and Whereas the Near East Relief has proved by its record, and par¬ ticularly by the fact presented in the recent annual report of the United States Congress by which it is chartered, that it is a thoroughly reliable and efficient organization, Therefore, he it Resolved, That the General Assembly of the Pres¬ byterian Church, U. S., approve the effort to save the lives of the orphan children of the Near East and to rehabilitate through them their nation; That we give to the Near; East Relief our unqualified endorsement and co-operation ; That we call upon the people of the local churches and their or¬ ganizations to pray, work and speak for this cause, and give to it according to their ability; That we encourage co-operation by General Assembly’s agencies and by Synods and Presbyteries in whatever manner may seem feasible. 1922, p. 56. Your special committee to whom was referred the report of the Committee on Protestant Relief in Europe and that of the Permanent Committee on Reformation Day, together with the address of Dr. James I. Good, would report: From information before the Assembly, no such conditions have ever prevailed in any country as prevail at the present time in cer¬ tain countries of Europe, and especially in Czecho-Slovakia. A thrilling opportunity is afforded our Church to aid in the establish¬ ment and enlargement of the greatest work in the history of Protes¬ tant Christianity since the Reformation. We offer the following recommendations: That the Assembly express its appreciation to the Committee on Protestant Relief in Elurope for its faithful service of love the past year, and that the Committee be continued for at least another year. That it put forth renewed efforts to adequately inform our people of the conditions, needs and opportunities of European Protestant Christianity. That the Assembly authorize the Committee to raise at least $60,000 for its work the present year, and that out of this sum it appropriate whatever may be necessary up to $8,000 for the com¬ pletion of the Memorial Church at Compiegne, the remainder to be divided between the work in France and Belgium and in Czecho¬ slovakia, in such proportions as may be deemed wise by the Com¬ mittee. That the Committee be commended for its practical interest in the two army chaplains of our Church, and that it be authorized to Sec. 1427] Correspondence With Other Bodies 933 grant $300 to each for equipment from the unexpended balance now in its hands. The remainder of this balance to be used in its work of relief. That the Assembly has heard the address of Dr. James I. Good with profound interest and sympathy, and it is confident our peo¬ ple will claim a larger and more direct share in the spiritual re¬ habilitation of European Protestantism. To this end we recommend, if the way be clear, that the three theological seminaries — Columbia, 'Louisville and Unic(n — in co¬ operation with the Assembly’s Committee of Ministerial Education and Relief, be authorized to select six godly and properly prepared students for the ministry from thd new Reformed Church of Czecho¬ slovakia, bring them to this country and train them for more effect¬ ive ministry in their Church and for their people. That such expense as may be involved in this undertaking shall be shared by the sem¬ inaries named and the Committee of Ministerial Education and Relief in such proportion as may be agreed upon by them. Regarding the paper on Near East Relief referred to us, we rec¬ ommend that this Assembly reaffirm the action of previous Assem¬ blies, and in view of the urgent need known to exist, it endorses the appeal of the Near East Relief in behalf of the orphans of the Near East, 110,000 of whom are in orphanages under the protection of the American flag. For our churches and Sabbath Schools the Assembly suggests the third Sunday in January, or a convenient date, as a day for its presentation in all our churches and Sunday Schools, with oppor¬ tunity for free-will offerings and pledges toward orphan adoption. That the following act in their Synods as the connecting link be¬ tween the Near East Rlelief office in New York and our churches, and that they use every effort possible to secure liberal offerings for this worthy cause: Rev. David Park, D. D., Alabama; Rev. T. J. Hutcheson, Appalachia; Rjev. W. S. Lacy, D. D., Arkansas; Rev. E. W. Way, Florida; Rfev. B. R. Lacy, Jr., D. D., Georgia; Rev. J. V. Logan, Kentucky; Rev. U. D. Mooney, D. D., Louisiana; Rev. J. M. Young, Mississippi; Rev. Wm. Crowe, D. D., Missouri; Rev. J. S. Foster, D. D., North Carolina; Rev. D. B. Gregory, Ok¬ lahoma; Rev. W. H. Boggs, South Carolina; Rev. Lynn F. Ross, Tennessee; Rev. J. F. Hardie, Texas; Rev. H. J. Williams, Vir¬ ginia; Rev. J. L. Mauze, West Virginia; Rev. W. S. Campbell, D. D., Rev. J. R. Bridges, D. D., Rev. D. M. Sweets, D. D., Rev. J. G. McAllister, D. D., W. J. Martin, A. J. A. Alexander, R. E. Magill. 1428. International Friendship 1917, p. 74. The report of the Committee appointed by the last Assembly to promote International Friendship was taken from the docket and approved. The Committee was continued another year. The report is as follows: 934 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII The Committee on International Friendship, co-operating with the American Council of the World Alliance for promoting Inter¬ national Friendship through the Churches, would report as follows: Your Committee appointed by the last General Assembly would inform the Assembly that the Atnerican Council of the World Al¬ liance has continued its activities during the past year with increas¬ ing energy. The membership has been enlarged from various denominations, and now numbers more than four hundred. In view of the extraordinary situation that confronts the world and of the importance that Christians in all denominations and communions should unite in the largest ways and with the sanest methods for promoting the adoption of Christian principles in all the relations of life, your Committee would commend to this Assem¬ bly the adoption of the following resolution's: Resolved : (1) That our churches be urged to secure from the World Alliance, 105 E. Twenty-second street, New York City, literature bearing on International Friendship, and that they be urged to establish their local committees for promoting Christian senti¬ ments among our own people concerning their duty towards all people, regardless of race or color. (2) That our Church papers be requested to keep our member¬ ship informed of their activities in behalf of International Friendship. (3) That this Assembly appoint a committee on this matter to serve for the next year — Jas. I. Vance, ,S. H. Chester, Homer Mc¬ Millan, J. F. Cannon. 1429. Auburn Theological Seminary 1918, p. 36. We have received a communication from Auburn Theological Seminary, asking our Assembly to appoint a delegate to attend the exercises in celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the founding of that institution. We recommend that this in¬ vitation be accepted and that Rev. Harris E. Kirk, D. D., of Bal¬ timore, Md., be appointed. 1430. Presbyterians of Ireland 1914, p. 48. In answer to the overture from the Presbytery of Knoxville, asking that the Presbyterians of Ireland, through their highest court, be assured of our sympathy and prayers and reminded that an asylum awaits, as in bygone days, the persecuted sons, We recommend the following answer: That the Presbyterian Church in the United States, which in the past has furnished a home for Ireland’s persecuted sons, extends fraternal greetings and expresses sincere sympathy and prayers at this critical time in her history. 1921, p. 25. In response to the overture of the Presbyterian Min¬ isters’ Association of Charlotte, North Carolina, we recommend that this Assembly send greetings to the General Assembly of the Pres- Secs. 1428-1435] Correspondence With Other Bodies 935 byterian Church of Ireland, expressing to them our fraternal regards and heartfelt sympathy in the distressing conditions that now prevail in their land, and assuring them of our earnest prayers and sym¬ pathetic support as they contend for the splendid principles of our common Protestant and Presbyterian heritage. 1431. The Universalists may not use our church buildings 1891, p. 230. Overture from the Presbytery of Florida: Is it lawful for a church Session to grant the use of the church building to the Universalists for holding religious services? Answered in the negative. 1432. Aid for the Presbytery of Texas 1890, p. 56. In regard to the letter from the Presbytery of Texas (colored), asking for such aid as will enable their ministers to give their whole time to the work of preaching, we recommend that the Assembly express their sympathy with this body, and urge the Executive Committee to give them all the pecuniary aid in their power. For the letter referred to, see Minutes, p. 13. Fraternal letters passed between the Assembly and this independ¬ ent Presbytery in 1889 (See Minutes, p. 617.) 1433. The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union 1895, pp. 383, 384. The Assembly exchanged greetings with the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of Texas. 1434. Declines to appoint delegates to the National Temperance Convention 1891, p. 228. This Assembly would gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the circular of the Executive Committee of the Tenth National Temperance Convention, and the request that this Assem¬ bly appoint seven delegates to the convention to be held at Saratoga Springs during the present year. While the Assembly is an earnest advocate of the principles of that temperance which is enjoined in the word of God, yet it is not prepared to appoint the seven delegates as requested. 1893, p. 52. A communication from the National Temperance Society, Rev. Dr. T. L. Cuyler, president, inviting this Assembly to appoint delegates to a World’s Temperance Congress, to be held in Chicago in June. We recommend that the Assembly take no action looking to rep¬ resentation in said Temperance Congress. Adopted. 1435. Change in the week of prayer 1892, p. 457. A communication from the Stated Clerk of the 936 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, containing a resolution of that Assembly in favor of a change of the annual week of prayer from the first week in Jan¬ uary to a more opportune season, and calling the attention of this Assembly to the same. On this subject we recommend the adoption of the following res¬ olutions : Resolved, That while we would be perfectly willing to concur in any really desirable change, yet, inasmuch as no other season is designated instead of the first week in January, and as it is un¬ certain whether any change would be wise and profitable, this As¬ sembly declines, for the present to take any action in the matter. 1436. Synod of Brazil 1898, p. 215. The following resolution, in response to the greet¬ ing brought to the Assembly by the Rev. G. E. Henderlite from the Synod of Brazil, was adopted: The Assembly would express its gratification at the cordial mes¬ sage of greeting from the Synod of Brazil, so happily conveyed by its accredited delegate, the Rev. George E. Henderlite. We would record our profound and unfailing interest in the work of the Synod of Brazil, which shall continue to receive our support and shall ever be remembered in our prayers. We send through the Rev. George E. Henderlite our most fraternal Christian salutations to the Synod of Brazil. - See also 1904, pp. 9, 40; 1907, pp. 42, 58. 1437. General Assembly of Brazil 1910, pp. 16, 30. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence to whom was referred the address of Rev. Dr. Reis, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Brazil, recommend that this Assembly make answer as follows: 1. We have been profoundly moved by the clear statement of the progress of the Presbyterian Church of Brazil. 2. We thank God for the sturdy and vigorous way in which the Brazilian Church has taken hold of its own work, and for the abun¬ dance of life in this fair daughter of Presbyterianism in the United States. 3. We rejoice in and are grateful for the part our own Church has been privileged to have in this glorious work. 4. We believe that our further help in Brazil should largely follow the lines indicated by Dr. Reis: (a) The sending of more missionaries of the first order, (b) The adequate equipment of a native ministry by strengthening and developing Theological Sem¬ inaries. (c) A still wider and more efficient use of the printing press, (d) The vigorous prosecution and enlargement of all school work. Secs. 1435-1439] Correspondence With Other Bodies 937 5. To these ends our Executive Committee of Foreign Missions is asked to give our Brazilian work large consideration as an invest¬ ment likely to pay increasing dividends. 6. The Rev. Dr. S. H. Chester is hereby appointed to transmit this action to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Brazil. Adopted. 1911, p. 57. In response to the address of Rev. Rockwell Smith, D. D., fraternal delegate from the General Assembly of the Pres¬ byterian Church of Brazil, the General Assembly would express the great pleasure with which it has heard of the wonderful growth and development of this Church, which is one of the conspicuous fruits of the foreign missionary labors of our Church, and hereby requests Dr. Smith to bear back our most cordial fraternal greetings, and to assure the Presbyterian Church of Brazil of our never failing in¬ terest in its welfare and our fervent prayers for its prosperity and success. 1915, p. 69. That this Assembly, in response to the address of greeting by Rev. Alva Hardie, from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Brazil, expresses its pride and joy in the prosperity of our daughter, the Church in Brazil, and that the Stated Clerk of this Assembly be instructed to transmit this response to the Stated Clerk of the Assembly in Brazil. 1438. Correspondence with the Reformed Episcopal Church in the United States 1876, p. 244. Resolved, That this General Assembly does hereby express its desire to hold ecclesiastical correspondence with the body known as the Reformed Episcopal Church in the United States, and that the Stated Clerk communicate to the proper author¬ ity of that body this desire, and that a delegate from it to our next Assembly will be fraternally and cordially greeted by us. In response to this action, Rev. Benjamin Johnson bore to the next General Assembly the salutations of that Church, coming as an accredited delegate. The Assembly of 1879 sent a message of fraternal salutation to this Church, recognizing it as maintaining with us a struggle for the same great principles for which our ancestors contended. (P. 18.) This was repeated in 1880 (p. 195). In 1882 Bishop P. F. Stevens addressed our Assembly as their delegate. See also 1898, p. 227, 1906, pp. 11, 15, 17, 1907, p. 58. 1439. State Sunday School Convention 1872, pp. 155, 156. The State Sunday School Convention of South Carolina and the General Assembly exchanged greetings. (See Minutes.) 938 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII 1440. Evangelical Alliance 1873, p. 333. In reply to the communication addressed to the body by the Rev. S. S. Schmucker, D. D., accompanied with a printed “Fraternal Appeal,” signed by sundry others, requesting, among other things, that about twenty-five delegates should be elected by this General Assembly to attend the meeting of the Evan¬ gelical Alliance, in New York, next fall, the General Assembly adopts the following paper: Inasmuch as this General Assembly, at its first annual session, in 1861, extended its fraternal salutations to all evangelical churches throughout the world, expressing its cordial desire to be in fellow¬ ship with all, especially those of similar faith and order, by which terms and catholic spirit the Assembly still abides; yet, inasmuch as it has not now before it data sufficient for the full understanding of the character and purposes of the Evangelical Alliance, and the extent of the authority claimed for it and its “National Branches;” therefore, Resolved, That the General Assembly deems it inexpedient to appoint delegates to attend the approaching meeting of the Evangel¬ ical Alliance in New York, but expresses the sincere hope that the Spirit of grace may preside over all those deliberations, that all its procedings may redound to the glory of God, in the advancement of our common Christianity. 1441. The Young Men’s Christian Association 1881, p. 394. The twenty-fourth convention of the Young Men’s Christian Association of the United States and British provinces, in session at Cleveland, Ohio, sent salutations to the Assembly. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. The fol¬ lowing report from that committee was adopted: The committee, after much consideration of the telegram recom¬ mitted to it, have grave doubts of the expediency of this Assembly beginning to hold correspondence with other than ecclesiastical bodies; yet, since we have in this case gone so far, the committee are of opinion that the Assembly ought to return a reply to the Young Men’s Christian Association. Thereupon a suitable dispatch was adopted, and ordered sent. Similar messages were received in 1883. (See p. 28.) 1442. Synod of the Greek Evangelical Church 1898, p. 227. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence beg to report that they have read the letter from the Evangelical Synod of Greece, and recommend the adoption of the following reply to be forwarded to the Greek Synod: Beloved Brethren: — We are glad to acknowledge the receipt of your very fraternal letter thanking the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States for the transfer to your Secs. 1440-1444] Correspondence With Other Bodies 939 body of the title to the mission property at Salonica, and also ex¬ pressing grateful appreciation of all work heretofore done by us for the' cause of evangelical religion among the Greeks. We will also express our great gratification at the report given in your letter, indicating good progress in your work of building up the church of God in the kingdom of Greece and in the Turkish empire. We wish you heartily God-speed, and do pray that Christ, the great Head of the church, may crown all your labors with abundant success. Assuring you of our continued interest in the Synod of the Evan¬ gelical Church of Greece, we are your brethren in the Lord, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. Adopted. 1443. Reply to the Protestant Episcopal Bishops on Church unity 1887, p. 227. In response to the declaration and resolutions adopted by the House of Bishops and House of Deputies of the Protestant Episcopal Church, convened in the city of Chicago, October 27th, 1886: The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, in session at St. Louis, recognizes with great joy the cath¬ olic spirit which inspires the declaration concerning Christian unity. It sympathizes fervently with every effort made in accordance with the Word of God to promote godly union and concord with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. It rejoices to consult, not only for the interest of the historic Church which it represents, but also for the peace and prosperity of the whole body of Jesus Christ upon earth. But as the Cbmmission on Christian Unity does not make its report until the General Convention of 1889, the present General Assembly contents itself with this expression of Christian sympathy, and postpones further action until the Assembly of 1888. 1444. Protestant Episcopal Council 1899, p. 392. The following was adopted: The General Assembly hereby extends its greeting to the Protestant Episcopal Council, of the Diocese of Virginia, now in session in this city, expressing our hearty interest in the work of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and our cordial regard for their bishops, clergy¬ men and people as brethren beloved in the Lord, invoking upon them the blessing of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A copy of this resolution, signed by the Moderator and Stated Clerk, is ordered sent to the Council at St. Paul’s Church, Rich¬ mond, Va. P. 398. The following fraternal salutation from the Council of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the Diocese of Virginia, was received : Ait a meeting of the Council of the Protestant Episcopalians in the Diocese of Virginia, held in St. Paul’s Church, Richmond, Va., on Relations With Other Bodies 940 [Book VII the 18th day of May, 1899, the following resolution was, on motion of the Rev. Professor Wallis, unanimously adopted: Resolved , That the Secretary be requested to send the fraternal greetings of the Council of the Diocese of Virginia to the General As¬ sembly of the Southern Presbyterian Church now in session in this city. 1901, p. 17. “To the General Assembly of the' Presbyterian Church — Greeting : “In the Providence of Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you are convened within our charming little city, and I beg to add to words of welcome already given my earnest greeting. Permit me to ex¬ press my prayerful desire that your forty-first session shall be marked, as well in the deliberations as in the devotions, by that conservatism and high Christian aim which has always characterized your honor¬ able body. “It would afford me real pleasure to visit the Assembly, but my uncertain health and the urgency of many duties incident to leav¬ ing the State to-night for a prolonged absence forbid me expressing in person the fellowship I feel. “It occurs to me that the spacious room of Trinity Cathedral may be convenient for some of your more general or public services, missionary or otherwise, and I hereby tender the use of it to you on any Sunday evening or night. “Praying that the God of Peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant may make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, I am, wiith great respect. We recommend the following response: “To the Right Rev. Wm. M. Browfn, the Bishop of the Diocese of Arkansas Protestant Episcopal Church — Greeting : “The General Assembly appreciates your cordial salutation and reciprocates heartily the fraternal feeling underlying it, and tenders its thanks for the courtesy extended in the offer of the cathedral, which courtesy would be gladly accepted if occasion required. “May the Lord have you ever in His gracious keeping and bless you abundantly in home, heart and work.” 1913, p. 14. A communication extending greetings from the Geor¬ gia Diocese of the Protestant Episcopal Church was read and re¬ ferred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. 1913, p. 22. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence re¬ ported, recommending the following greetings be sent: The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States sends cordial greetings to the brethren of your historic com¬ munion. Read Eph. 4:11-13. 1446. Ministerial Union of Richmond 1889, p. 397. The hour arrived for receiving the Ministerial Union of Richmond and suburbs. Dr. Kerr formally introduced the Union, Moderator Cannon welcomed the brethren in hearty terms, to which the Rev. Dr. W. G. Starr, President of the Union, eloquently responded, and the members of the union were invited to sit with the Assembly as visiting brethren. Secs. 1445-1447] Correspondence With Other Bodies 941 1447. Christian Reformed Church of North America 1901, p. 28. The following greeting was received from the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church of North America, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence: The Synod of the Christian Reformed Church of North America comes to you with its cordial and sympathetic greeting. Let us say by way of introduction that we are a denomination of Holland descent, numbering at present about 150 congregations, located mainly in New Jersey, Michigan and Iowa, served by about 100 ordained ministers. In Grand Rapids, our centre, we sustain a flourishing theo¬ logical school, with a faculty of seven professors. The Christian Re¬ formed Church is adhering strictly to the Calvinistic Doctrines of grace as embodied in the confessional standard of Dordt and West¬ minster. And, becoming more and more a part and parcel of our common American church life, it has looked about for the last few years for ecclesiastical sisters in our broad land, of like mind and effort, that ecclesiastical correspondence may be established with such churches. Ey this correspondence the Synod’ of the Christian Reformed Church understands a little more than the exchange of greetings, but, above that — (a) Sending of regularly appointed delegates to the meetings of each other’s principal church courts, with advisory vote; (&) To pay attention to each other that no one depart in doctrine, liturgy and discipline from Reformed principles; (c) Mutual deliberation what position to assume with reference to third parties; and — id) To assist each other with advice, especially when movements are on foot to modify the Confession, Church Constitution or Liturgy. We would be delighted to begin ecclesiastical correspondence of this kind with your church because historical research and observ¬ ance of your practice cause us to feel that we are very much akin. We feel, however, that the distance between us in the North and you in the sunny Southland is so great that the expense of sending delegates to your General Assembly would be heavier than we as a church, with our many needs in home and Indian mission field, can bear. Therefore, our Synod however much it desired to take this step, thought it not advisable to enter into correspondence in the wide sense as indicated above. One thing, however, our Synod thought we could and ought to do, and that is to send you this official letter in which we as a church express our great appreciation that you as a denomination ad¬ here so closely to the glorious standards set up by the fathers of Westminster, even as our own ancestors displayed at Dordt. We rejoice to hear that no liberal party or revision movement is found in your midst, but conservatism, built upon the infallible Word of God, is in control. Our earnest hope and expectation is that you will continue to fearlessly uphold this banner God gave them that fear Him, that it may be displayed because of the truth, even until the Son of God shall appear upon the clouds. And finally, remembering the apostolic injunction, “Let us con¬ sider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Heb. x. 24) , we should rejoice very much if you would join us in loyally and strenuously opposing that cancer in our present church organism, Secret Oathbound Societies, which in so many ways is contrary to God’s Word and' the welfare of the bride of Christ. Trusting you will carefhlly and fraternally consider this message of sympathy and love sent you in a sisterly spirit of appreciation, we remain, Your brethren in our common Lord. 942 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII The following letter was sent in reply: Our Assembly receives with cordial and grateful appreciation your expressions of fraternal regard. We rejoice in the tokens of God’s favor on the work committeed to your trust, and pray that His large and enlarging blessing may abide ever with you. You are the heirs of heroic traditions, a precious legacy of trial :and triumph, and we need wish you no higher privilege than that careful to say that I carried with me from the Assembly I represented no authority to propose terms of organic union, I ventured to express the hope of a closer alliance than now exists between the two bodies, should a benignant Providence open the way thereto. The utterance of this senti¬ ment produced a deeper impression than I could have foreseen; and in view of it, a committee was appointed (unanimously, I believe,) , to take into consideration the subject thus suggested, with instruc¬ tions to report to the Synod of 1873.” P. 312. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented a report, which was adopted unanimously by a rising vote of the Assembly; whereupon, in view of this unanimity, the Rev. J. R. Wilson, upon request of the body, led it in prayer to God for His providential guidance in all things pertaining to this important business. The report is as follows: Whereas, ifi a paper officially communicated, the last General Synod of the Reformed Church in America, has notified this Gen¬ eral Assembly of the unanimous appointment of a committee to con¬ sider carefully the desirableness and feasibility of establishing closer relations with our Church; and Whereas, The Assembly regards said notification as indicative of a desire on the part of that venerable Synod to enter into closer relations if the way be clear; and Whereas, This Assembly on its part cordially reciprocates this feeling, and knows of no more effective method of ascertaining whether the two bodies are prepared for a nearer connection than the method of conference; therefore, Resolved, 1, That this Assembly do now appoint a committee, whose duty it shall be to confer with a similar committee, if appointed by the General Synod of the Reformed Church, for the purpose of ascertaining in what manner such more intimate relations may be established, and what ought to be the nature and extent thereof, and report the result to the next General Assembly. 2, That the Stated Clerk be directed to forward a copy of this paper to the General Synod of the Reformed Church, to meet in New Brunswick in June of this present year. 1874, p. 480. This committee submitted a report, which was referred to a select committee of one from each Synod. P. 507. The report of the committee concerning a plan of co¬ operation with the Reformed Church was taken up, and, having been amended, was adopted unanimously. The report is as fol¬ lows: Sec. 1463] Correspondence With Other Bodies 957 The committee appointed to consider and report upon the plan submitted to the General Assembly by the Committees of Confer¬ ence of the Reformed Church and the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and which provides for “more intimate communion and co-operation between these Christian denominations,” and looks to the establishment of “closer relations” between the two bodies, respectfully report that theyj have discharged that pleasing duty, and recommend the adoption of the following minute as expressive of the sense of the Assembly: 1. Resolved, That the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States has cause for solemn and devout grati¬ tude to God for the numerous tokens of Divine favor and approval wrhich have marked this negotiation through all its stages, from its first inception till the present hour, and especially for the spirit of unity and Christian fellowship, of mutual forbearance, fraternal love, and confidence, which have been vouchsafed to the members of the joint Committees of Conference, and which have attended all their deliberations to a harmonious issue in the plan of co-operation which has been submitted to the two churches as embodying the result of their complete action. 2. Resolved, That the aforesaid plan be, and the same is hereby, heartily adopted entire (except as to the number of delegates) by this Assembly, as the basis of an “intimate co-operative alliance,” such as therein set forth — a union not organic, but nevertheless a union real and practicable, one which it is believed will, under the Divine blessing, prove to be comfortable and useful to the two bodies that at length are happily brought into effective concert, and which it is hoped will redound to the honor and glory of the great Head of the Church. And, in accordance therewith, the General Assembly will now appoint one minister and one elder, with alter¬ nates, as corresponding members, to meet said Reformed Synod at its next convention, in Poughkeepsie, New York, on the first Wednesday in June, 1874, should they approve and adopt said “plan of co-operation.” 3. Resolved, That, in accordance with the provisions of this plan, the various questions touching the details of co-operation are re¬ ferred to our Committees of Education, Publication, Foreign Mis¬ sions and Sustentation, respectively, who shall report, as soon as practicable, to this Committee of Conference hereby re-appointed, and that the committee shall consider and digest the information so obtained, with a view to continue the conference to such end as shall be most to the glory of God and the interests of both denom¬ inations. (The report of the Qommittee of Conference, on which the above report was based, may be found in Alexander’s Digest, 1897, pp. 444-446.) 1875, p. 25. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence report, approving the scheme of co-operation reported from the committee appointed by the last Assembly to continue the conference with a Relations With Other Bodies 958 [Book VII similar committee from the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America, as follows: "The Committees of Conference of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States and the Reformed Church in America, having been directed by their respective bodies to “re¬ ceive the plans prepared by the Boards and Committees” of the respective churches “to modify as far as necessary, and harmonize them all in one comprehensive scheme of co-operative union,” re¬ spectfully report that they met for that purpose in the city of New York, on the 15th, day of January, 1 8 7 5 ,i and, after a series of har¬ monious joint sessions, agreed upon the following scheme, which was afterwards duly approved by each committee, in its separate session, and is accordingly recommended by each for adoption by its own General Assembly or General Synod: For the purpose of perfecting, as far as possible, the scheme of co-operation which, in outline, was agreed upon by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States and the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America, in the sessions of 1874, it was further agreed and ordered by these two bodies, that actual co-operation in denominational work be begun between them in regard to Publication, Home Missions, Foreign Missions, Edu¬ cation, and the interchange of Annual Reports. (See Alexander’s Digest, 1910, pp. 568-570.) 1464. Correspondence with the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America to be by letter 1890, p. 47. In a fraternal letter to the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America, the Assembly says: “Our General Assembly this year communicates with you by letter, and not by delegate as heretofore, and in explanation of this change, we cite the action of the Assembly of 1883, as follows: (See Sec. 1475, of this Digest.) Former Assemblies have continued the exception here¬ in provided for in case of your Synod only. We now deem it best to correspond with you, as with other bodies, by letter.” Yet, in 1897, the Assembly did appoint a fraternal delegate to this vener¬ able Synod. (Pp. 34, 44.) 1465. Organic union with the General Synod of the Reformed Church 1897, p. 34. With regard to the resolution offered by Rev. Dr. Molloy, nominating a committee to consider the question of organic union with the Reformed Church in America, which was referred to your Committee on Foreign Correspondence, we would respectfully say that we deem it inexpedient to appoint such a committee at this time. Secs. 1403-1467] Correspondence With Other Bodies 959 1466. Co-operation with the Reformed Church in Colored Evan¬ gelization 1893, p. 52. Resolved, That Rev. A. L. Phillips, Secretary of the Executive Committee of Colored Evangelization, be appointed to attend the next meeting of the General Synod of the Reformed Church, of America, and to present the cause of Colored Evangeliza¬ tion in the South. 1895, p. 397. This Assembly authorizes the Executive Com¬ mittee of Colored Evangelization to confer, through the proper channels, with the Reformed Churches of America as to the basis upon which any or all of them may co-operate with our church in the work of Colored Evangelization, and report the result of said conference to the next General Assembly. 1896, p. 630. To this the General Synod made the following xeply : Re wived, That the Stated Clerk answer these communications, conveying the greetings of the Reformed Church in America, and expressing most cordial sympathy with the work that is being done among the colored population in the South and West, but regretting that the press of work in other fields forbids that financial assist¬ ance to which our hearts and sympathies prompt us. P. 605. The request of the Executive Committee to renew this correspondence during the coming year was granted. 1897, p. 21. As there is good hope that this body will co¬ operate with us in the near future in the work of Evangelization among the colored people, your committee recommend that this cor¬ respondence be continued. Approved. 1467. Further Correspondence with Reformed Church in America 1898, p. 227. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence to which was referred the letter of the Rev. A. Demorest, D. D., rep¬ resenting the Reformed Church in America, recommend that the General Assembly record its high appreciation of this fraternal message so happily expressed, and that the Rev. E. M. Green, D. D., Moderator, be appointed to make a suitable reply, convey¬ ing to the General Synod our Christian salutations and best wishes for the prosperity and peace of that church, so nearly akin to our own in government and theology, intimating also our pleasure at the correspondence at present being conducted between the Reformed Church and one of our Executive Committees with reference to co-operation in a particular branch of our work, and expressing the hope that this correspondence may be a step toward a nearer approach of their church and our own. The Moderator is directed to embody in his letter this action of the Assembly. Adopted. 1900, p. 620. It was directed that Rev. J. F. Cannon, D. D., of St. Louis, Mo., as principal, and Rev. G. R. Brackett, D. D., of Charleston, S. C., as alternate, be appointed to respond to the 960 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII letter of greeting received from the Reformed Church through their delegate, and to convey to that body the Christian salutation of this Assembly. See also Minutes of 1902, p. 291. 1903, p. 468. Seven overtures have been placed in the hands of the Committee of Foreign Correspondence — one each from the Synods of Tennessee, Alabama and Missouri, and one each from the Presbyteries of Maryland, Brazos, Fort Worth and Red River. These all ask the General Assembly to appoint a Committee of Conference to meet a similar committee of the Reformed Church in America (popularly known as the Dutch Reformed Church) to consider the whole question of closer fraternal relations and the possible organic union of these two churches. We recommend that the Assembly reiterate again, as it has done in the past, its entire confidence in the doctrinal soundness of the Reformed Church in America; its appreciation of the noble testi¬ mony which this body of Christians has borne to the spirituality of the church of Christ; its genuine and warm affection for these brethren, and the Assembly’s readiness to appoint such a committee of conference whenever the General Synod of the Reformed Church shall indicate that such a committee would be agreeable to it. Adopted. Them has been placed in the hands of the Committee on For¬ eign Correspondence the letter of the Rev. Peter Crispell, convey¬ ing, by the appointment of the General Synod of the Reformed Church of America, the greetings of his church to ours. We recommend that the General Assembly express its gratifica¬ tion and pleasure at these assurances of affection and good will, and designate the Rev. J. R. Graham, D. D., a commissioner of the Presbytery of Winchester, to communicate, by letter or other¬ wise, to the General Synod of the Reformed Church the action of this Assembly concerning the appointment of a committee of con¬ ference, and also to convey to these brethren the hearty salutations of our own Assembly. Adopted. See also Minutes of 1905, p. 40; 1906, p. 44; 1908, p. 18; 1909,, p. 62. See further Assembly Minutes 1911, pp. 18, 55; 1912, pp. 14, 70; 1913, p. 35. 1468. Reformed Church in the United States 1911, p. 17. The following telegram was received from the General .Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence: The General Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States, in session at Canton, Ohio, send cordial greetings and wish you God’s blessing in all your deliberations. See Phil. 4:21, 23. The following reply was sent: Secs. 1467-1469] Correspondence With Other Bodies 96!. 1911, p. 63. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church im in the United States appreciates your telegram of greeting. God bless your work. First Thessalonians, 1, 2, 3. 1922, p. 33. In view of the fact that the General Synod of the Reformed Church in the U. S. meets at Hickory, N. C., next spring, and this is the first time this Synod has met within the bounds of our Church, we recommend that the Rev. E. M. Craig, D. D., the pastor of the Hickory Presbyterian Church, be appointed to bear to that body greetings from the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. See also Assembly Minutes 1917, pp. 21, 30. 1921. To the General Synod of the Reformed Church in the U. S.: 1921, p. 24. The Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U„ S. sends cordial greetings and asks God to direct you in your delibera¬ tions. Col. 1 : 3-4. 1469. Correspondence with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America with reference to union 1870, p. 501. The Stated Clerk announced that he had received through the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presby- terian Church in the United States of America, official information of a paper adopted by that Assembly, as found on page 934 of its printed Minutes for 1869; which paper was addressed to this body, and is as follows: Whereas, the last General Assembly acknowledged the separate and independent existence of the Presbyterian Church in the South¬ ern States, and enjoined upon all subordinate courts so to treat it; thus according to its ministers and members the privilege of ad¬ mission to our body upon the same terms which are extended to ministers and members of other branches of the Presbyterian Church in this country; Therefore, Resolved, That this General Assembly hereby conveys its Chris¬ tian salutations to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Southern States, and gives expression to its sentiments of Christian fraternity and fellowship towards the ministers and mem¬ bers of that body. And as we inherit and hold with them the same ancient symbols of faith, the same forms of government and of worship, tnus presenting before the world the same sacred prin¬ ciples to which our common ancestors witnessed, and which we have maintained together in the past, especially since we occupy adjacent, and in many places common territory, we deem it due to our one Lord, and to the best interests of His kingdom on earth, to express the desire that the day may not be distant when we may again be united in one great organization that shall cover our whole la;nd and embrace) al1. branches of the Prejsbyterian Church. Resolved, That the Stated Clerk be directed to forward a copy of these resolutions to the Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church in the Southern States. 962 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII This was referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. P. 516. The Stated Clerk announced to the Assembly that he had received official information of the appointment of a delegation to this body from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, convened in Philadelphia, in the following paper: Whereas, this General Assembly believes that the interests of the kingdom of our Lord throughout our entire country would be greatly promoted by healing all unnecessary divisions; and whereas, this General Assembly desires the speedy establishment of cordial, fraternal relations with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States, commonly known as the Southern Presbyterian Church, upon terms of mutual confidence, respect, Christian honor, and love; and whereas, we believe that the terms of reunion between the two branches of the Presbyterian Church at the North, now so happily consummated, present an auspicious op¬ portunity for the adjustment of such relations; therefore, be it — Resolved, 1, That a committee of five ministers and four elders be appointed by this Assembly to confer with a similar committee, If it shall be appointed by the Assembly now in session in the city of Louisville, in respect to opening a friendly correspondence be¬ tween the Northern and Southern Presbyterian Churches, and that the result of such conference be reported to the General Assembly of 1871. Resolved, 2, That, with a view to the furtherance of the object contemplated in the appointment of said committee, this General Assembly hereby reaffirms the concurrent declaration of the two Assemblies which met in the city of New York last year, viz. : '‘That no rule or precedent which does not stand approved by both bodies shall be of any authority in the re-united body, except in so far as such rule or precedent may affect the rights of property founded thereon.” Resolved, 3, That two ministers and one elder of the committee appointed by this Assembly be designated as delegates, to convey to the Assembly now in session at Louisville, Kentucky, a copy of these resolutions, with our Christian salutations. The Stated Clerk announced also that, in pursuance of the object referred to in this paper, the Rev. J. C. Backus, D. D., the Rev. H. J. Van Dyke, D. D., and the Hon. W. E. Dodge, were present, .awaiting the pleasure of the Assembly. These delegates, being introduced by the Moderator, proceeded to address the Assembly on the subject of their mission. To these addresses a suitable response was made by the Moderator. The Rev. Stuart Robinson, D. D., then offered the following reso¬ lution, which was adopted : Resolved, That this Assembly duly appreciates the marked cour¬ tesy and kindness of the General Assembly now sitting in Philadel¬ phia, in commissioning brethren so particularly acceptable to us to be the bearers of its resolutions to this body; that it will take into careful consideration the proposition presented by them; and Sec. 1469] Correspondence With Other Bodies 963 that, in order to proper deliberation and care in so important a mat¬ ter, these resolutions, together with the message and exposition of the delegation, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspon¬ dence, with instruction to report at the earliest possible time, recom¬ mending an answer to this proposition. P. 523. The Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented a report on the communication from the General Assem¬ bly of the Presbyterian Church (Old School) of 1869, and from the General Assembly of 1870, now in session in Philadelphia. The Rev. J. A. Lyon, D. D., proposed a paper as an answer to the communication from the General Assembly in Albany of 1869. After a protracted discussion of the matters presented in these papers, in committee of the whole, it was resolved that the com¬ mittee rise and report progress, which motion was adopted, and the committee accordingly rose. The Moderator then resumed the chair, and the chairman of the “Committee of the Whole” reported the papers which had been offered. P. 528. The discussion of the unfinished business, viz.: the papers from the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, was re¬ sumed, and continued throughout the afternoon. The vote was taken on the motion to amend the report of the committee by striking it out and substituting therefor the minority report offered by Mr. Wallace. This motion was decided in the negative. The Rev. Dr. J. J. Bulloik moved to strike out the report, and substitute therefor a paper which he presented. This motion was also decided in the negative. The motion offered by Mr. Prince to strike out from the report all that part providing for a committee of conference, was also decided in the negative. The report of the committee was then adopted, and is as follows: The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, to whom were referred the overture * for union from the Old School General Assembly North, of 1869, at its sessions in the city of New York, and also the proposition from the United Assembly of the Northern Presby¬ terian Church, now sitting in Philadelphia, conveyed to us by a special delegation, respectfully report: That the former of these documents is virtually superseded by the latter, because the body by whom it was adopted has since been merged into the United Assembly, from which emanates a new and fresh proposal, reflecting the views of the larger constituency. To this proposition, then, “that a committee of five ministers and four elders be appointed by this Assembly to confer with a similar com¬ mittee of their Assembly, in respect to opening a friendly corre¬ spondence between the Northern and Southern Presbytrian Churches.” your committee recommend the following answer to be returned : Whatever obstructions may exist in the way of cordial intercourse between the two bodies above named are entirely of a public 964 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII nature, and involve grave and fundamental principles. The South¬ ern Presbyterian Church can confidently appeal to all the acts and declarations of all their Assemblies, that no attitude of aggression or hostility has been, or is now, assumed by it towards the Northern Church. And this General Assembly distinctly avows (as it has always believed and declared) that no grievances experienced by us, however real, would justify us in acts of aggression or a spirit of malice or retaliation against any branch of Christ’s visible king¬ dom. We are prepared, therefore, in advance of all discussion, to exercise towards the General Assembly North, and the churches represented therein, such amity as fidelity to our principles could, under any possible circumstances, permit. Under this view the appointment of a committee of conference might seem wholly un¬ necessary; but, in order to exhibit before the Christian world the spirit of conciliation and kindness to the last degree, this Assem¬ bly agrees to appoint a committee of conference to meet a similar committee already appointed by the Northern Assembly, with in¬ structions to the same that the difficulties which lie in the way of cordial correspondence between the two bodies must be distinctly met and removed, and which may be comprehensively stated in the following particulars: 1. Both the wings of the now united Assembly during their sepa¬ rate existence before the fusion, did fatally complicate themselves with the State in political utterances deliberately pronounced year after year, and which, in our judgment, were sad betrayal of the cause and kingdom of our common Lord and Head. We believe it to be solemnly incumbent upon the Northern Presbyterian Church, not with reference to us, but before the Christian world and before our Divine Master and King, to purge itself of this error, and, by public proclamation of the truth, to place the crown once more upon the head of Jesus Christ as the alone King in Zion; in default of which the Southern Presbyterian Church, which has already suf¬ fered much in maintaining the independence and spirituality of the Redeemer’s kingdom upon earth, feels constrained to bear public testimony against this defection of our late associates from the truth. Nor can we, by official correspondence even, consent to blunt the edge of this our testimony concerning the very nature and mission of the Church as a purely spiritual body among men. 2. The union now consummated between the Old and New School Assemblies North was accomplished by methods which in our judgment, involve a total surrender of all the great testi¬ monies of the Church for the fundamental doctrines of grace, at a time when the victory of truth over error hung long in the balance. The United Assembly stands of necessity upon an allowed latitude «of interpretation of the Standards, and must come at length to ^embrace nearly all shades of doctrinal belief. Of those falling •testimonies we are now the sole surviving heir, which we must lift from the dust and bear to the generations after us. It would be a serious compromise of this sacred trust to enter into public and Sec. 1469] Correspondence With Other Bodies 965 official fellowship with those repudiating these testimonies, and to do this expressly upon the ground, as stated in the preamble to the overture before us, “that the terms of re-union between the two branches of the Presbyterian Church at the North, now happily consummated, present an auspicious opportunity for the adjustment of such relations.” To found a correspondence professedly upon this idea would be to endorse that which we thoroughly disapprove. 3. Some of the members of our own body were but a short time since a iolently and unconstitutionally expelled from the commun¬ ion of one branch of the new united Northern Assembly, under ecclesiastical charges which, if true, render them utterly infamous before the Church and the world. It is to the last degree unsatis¬ factory to construe this offensive legislation obsolete by the mere fusion of that body with another, or through the operation of a faint declaration which was not intended originally to cover this case. This is no mere “rule” or “precedent,” but a solemn sentence of outlawry against what is now an important and constituent part of our own body. Every principle of honor and good faith compels us to say that an unequivocal repudiation of that interpretation of the law under which these men were condemned must be a condi¬ tion precedent to any official correspondence on our part. 4. It is well known that similar injurious accusations were pre¬ ferred against the whole Southern Presbyterian Church, with which the ear of the whole world has been filled. Extending, as these charges do, to heresy and blasphemy, they cannot be quietly ignored by an indirection of any sort. If true, we are not worthy of the “confidence, respect, Christian honor and love,” which are tendered to us in this overture. If untrue, “Christian honor and love,” manliness and truth, require them to be openly and squarely with¬ drawn. So long as they remain upon record they are an impassable barrier to official intercourse. Adopted. Ayes, 83; nays, 17. P. 535. The following were appointed on the committee con¬ templated in the above action, to confer with , a committee to be appointed by the Northern Assembly, viz.: Rev. J. Leighton Wil¬ son, D. D., Thomas E. Peck, D. D., Andrew H. Kerr, D. D., Wil¬ liam Brown, D. D., Joseph R. Wilson, D. D.; Ruling elders — Judge John A. Inglis, Hon. W. P. Webb, A. G. Mcllwaine, Sr., Esq., Col. Charles A. Ready. P. 542. The following dissent was offered in relation to the paper from the Committee on Foreign Correspondence adopted on Friday : The undersigned, who voted in the negative on the adoption of the report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence in reply to the delegation from the Northern General Assembly, desire, in ex¬ planation of their vote, to say, that if that parti of the report denomi¬ nated “instructions” to our commissioners had been put in the form of a “statement” or “declaration of principles,” as the grounds of difference between us and that Assembly, rather than in the appar- 966 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII ent form of charges against the Northern Church, which, under the circumstances, seemed to be discourteous to them, they would have voted in the affirmative. The following protest was offered, and was, by a vote of the Assembly, admitted to record without an answer: Having voted with the minority, we respectfully protest against the action taken by this General Assembly in reference to the over¬ ture of the General Assembly of the united Presbyterian Church, now sitting in Philadelphia, proposing a conference with a view to fraternal correspondence, for the following reasons, in part: 1. Because it was advocated, and appears to proceed, upon a mis¬ construction of the actual proposition made by the Northern Gen¬ eral Assembly, and seems to be directed against a supposed latent intent, which, however, was expressly disavowed. 2. Because the instructions appended arraign the said Assembly, as now constituted on its basis of union, upon the most serious charges, of “the total surrender of fundamental doctrines of grace,” as well as with the actual discrowning of the Lord Jesus Christ; which, even if we believe them to be true, it is at least indecorous to prefer while in the act of accepting its proposition for fraternal conference. 3. Because it wears an aspect of inconsistency on our part, in that, while we accept their proposal for conference, we require conditions manifestly offensive and out of place in a simple conference, as asked by them. 4. Because it places this Assembly and the Southern Presby¬ terian Church — we do not say intentionally or consciously, yet, in spite of all explanations, places us — not only in face of our North¬ ern brethren, but before the world, in an attitude palpably, and to many of us painfully, variant from the placable and charitable spirit of the gospel of peace and good-will. (Signed with five names.) 1470. Pastoral Letter to the churches under our care , explanatory of the above action 1870, p. 537. The Rev. Dr. Palmer, from the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, presented a pastoral letter to the churches under our care, which was adopted. See Alexander’s Digest pp. 454-458. It was ordered that five thousand copies of this Letter be printed by the Committee of Publication for gratuitous distribution. It was resolved that the Committee of Publication be instructed to publish in tract form the public official utterances of our Assem¬ blies in relation to the spirituality and independence of the Church, including the Address of the Assembly of 1861 to the Churches of Jesus Christ throughout the World, and the Pastoral Letter now Secs. 1469-1472] Correspondence With Other Bodies 967 to be issued from this Assembly, and such other papers as the com¬ mittee may deem needful to explain the references in said letter. 1471. Report of the Conference Committee 1871, p. 10. The members of the committee of nine, appointed by the last Assembly to confer with a corresponding committee appointed by the Northern General Assembly, would respectfully report that, in consequence of the dissolution of the committee of the Northern Assembly immediately afterwards, this committee has never been convened. 1472. Appointment of a committee of conference with reference to fraternal relations with the Northern Presbyterian Church 1874, p. 482. Overtures were presented from some of the Pres¬ byteries, touching the relations between this General Assembly and the General Assembly of the Northern Presbyterian Church. A paper relating to the same subject was officially communicated from the Stated Clerk of the Northern Assembly. These papers were referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence, which it was ordered should be enlarged by the Moderator, so as to contain two members from each Synod. P. 491. The Rev. Dr. Kirkpatrick, chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, presented a report on the paper trans¬ mitted by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and other memorials. A minority report was offered by Messrs. James Fentress, D. McNeill Turner, J. O. Lindsay and E. J. Vann. Another minority report was presented by Rev. J. W. Hoyte. All of which papers were received and placed on the docket. P. 495. The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspon¬ dence was taken up on a motion for its adoption, and after some discussion, a motion was made for the indefinite postponement of the whole subject. On this question the ayes and noes were called. Result: Ayes, 23; noes, 91. P. 497. The Rev. J. W. Hoyte obtained leave to withdraw the minority report which he had offered, and the vote then recurring on the minority report offered by Mr. J. Fentress and others, it was taken by ayes and noes, as follows: Ayes, 33; noes, 78. Lost. The question being then upon the report presented by the com¬ mittee, the vote was taken by ayes and noes, and is as follows: A!yes, 79; noes, 33. This report, therefore, was adopted, and is as follows : P. 500. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence beg leave to report to the General Assembly as follows: Three papers were referred to the committee touching the matter to which the report relates, viz. : First, an official communication to this Assembly from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, which, as it will be here- 968 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII after cited at large in this report, need not be here more particularly described; Second, an overture from the Presbytery of South Ala¬ bama, “on the subject of closer relations with the Northern Pres¬ byterian Church,” and expressing the hope that our General As¬ sembly will establish such relations; Third, an overture from the Presbytery of Chesapeake, asking this Assembly to appoint “a com¬ mittee untrammelled by instructions to confer with a similar com¬ mittee of the Northern General Assembly” as to “such measures as shall be best adapted to promote friendly relations and fraternal correspondence.” Both of these overtures represent that an “or¬ ganic union” between the two bodies represented by the two Assem¬ blies is not contemplated in the request contained in their papers. The committee have given to the subject a most careful and labori¬ ous consideration, and now recommend to the General Assembly the adoption of the following answer to the same. The communication from the Northern General Assembly is in the following words: Extract from the Minutes of the General Assembly of the Presby¬ terian Church in the United States of America, in session at Baltimore, May 21, 1873. The General Assembly, deploring the divisions that have occurred, and that continue, among Presbyterians in the United States of America, and earnestly desiring to do whatever is consistent with duty and fidelity to the Lord toward healing these divisions; and, furthermore, having good reason to hope that the action contem¬ plated in the following paper will promote and secure this happy result, do solemnly declare: First, That, in accordance with a resolution unanimously adopted by each of the two bodies now constituting the reunited Church, all action touching the brethren adhering to the body popularly known as the Southern General Assembly, together with all action touch¬ ing the brethren adhering to the body known as the Old School Synod of Missouri, has been, since the re-union, and is now, null and void, and therefore of no binding effect, and not to be pleaded as a precedent in the future. Second, The Assembly also express confidence in the soundness of doctrine and in the Christian character of these brethren, and cannot doubt that a more intimate communion would lead to the speedy removal of the barriers that now separate those of like pre¬ cious faith to increased mutual affection and esteem, and to a prac¬ tical manifestation of oneness in Christ. Third, With regard to the civil magistrate, and the relation of Church and State, the Assembly deem it sufficient to call attention to the following statements and principles found in our Standards, to-wit : (1,) “Synods and councils are to handle or conclude nothing but that which is ecclesiastical, and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the commonwealth, unless by way of Sec. 1472] Correspondence With Other Bodies 969 humble petition in cases extraordinary, or by way of advice, for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate.” (Confession of Faith, Chap. XXXI., Sec. IV.) (2,) “That God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in anything contrary to His Word, or beside it in matters of faith or worship.” “That all church power, whether exercised by the body in general or, in the way of representation, by delegated authority, is only ministerial or declarative. That is to say, that the Holy Scriptures are the only rule of faith and manners; 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., Secs. I. and VII.) Fourth, For the purpose of carrying out the spirit of the fore¬ going resolutions the Assembly will appoint two committees to con¬ fer with similar committees, if appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and by the Old School Synod of Missouri, to seek closer and more fraternal rela¬ tions with these bodies.” This paper was adopted unanimously, and the following com¬ mittee was accordingly appointed to confer with a like committee of the Presbyterian Church South: Rev. Samuel J. Nicholls, D. D., Rev. Henry J. Van Dyke, D. D., Rev. Ebenezer Erskine, D. D., Mr. John K. Morehead and Hon. Joseph W. Edwards. In order to a full understanding of the whole matter, and of our duty in the premises, it may be proper to refer to a previous occasion, when it was brought under the consideration of the Southern Gen¬ eral Assembly. Four years ago, in 1870, a paper was received from the Northern General Assembly, of which the following is a copy: “Whereas this General Assembly believes that the interests of the kingdom of our Lord throughout our entire country will be greatly promoted by healing all unnecessary divisions; “Whereas this General Assembly desires the speedy establish¬ ment of cordial relations with the body known as the ‘Southern Presbyterian Church/ on terms of mutual confidence, respect, Chris¬ tian honor, and love; “Whereas we believe that the terms of re-union between the two branches of the Presbyterian Church at the North, now so happily consummated, present an auspicious opportunity for the adjustment of such relations; therefore, be it — “ Resolved , 1, That a committee of five ministers and four elders be appointed by this Assembly to confer with a similar committee, if it should be appointed by the Assembly now in session in the city of Louisville, Ky., in respect to opening a friendly correspon¬ dence between the Northern and Southern Presbyterian Churches, and that the result of such conference be reported to the General Assembly of 1871. 970 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII “ Resolved , 2, That, with a view to the furtherance of the obiect contemplated in the appointment of said committee, this Assembly hereby reaffirms the ‘Concurrent Declaration’ of the two Assem¬ blies which met in the city of New York last year, viz.: “ ‘That no rule or precedent which does not stand approved by both bodies shall be of any authority in the re-united body, except in so far as such rule or precedent may affect thq rights of property therein.’ “ Resolved, 3, That two ministers and one elder of the committee appointed by this Assembly be designated as delegates to convey to the Assembly now in session at Louisville, Ky., a copy of these resolutions, with our Christian salutations.” This communication having been presented, the Rev. J. C. Backus, D. D., Rev. H. J. Van Dyke, D. D., and the Hon. W. E. Dodge, delegates appointed and present, in pursuance of the last resolution, were introduced and addressed the Assembly on the subject of their mission, to which a suitable response was made by the Moderator. The following resolution was also adopted: “ Resolved , That this Assembly duly appreciates the marked cour¬ tesy and kindness of the General Assembly now sitting in Philadel¬ phia, in commissioning brethren so particularly acceptable to us to be the bearers of its resolutions to this body; that we will take into careful consideration the proposition presented by them; and that, in order to proper deliberation and care in so important a matter, these resolutions, together with the message and exposition of the delegation, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, with instruction to report at the earliest possible time, recommending an answer to this proposition.” The report of this committee was made in due time, and, after full deliberation, was adopted by the Assembly. The first part of the answer was in these words : “To this proposition, then, that a committee of five ministers and four elders be appointed by this Assembly to confer with a similar committee of their Assembly, in respect to opening a friendly cor¬ respondence between the Northern and Southern Assemblies, your committee recommend the following answer: “Whatever obstructions may exist in the way of cordial inter¬ course between the two bodies above named are entirely of a public nature, and involve grave and fundamental principles. The Southern Presbyterian Church can confidently appeal to all the acts and decla¬ rations of all their Assemblies, that no attitude of aggression or hos¬ tility has been, or is now, assumed by it toward the Northern Church. And this General Assembly distinctly avows (as it has always believed and declared) that no grievances experienced by us, however real, would justify us in acts of aggression, or a spirit of malice or re¬ taliation against any branch of Christ’s visible kingdom. We are prepared, therefore, in advance of all discussion, to exercise towards the General Assembly North, and the churches represented therein, such amity as fidelity to our principles could, under any possible cir- Sec. 1472] Correspondence With Other Bodies 971 cumstances, permit. Under this view, the appointment of a com¬ mittee of conference might seem wholly unnecessary; but in order to exhibit before the world the spirit of conciliation and kindness to the last degree, this Assembly agrees to appoint a committee of con¬ ference, to meet a similar committee already appointed by the Northern Assembly, with instructions to the same that the difficulties which lie in the way of cordial correspondence between the two bodies must be distinctly met and removed, and which may be comprehensively stated in the following particulars.” These “particulars” it is not necessary for our present purpose to recite. A pastoral letter also, explanatory of this paper, was ad¬ dressed to our churches. When this action of our Assembly was reported to the Northern Assembly, it immediately resolved, “that the further consideration of the subject be postponed, and the committee be discharged,” basing its action upon the ground that “the Southern Assembly, while receiving our delegates with marked courtesy, and formally complying with our proposition for the appointment of a committee of conference, has, nevertheless, accompanied that appointment with declarations and con¬ ditions which we cannot accept, because they involve a virtual pre¬ judgment of the very difficulties concerning which we invited the conference.” How far the reason assigned was sufficient for declining a confer¬ ence thus invited and accepted, is a question upon which we are not here called to sit in judgment. The facts are before the world. But the practical consideration now before us is in the fact that a proposal for another conference, substantially of the same purport as the one received in 1870, is now laid before us. It will be observed that in this paper the Northern Assembly, “deploring the divisions that have occurred, and that continue, among Presbyterians in the United States of America, and earnestly desirous to do whatever is consistent with duty and fidelity to the Lord toward healing those divisions,” ap¬ pointed last year a committee to confer with a similar committee, if appointed by this Assembly, “to seek closer and more fraternal re¬ lations between these two bodies.” To any proposal of this kind for removing causes of alienation among churches, and looking toward more fraternal relations, the Southern Presbyterian Church is now, and has been at all times, prepared to give a sincere and hearty response in the affirmative. At the time of its organization, in 1861, the following explicit declaration was made by our General Assembly, in an “Address to all the Churches of Jesus Christ throughout the Earth:” “We desire to cultivate peace and charity with all our fellow- Christians throughout the world. We invite to ecclesiastical com- munion all who maintain our principles of faith and order.” Again, in 1865, after the close of the war, we find the following: “It may be proper at this point to declare, concerning other churches, in the most explicit manner, that in the true idea of ‘the communion of saints’ we would willingly hold fellowship with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity; and especially do we signify to all 972 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII bodies, ministers and people, of the Presbyterian Church, struggling to maintain the true principles of the same time-honored Confession, our desire to establish the most intimate relations with them, which may be found mutually edifying and for the glory of God.” These, and similar declarations, made in the most solemn periods in the history of our Church, and published to the world, were in¬ tended to be a clear and abiding avowal of the spirit of our succes¬ sive Assemblies, and of our people represented in them. But now, in response to this renewed proposal, already referred to, this Assembly does hereby again agree to appoint a committee, consisting of three ministers and two elders, whose duty it shall be to meet with the committee appointed by the Northern Assembly, at such time and place as may be designated by the chairmen of the two committees, and enter fully into conference concerning the re¬ moval of those causes which have heretofore prevented fraternal re¬ lations between the two churches. Inasmuch, however, as it appears that the instructions given to its committee by our Assembly in 1870 were made a ground of serious objection by the other party, this Assembly, with a sincere desire to “follow the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another,” yields to the wishes of the Northern Assembly in this particular, and appoints its committee without any special instructions; only requiring that the results of the conference shall be reported to our next General Assembly for its judgment thereon. In order to prevent misapprehension, whether on the part of our own people or of others, as to the purport and scope of any negotia¬ tions which may arise from the step here taken, the Assembly feels that it is due to itself and to candor to state explicitly, that an organic union with the Northern Assembly is not contemplated in this action; it being our deliberate conviction that the agitation of that subject would tend to retard, and not to promote, the formation of those “clear fraternal relations” which we undersand the com¬ munication now before! us to propose. But, on the other hand, the Assembly as explicitly declares the readiness and desire of our Church, both of our judicatories in their official capacity, and of our people in their social Christian intercourse, to welcome to full and equal fellowship with ourselves in the privileges of the gospel, and in labors for the extension of our Redeemer’s kingdom, all those who, holding the same great prin¬ ciples of evangelical doctrine and ecclesiastical polity which we hold, are willing to cast in their lot with us by entering our communion. P. 504. Rev. H. M. Smith, D. D., read a protest against the action of the Assembly in adopting the paper providing for a com¬ mittee of conference. It was ordered that the protest be spread upon the records without answer. See Alexander’s Digest, pp. 464-466. P. 519. The Moderator then announced the following names, to constitute the Committee of Conference with the committee of the Northern General Assembly, viz.: Rev. William Brown, D. D., Rev. Secs. 1472-1474] Correspondence With Other Bodies 97 3 R. P. Farris, D. D., Rev. B. M. Palmer, D. D., Chancellor J. A. Inglis, Hon. B. M. Estes. This appointment was confirmed by a rising vote of the Assembly, which vote was, with but two exceptions, unanimous. The Rev. J. L. Kirkpatrick, D. D., was, by vote of the Assembly, appointed alternate to any member of the committee who may fail to attend. 1473. Failure of the Conference The Committee of Conference submitted a report, which was re¬ ferred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. That commit¬ tee submitted the following unanimous report: 1875, p. 17. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence respect¬ fully report that they have examined the report of the committee appointed to confer with a similar committee from the Northern General Assembly, touching an overture from the latter body for fraternal relations; and that they have also considered the overture from the Presbytery of Knoxville with reference to the same subject. Your committee recommend the discharge of the Committee of Con¬ ference from the further^ consideration of the matter entrusted to them, accompanied by the following minute: This Assembly, in the name of the whole Church, tenders special thanks to the Committee of Conference for the diligence, fidelity and Christian prudence with which they have discharged the delicate and important trust committed to them; and, whilst regretting the failure of the conference as to its chief end, hereby approves in gen¬ eral the course of the committee, and in particular approves and endorses, as satisfactory to the Southern Church, the condition pre¬ cedent to fraternal relations suggested by our committee, viz. : “If your Assembly could see its way clear to say, in a few plain words, to this effect^ that these obnoxious things werq said and done in times of great excitement, and are to be regretted, and that now, in a calm review, the imputations cast upon the Southern Church (of schism, heresy and blasphemy) are disapproved, that would end the difficulty at once.” The adoption of the above report was moved by Ruling Elder J. W. Clapp, whereupon it was adopted unanimously, and without dis¬ cussion. The correspondence between the itwo committees may be found in Alexander’s Digest, pp. 467-489. 1474. Further efforts for the establishment of fraternal relations 1876, p. 242. Overture, from the Presbytery of ,St. Louis, asking that the Assembly take some action in regard to fraternal relations with the Northern General Assembly, in order to remove misapprehensions as to the true position of our Church. The committee recommend the following answer: Resolved , That the action of the Baltimore conference, approved. Relations With Other Bodies 974 [Book VII by the Assembly at St. Louis, explains with sufficient clearness the position of our Church. But, inasmuch as it is represented by the overture that misappre¬ hension exists in the minds of some of our people as to the spirit of this action, in order to show our disposition to remove on our part real or seeming hindrances to friendly feeling, the Assembly explicitly de¬ clares that, while condemning certain acts and deliverances of the Northern General Assembly, no acts or deliverances of the Southern General Assemblies are to be construed or admitted as impugning in any way the Christian character of the Northern General Assem¬ bly, or of the historical bodies of which it is the successor. This report was, after some discussion, adopted by a vote of 83 to 6. The Moderator announced to the Assembly that he had received an official telegram from the Moderator and Clerk of the Northern Assembly, which paper was read, and is as follows: The committee to whom were referred the, resolutions on fra¬ ternal correspondence with the General Assembly now in session at Savannah, report that they are unanimously and' heartily in sympa¬ thy with the objects contemplated in the resolutions, and recognizing the fact that the two Assemblies accept the same Form of Govern¬ ment and Directory for Worship, and are closely bound together by historical as well as doctrinal and ecclesiastical ties; and whereas these churches are, in faith, order and labor, called by the great Head of the Church to united effort for the extension of His kingdom throughout the country and world, and as no adjustment of dif¬ ferences is accomplished by the rehearsal of the past, therefore, with a view to the expression of the united and hearty wishes of this body, that at the earliest practical moment we may see the establishment of correspondence with the other Assembly, reiterate its cordial de¬ sire to establish fraternal relations with that Assembly, on terms of perfect equality and reciprocity, as soon as it is agreeable to their brethren to respond to this assurance by a similar expression. This matter was referred to the Committee on Bills and Overtures for immediate action. P. 243. The Committee on Bills and Overtures returned and submitted the following response to the Northern Assembly to be telegraphed in reply to the message from the Moderator, Rev. Dr. Van Dyke: We are ready most cordially to enter on fraternal relations with your body on any terms honorable to both parties, and then, as an explanation of what our feeling is, we send the action taken in the answer to the overture from the St. Louis Presbytery. (Here the despatch recites that action just given above.) This report, which had been unanimously adopted by the com¬ mittee, was also unanimously adopted by the house, and said paper was ordered to be sent to its proper destination by telegram. In grateful recognition of the “good hand of the Lord our God upon us” in the unanimity which our Assembly had attained in the final vote on this matter, where division of sentiment had been at first apprehended, it united in singing the doxology, “Praise God, Sec. 1474] Correspondence With Other Bodies 975 from whom all blessings flow,” and then the Rev. Dr. Adger led in thanksgiving and prayer to God, in special reference to the har¬ mony prevailing throughout this Assembly. 1877, p. 406. Certain papers from Presbyteries, on the subject of “Fraternal Relations” were presented by the Stated Clerk; also a communication from the Stated Clerk of the Northern General Assembly, transmitting a copy of a paper passed by said Assembly last year touching the same subject. These papers were referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. P. 410. This committee made a report, the first part of which was adopted with almost entire unanimity. The last part was re¬ committed.. P. 412. The unfinished business, viz., concerning the last clause in the report of the Committee of Correspondence, was taken up. The committee obtained leave to withdraw that part of their report, and the question being upon the first part as constituting the whole report, it was adopted by a vote of 109 ayes to 4 noes. This report is as follows: The Committee of Correspondence recommend to the General Assembly the following as our Church’s reply to the communication received at this session from the General Assembly of the Presby¬ terian Church in the United States of America: Whereas the General Assembly of this Church, in session at St. Louis, in 1875, adopted a paper rendering “special thanks, in the name of the whole Church, to our Committee of Conference at Baltimore for their diligence, fidelity and Christian prudence,” and, in particular, approving and endorsing “as satisfactory to the South¬ ern Church the condition precedent to fraternal relations suggested by our committee,” viz. : “If your Assembly could see its way clear to say in a few plain words to this effect, that these obnoxious things were said and done in times of great excitement, and are to be regretted, and that now, on a calm review, the imputations cast upon the Southern Church (of schism, heresy and blasphemy) are disapproved, that would end the difficulty at once;” and Whereas our General Assembly, in session at Savannah in 1876, in response to a paper from the General Assembly of the Presby¬ terian Church in the United States of America, which met in Brook¬ lyn, adopted the following paper, viz. : “We are ready most cordially to enter on fraternal relations with your body on any terms honorable to both parties. This Assembly has already, in answer to an overture from our Presbytery of St. Louis, spontaneously taken the following action: ‘Resolved, That the action of the Baltimore conference, approved by the Assembly at St. Louis, explains with sufficient clearness the position of our Church. But, inasmuch as it is represented by the overture that misapprehension exists in the minds of some of our people as to the spirit of this action, in order to show our dispo¬ sition to remove on our part all real or seeming hindrance to friendly feeling, the Assembly explicitly declares that, while condemning 976 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII certain acts and deliverancs of the Northern General Assembly, no acts or deliverances of the Southern General Assemblies are to be construed or admitted as impugning in any way the Christian char¬ acter of the Northern General Assembly, or of the historical bodies of which it is the successor’ and Whereas the said General Assembly at Brooklyn, in response to the foregoing paper of our Assembly at Savannah, adopted the fol¬ lowing, which has been communicated to us at our present meeting, \viz. : “The overture of this Assembly having been received by the Gen¬ eral Assembly in the South with such a cordial expression of grat¬ ification, the committee recommend that the same resolution, declarative of the spirit in which this action is taken be adopted by this Assembly, viz.: ‘In order to show our disposition to remove on our part all real or seeming hindrance to friendly feeling, the Assembly explicitly declares that, while condemning certain acts and deliverances of the Southern General Assembly, no acts or deliver¬ ances of the Northern General Assembly, or of the historical bodies of which the present Assembly is the successor, are to be construed or admitted as impugning in any way the Christian character of the Southern General Assembly, or of the historical body or bodies of which it is the successor’ now, therefore, be it — Resolved by this Assembly, That we cannot regard this communi¬ cation as satisfactory, because we can discover in it no reference whatever to the first and main part of the paper adopted by our Assembly at Savannah, and communicated to the Brooklyn Assem¬ bly. This Assembly can add nothing on this subject to the action of the Assembly at St. Louis adopting the basis proposed by our Committee of Conference at Baltimore, and re-affirmed by the As¬ sembly at Savannah. If our brethren of the Northern Church can meet us on these terms, which truth and righteousness seem to us to require, then we are ready to establish such relations with them during the present sessions of the Assemblies. P. 416. An official telegram was sent to the Northern General Assembly at Chicago, setting forth the substance of the above action. P. 429. The following paper was presented and ordered to be entered upon the records: The undersigned members of this Assembly, who voted in the minority on the report of the Committee on Foreign Correspond¬ ence, in reply to the paper received from the Brooklyn Assembly, respectfully beg leave to record the following as our reasons for vot¬ ing against that report, viz. : 1. That while we heartily concur in the ultimatum of the Balti¬ more committee of our Church, we are of the opinion that the action of the Cleveland Assembly, substantially repeated by the Assembly which met in Brooklyn in 1876, effectually estops us from further .action upon this subject, and that it is inconsistent with self-respect Secs. 1474-1475] Correspondence With Other Bodies 977 for this Assembly to continue to press this ultimatum after its dis¬ tinct and repeated declinature by the Northern Assembly. 2. That the further agitation of this question tends only to de¬ tract from the spirituality of our Church. 3. We can 'but regard the manner in which this question was hurried to a vote as an infringement of the privileges of the minority. 1475. Correspondence to be by letter 1877, p. 441. Resolved, That in accordance with the strongly expressed desires of a number of our Presbyteries, some of them amongst the largest, the Assembly will, after the present year, hold its correspondence with all the churches with whom we maintain that sort of relations by letters instead of deputations, always ex¬ cepting the Reformed Church, with which we are united in peculiar co-operative alliance. The Assembly will hereafter appoint amongst its Standing Committees a Committee of Correspondence, who shall prepare a communication, to be sent by us to other churches, and does hereby invite all churches with whom we are or may be in correspondence, to communicate with us in this form. 1879, p. 23. The following was adopted: The Committee on Foreign Correspondence would declare for the Assembly that, in determining no longer to send delegates to corresponding bodies (al¬ ways excepting the Reformed Church, with which we are in co¬ operative alliance), it was by no means the intention to affect the action of these bodies in the matter. One reason for our action was our poverty. But the Assembly is delighted to receive delegations whenever sent to us, and cordially invites Rev. R. H. Caldwell, the delegate to this body from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, to address us this morning at 12 o’clock. 1883, p. 49. The usual method of correspondence by letter be¬ tween this General Assembly and other ecclesiastical bodies shall hereafter include the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, with the exception, however, that delegates be appointed by this* Assembly to these bodies at their next ensuing sessions, in 1883 and 1884 respectively, to convey our most cordial Christian and fraternal salutations; these delegates be¬ ing instructed to state to them this method of correspondence here¬ after by letter, as adopted by this body, with the hope that it may meet with their co-operation; and that the special attention of the Presbyteries be called to this action of the General Assembly for an expression of their opinion on the mode of correspondence for the future. This action was in response to overtures from the Presbyteries of Tuscaloosa, Florida, Transylvania, West Hanover, Savannah, South Carolina, Louisiana and Harmony, asking1 that all correspondence with other ecclesiastical bodies be conducted by letter. The Committee on Correspondence recommended that the Assembly grant the request asked in the overtures. Rev. J. J. iBullock, D. D., offered a substi- 978 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII tute, providing that, under the circumstances, and to avoid the ap¬ pearance of discourtesy, this Assembly deems proper that, for the present, delegates be commissioned to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (p. 22, Minu¬ tes of 1883). The paper adopted was offered as a substitute for both papers, and was generally spoken of as the Hemphill substitute. — A. 1884, p. 251. In response to the overture involved in the above action, the Presbyteries voted as follows: By letter, 37; by dele¬ gates, 18; leave the question to the Assembly, 3; no answer, 5. 1884, p. 206. The Northern Assembly sent a telegram to the effect that it had unanimously resolved to continue correspondence with our Assembly by delegates. P. 243. The Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence made a report. A minority report was also presented, which latter report, by a vote of 48 to 42, was adopted, and is as follows: Resolved, That, in regard to correspondence with other religious bodies, this Assembly adheres to the position taken by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, at Lex¬ ington, Ky., in May, 1883. (See above.) The Committee on Foreign Correspondence was instructed to prepare a telegram to the General Assembly at Saratoga, to inform it of the action of this Assembly in regard to the manner of corre¬ spondence between the two bodies. 1476. Exchange of salutations between the two Assemblies 1878, p. 622. The Assembly received a cordial and courteous Christian salutation from the Northern Assembly, in session at Pitts¬ burg, and, in the same spirit which prompted the message, it re¬ turned the courtesy with hearty Christian greetings, and made a minute of the same. P. 628. A^ paper, signed by the Rev. Dr. R. K. Smoot and, others, asking for an explanation of the minute adopted yesterday in re¬ sponse to the telegraphic message received from the Presbyterian General Assembly at Pittsburg, was laid before the Assembly. P. 634. To this overture the following reply was made: There is not a word in the reply of the General Assembly about fraternal correspondence or any other kind of correspondence. All that was intended was simply Christian salutation or greeting from this As¬ sembly to the one at Pittsburg. 1477. Fraternal relations established 1882, p. 523. A resolution was offered by Rev. Dr. A. W. Pitzer, touching the matter of sending delegates to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in session at Springfield, Ill., and ex¬ pressive of a desire to co-operate with that body in home and foreign evangelization; which resolution was referred to the Standing Com¬ mittee on Foreign Correspondence. This committee made a report, which was discussed. Secs. 1475-1477] Correspondence With Other Bodies 979 P. 529. Various papers relating to fraternal relations with the Northern General Assembly were offered, which, together with the original paper presented by the Standing Committee on Foreign Cor¬ respondence, were referred to said committee; and to this committee were added the names of A. W. Pitzer, J. H. Wiggins, R. P. Kerr, E. P. Palmer and C. F. Collier. P. 530. The Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence made a report, which was adopted unanimously, with the exception of three dissenting votes, and the Assembly then united in prayer and thanksgiving for the unanimity thus attained. The report is as follows: The Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence report to the General Assembly that four overtures have been placed in their hands, viz.: From the Presbyteries of Abingdon, Holston, South Ala¬ bama and Maryland; also a resolution offered by Rev. A. W. Pitzer, D. D. The object of all these overtures, with some slight difference in their forms of expression, is the same. They desire and respect¬ fully request this General Assembly to establish fully and formally what are called “fraternal relations” with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, by send¬ ing forthwith a delegate or delegates to that body, now in session at Springfield, Ill. The resolution referred to proposes also that such delegation shall convey an expression of “our willingness to co¬ operate with that body, as far as practicable, in the work of home and foreign evangelization. After the most careful consideration your committee have been able to give to the weighty matters involved, they recommend to the Assembly the adoption of the following paper: In order to remove all difficulties in the way of that full and formal fraternal correspondence which, on our part, we are pre¬ pared to accept, we adopt the following minute: That, while receding from no principle, we do hereby declare our regret for and withdrawal of all expressions of our Assembly which may be regarded as reflecting upon, or offensive to, the Gen¬ eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. Resolved, That a copy of this paper be sent by telegraph to the General Assembly, now in session at Springfield, Ill., for their pray¬ erful consideration, and mutatis mutandis, for their reciprocal con¬ currence, as affording a basis for the exchange of delegates forthwith. The last two paragraphs were accordingly telegraphed imme¬ diately to the Northern Assembly. P. 541. A telegram received from the Northern General Assembly at Springfield, Ill., was read, and is as follows: The following report from the Committee on Correspondence was adopted this morning: The Moderator is instructed to telegraph to the Moderator of the General Assembly in session at Atlanta, that his telegram is received with warm enthusiasm by this Assembly; and, in order to remove all difficulties in the way of that full and formal fraternal correspondence between the two Assemblies, which we are. 980 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VI I on our part, prepared to accept, we adopt the following, viz.: Whilst receding from no principle, we do hereby declare our regret for, and withdrawal of, all expressions of our Assembly which may be re¬ garded as reflective upon or offensive to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and we renew the ex¬ pression of our warm fraternal regard for all who compose its com¬ munion, and our readiness to exchange delegates forthwith. Also an unofficial telegram from the Moderator of said Assem¬ bly to the Moderator of this Assembly, giving information touching a resolution of that Assembly to the effect “that in the action now being taken we disclaim any reference to the actions of preceding Assemblies concerning loyalty and rebellion, but we refer only to those concerning schism, heresy and blasphemy.” These papers were referred to the Standing Committee on For¬ eign Correspondence, which had leave to retire for their immediate consideration. A report from the Committee on Foreign Correspondence was read and adopted, and is as follows: To the General Assembly in session at Springfield, III.: If the action of your Assembly, telegraphed by your Moderator to our Moderator, does not modify the concurrent resolution adopted by your Assembly and ours, we are prepared to send delegates forthwith. P. 552. The following telegram was received: “The action referred to does not modify, but it explains, the concurrent resolution, and the explanation is on the face of the action. There is nothing behind it or between the lines. The dissolution of our Assembly is near at hand. We may be ready for final ad¬ journment this evening. The exchange of delegates is impossible before Tuesday. .Shall we not each appoint delegates this day to visit the respective Assemblies next year? We wait your answer with deep and prayerful interest. P. 553. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence recom¬ mended the following telegram in reply: “ Resolved , 1st, That this Assembly does hereby declare its en¬ tire satisfaction with the full and explicit terms in which the Gen¬ eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America has expressed its ‘reciprocal concurrence’ in the paper trans¬ mitted to said Assembly on fraternal correspondence. “2nd, That we do unfeignedly rejoice and render thanksgiving to God in an event suited to take away the reproach of alienation be¬ tween bodies holding the same Standards of faith, and tending to bring peace to our borders. “3rd, That inasmuch as it is impracticable at this date to have an interchange of delegates, the Assembly does hereby appoint Rev. Wm, Brown, D. D., Rev. T. A. Hoyt, D. D. and Hon. B. M. Estes, principals; and Rev. R. P. Farris, D. D., Rev. H. C'. Alexander, D. D., and Hon. Patrick Joyce, alternates, to bear to the next Secs. 1477-1478] Correspondence With Other Bodies 981 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America our cordial Christian salutations.” This report was adopted, with four dissenting voices. P. 566. The following telegram was received from the General Assembly at Springfield, Ill. : “The following delegates to visit the General Assembly to meet in Lexington, Ky., in 1883, have been unanimously elected by this Assembly: S. J. Niccolls, D. D., Thomas ,S. Hastings, D. D., Her¬ rick Johnson, D. D., E. P. Humphrey, D. D., S. Irenaeus Prime, D. D., Hon. S. M. Moore and Hon. William Strong, principals; and Arthur Mitchell, D. D., and Hon. William E. Dodge, alternates. See Luke ii. 14. 1478. Fraternal delegates interchanged 1883, p. 14. The commissions of delegates from the General As¬ sembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of Amer¬ ica to this Assembly were read by the Stated Clerk and were re¬ ferred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. The following committee was appointed to wait on these breth¬ ren and introduce them to the Assembly: Rev. J. J. Bullock, D. D., Rev. D. O. Davies, D. D., Rev. J. B. Stratton, D. D., and Col. J. P. Fitzgerald. P. 16. The Assembly was then addressed by these brethren in the following order: Hon. S. M. Moore, the Rev. S. I. Prime, D. D., the Rev. S. J. Niccolls, D. D., the Rev. E. P. Humphrey, D. D., and the Hon. William Strong. The Moderator made a suitable response to these salutations, after which the Assembly joined in singing the hymn: — “Blest be the tie that binds. Our hearts in Christian love.” Rev. William Brown, D. D., Rev. T. A. Hoyt, D. D., and Hon. Patrick Joyce attended the Assembly at Saratoga, as fraternal dele¬ gates from the Southern Assembly. Their report is found, 1884, p. 201. In that report, they say: “On the first day of their meeting a resolution reciting that ‘some differences of opinion have been manifested concerning the true import of the resolution adopted by the two General Assemblies sit¬ ting respectively in Springfield, Ill., and in Atlanta, Ga., and asking this Assembly to explain and re-affirm that resolution, was referred to a committee consisting of Ministers Howard Crosby and Herrick Johnson, and Elder Samuel M. Breckenbridge.’ (Minutes, 1883, p. 569.) On the eighth day the following report was made and unan¬ imously adopted by the Assembly : ‘The committee to whom was referred the resolution regarding the meaning of the deliverance of the General Assembly of 1882, in be¬ half of fraternal relations with the Presbyterian Church in the United States, respectfully report, that fraternal relations having been hap¬ pily established between the two Assemblies upon the basis of the 982 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII withdrawal of all imputations that may have been officially made on either side against the Christian character of the other, no further action of this Assembly is necessary.’ “It will be observed that this paper is so framed as to give, though somewhat incidentally, a distinct and clear interpretation of the action of their Assembly of 1882, and which, it is hoped, will be satisfactory to all in our own communion who may have been of a doubtful mind.” 1479. Assembly declines to re-open the question 1883, p. 22. The report of the Committee on Bills and Overtures on certain overtures as to correspondence with other ecclesiastical bod¬ ies was taken up, and, being divided, the first part was adopted as follows : The following overtures have been considered, viz. : From the Presbytery of South Carolina, asking that an official in¬ terpretation of the “Herrick Johnson Resolution” be demanded. From the Presbytery of Tombeckbee, asking that further corre¬ spondence be arrested until a satisfactory adjustment of hindrances has been made. From the Presbytery of Bethel, asking that the Atlanta fraternal delegation be instructed not to enter the Northern Assembly until the “Concurrent Resolution” has been fully complied with. From the Presbytery of New Orleans, asking that the Atlanta action be reversed, because based on incomplete information, and because of its divisive effects in our Church. In reply to all the above, the following answer is recommended, viz. : While recognizing the constitutional right of the Presbyteries to protest against the Assembly’s actions, yet — First, Inasmuch as the sentiment of the majority of the Church seems to approve of the object had in view by the Atlanta Assem¬ bly; and, Second, Inasmuch as a majority of the Presbyteries regard the establishment of fraternal relations on the basis of the Atlanta pro¬ posal as a settled fact, which it would be unwise to disturb; there¬ fore this Assembly considers it unnecessary to take further action. 1480. Committee of inquiry with reference to organic union with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America 1887, pp. 188, 200. Rev. R. K. Smoot, D. D., offered the fol¬ lowing paper, which, after amendment, was adopted: Whereas it is within the knowledge of this Assembly that some of our Presbyteries have sent up overtures or other papers as touch¬ ing organic union, co-operative union, or any other relation which ought to be sustained by our Church and the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America; therefore, Resolved, That a special committee, consisting of one minister Secs. 1478-1480] Correspondence With Other Bodies 983 and one ruling elder from each Synod, be appointed by the Moder¬ ator when he appoints the Standing Committees, to which special committee all these overtures and papers shall, after having been read in open Assembly, be referred, with instructions to report to this As¬ sembly as early as practicable. P. 190. The following were appointed such committee: Rev. R. K. Smoot, D. D., Rev. J. M. P. Otts, D. D., Rev. J. S. Van Meter, Rev. T. M. Lowry, Rev. W. F. V. Bartlett, D. D., Rev. S. C. Caldwell, Rev. M. B. Shaw, Rev. W. H. Parks, Rev. J. A. Wallace, Rev. W. H. Davis, Rev. J. G. Richards, Rev. W. H. Crane, Rev. C. R. Vaughan, D. D., A. S. Fletcher, A. W. Dinsmore, L. F. Livingston, E. G. Buckner, T. J. Crawford, J. L. Power, J. S. McGee, Geo. G. O’Bryan, A. M. McPheeters, G. L. Riddle, N. Hart, C. L. Arbuckle, Wm. Withrow. P. 207. The Special Committee on Organic Union, etc., made a majority report and a minority report, which were received, ordered to be printed, and are as follows: The majority of your special committee, to which were referred all overtures and papers touching the subject of organic and co-operative union, and all other relations with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, respectfully report as follows: Whereas the Synods of Missouri, Arkansas and Alabama, embrac¬ ing fifteen Presbyteries, have taken action favoring reunion of some kind between the two churches; and Whereas, subsequent thereto, eight Presbyteries, to-wit: St. Johns, Upper Missouri, Chesapeake, Missouri, Holston, Indian, East Ala¬ bama and Dallas, have manifested special interest in the matter by overtures or resolutions favoring closer relations between the two churches; while from only five Presbyteries have come any expres¬ sion of dissent, and that chiefly against organic union; therefore, Your committee recommend that a committee of five ministers and five ruling elders, with the Moderator of this Assembly added thereto as ex-officio chairman, be appointed by the present Moderator of this Assembly, to confer with any like committee that the other Assembly may appoint concerning the whole subject of organic union, co-operative union, and any other relation between the two Assem¬ blies, and said committee be directed to report the result of the joint conference to the General Assembly at its meeting in May, 1888, for approval or disapproval. And that the committee be instructed to take and maintain the following positions: 1. The mere acceptance of the common Standards of our Church, Confession of Faith, Shorter and Larger Catechisms, does not, in our minds, form a sufficient basis of union; but the acceptance of that peculiar interpretation of our Standards which affirms and em¬ phasizes the purely spiritual nature of Christ’s kingdom, and forbids her'legislating upon political and civil matters, is the only true basis of union. 2. And further, we insist that the colored brethren within our 984 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII bounds shall be organized into separate congregations, Presbyteries and Synods. Signed by W. F. V. Bartlett and fifteen others. The minority offered a substitute for this majority report. It is as follows: The undersigned members of your special committee, appointed to examine and report upon the papers and overtures submitted to the General Assembly on the question of organic or co-operative union with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, are of the opinion that the difficulties in the way are numerous and serious. They arise mainly out of the fact that the two churches are not agreed in matters of either principle or polity. No suggestion has been made, or, in the opinion of those signing this paper, can be made, for the removal of this most serious obstacle which meets us at the very opening of this question. To unite, or attempt to unite, the two churches on any compromise of these fundamental differences, or upon any general statements, such as the reception of the Standards “pure and simple,” would “serve only to bring together those who could not act in harmony, and would perpetuate strife and alienation.” These conclusions have been reached by us after a full and careful examination of the whole question in the light of all the papers sub¬ mitted for our consideration. The discussion of the question for some time past, both North and South, has made it equally manifest that the further agitation of this quesion would hinder the progress, weaken the efficiency, and endanger the unity of our own Church. Signed by R. K. Smoot and nine others. Rev. W. H. Parks, a member of the committee, brought in a third report, signed by himself. After verbal changes had been made in the minority report, he withdrew his individual report and gave in his adhesion to that of the minority. Previous to the discussion of these reports, Rev. W. R. Coppedge introduced a substitute for the minority report, declaring in sub¬ stance that we do not see our way clear to take any action looking toward a union of the two churches. Before proceeding to consider this whole question, the Assembly was led in prayer by the Moderator (p. 217). P. 220. During the discussion Mr. Coppedge obtamed leave to withdraw his paper; whereupon Col. C. F. Collier offered, as a sub¬ stitute for the minority report, a paper affirming — In view of the diversity of opinion disclosed by the discussion on the floor of this General Assembly on the majority and minority re¬ ports of the Committee on Organic Union and the kindred questions: Resolved, As the sense of this Assembly, it is inexpedient to take any action on the subject of organic union and other matters kindred thereto. Lost — ayes, 45; noes, 96. P. 222. Rev. P. H. Hoge offered the following as a substitute for the minority report: Sec. 1480] Correspondence With Other Bodies 985 Whereas a number of overtures in reference to closer relations to the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America have come up to this Assembly; and Whereas the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America has just adopted the deliverance of the two Synods of Missouri on the spirituality of the Church; and Whereas the two Assemblies ought to labor together for the accom¬ plishment of the great object they have in view, if they are sufficiently agreed in their principles to make them more efficient for their work united than they now are divided; and Whereas the recent action of the General Assembly of the Presby¬ terian Church, U. S. A., apparently different from their former action as to the spirituality of the Church, makes the impression on the minds of many of our people that one obstacle to closer relations to that church has been, or soon may be, removed; therefore, Resolved, That a committee of four ministers and four ruling elders, together with the Moderator, be appointed to meet with a similar committee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, if such a committee shall be ap¬ pointed, for the sole purpose of inquiring into and ascertaining the facts as to the point above mentioned, and as to the position that Assembly proposes to maintain as to colored churches, ecclesiastical Boards, and any other subjects now regarded as obstacles in the way of united effort or the propagation of the gospel, and report these facts to the next General Assembly for such action as they may warrant. Adopted — ayes, 83; noes, 58. On motion of Dr. Otts, the same paper was adopted as a substi¬ tute for the majority report — ayes, 95; noes, 46. This paper being then directly before the Assembly was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, 80 noes, 57. It was ordered that the foregoing paper be telegraphed to the Gen¬ eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. The following resolutions, which were lost, were admitted to record : 1. Offered by Mr. C. F. Collier: “That so much of the paper appointing a committee of injuiry as is prefatory be stricken out, and that it read, ‘Resolved, that a committee be appointed to meet with a similar committee,’ ” etc. 2. Offered by Dr. ,S. A. King: “That this whole matter be referred to the Presbyteries, that they may consider and report to the next Assembly, in order that in this way the mind of the whole Church may be ascertained.” P. 282. The Northern Assembly, in session at Omaha, appointed a committee of conference, without specific instructions, except to re¬ port their action to our next Assembly for approval. Notice of this action was telegraphed to our Assembly. P. 249. The following, with the Moderator, Rev. G. B. Strickler, D. D., constitute the Committee of Inquiry: M. D. Hoge, D. D., Richmond, Va.; J. R. Wilson, D. D., Clarksville, Tenn.; T. D. 986 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII Witherspoon, D. D., Louisville, Ky. ; W. F. Junkin, D. D., Charles¬ ton, S. C.; W. M. McPheeters, M. D.,, St. Louis, Mo.; P. H. Carter, Abilene, Texas; R. T. Simpson, Florence, Ala.; W. S. Primrose, Raleigh, N. C. It was ordered that five members of this committee shall constitute a quorum. Pp. 200, 211. While the Assembly’s committee was yet deliberat¬ ing, and before it had reported, there was referred to it an official telegram from the Omaha Assembly, announcing that that Assembly had unanimously adopted the Declaration of Principles adopted by the Synod of Missouri at its session of 1886; also, a communication from the Stated Clerk of the Northern Assembly, the same being a paper adopted one year ago by that Assembly on conference with other Presbyterian churches with reference to co-operation and unity of effort and action, particularly in the foreign field. This latter paper was referred to the Committee of Inquiry, appointed above. 1481. Organic or co-operative union with the Presbyterian Church in the UniteU States of America 1888, p. 382. The Committee of Inquiry made a report, which was referred to the Committee on Bills and Overtures. This report details the account of a meeting of the joint com¬ mittees in Louisville in December, 1887, and consists, as to its sub¬ stantive part, of a letter from the committee to the committee of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and the reply of that committee. See Supplement to Alexander’s Digest, pp. 147-149. P. 420. The following report was adopted — yeas, 84; nays, 43. The Committee on Bills and Overtures report to the General As¬ sembly that there have been placed in their hands certain papers, all of which relate more or less to the subject of closer relations between the churches under the care of the Northern and Southern General Assemblies respectively. They are as follows: 1. The report of the Committee of Inquiry appointed by our last Assembly to confer with a similar committee of the Northern Assembly : 2. Overtures from fourteen of our own Presbyteries, of which number ten express in some form or other opposition to organic union between these two Presbyterian Churches, viz. : Montgomery, Western Texas, Louisiana, Greenbrier, Transylvania, Winchester, East Hanover, Tuscaloosa, Lexington, Louisville. Of the remain¬ ing four, the Presbytery of Eastern Texas proposes simply co-oper¬ ation; Presbytery of Dallas asks for a postponement of the matter until next year, and the appointment of a day of fasting and prayer in reference thereto; the Presbytery of Chesapeake expresss satisfac¬ tion with what the committe has done, and asks for its continuance for further service in the same way; and the Presbytery of Potosi proposes a continuance of the Committee of Inquiry looking to co¬ operation or organic union ; Sec. 1481] Correspondence With Other Bodies 987 3. A communication from the Northern Assembly by telegraph, containing an official copy of a paper passed by that body. This paper expresses a substantial concurrence in the report of their Com¬ mittee of Conference, their earnest hope of the happy effects which may be expected to follow the recent joint centennial celebration, their desire for co-operation in Christian work, and their conviction that this can be secured to the fullest extent only by organic union; A paper on the subject of organic union, offered at an early day in the meeting of the Assembly, by the Rev. Henry M. Smith, D. D. Touching the important matters here presented, your committee recommend the adoption by the Assembly of the following paper: 1. After a careful consideration of the report of our Committee of Inquiry, we are unable to discover that the obstacles to organic union heretofore existing between the Northern and Southern Gen¬ eral Assemblies have to any considerable extent been removed. Therefore, in view of all the interests involved, we continue estab¬ lished in the conviction that the cause of truth and righteousness, as well as the peace and prosperity of our beloved Zion, will be best promoted by remaining as we have been, a distinct member of that one body, the church, of which the Lord Jesus Christ is the supreme and everliving Head. 2. That the Cjommittee of Inquiry be, and hereby is, discharged; that the thanks of the Assembly are hereby tendered to said com¬ mittee for the faithful and able manner in which their duty was per¬ formed, and we express our sincere gratification in learning that the conference of the two committees was conducted in such a spirit of “brotherly kindness and charity.” 3. In reference to the communication from the Northern Assembly by telegram of May 26th, above referred to, we adopt the following: (1) , A more full and formal expression of our feelings in regard to the centennial celebration will be found in another paper of this Assembly. But it is suitable to declare here also that we do very highly appreciate the importance in itself of that grand event, as we do also appreciate the generous and munificent hospitality ex¬ tended to us in every way by our Northern brethren, and that we will sincerely rejoice in all those “fruits of righteousness” growing out of it, “which are by Jesus Christ, to the praise of the glory of his grace.” (2) , While holding fast to those matters of principle which re¬ quire us to be a separate denomination, we do fully recognize that vast and precious heritage of Christian Presbyterian truth and order which our fathers held, and whicfi we do now hold in common. We declare our desire to forget, as far as possible, all past dissensions, and to cultivate among our churches and people the most friendly relations that can grow out of “whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report”; “whereunto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing,” trusting “that if in anything we be otherwise minded God will re¬ veal even this unto us.” 988 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII 4. In accordance with this sentiment, and in response to the action of the Northern Assembly, we cheerfully agree to appoint a com¬ mittee, whose duty it shall be to confer with a similar committee appointed by them in reference to all such modes of fraternal co¬ operation in Christian work, both at home and abroad, as may be considered practicable and edifying, and the said committee to report to the next Assembly. The Assembly admitted to record the explanation of their votes by twenty-four different members. (P. 423.) P. 432. A dissent signed by R. T. Simpson and thirty-seven others, stating their objections to the above action, was admitted to record without answer. It states: We favored the substitute offered by Dr. Campbell, and object particularly to the first resolution adopted, because we do not think it is true that “the obstacles to organic union heretofore existing between the Northern and Southern Assemblies have not to any con¬ siderable extent been removed,” and we do not continue “established in the conviction that the cause of truth and righteousness, as well as the peace and prosperity of our beloved Zion, will be best promoted by remaining a distinct member of the church of Christ.” We think that material progress has been made towards organic union, and while we recognize the fact that our church is not now ready for organic union, yet we favor a continuance of the conference with the Northern church, in the hope that all difficulties to organic union may be removed. Entertaining these views some of us have voted for the resolutions as the best we could do, and others voted against the resolutions. P. 435. The following were appointed the Committee on Co¬ operation: M. D. Hoge, J. R. Wilson, G. B. Strickler, M. H. Hous¬ ton, J. N. Craig, C. A. Stillman, T. D. Witherspoon, Thomas J. Kirkpatrick, William M. McPheeters, W. S. Primrose, R. T. Simp¬ son, D. N. Kennedy, A. W. Machen. 1889, p. 573. The Committee on Co-operation made a report, which was docketed. P. 650. It recites that Messrs. Primrose and Simpson, for the satisfactory reasons rendered, were unable to serve. To the committee of the Northern church, as already constituted, the following were added: Charles L. Thompson, Henry Darling, Charles S. Pomeroy, William C. Young, Samuel M. Breckinridge and Henry M. Knox. These committees met in New York in De¬ cember, and in Atlanta in April following. At the first meeting of the convention, of which Joseph R. Wilson was chairman, and W. E. Moore, secretary, sub-committees were appointed to which were assigned the topics: (1), Co-operation in the foreign field; (2), In the home field; (3), In the evangelization of the colored people; (4), In matters of publication. These committees to report to the meet¬ ing to be held in April in Atlanta. At this second meeting, the two committees, having acted on the reports of all the joint sub-committees, agreed to recommend to their Sec. 1481] Correspondence With Other Bodies 989 respective Assemblies to adopt the following papers, I., II., III. and IV., as a basis of co-operation in the matter to which they respec¬ tively refer, viz. : I. As to Co-operation in the Foreign Mission Work The two committees do agree to report to the General Assemblies which they respectively represent the following: It is a matter of great satisfaction, for which we are bound to thank God always, that the missionaries of our two churches have, from the beginning, maintained the most cordial relations as co¬ laborers in all the fields abroad in which they have had a common work. In Japan and in Brazil the missionaries of the two churches, with the native Christians under their care have united to form in each country a separate Presbyterian Church. In China measures have been adopted looking to the same end. It may be regarded as the established policy of the two churches that their missionaries should, in every field where their work is contiguous, unite in plant¬ ing and developing one Presbyterian Church, having no ecclesiastical connection with either church in the United States. In view of these facts, it is recommended that the General Assem¬ blies of the two churches counsel the people under their care to avail themselves of the missionary literature of both churches, that they may thus' have a full and intelligent view of the great work in which they are happily co-laborers; and, further, that each of the churches may recognize the duty resting on it to consider kindly the mission work of the other, to pray for it, and in every way practicable to promote its success. II. As to Co-operation in the Home Field The committee representing the General Assemblies of the Presby¬ terian Church, known as the Northern and Southern, believing that both bodies do earnestly desire so to conduct their Home Mission work as to prevent antagonism or hurtful rivalry, and to avoid even the appearance, on the part of either, of interfering with the work of the other, do agree to recommend to their respective Assemblies for adoption the following, viz. : 1. Where Presbyteries belonging to the two Assemblies cover the same ground, they are advised to endeavor, either as Presbyteries or through their committees, to agree as brethren to have the efforts of one church expended in certain fields, and the efforts of the other church expended in certain other fields, within their common bounds, so as to prevent hurtful rivalry or antagonism. 2. Where there are weak churches which, standing alone, cannot support a minister, but which can be grouped with churches con¬ nected with the other Assembly so as to form one ministerial charge, the Presbyteries having jurisdiction are advised to allow such churches to be grouped under a minister from either body, to whom their respective Presbyteries are willing to give them in charge, and 990 Relations With Other Bodies [Book YII to have their contributions to the general benevolent funds pass through the channels appointed by their respective Assemblies, and, where such churches are sufficiently near, they are recommended, a majority of each congregation agreeing, to consolidate and form one congregation, with such Presbyterial connection as may be most agreeable to the membership. 3. That persons connected with churches under the care of one of these Assemblies who may remove into the bounds of churches under the care of the other Assembly, be advised to unite with those churches, and to seek their peace and prosperity. And where such persons are found in sufficient numbers to organize a church (there being no other Presbyterian Church in that immediate vicinity), they should form such organization under the care of the Presbytery with which the contiguous Presbyterian Churches are united; provided said Presbytery belongs to either of these Assemblies. 4. Within the bounds of a Presbytery connected with one Assem¬ bly there may be communities composed largely of persons who are members of churches connected with the other Assembly, whose affiliations and preferences are too strong to permit them, to sever their connection. In such cases, when these persons shall have been organized into a church under the care of the nearest Presbytery con¬ nected with that Assembly to which they prefer to belong, they should receive from the Presbytery within whose bounds they reside that sympathy and good will which are implied in the fraternal relations established between the two Assemblies. III. As to Co-operation in the Evangelization of the Colored People The Conference Committee of the two Presbyterian Assemblies,, in joint session at Atlanta, recognize that no subjects likely to come under their consideration among the topics regarding co-operation are fraught with profounder interest, or touch graver, issues than the evangelization of the colored people within our bounds, as well as the settlement of their wisest and most profitable ecclesiastical re¬ lations among us. Whatever differences of opinion may prevail on other points, hap¬ pily all good men agree in the earnest wish to bring the colored race to a saving knowledge of God’s truth, and to secure the best practicable development of Christian life and effort. Many of the colored people are now members of our respective churches, while many of the actual prospective ministers of their own race are in training in the schools belonging to one or the other Assembly, or are members of Presbyteries in connection with these bodies. They are now receiving our fostering care, and require our unremitting efforts to instruct them, not only in the fundamental elements of Christian faith, but in the practical duties of church life,, that, grounded in the truth and guarded from the danger of mere emotional leligion, and from the superstition and fanaticism to which Sec. 1481] Correspondence With Other Bodies 991 impressible natures are especially liable, they may become intelligent, consistent and faithful followers of Jesus Christ. In the van of all discussion upon methods of co-operation to this end, we find ourselves confronted by a difference of opinion between the two Assemblies, so far as we can gather from their deliverances, as to the theory upon which such concerted efforts are to be under¬ taken, and the distinct aim of their accomplishment. In the Southern Assembly the policy was adopted many years since, of entire independence for the colored people in their church organizations, as the ultimate issue of the cordial efforts of that Assembly in behalf of their colored brethren. (See Minutes of Southern Assembly, 1888, p. 458.) The Northern Assembly, on the other hand, has pronounced itself as not in favor of setting off its colored members into a separate independent organization, while, by conceding the existing situation, it, approves the policy of separate churches, Presbyteries and Synods, subject to the choice of the colored people themselves. It believes that our great work among the colored people, for their moral and religious development, is to be done by recognizing those who are in the church as entitled to all rights and privileges that are involved in church membership and ordination. (See Minutes of Northern Assembly, 1888, p. 99.) However, since the status of both churches finds them practically employing the same methods at present in their respective bodies as regards the education of colored ministers, the progressive evangeliza¬ tion of that race, and the organization of their churches into Presby¬ teries, we do not believe that two great denominations like ours, so near akin, should be prevented from cordial co-operation, so far as may be thought wise, by any differing preferences of opinion as to a final policy, which might be safely left to settle itself in the provi¬ dence of God, either by the formal decision of the colored people themselves eventually, or by the clearer and more decided conviction of these co-operating Assemblies. Hence, this joint committee, waiv¬ ing the consideration of these differences heretofore stated, agree to recommend to the two Assemblies : 1, That the relation of the colored people in the two churches be allowed to remain in statu quo, the work among them to proceed on the same lines as heretofore. 2, That all proper aid, comfort and encouragement, in a spirit of kindly Christian sympathy, brotherhood and confidence, shall be extended by each church to the educational and evangelizing efforts of the other for the colored race, with a view to the encouragement of every laudable effort to this end on both sides. 3, The schools and churches under the care of the Board of Mis¬ sions for the Freedmen, and any corresponding work undertaken by the Southern Assembly, especially its Tuscaloosa Institute, for the education of colored ministers, shall be heartily recommended to the givers of our respective churches for practical aid, as mutually 992 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VIT concerned in the same great missionary work for the glory of God and the blessing of our common country. IV. As to Co-operation in Matters of Publication The committee appointed to consider the subject of co-operation between the churches in the interest of Publication, report: That such co-operation is already secured between the business department of the Committee of Publication at Richmond and the Board of Publication at Philadelphia, the latter having in effect made the publication house in Richmond a depository of its issues. The Rich¬ mond house keeps a large stock of these books of the Philadelphia Board on hand; it takes subscriptions for the periodicals, and receives in turn any order the Publication Board receives from the Southern field. In this manner the publications of the Richmond Committee are on the shelves of the Publication House in Philadelphia, and find circulation wherever there is any demand for them. It would seem, therefore, that we have reached the limits of co-operation so far as Publication is concerned., We make no report with regard to co-operation in educational institutions, as that question is comprehended in the larger one of the evangelization of the colored people, and will no doubt be con¬ trolled by the decisions of our General Assemblies in relation to that great interest. P. 577. A committee of two from each Synod, which elected Dr. J. W. Lupton, chairman, was appointed, to whom this report, with other papers on co-operative organic union, was referred. This com¬ mittee recommended the adoption of the report as a whole. (P. 596.) A minority of the committee recommended the following (p. 595) : Resolved, 1, That inasmuch as we stand upon distinctive prin¬ ciples as a separate church of Christ, we cannot even by a recom¬ mendation of the Assembly lay any restrictions upon the propaga¬ tion of our principles in any part of our field ; but must leave all such questions as those contemplated in the report of the Conference Com¬ mittee to the Presbyteries and churches immediately concerned, to be decided by them as expediency may demand. 2, That therefore this Assembly deems it best not to enter into any plan of co-operation with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. This was lost and the majority report was adopted: Ayes, 100; nays, 28. Seven others later were recorded aye. P. 609. The following telegram was received from the Northern Assembly: The General Assembly in session in New York city have adopted the report of the Committee of Conference on Co-operation, with the following amendments: In paper No. 2, on co-operation in the home field, resolutions three and four have been consolidated into one reso¬ lution, numbered resolution three. In paper No. 3, on co-operation in the evangelization of the colored people, the sixth paragraph of the Secs. 1481-1482] Correspondence With Other Bodies 993 statement preceding the resolution was amended by the omission of the words, “while by conceding the existing situation it approves the policy of separate churches, Presbyteries, and Synods, subject to the choice of the colored people themselves.” The Assembly fur¬ ther resolved, that this clause was stricken out, not to prejudice future action, nor to outline the future policy of this church, but simply because this Assembly did not believe that it stated the historical fact in the case. Your concurrence in this action is requested in behalf of the General Assembly. P. 615. The Assembly made the following reply: “We concur in the action of your Assembly as conveyed in your telegram,” P. 598. The following dissent, signed by L. B. Johnson and twenty-five others, was admitted to record without answer. We, the undersigned, would most -emphatically, but respectfully, dissent from the action of the General Assembly in adopting the report of the Committee of Conference on Co-operation, without send¬ ing the same down to the Presbyteries. 1894, p. 236. The Assembly made answer to the overture of the Presbytery of North Alabama by calling attention to the fact that a joint plan of home missionary operations was adopted by the North¬ ern and Southern Assemblies in 1889, covering exactly the ground mapped out by the Presbytery, and that the Home Mission Com¬ mittees of the Presbyteries occupying the same territory constitute an agency abundantly sufficient for carrying out this plan. 1482. Defect in the plan of co-operation as to Home Missions 1892, p. 440. Your committee has considered the overture from St. John’s Presbytery, of the .Synod of Florida, touching the question of co-operation of said Presbytery, in. its Home Mission work, with the East Florida Presbytery, which is under the care of the Norther n Presbyterian Church, asking that this Assembly call the attention of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America to the fact that articles of amity and comity have been agreed upon by the two Presbyteries, in accordance with the action of both Assemblies in 1889, and that the practical co-opera¬ tion aimed at is defeated by the Home Missionary Board of the Northern Church failing to pay their usual apportionments to their weak churches when they are supplied by ministers of the Southern Assembly. In answer to this overture, this Assembly courteously calls the attention of the Northern Assembly to the now equitable appropria¬ tion of Home Missionary help to the ministers supplying jointly churches of the two branches, and to the fact that the rules of its Board of Home Missions, as construed by that Board, give assistance only to ministers holding connection with their own Presbyteries, whereas the rules of the Executive Committee of Home Missions of the Southern Church allow that help be extended to weak churches Relations With Other Bodies 994 [Book VII in our own ecclesiastical connection, whether supplied by a minister of the Northern or Southern Assembly. Your committee would recommend that the Stated Clerk be au¬ thorized to communicate this action at once to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, leaving it to that body to take such action as it may deem best to correct this defect in the plan of co-operaion in Home Missionary work agreed upon by the Assemblies in 1889. Adopted. 1483. Co-operation in the colored work not adopted 1892, p. 425. Your Committee recommend that, inasmuch as the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and our own are operating in behalf of the negroes, in some of the same States, and often in contiguous territory; and since the kinds of work done by both churches are practically the same, viz. : the education of ministers, the sustentation of feeble churches, the occupation of des¬ titute fields, and religious instruction in secular schools, the Execu¬ tive Committee of Colored Evangelization be authorized to invite the “Freedmen’s Board,” or representatives thereof, to a conference, in order to ascertain whether there is not some basis of co-operation, or united effort in the religious culture of the negro; said Executive Committee not to have power to conclude any arrangement, but to report fully the results of said conference to the next General Assem¬ bly. Adopted, and similar authority given in 1893, p. 29. This conference was held in Birmingham in January, 1894. The Northern Assembly was represented by Revs. R. R. Sutherland, D. D., W. C. Young, D. D., B. P. Cowan, D. D., and E. R. Monfort, LL. D. The chairman of the conference was Dr. Stillman. The following plan was agreed upon, with one dissenting vote and recommended to the two Assemblies (p 4, Report of Executive Committee) : The Presbyterian Church in the United States of America and the Presbyterian Church in the United States are agreed — 1. That we recognize the solemn duty, laid upon us by our common Lord, to work for the evangelization of the negroes in our country. 2. We believe that this work can be better done if we work together than if we work separately. 3. We agree that the entire work now done by both Assemblies shall hereafter be conducted together, and to the work so conducted we pledge our continued confidence, prayers, contributions and moral support. 4. In view of the fact that the work done by the Northern Church has been conducted under the corporate name of the Board of Mis¬ sions for Freedmen of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, in whose name property is held, and to which bequests have been made, and it being deemed advisable for legal reasons that the future work of the two churches should be conducted' under the same corporate power, it is agreed that said Board, constituted as hereinafter provided, shall manage and control the work of the two Assemblies, and shall make annual reports to both Assemblies. 5. Said Board shall consist of twenty-two members, fifteen of ■whom have been or may be appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, according to existing law, and seven others who shall be selected by the Gen- Secs. 1483-1484] Correspondence With Other Bodies 995 eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and, if vested' rights or charter requirements shall make it necessary, the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America shall make legal and effective the selection of the said seven members. 6. We make these mutual concessions because we hope we can unitedly do better the Masters work for these people, the brethren from the South changing their present responsibilities and power over a limited work to take part in the much larger and more important work to be done by both churches; the Northern church inviting the assistance and co-operation of their brethren from the South, be¬ cause of their local knowledge and experience and their vital per¬ sonal interest in the success of these efforts to Christianize and ele¬ vate this race who are all around them, touching them at every point. A seventh resolution appoints sub-committees to wait on the two Assemblies to give explanation of the report. 1894, p. 194. The Special Committee to whom the Assembly has referred so much of the report of the Executive Committee of Colored Evangelizations as relates to co-operation of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America with the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and also overtures from the Presbyteries of Louisiana, Ebenezer, Cherokee and Eastern Texas, touching the same matter, would report as follows: The committee has examined the papers mentioned. It is found that the Executive Committee, in submitting the results of the Bir¬ mingham Conference, says : In the judgment of your Committee this plan is the only one now practicable. The Committee has no independent advocacy to offer in its behalf. If the church does not favor it, what better reason could there be for its rejection? If it were adopted by the Assembly with a large or influential opposition, it could not be put into effective operation. The Special Committee being persuaded that “the church does not favor” he plan, but that it meets with “large and influential opposition,” and “cannot be put into effective operation,” would recommend that the Assembly decline to adopt it, but that the dili¬ gence of the committee, and its desire to acquiesce in the will of the church, be commended. The Assembly also rejoices in the spirit of fraternity and mutual confidence manifested by the two committees in conference. Adopted. 1484. Organic union with the Presbyterian Church North declined 4 1883, pp. 40, 54. In response to overture from the Presbytery of Upper Missouri! in regard to the appointment of a committee by this General Assembly to confer with a similar committee from the North¬ ern General Assembly in reference to organic union, your committee would recommend the adoption of the following answer, viz. : This General Assembly declines to appoint a committee for the purpose stated. Adopted. P. 57. Overture from the Presbytery of St. Louis, asking^ to reject proposals for organic union with the Northern Church as impossible, 996 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII because of divergent views on vital doctrines, and because such union would involve a surrender of truth on our part. Your committee would recommend the following answer, viz. : “The question of organic union is not to be entertained as a subject before the Church.” 1894, p. 189. The following were appointed a committee to whom were referred all overtures and papers touching organic union with the Presbyterian Church in the United .States of America: George Summey, Eugene Daniel, J. W. Rosebro, W. M. McPheeters, H. B. Boude, J. W. Walden, J. M. Purcell, T. Harrison, Vincent Davis, W. M. Hall, W. D. Hoyt, W. H. Gee, G. E. Campbell. P. 194. The following telegram was read: The General Assembly, in session at Saratoga, has cordially and unanimously adopted the following resolution: Resolved, That a special committee of nine be appointed by the Moderator to confer with a similar committee, if one should be ap¬ pointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, to take into consideration the whole question of or¬ ganic union of the two bodies upon the basis of our common Stand¬ ards and to report to the next Assembly. P. 200. This committee made a report which was put on the docket. Rev. L. H. Blanton, D. D., presented a substitute for a part of the report. Docketed. Pp. 204, 210. On the consideration of this report, Rev. F. B. Webb offered the following substitute: Whereas, the General Assembly has received several overtures from different Presbyteries touching organic union and co-operative union between our church and the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America; and, whereas, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, at Saratoga, N. Y., has, by telegram, notified the Assembly of the appointment of a committee of nine to confer with our body on the question of organic union; therefore, be it Resolved, 1. That this Assembly, reciprocating the fraternal spirit manifested by the General Assembly in the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, hereby appoints a committee of four ministers and four ruling elders, together with the Moderator, to confer with their committee on the same subject. 2. That the said committee from this Assembly be charged with the duty of inquiring into and ascertaining the position that the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America proposes to maintain as to colored churches, ecclesias¬ tical Boards, and any other subjects now regarded as barriers to organic union, and report the facts to the next General Assembly, to convene at Dallas, Texas, May, 1895. It was lost — ayes, 67; nays, 91. P. 211. The report of the Special Committee on Organic Union was then adopted, and is as follows: The Committee on Organic Union, to which were referred the Sec. 1484] Correspondence With Other Bodies 997 overtures from the Presbyteries of Ebenezer, Holston, and North Alabama, touching the subject of organic union with the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America, begs leave to report, recom¬ mending the following answer be given: The General Assembly declines to reopen the question of organic union by the appointment of a committee of conference as requested by the said Presbyteries, on the following grounds: 1. The historic difference between the two Assemblies as to the relation cf the Church of Christ to civil government. 2. To enter into organic union with the Northern Church involves ihe surrender of the plan of an independent negro church which this Assembly regards as essential alike to the religious and social wel¬ fare of both races. 3. The essential difference between the two Assemblies as to woman’s sphere and work in the church of Christ. 4. God’s blessing has manifestly rested upon our chu.ich in its sepmate existence and work and to spring the divis’ve question of organic union we believe will bring upon us needless agitation and hurtful disturbance. 5. Should such organic union take place, the property interests of the Southern Church, under the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, would) be seriously jeopardized, in the event of any subsequent change in our relations. In view of the foregoing recommendation of an answer to the overtures of the Presbyteries, the committee recommends that the following reply be sent to the telegram of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America: The blessing of God having rested upon our church in her sepa¬ rate existence and work, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, in session at Nashville, with affectionate fraternal greetings to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, in session at Saratoga, and wishing it God-speed in every good word and work, regards it as unwise to reopen the question of organic union. Signed by all the committee, G. E. Campbell dissenting. P. 214. The following protest, signed by W. W. Elwang and nineteen others, was admitted to record: The undersigned respectfully enter their most solemn protest against the action of this Assembly in refusing to appoint a commit¬ tee of Conference on Organic Union, to meet a like committee from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, now in session at Saratoga, N. Y., and do so on the following grounds: Because, 1, The plainest dictates of Christian courtesy seem to us to de¬ mand the appointment of such a committee in reply to the fraternal spirit manifested by the Northern Assembly. 2, The issues which once ran the cleavage line between the two communions, in the opinion of your protestants, either do not now exist at all, or are not as potent as they were more than a generation 998 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII ago. We are convinced that a mutual fraternal conference will dis¬ close a closer relationship in customs, aims, principles and doctrines than is now suspected by either party. 3, The interests of our beloved church, especially in our border territory, will be best conserved by such a course. 4, The higher interests of the Redeemer’s kingdom, irrespective of denominational lines, jeoparded by the invidious inroads of worldliness, rationalism and infidelity, demand a closer fellowship of God’s people for mutual helpfulness and more effective testimony and work. 5, We are seriously concerned that nothing short of the surrender of principle should be left undone to heal the breach now dividing the two churches, lest the sin of schism be justly laid at our door. 1894, p. 227. To this protest the Assembly made the following answer: Inasmuch as the General Assembly, in its answer to the overtures of Ebenzer, Holton and North Alabama Presbyteries has fully expressed its reasons for not appointing a committee of con¬ ference, it does not appear to be needful to answer the protest. 1895, p. 404. Overtures from two Synods and five Presbyteries, bearing on our relations with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, have been placed in the hands of your committee. One of these overtures (viz., from the Synod of Florida) looks to organic union with that church. Another (from the Synod of Geor¬ gia) looks for a conference in reference “to the differences now sepa¬ rating the two churches.” Another (from the Presbytery of Columbia) desires that “closer relations between the two churches” be estab¬ lished. Still another (from the Presbytery of New Orleans) asks that a “Pastoral Letter” be issued, “setting forth fully the reasons for our continued separate existence as a church of Christ. Besides these there are overtures from the Presbyteries of Meck¬ lenburg, Central Texas, Lexington and New Orleans, praying this General Assembly not to reopen the question of organic union with our brethren of the Northern Assembly. Your committee has carefully considered these various overtures, and now reports to the General Assembly that we do not think it necessary to answer them in detail, but recommend to the Assembly the following action, viz. : This Assembly does not deem it wise, under existing conditions, to agitate the question submitted in these overtures. It avails itself of this occasion, however, to place again on record its sentiments of sincere regard and Christian affection for that honored branch of the great Presbyterian family, between whom and ourselves close fraternal relations already exist. And we here renew the expression of our desire that the plan of co-operation in Christian work, both at home and abroad, which has been agreed to by our respective Assem¬ blies, may be always faithfully and cordially observed by both these churches. Adopted. This action was reported from the Committee on Bills and Over¬ tures. After the overtures had been referred to that committee, a Secs. 1484-1485] Correspondence With Other Bodies 999 proposition was urged to refer them to a special committee, but was withdrawn. Fraternal letters were passed between the two Assemblies. The following is an extract from that of the Northern Assembly: P. 412. We would stir up your pure minds by way of remem¬ brance touching the attitude which we have steadily maintained for years toward that organic reunion which would make us one in fact as well as in faith. While we do not purpose to press this thought unduly upon your minds and hearts, we do desire again to assure you of our readiness to reciprocate any advances which you may be led to make in this direction, under the guidance of the Spirit of Christ, who prayed that we may be one. P. 420. The following is an extract from the reply of the Southern Assembly : We are fully one with you in all the fundamental constituents of the holy catholic church. Most especially, brethren beloved, we thank you for that truly fraternal spirit and delicate appreciation of our position, which makes your letter so very precious and so very fragrant to us. Let us walk together in full fraternity of love and sympathy in all the great and numberless things in which we are agreed, and thus be encouraged to pray and hope that if in anything we differ God may reveal even that unto us and take away every blemish. 1485. Closer relations 1914, p. 35. Your Select Committee on Closer Relations of Churches holding the Presbyterian System has had referred to it various papers, which, classified, present two subjects for our action, viz.: the specific one of the proposed union of the Presbyterian Church in the United States with the United Presbyterian Church of North America, and the more general one of closer relations, upon some basis, of Churches holding the Presbyterian system. We beg to report: 1. On the question of union with the United Presbyterian Church. There have been placed in our hands the papers on this subject taken from the docket, upon which it was placed by the last As¬ sembly, and three overtures — from the Presbytery of East Alabama, urging the prosecution of a plan looking to union; from the Pres¬ bytery of South Carolina, expressing itself as opposed to such union; and from the West Hanover Presbytery, asking that affirmative action upon the subject be deferred. Your Committee, after thorough discussion and prayerful de¬ liberation, believing that the matter has been before the Church long enough for it to know its mind, through considerations of Chris¬ tian courtesy and of candor, without suggestion as to the action to be taken, would recommend: That the proposed basis of union of the Presbyterian Church in the United States with the United Presbyterian Church of North America, as adopted by the Joint Committee of the two Assem- 1000 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII blies, be sent down by the Assembly to the constituent Presbyteries of our Assembly (United States) for their adoption or rejection. 2. In the matter of closer relations of Churches holding the Pres¬ byterian system. — There have been referred to us certain papers containing proposals from the Presbyterian Church United States of America to the Presbyterian Church United States, of May, 1913, and referred to this Assembly; also Overture from Knoxville Pres¬ bytery, asking the erection of four provincial Assemblies instead of other plans of Federal Union; from the Presbytery of Asheville, asking the appointment of an Ad-Interim Committee, to which shall be referred a proposition for a Federal Congress of Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian System; from the Presbytery of Paducah, asking for a committee of conference with other such committees, to consider the matter of Closer Relations with the Presbyterian Church in the United States; and, finally, the over¬ ture from the Council of the Reformed Churches in America hold¬ ing the Presbyterian .System, contained in its annual report, asking that matters looking to closer relations and co-operative action be referred to said Council. It is the judgment of this Committee that, Whereas, the desire for some sort of closer relations, or at least of co-operation, seems to be general; and, Whereas, in the Council of the Reformed Churches in America holding the Presbyterian System we have an already existing body having substantially these objects and aims and peculiarly fitted to the task in its personnel, by reason of its opportunity for con¬ sideration and its thorough information upon the subjects involved, We recommend: 1. That the overture from the Council of the Reformed Churches in America holding the Presbyterian System be answered in the affirmative, which overture is as follows: “Whereas, Article 5 of the said Articles of Agreement reads: “5. The Council shall promote the co-operation of the constituent Churches in their Foreign Missionary work, and also in their gen¬ eral work in the United States of America, in connection with Home Missions, Work Among the Colored People, Church Erection, Sab¬ bath Schools, Publication and Education. The Council may also advise and recommend in other matters pertaining to the general welfare of the Kingdom of Christ;” therefore, be it Resolved, 1. That the Council hereby overtures the Supreme Ju¬ dicatories of the constituent Churches that they authorize and direct the Council: a. To give careful and full attention to the whole subject of closer relations and more effective administrative co-operation be¬ tween the several Presbyterian and Reformed Churches represented in the Council, with particular reference to the formulation of an effective federation of their plans, work and executive or adminis¬ trative agencies, both in the home and foreign fields. Secs. 1485-1486] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1001 b. That the Gouncil shall report its conclusions to the Supreme Judicatories at their regular meetings in 1916. Resolved, 2. That when as many as four of the Supreme Judi¬ catories shall approve the above overture, the Executive Committee of the Council shall appoint a committee of members of the Council, not exceeding eleven in number, which committee shall undertake the duties provided for in the overture, shall confer with the boards and agencies interested in co-operative work, and shall report to the Council at its next meeting, either special or regular. 2. That all matters looking to Closer Relations with Reformed Churches in America holding the Presbyterian System be referred by this Assembly to its constituent representation in said Council for its information and guidance, and by this Constituency to the Council for its mature deliberation. 3. That this action of the Assembly be construed as answer to all overtures and documents upon this subject presented for our con¬ sideration. 1486. Organic Union 1917, p. 27. The following telegram from the Presbyterian Church U. S. A., relating to Organic Union, was referred to the Select Committee on this subject: The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. has adopted the following resolutions: (1) Resolved, That 195 Presbyteries having taken action on an overture looking to organic union between the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. and the Presbyterian Church in the U. S., therefore, (2) Resolved, That this Assembly, which has for many years stood ready, is now ready to enter into negotiations with a view to organic union with the Presbyterian Church in the U. ,S. (3) Resolved, That this matter be committed to the General As¬ sembly’s Committee on Church Co-operation and Union, with in¬ structions to enter into negotiations with the Presbyterian Church U. S., through a committee appointed by its General Assembly, if it should deem it advisable so to do. (4) Resolved, That these resolutions be telegraphed to the Gen¬ eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S., in session at Birmingham, Ala. 1917, p. 53. We recommend the following answer to the tele¬ gram from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U. S. A. touching the matter of organic union between the Presbyterian Church U. S. A. and the Presbyterian Church U. S. : While this Assembly does not regard organic union as practicable at this time, yet it hereby appoints the Committee of Conference on Union asked for by the Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and recommends to the proposed confer¬ ence the consideration of the federation of all the Presbyterian Churches of our country upon some practical and effective basis. 1002 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII 1487. Union and, Federation 1918, p. 20. The report of the Ad Interim Committee on Con¬ ference with the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., on Union and Federation was read by the Chairman, Rev. J. M. Wells, D. D. The report was then referred to a Select Committee of one mem¬ ber from each Synod. The report appears in the Appendix (p. 145ff). The Moderator appointed the following Select Committee to which the report of the Ad Interim Committee on Union and Federation was referred. Ministers Dunbar H. Ogden . Georgia J. I. Norris . . . Arkansas Thos. Cummins . * . Kentucky D. H. Scanlon . . . Mississippi W. P. Neilson . Missouri Melton Clark . . . . . South Carolina Wm. States Jacobs _ * . . Texas A. J. McQueen . * . Sitedeoor Memorial George Summey . Louisiana Elders Job Going . ,* . W. C. Tate . F. Y. Smith . S. Strudwick . A. H. Ferguson .... Edwin F. Willis Martin Williams W. M. B. Hobbs Alabama .Appalachia Florida North Carolina Oklahoma .Tennessee .Virginia .West Virginia 1918, p. 25. The following telegram from the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., approving of the continuation of the Committee on Union and Federation was read and referred to the Select Com¬ mittee on Union and Federation: The General Assembly, in session at Columbus, O., approved to¬ day of the continuance of the negotiations between our respective Churches on the subject of federation and union. The sentiment is unanimous for the continuance. 1918, p. 25. The report of the Select Committee was taken up and the Chairman, Rev. D. H. Ogden, D. D., read the majority report signed by sixteen members (p. 28). Rev. George Summey, D. D., read a minority report signed by himself (p. 29). Rev. J. M. Wells, D. D., offered a substitute for the majority and minority reports. 1918, p. 26. The Substitute paper of Rev. J. M. Wells, D. D., was amended and adopted by a yea and nay vote of 152 to 72 which was ordered to be placed on record (see p. 27). This paper is as follows : Sec. 1487] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1003 1918, p. 27. The Assembly approves the report of our Ad In¬ terim Committee on Conference, and continues a Committee as re¬ quested by the Committee on Conference of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. The Assembly goes on record as opposing Organic Union at this time, but as approving the idea of a Federal Union of all the Pres¬ byterian and Reformed Churches in the United States. That the Committee be enlarged, so as to include one member from each Synod. That these Committeemen be selected by the Commissioners pres¬ ent from the Presbyteries constituting their respective Synods. That this Committee select its own Chairman. This was telegraphed to the General Assembly, U. S. A. 1918, p. 45. The Stated Clerk announced that the representatives of the Synods had selected the following members of the Ad Interim Committee on Federation: Committee or Conference on Federation as Selected by Commissioners from the Several Synods Synod Committeemen Alabama . _ . Thornton Whaling, D. D. Appalachia . + . ...JR. F. Campbell, D. D. Arkansas . .+ . James I. Norris, D. D. Florida . . . . . . . J. G. Venable Georgia . . . * . Homer McMillan, D. D. Kentucky . . . . . T. M. Hawes, D. D. Louisiana . George Summey, D. D. Mississippi . + . . . J. B. Hutton, D. D. Missouri . . . . W. R. Dobyns, D. D. North Carolina . .. . J. M. Wells, D. D. Oklahoma . . . +. _ _ _ Erskine Brantly, D. D. Snedecor Memorial . . . I. C. H. Champney, D. D. South Carolina . . . Hon. W. F. Stevenson Tennessee . ,4 . A. B. Curry, D. D. Texas . . ►. . . . . Wm. M. Anderson, D. D. Virginia . . . * . A. M. Fraser, D. D. West Virginia . Ernest Thompson, D. D. The Assembly approved these members and appointed Rev. J. M. Wells, D. D., to call the Committee together. 1918, p. 61. The following message from the General Assembly, U. ,S. A., reached me at Durant the day after the Assembly had closed: (Stated Clerk.) The General Assembly in session at Columbus, Ohio, invites to appoint delegates to a general convention to meet in Philadelphia to consider union of all Evangelical Churches in the United States. 1919, p. 30. The following telegram was received from the Gen¬ eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. : 1004 Relations With Other Bodies [Book Vli The Presbyterian General Assembly, in session at St. Louis, Mo., sends fraternal greetings and the following message, to which an¬ swer is requested: Resolved, That the part of the report dealing with the Presby¬ terian Church in the U. S. be placed on the docket, and that the following message be telegraphed at once to the Presbyterian Gen¬ eral Assembly, in session at New Orleans, Louisiana: The Presbyterian General Assembly, in session at St. Louis, Mo., in the matter of the report of the Committee on Church Co-opera¬ tion and Union, rejoices that the two Committees of our two Churches have made some progress for a better understanding of our relations and the possibilities of united action in the Lord’s work. This Gen¬ eral Assembly states that it is not prepared to substitute the plan for federal union contained in the joint report to the two Assemblies for the plan of federal union already in operation through the Coun¬ cil of the Reformed Churches in America, but expresses again its pref¬ erence for such a union as will eliminate all competition between our Churches, and hereby, in the most fraternal way, asks the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. to continue nego¬ tiations with a view to a more satisfactory plan of union. This Assembly also expresses the desire that the negotiations for union proceed at present only between our two Churches. 1919, p. 47. The majority report on Relations with Other Churches was adopted, and is as follows: Your Committee on Relations with Other Churches would re¬ spectfully report that the following papers have been placed in its hands, to wit: 1. The majority report of the Committee of Conference on Fed¬ eral Union. This report is signed by fourteen members. 2. The minority report, signed by two members. 3. An Overture from Louisville Presbytery, touching “The Syn¬ odical plan of Organic Union.” 4. An overture from Ebenezer Presbytery, touching the same matter. 5. An overture from Nashville Presbytery, touching Organic Union. 6. Sundry personal communications relating to the above overtures. 7. Overture from Abingdon Presbytery, requesting continuance of negotiations for Federal Union. 8. Overture from Montgomery Presbytery, touching Union with the U. P. Church. Your Committee has held five meetings, and has given to these mat¬ ters careful consideration and extended discussion. After a very full and frank interchange of views, your Committee has reached the conclusion that wide divergence of opinion exists as to what our Israel ought to do in such a time as this. Unrest is reported as existing to a marked degree in the Synods of West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri. An increas¬ ing desire for some form of closer relations with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and with other bodies of Sec. 1487] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1005 like faith and order, is reported from Arkansas, Texas and Flor¬ ida, while the older and stronger Synods seem content with conditions as they now are. It seems clear to your Committee that the existence of these di¬ verse currents of opinion and desire cannot be safely or wisely ignored. We face a condition, not a theory. Something should be done to remove friction and prevent injury and waste. Those sec¬ tions of the Church that are strong and untroubled should strive to ease the burdens of our brethren who are facing a situation re¬ plete with difficulties of a grave and trying nature. Five courses of action have been proposed, viz.: 1. Complete Organic Union. 2. Organic Union according to the so-called “Synodical Plan.” 3. Organic Union on the basis of Provincial Assemblies — with one Supreme National Assembly as the capstone of the system. 4. A federal body having only advisory powers, inspirational in its influence, serving as a kind of clearing house for the sentiments of fraternity and comradeship that dwell in the Presbyterian heart. 5. A Federal Union with clearly defined powers and responsi¬ bilities and which, at the same time, conserves the autonomy of the constitutent Churches in doctrine and discipline, as well as in all other matters of local interest, including the tenure of Church prop¬ erty and other material1 assets. This last is in substance the majority report of your Aid-Interim Committee on Federal Union. In view of all the facts brought to its attention, your Committee favors some form of closer relations. Your Committee, therefore, recommends : First. — That the majority and minority reports, with all other papers that have been in its hands, be referred to an Ad-Interim Committee which, in conjunction with similar Committees from one or more of our sister Churches of like faith and order, shall con¬ sider the whole question of closer relations. Second. — That whatever plan or plans this Ad-Interim Committee shall decide to report to the General Assembly, shall be formulated in the most definite terms possible, and that this Ad-Interim Com¬ mittee shall make its report to the next General Assembly. Third. — That this Ad-Interim Committee be instructed to pub¬ lish in the Church papers, not less than two weeks prior to the meeting of the Assembly, the plan or plans to be submitted by them to that body. Fourth. — That this Ad-Interim Committee shall be composed of one member from each Synod, who shall be nominated by their re¬ spective Synods and reported to the Moderator, to be appointed by him. The Moderator shall designate the convener as well as the time and place of the first meeting of this Ad-Interim Committee. And in case of the inability of the Moderator to act, the Stated Clerk shall perform these duties. This action of the Assembly shall be promptly communicated to the Synods by the Stated Clerk of the Assembly. 1006 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII Fifth. — In case the discussions of closer relations between this Church and any other Church shall contemplate organic union, the attention of the Ad-Interim Committee is directed to past deliver¬ ances and reports of this Assembly touching such matter, and it is advised that the Assembly and the Church would view with un¬ easiness any structure of Union which failed to take into account and safeguard in the United Church the historic convictions and positions of this Church with respect to sound doctrine, just and effective discipline, the plenary inspiration and inerrancy of the Scriptures, the vicarious atonement, the spiritual mission of the Church and its obligations to abstain from interference in matters purely of civil or political concern, its position as to its negro constituency in the South, and other matters of like interest and importance. Your Committee feels that it cannot conclude this report with¬ out placing upon record its appreciation of the able and self-sacri¬ ficing work done by the members of the Ad-Interim Committee of Conference on Federal Union. Theirs was a difficult and delicate task. It has been discharged with a skill, a loyalty and a single- hearted devotion that is worthy of all praise. (The recommendations above given are endorsed by thirteen of the seventeen members of the Committee.) 1919, p. 49. The Stated Clerk was directed to telegraph the Presbyterian Church U. S. A. the action of this Assembly on our relations with Other Churches. The following telegram was sent by the Stated Clerk: Our Assembly, in response to your message of yesterday, sends the following: The General Assembly U. S. has referred to a Committee com¬ posed of one from each Synod, to be appointed by the Synod, the reports of the Ad-Interim Committee on Federal Union, together with other papers bearing on relations with other Churches. This Committee to report to the next Assembly. 1488. Plan of Union 1920, p. 184. (A plan proposed by the Joint Conference on Closer Relations as a substitute for the plan contained in the Re¬ port of the Committee previously submitted.) The Presbyterian and Reformed Churches in the United States of America, desiring to evince and develop their spiritual unity, and to promote closer relations and more effective administrative co-operation among these Churches, hereby adopt a Preamble and a Basis of Union. Preamble. — The Presbyterian and Reformed Churches in the United States of America represent the same type of Evangelical Protestant Christianity, commonly known as Reformed or Calvin- istic. The Churches of the Reformation in Europe, to which they are historically related, originated in different lands and passed Sec. 1 487-1488 J Correspondence With Other Bodies 1007 through different experiences, which differences by reason of nation¬ ality and languages appear in the forms of the original Standards of the several Churches. We, therefore, with clear understanding of the nature of such differences, hereby declare our conviction that the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of the Synod of Dort are in essential agreement, and are different expres¬ sions of one and the same system of doctrine. This doctrinal agree¬ ment appears in the recognition, in all the symbols, of the funda¬ mental doctrines of evangelical Christianity as held by the Reformed or Calvinistic Churches, and also in the use made of the Apostles’ Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Cate¬ chisms of the several Churches, for the instruction of the youth of their congregations. Basis of Union. — 1. The Doctrinal Basis of the Assembly shall be the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments acknowledged as the inspired Word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and practice, with the common system of doctrine as set forth in the existing Standards of the constituent Churches. 2. The Principles of the Forms of Government and the Constitu¬ tions including the terms of doctrinal subscription of the several Churches uniting, are recognized as a part of the Basis of Union. 3. The Directories of Worship of the several Churches shall be a part of the basis of union to the extent that congregations shall have the same freedom of worship both as to forms and usages, un¬ der the United Assembly, as they had before the Union. Articles of Agreement. — 1. The “United Assembly” to be consti¬ tuted shall have the title, “The United Assembly of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches in the United States of America.” It shall represent in one body all the Churches united therein and shall con¬ stitute the bond of union, peace and correspondence among all the congregations and courts of the constituent Churches. It shall be the declarative, executive, administrative and judicial agency of the United Churches, and shall possess the ecclesiastical powers here¬ inafter delegated to it. 2. The United Assembly shall consist of eight representatives from each of the constituent Churches, for each one hundred thou¬ sand communicants or fraction thereof up to three hundred thou¬ sand; and when a Church has more than three hundred thousand communicants, then eight representatives for each additional two hundred thousand communicants or major fraction thereof. These representatives shall be ministers and ruling elders in equal num¬ bers and shall be chosen with their alternates under the direction of their respective Churches, in such manner as their Churches shall respectively determine. 3. Every Church entering into this Union retains its distinct in¬ dividuality, its own creed, government and worship, as well as every power, jurisdiction and right, which is not by these Articles ex¬ pressly and exclusively delegated to the body hereby constituted. 1008 Relations With Other Bodies [ Book VII 4. Subject to the more detailed enumeration of its powers, to be set forth in a formal constitution to be adopted by the legal action of the constituent Churches, the powers to be delegated to the United Assembly shall be in substance as follows: (a) To receive into the United Body any other ecclesiastical body conforming to the doctrine and order of the constituent Churches of this Union. The question of the closer union of any two or more of the constituent Churches shall be a matter outside the province of the United Assembly, and entirely within the jurisdiction of the Churches proposing such union. (b) In general to recommend to the constituent Churches measures for the promotion of charity, benevolence, truth and holiness. (c) To correspond with other Churches. (d) To institute and superintend the agencies necessary to its general work of evangelization: Foreign Missions, Publication, Ministerial Relief, Schools and Colleges, Home Missions, Church Erection, Colored Work, Evangelism, Stewardship, and such other causes as may be expressly delegated to it, subject to the provisions of the constitution to be adopted. (e) The principle of local control in Home Missions at present existing in most or all of the constituent Churches shall continue; and the direct administration shall be exercised as at present in each constituent Church through its General Assembly, General Synod and other lower courts; except where any constituent Church shall commit the administration of its Home Mission work, or any part thereof, to the United Assembly. 5. The United Assembly shall have the power, by executive com¬ mission or otherwise as it may from time to time determine, to ex¬ ercise judicial functions in settling all questions of comity arising between constituent Churches, and to enforce any and all agree¬ ments entered into by or between any two or more of said con¬ stituent Churches. The findings of the United Assembly in any case shall be final, and shall be enforced through the courts of the constituent Churches. The United Assembly shall advise, encourage and foster the com¬ plete consolidation by constituent Churches of their work within the bounds of the same Presbytery, Synod or other considerable stretch of territory occupied in common, whenever in the judgment of the United Assembly such consolidation would contribute to greater harmony, efficiency and economy in the work as a whole. When such consolidation is not feasible, the United Assembly shall propose to the constituent Churches thus occupying territory in com¬ mon, definite plans of co-operation in said territory. 6. The United Assembly shall exercise such power as to doctrine as may be necessary in the discharge of the administrative and ju¬ dicial functions conferred upon it in these Articles of Agreement, but it shall not have the power to impose symbols of faith or forms of worship on any of the constituent Churches. 7. The United Assembly shall exercise such judicial powers as may Sec. 1488.] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1009 be required for the work committed to it by these Articles of Agree¬ ment, but cases of judicial process involving heresy or immorality arising in any of the constituent Churches shall terminate as at present in said Churches. 8. The United Assembly shall have power to deal with any other matters of interest common to any two or more of the constituent Churches, which may be referred to it by the supreme judicatories of the Churches concerned for its action, with such authority in the prem¬ ises and under such conditions as may be agreed upon by the Churches which make the reference. 9. The General Assemblies or General Synods of the constituent Churches shall send their records for information, and shall report to the United Assembly on all administrative matters, and the United Assembly shall receive and consider said records and reports and shall make such deliverances thereon as are calculated to stimu¬ late the whole Church on matters pertaining to the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ. 10. The officers of the United Assembly shall be a Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Stated Clerk, Treasurer, and such other officers as may be necessary. The United Assembly may also appoint an Executive Committee with such authority as the Assembly may con¬ fer, to act in the intervals between the meetings of the Assembly. 11. All boards or other administrative agencies of the United Assembly shall be composed of representatives of the constituent Churches, each Church being represented thereon by at least one member. When the United Assembly shall decide that the num¬ ber should be more than one for each Church, then the increase shall be in proportion to the volume of work as represented by the annual investment of each Church. All members shall be nomi¬ nated by the Churches directly interested or by their Boards or Agencies as the Churches may determine. Each Church shall nom¬ inate one or more persons for each vacancy and the term of office shall be four years, the members being divided into two classes, one of which in the first election shall be elected for two years only. 12. The United Assembly shall hold and administer all prop¬ erties given to said United Assembly or any of its chartered, in¬ corporated or other agencies. All of the property rights of the con¬ stituent Churches shall remain as at present vested and shall not be changed except by the proper and constitutional procedure of the said respective constituent Churches. And it shall be agreed upon by the constituent Churches entering into said Union that the General Assembly or General Synod, or body corresponding thereto, is the supreme court as respects property rights of the respective constituent Churches. 13. The United Assembly shall meet in regular session at least biennially, and on its own adjourment, at such times and places as may be determined. In the conduct of its meetings it shall respect the conscientious views of its constituent members. 14. The expenses of the United Assembly shall be met by a fund 1010 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII to be provided by a pro rata apportionment on the basis of the rep¬ resentation of each Church in the Union. The expenses of the representatives shall be paid by their respective Churches. All the expenses involved in the settlement of any question between the Churches shall be borne equally by the Churches concerned. 15. When any two representatives, at a meeting of either the United Assembly or its Agencies, request a unit vote by Churches upon a pending motion, the vote shall be so taken, each Church being entitled to one vote. 16. The United Assembly shall have power to make such stand¬ ing rules as shall be deemed necessary for the conduct of its business. 17. Any Church holding the Reformed Faith and Presbyterian Pol¬ ity may be received into this Union by a majority of the represen¬ tatives of the Churches, voting by the unit rule, and upon its adoption of the Plan of Union, these Articles of Agreement included. 18. Any Church in this Union may withdraw therefrom on notice sufficiently given, and on its observance of the same constitutional steps as were followed in its adoption of these Articles. 19. Any amendment to these Articles proposed to the United As¬ sembly shall before its adoption be approved by the Assembly, and receive the consent of the constituent Churches acting in accordance with their respective Constitutions. When the United Assembly shall have been notified of such consent it shall declare the amend¬ ment to be a part of the Articles of Agreement. 20. The details of the constitution shall be taken up and reported upon by the Committee to be appointed by the supreme judicatories of the respective Churches which shall approve of this outline of a tentative plan. The constitution shall be adopted by each Church in accordance with its own constitution. In case our Assemblies and General Synods adopt these recom¬ mendations, we recommend that their action be conveyed to the ap¬ proaching meeting of the Council of Presbyterian and Reformed Churches with the request that it appoint a committee for confer¬ ence on this subject with the committees appointed by the constituent Churches to draft a constitution. Plan of Union Through Regional Assemblies. — In the first sepa¬ rate session of our Committee in Louisville it was learned that some of our members believed that “Organic Union through Regional Assemblies” was still possible. Therefore, the following paper was adopted : “That a Special Sub-Committee, consisting of Drs. Dobyns, Og¬ den, Thompson, Graham and Brownlee, be appointed to ask repre¬ sentatives of the Churches represented in the Joint Conference whether they are willing to recommend a union of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches on the Regional or Provincial Assembly plan, and if so to present to us as fully and clearly as possible a Plan of Union prepared on the basis of Regional or Provincial Assemblies.” Sec. 1488] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1011 This Special Sub-Committee was also authorized to discuss the ■“Synodical Plan” if they so desired. The Committee of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., made the following reply to these representations of the Special Sub- Committee : “We propose for discussion such changes in our form of govern¬ ments as will provide for Regional Assemblies or General Synods covering the territory now occupied by several Synods and possess such powers as are now exercised by the Synod in the Presbyterian Church U. S. A. “This Plan could retain the present Synod or substitute for several Synods the proposed General Synods, under which would be grouped immediately the several Classes or Presbyteries of that territory. “Over the General Synods or Regional Assemblies, the General Assembly shall have supreme jurisdiction, legislative, judicial and executive, in all matters of faith and order.” To this paper our Committee made the following answer: “That we regard it as organic union by consolidation, and there¬ fore it would not be acceptable to our Church; but that we still ;stand ready to confer with them on the subject of union through Regional Assemblies.” The Committee of the Presbyterian Church U. S. A. prepared the following memorandum as to distribution of powers among the several courts: “ Presbyteries or Classes. — Powers as at present. “ Synods . — Powers as at present, and also denominational Synods as they are. “ General Synods. — Powers, complete control and review of Pres- Byteries and Synods under them, with privilege of appeal to Gen¬ eral Assembly, on questions of faith and order, when asked for by at least one-third of the General Synod, in which case final adju¬ dication by majority vote of the General Assembly. “ General Assembly. — Administration of all Church-wide agencies and veto power by two-thirds vote of any proposed change in polity or doctrine.” In return our Committee sent to the Committee of the Presbyte¬ rian Church U. S. A., the “Plan of Union” which had been pre¬ pared by Dr. Wells as a tentative statement of the powers this Com¬ mittee is willing to grant to the Supreme Assembly. The Committee of the Church U. ,S. A., sent our Committee the following paper: “We do not find in this proposition any elements preferable to the proposed amendments to the Plan of Federal Union of the Council of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches.” In response to the first paper in this correspondence with the Committee -of the Church U. S. A., the following paper was adopted: “Our Committee has heard the communication from your Com¬ mittee through Dr. Stevenson. We feel that the communication Relations With Other Bodies 1012 [Book VII does not indicate that we are near enough to find a basis for agree¬ ment. “Our Committee has already adopted at a previous meeting the following resolution, which shows the basis on which we can nego¬ tiate further. We submit it to you to see whether, in view of this, you are ready to consider the discussion further.” “ ‘That this Committee is prepared to consider earnestly and fully any form of Closer Relations that will safeguard these points, viz. : 1 . The autonomy of the Churches. 2. The system of doctrine contained in the Westminster Con¬ fession of Faith and Catechisms. 3. The protection of all existing property rights. 4. The complete separation of Church and State. 5. Separate Synods and Presbyteries for the Colored People.’ ” Dr. Dobyns asked permission to record his vote against this pa¬ per as not being a “proper answer to the paper of Dr. Stevenson, which was submitted as a basis of discussion.” The following communication came back from the Committee of the Church U. S. A. : “Our Committee desires to have you define clearly what you mean by ‘The autonomy of the Churches’.” Our Committee returned the following answer: “In response to your inquiry, we beg to state that we employ the word ‘autonomy’ in the sense that Presbyteries,- Synods and Gen¬ eral Synods (or Regional Assemblies) reserve to themselves all powers now enjoyed by them, except in so far as those powers are expressly delegated to the proposed Supreme Assembly, just as was done by the thirteen original States when they united in the forma¬ tion of the American Republic.” The Committee of the Church U. S. A. returned the following paper : “Regarding the points to be safeguarded in the consideration of Closer Relations our Committee believes there will be no difficulty in reaching an agreement on Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5. As to No. 1, concerning which you have sent in a fuller statement, the possi¬ bility of agreement hangs on the powers to be granted to the Su¬ preme Assembly. What are the maximum powers which you would be willing to grant the Supreme Assembly?” The following reply was sent by our Committee: “The powers mentioned in the paper ‘Proposed Plan of Union’ sent your Committee this afternoon are the powers our Committee regards as the maximum we are willing to grant in any ‘Plan of Union’.” Drs. Whaling, Campbell, Ogden, Thompson, Hutton, Brownlee and Fraser were made a Sub-Committee to remain over after ad¬ journment to continue negotiations with the Committee of the Church U. S. A. to see if any agreement can be reached as to powers to be granted the Supreme Assembly. It was left to the discretion of the Sub-Committee to incorporate Sec. 1488] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1018 in this report whether we are making progress toward a “Plan of Regional Assemblies,” and if so, ask for a continuation of the negotiations. Second Meeting in Washington. — The Sub-Committee appointed at Louisville met in Washington, D. C., April 21st, and decided to recommend to the Joint Conference the further strengthening of the “Plan of Federal Union,” already adopted by the Joint Confer¬ ence, by adding certain amendments taken from the paper on Re¬ gional Assemblies offered by our Committee. The Joint Confer¬ ence will assemble in Richmond, Va., May 12th to consider these suggestions. That will be too late to incorporate the results in this report, which the Assembly directed the Committee to place in the hands of the Stated Clerk by May 1st. The Committee may, therefore, ask to leave to present a supplementary report when the Assembly meets. It is to be regretted that the final conclusions of the Committee are so delayed. But the Assembly will doubtless bear in mind that the Committee could not be completely made up until after the last Synodical meetings, which were held November 18th. The dates for meetings had to be so fixed as to secure the largest possi¬ ble attendance by members of large Committees representing four Churches. The business has been carried forward as expeditiously as the gravity of the subject and all attending circumstances would allow. We submit herewith the Minutes of the several meetings of our Committee and of the Joint Conference and also copies of the papers prepared at the request of the Committee by Drs. Campbell, Ogden and Wells. The Chairman will also forward copies of this report to the Stated Clerks of those bodies which did not participate in the Joint Conference by reason of the fact that they had no Committees on Closer Relations. It is but just to the Assembly and also to the members of this Com¬ mittee that this report should inform the Assembly of the diligence and spirit manifested by the Committee in the discharge of the responsible duties imposed upon it. At none of the three meetings of the Commit¬ tee was there a smaller attendance than fourteen out of the seventeen members. In every case of absence a satisfactory reason was rendered which was fully sustained by the Committee. Hundreds of miles were travelled and many days consumed in order to reach each meeting. The members on leaving home, as a rule, made arrangements to stay as long as the business required. Notwithstanding the wide differences of views and the strong feelings with which those views were held, the discussions were conducted with the utmost courtesy and good feeling. The spirit of worship and of a desire for divine leading was pro¬ nounced. The sessions were uniformly opened and closed with prayer. At the first meeting of all, following the suggestion of the Convener, all the members in succession led in prayer. It was at all times the avowed purpose of the Committee, as well as its actual practice, to give every member every opportunity to express any views he might wish 1014 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII to express and at any length he might choose, whether in the meetings of our Committee or in those of the Joint Conference. It was our object to have every phase of this subject of Closer Relations given the fullest and fairest expression. So that no stone was left unturned to ascertain what is the best policy for the Church to adopt. The result is this report, the main conclusions of which are presented by unani¬ mous/ action. The Stated Clerk was directed to notify the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., of this action of our Assembly on Closer Relations. That part of the report which relates to the selection of a com¬ mittee to formulate the plan of union was referred to the Com¬ mittee on Foreign Correspondence to report a plan. 1920, p. 61. The Assembly heard with much interest and pleasure the address of the Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Vance, touching the Plan of Union of the American Council on Organic Union of the Churches of Christ, but inasmuch as the General Assembly had approved the pro¬ posal to establish a United Assembly, it was deemed inadvisable at present to refer the Plan of Union to the Presbyteries for considera¬ tion. 1920, p. 11. Rev. A. M. Fraser, D. D., reported on the appoint¬ ment of certain Ad-Interim and other Committees. The report was received as information. The action of the Moderator in making these appointments was approved. The report is as follows: I hereby report the discharge of certain ad-interim duties that devolved upon me as Moderator of the last Assembly: 1. The Assembly directed me (see Minutes of Assembly, page 48, paragraph “Fourth”) to appoint an ad-interim Committee on Closer Relations with “one or more of our sister Churches of like faith and order,” this Committee to be composed of men chosen by the several Synods. Having been officially certified of the election of the following persons by their respective Synods, I appointed them as the Assembly’s Committee on Closer Relations, viz: Synod Principal Alternate Alabama . Thornton Whaling, D. ...R. H. McCaslin, D. D. Appalachia . John A. Buchanan* . R. F. Campbell, D. D. Arkansas . 4 . John Van Lear, D. D . C. H. H. Branch, D. D. Florida . E. D. Brownlee . Georgia . Homer McMillan, D. D. ... Kentucky . Dunbar H. Ogden, D. D...A. J. A. Alexander* Louisiana . George Summey, D. D. ...J. F. McKenzie Mississippi . J. B. Hutton, D. D . Missouri . W. R. Dobyns, D. D . C. R. Nisbet, D. D. North Carolina . J. M. Wells, D. D . Oklahoma . Erskine iBrantly, D. D. ...W. A. Zeigler Snedecor Memorial I. C. H. Champney, D. D. South Carolina . W. F. Stevenson* Tennessee . A. B. Curry, D. D . . Texas . T. A. Wharton, D. D . Robert Hill, D. D. Virginia . A. M. Fraser, D. D . Russell Cecil, D. D. West Virginia . Ernest Thompson, D. D.. Secs. 1488-1489] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1015 In further obedience to the instructions of the Assembly, I ap¬ pointed the Rev. J. M. Wells, D. D., as convener of the Committee, Memphis, Tennessee, as the place of the first meeting, and 11:30 a. m., January 21st, 1920, as the time. 1920, p. 28. The report of the Ad-Interim Committee on Closer Relations, was taken up. The final report of the Committee is as follows : The Committee on Closer Relations begs leave to submit a supple¬ mentary report as follows: Subsequent to the filing of our report with the Stated Clerk on May 1st, as required by the action of the last Assembly, another joint conference was held in Richmond, Va., May 12th, at which the Plan of Union contained in the report was still further amended in ac¬ cordance with recommendation made by a joint sub-committee which had been appointed at the Louisville meeting and had held its meet¬ ing in Washingon. We herewith submit the amended Plan of Union and request the Assembly to substitute it for the Plan of Union contained in the report previously filed. The Plan of Union therewith presented was adopted, and the re¬ port of the Committee approved. 1489. Committee Continued 1921, p. 11. The Ad Interim Committee to co-operate with Com¬ mittees of other Presbyterian bodies in the formation of a Consti¬ tution of the United Assembly made a report through the Chairman, Rev. A. M. Fraser, D. D. The report was adopted and the Com¬ mittee was given another year in which to give further consideration to the subject. Rev. Egbert W. Smith, D. D., was substituted for Mr. A. M. Scales on this Committee. The report is as follows: The Committee to co-operate with Committees of other Presby¬ terian and Reformed Bodies in framing a Constitution for a United Assembly, beg leave to submit the following substitute for the report previously filed with the Stated Clerk: Because of differences of opinion in the Committee with regard to the Constitution prepared by the joint action of the Committees of the several Churches, a copy of which has been filed with the Stated Clerk along with our previous report, your Committee has held sev¬ eral meetings in St. Louis on May 18th and 19th, with a view to securing uanimity. After prolonged conferences, the following action was taken: Resolved, That the Committee hereby request permission of the Assembly to withdraw the whole report heretofore filed with the Stated Clerk, together with the Constitution filed at the same time; recommending to the Assembly postponement of action on the proposed Constitution for a year, and asking for authority to seek further conferences with the committees of the other participating Churches, and to invite constructive suggestions for the further 1016 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII amendment of this Constitution to the end that obscure passages may be made more clear and the whole document brought into fuller accord with the Plan of Union adopted by the Assembly of 1920 as its instructions to the Committee in the framing of the Constitution. The reasons for making this request are as follows: 1. Inasmuch as the General Synods of two of the participating Churches, namely, the Reformed Church in America and the Re¬ formed Church in the United States, cannot convene for two years, no time will be lost in the final consummation of the Union by this delay. 2. Subsequent to the final meeting of the joint conference at which the Constitution was agreed upon, the Committee of one of the par¬ ticipating Churches, namely, the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, in adopting the said Constitution did so with an explanatory resolution, which explanatory resolution is itself suscept¬ ible of different interpretations, showing that there is ambiguity in the Constitution itself. 3. The proposed Constitution has been made public so recently that there has not been sufficient time for the opinion of the Church touching its meaning and value to crystallize. 4. It is of vital importance to the success of the proposed Union that there should be as much unanimity as possible within each of the proposed constituent Churches, and we apprehend that if final action is taken prematurely, the existing divergence of views within the Committee would be reflected in the Assembly and the Presby¬ teries, and the granting of more time will give an opportunity for the removal of differences and the securing of substantial support of the plan of our Church. 1922, p. 23. To the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, United States of America, Des Moines, Iowa. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. ,S. extend to you our cordial fraternal greetings and pray God’s blsssing upon you. See Colossians, first chapter, third and fourth verses. 1922, p. 32. A telegram from the Presbyterian Church U. S. A. was received as follows: May 23, 1922. The one hundred and thirty-fourth General Assembly of the Pres¬ byterian Church U. S. A. sends cordial greetings. We rejoice with you in the fruits of your labors and the great achievements of the past year in the true spirit of co-operation. We are ready and anxious to labor with you in America and the world. May the blessing of the Great Head of the Church be upon you. 1922, p. 24. The report of the Committee on Closer Relations. The majority and minority reports, together with the Constitution and By-Laws, were presented. (See Appendix, page 172.) May 20, 1922. A substitute for the majority and minority reports was presented by Ruling Elder Geo. E. Price, which was adopted, and is as follows : Sec. 1489] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1017 SUBSTITUTE OFFERED BY RULING ELDER GEORGE E. PRICE Resolved , That this Assembly approves and adopts the Constitu¬ tion of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches in America con¬ tained in the paper marked Exhibit B, filed at this meeting with the report of the Committee to which this matter was referred by the last Assembly, the same to become operative and effective, however, only when it shall have been approved and adopted by the Presby¬ terian Church in the United States of America and at least one of the other Churches in this country holding the Reformed Presby¬ terian faith. Resolved, further, That the Moderator notify the Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., now in session at Des Moines, Iowa, of this action, and also communicate it to the other Presby¬ terian bodies of the country in such manner as he may deem most appropriate. The Constitution and By-Laws appear in the Appendix (Exhibit B, page 180). 1922, p. 25. The following telegram was received from the Presbyterian Church U. S. A., which was referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence: Message regarding Constitution of Presbyterian Reformed Churches received. Is the Constitution referred to as paper B the one which was prepared by joint committees and referred back to committees for further consideration by both Assemblies a year ago? Please wire immediate reply, for consideration early Monday morn¬ ing. 1922, p. 26. The Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence made the following partial report on the telegram from the Presby¬ terian Church U. S. A. Your Committee on Foreign Correspondence would recommend that the following reply be sent to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U. S. A. : The Constitution referred to as paper B is the Constitution pre¬ pared by the joint committees, with amendments proposed by the Southern Committee at the Richmond joint conference, the Assembly being willing for further discussion of said amendments by joint committees, and results to be reported to the next Assemblies. EXHIBIT “B” (Submitted to the General Assembly of 1922 by the Committee on Closer Relations.) Preamble The Presbyterian and Reformed Churches in the United States of America, to wit: The Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., The Presbyterian Church in the U. S., The Reformed Church in the U. S., 1018 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VIL The Reformed Church in America, and The United Presbyterian Church, desiring to give expression to their unity of spirit, their kin¬ ship of faith and order and their common purpose to further the Redemptive work of Christ in the world, do hereby associate them¬ selves in one body to be known as THE PRESBYTERIAN RE- FORMED CHURCHES IN AMERICA. Article I. The Basis of Union Section 1 — Doctrine The Presbyterian Reformed Churches in America accept the Scrip¬ tures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and practice. They recognize that the doctrinal standards of the constituent Churches are in essen¬ tial agreement and are different expressions of one and the same system of doctrine. Section 2 — Worship and Government Each constituent Church retains its autonomy in creed, government and worship, and every power, jurisdiction and right not in this Constitution expressly delegated to the United Assembly. Article II. The United Assembly Section 1 — The Assembly and the Constituent Churches The Presbyterian Reformed Churches in America shall act through an assembly which shall be known as the United Assembly of the Presbyterian Reformed Churches in America. This Assembly shall represent in one body all the constituent Churches, and shall constitute a bond of union, peace and corre¬ spondence among all the congregations and jurisdicatories of the con¬ stituent Churches. It shall be the declarative, administrative and judicial agency of the United body, but shall exercise only the power delegated to it in this Constitution. Section 2 — Membership The United Assembly shall consist of eight representatives from each of the constituent Churches for each 100,000 communicants or fraction thereof, up to 300,000, and when a Church has more than 300,000 communicants, then four representatives for each additional 100,000 communicants or major fraction thereof. The basis but not the ratio of representation may be changed by the United Assem¬ bly. These representatives shall be an equal number of ministers and elders, and shall be chosen, with their alternates, under the direction of their respective Churches in such manner as these Churches shall determine. Sec. 1489] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1019 Section 3 — Officers The officers of the United Assembly shall be a Moderator, Vice Moderator, Stated Clerk, Treasurer, and such other officers as may be necessary. The United Assembly may also appoint and define the authority of an Executive Committee, on which all of the con¬ stituent Churches shall be represented, to act in the intervals be¬ tween meetings of the United Assembly, and all of its acts shall be subject to review by the United Assembly. Section 4 — Time of Meeting The United Assembly shall meet in regular session at least bien¬ nially, and in special sessions at such times and places as may be determined. Adjourned meetings may be held at the pleasure of the United Assembly. Special meetings shall be called by the Moderator on the written request of eighteen members representing at least two- thirds of the constituent Churches, or on the request of the supreme juridicatory of any constituent Church. The Modera¬ tor shall designate the time and place of special meetings, giving at least fourteen days’ notice thereof. No business shall be transacted at special meetings other than specified in the call. Section 5 — Quorum A quorum shall consist of one-fourth of the membership, one- fourth of which shall be elders. Section 6 — Expenses Thei incidental expenses of the United Assembly shall be met by a fund to be provided by a pro rata apportionment on the basis of the representation of each Church in the union. The expenses of the representatives shall be paid by their respective Churches. All the expenses involved in the settlement of any question between constituent Churches shall be borne equally by the Churches concerned. Section 7 — Unit Vote When two members of any two constituent Churches at a meeting of the United Assembly request a unit vote by the constituent Churches upon a pending motion, the vote shall be so taken, each Church being entitled to one vote. Section 8 — Standing Rides The United Assembly shall have power to make such standing rules as shall be deemed necessary for the conduct of its business. 1020 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII Article III. Powers or the United Assembly Section 1 — Unifying Powers The United Assembly shall have power of supervision and direc¬ tion within the limits set by this Constitution over all forms of Christian activity that are common to two or more of the constituent Churches, to wit: (a) To receive other Churches into the united body; (b) To correspond with other Churches; (c) To harmonize and unify the work of the missionary, educa¬ tional and benevolent agencies of the constituent Churches; (d) To advise, encourage and foster the consolidation by con¬ stituent Churches of their work within the bounds of Synods, Pres¬ byteries or Classes occupying common territory, whenever in the judgment of the United Assembly such consolidation would con¬ tribute to greater harmony, efficiency and economy in the work as a whole. When such consolidation is not feasible, the United Assem¬ bly may propose to constituent Churches thus occupying territory in common, definite plans of co-operation in said territory. Plans thus proposed shall be put into effect only when accepted by the proper judicatories of the Churches involved. Section 2 — Declarative Powers (a) The United Assembly may from time to time prepare such deliverances as will promote charity, truth and holiness, and serve to advance the interests of the Kingdom of God. (b) The United Assembly, having received and considered rec¬ ords and reports from the constituent Churches, may make such deliverances upon them as will promote the Kingdom of God. These deliverances shall be submitted to the supreme judicatories of the constituent Churches for their consideration and action. Section 3 — Administrative Powers (a) *The United Assembly shall have power to create and superintend agencies for such work in Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Education, Publication, Ministerial Relief, the Evangel¬ ization of the Negro, Stewardship, and other missionary, educational and benevolent causes as may be committed to it, to wit: To the agency for Foreign Missions shall be committed all mis¬ sion work on the Continent of Europe and in the Countries in Amer¬ ica south of the United States. To the Agency for Home Missions shall be committed all mis- *The word “such” has been substituted for “its” in the former draft of the Constitution, and the passage beginning with the word's, “as may be committed, etc.,” and ending with the words, “educational work among foreign speaking peoples,” added to the paragraph. .Sec. 1489] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1021 sion work among the negroes and foreign speaking peoples in the United States. To the Agency for Publication shall be committed all publication work of the Churches entering said Union, excepting the Sunday School publications. To the Agency for Education shall be committed all educational work among foreign speaking peoples. (b) fThe details of the organization of the administrative agen¬ cies shall be determined by the United Assembly. Each constituent Church shall always be represented on each administrative agency. Representation on such agency shall be based either on member¬ ship or gifts, as the United Assembly shall determine. These rep¬ resentatives shall be nominated by the respective Churches and shall be elected by the United Assembly. (c) The United Assembly, through its administrative agencies, shall study the fields and operations of the various missionary, ed¬ ucational and benevolent agencies and shall recommend to the con¬ stituent Churches methods of unifying their common work in the interest of greater harmony and efficiency. (d) The United Assembly shall have authority to propose any other action in reference to the administrative work of the Churches, but such action shall become binding only when adopted in the reg¬ ular way by each of the constituent Churches. Likewise, each of the constituent Churches may propose action to the United Assem¬ bly and if it is adopted by a two-thirds vote, according to the unit rule, it shall be referred to the supreme judicatories for final dis¬ position. If it is adopted by all the constituent Churches it shall become a rule of the Presbyterian Reformed Churches in America. (e) The General Assemblies or General Synods of the constit¬ uent Churches shall send their records for information, and shall report to the United Assembly on all administrative matters, and the United Assembly shall receive and consider said records and reports. Section 4 — Judicial Powers (a) The United Assembly shall exercise such judicial power as to doctrine and order as may be necessary in the conduct of its work and in the discharge of the administrative and judicial func¬ tions conferred upon it in this Constitution. It shall not have power to impose symbols of faith or forms of worship upon any of the constituent Churches, and it shall have no jurisdiction in cases of heresy or immorality arising in any of the constituent Churches. -j-This paragraph as it appears in the former draft of the Con¬ stitution is as follows: (b) The organization of the administrative agencies shall be determined by the United Assembly, provided always that each con¬ stituent Church shall be represented in each administrative agency. These representatives shall be nominated by the respective Churches or by their boards or agencies as the Churches may determine, and shall be elected by the United Assembly. 1022 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII Nor shall it have any jurisdiction or power to determine, in the event of any schism or division within any one of the constituent Churches, the question which of the contending or divided parties in such Church constitutes the Church or denomination legally en¬ titled to the rights and property involved in such controversy. Nor shall the United Assembly in any case be deemed to be the supreme judicatory of any separate constituent Church. (b) *Whenever an issue on a question of comity arises between two of the constituent Churches, the question in issue shall be sub¬ mitted to the United Assembly, and determined according to the following rules of Comity, which were formulated by “The Coun¬ cil of Reformed Churches” and approved by each constituent Church,, and which may be amended by the United Assembly: “1. Where Presbyteries or Classes belonging to the General Assem¬ blies or General Synods cover the same ground, they are advised to* endeavor, either as Presbyteries or Classes or through their Com¬ mittees, to agree, as brethren, to have the efforts of one Church ex¬ pended in certain fields, and the efforts of other Churches expended in certain other fields, within their common bounds, so as to prevent hurtful rivalry or antagonism. “2. Where there are weak churches which, standing each alone,, cannot support a minister, but which can be grouped with churches connected with some other Assembly or Synod so as to form one ministerial charge, the Presbyteries or Classes having jurisdiction, are advised to allow such churches to be grouped under a minister from either body, to whom their respective Presbyteries or Classes are willing to give them in charge, the contributions of such churches to the general benevolent funds to pass through the channel appointed by their respective Assemblies or Synods. “3. In towns of less than 5,000 inhabitants, where any Church is already at work, the others shall not enter without conference and agreement with the Church occupying the field. “4. In a community where any one of the constituent Churches has a church, and the community is not capable of supporting more than one church of the Reformed faith, the people of the community *This paragraph as it appears in the former draft of the Con¬ stitution is as follows: (b) The United Assembly shall have power to formulate rules of comity to govern the relations between Synods, Presbyteries or Classes wherever their jurisdiction covers the same territory, and to recommend them to the constituent Church for adoption. Whenever an issue on a question of comity arises between two of the constituent Churches, which have adopted the comity rules proposed by the United Assembly, the question in issue shall be sbmitted to the United Assembly, whose decision shall be final and shall be put into effect through the courts of the constituent Churches. Sec. 1489] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1023 should be encouraged to connect themselves with the existing church, with the understanding that a fair exchange will be encouraged in other communities. “5. That the supreme judicatories of the several Churches rec¬ ommend their church members, when moving into new communi¬ ties in which there are no congregations of their own Church, to unite, for the time being, with some other Presbyterian or Reformed Church, if such there be. “6. That the Synods are hereby directed each to appoint three representatives to unite with representatives of other Presbyterian and Reformed bodies in constituting a Joint Advisory Committee of Comity, for the purpose of effecting a fair exchange of churches, to discourage overlapping of Home Mission forces, to settle cases of friction and promote other phases of co-operation in Home Mis¬ sion work, the Joint Advisory Committee to report to each of the appointing Synods. “7. That in any city of less than 100,000, where any Presby¬ terian or Reformed Church is at work among foreign people, no other Presbyterian or Reformed Church shall open a work for the same people in that city, until other cities and towns where such work is needed have been occupied. “8. That in case of any denomination contemplating opening work for foreigners in such cities already occupied by one of the constituent Churches of this Council, this matter shall be referred to the committees of Comity provided for in No. 6 of this report.” The decision of the United Assembly shall be final and shall be put into effect through the courts of the constituent Churches. (c) The United Assembly shall have power to deal with any other matters of interest common to any two or more of the con¬ stituent Churches, which may be referred to it by the supreme ju¬ dicatories of the Churches concerned, with such authority in the premises and under such conditions as may be agreed upon by the Churches which make the reference. Article IV. Property Rights and Control (a) In thus associating themselves in one body the constituent Churches mutually covenant that each retains, as against all the other constituent Churches and the United Assembly, the control by its own supreme governing body of the use of the property be¬ longing to it, or to its subordinate judicatories, congregations, in¬ stitutions, committees, or administrative agencies which is now vested in it by the civil law as well as by the law of such con¬ stituent Church. (b) The United Assembly shall be incorporated and shall, as against the constituent Churches or their several supreme govern¬ ing bodies, control the use of all property belonging to it or pos¬ sessed by any of the agencies created and superintended by it. 1024 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII (c) fBut the constituent Churches and their subordinate judica¬ tories, boards, institutions, congregations, committees, or other agen¬ cies, retain their funds and other properties and every property right now possessed or enjoyed by them or any of them unimpaired by the adoption of this Constitution of the Presbyterian Reformed Churches in America by such constituent Churches. And unless and until, by consent of the constituent Churches, any of their ex¬ isting incorporated boards or committees are legally consolidated and transferred to the possession, control and superintendence of the United Assembly, it shall have no power over such boards or com¬ mittees or their properties, except as hereinabove specifically dele¬ gated. Article V. Admissions and Withdrawals Section 1 — Admissions The United Assembly may receive into membership by a two- thirds vote of the constituent Churches, according to the unit rule,, any other Church conforming to the docrine and order of the Pres¬ byterian Reformed Churches in America, and accepting this Con¬ stitution. Section 2 — Withdrawals A Church may withdraw from the Presbyterian Reformed. Churches in America, provided it gives to the Stated Clerk of the United Assembly due notice of its intention, at least a year in ad¬ vance, and observes the same constitutional steps in its withdrawal as it followed in its entrance into the union. Provided, however, that any of its Presbyteries or Classes which have been formed by the consolidation of two or more Presbyteries or Classes of the dif¬ ferent constituent Churches, or by transfer from another Church, shall have the right to determine by a vote of a majority of its members present at a regular meeting, or a special meeting called for the pur¬ pose, whether it shall continue with the Church that withdraws or be dismissed to one or another of the constituent Churches. Con¬ solidated Synods shall have similar rights, to be exercised in ac¬ cordance with the constitutions of their respective Churches. fThis paragraph as it appears in the former draft of the Con¬ stitution is as follows: (c) But the constituent Churches and their subordinate judica¬ tories, boards, institutions', congregations, conYhiittees, or other agen¬ cies, retain their funds and other properties and every property right now possessed or enjoyed by them or any of them unimpaired by the adoption of this Constitution of the Presbyterian Reformed Churches: in America by such constituent Churches. And unless and until, by consent of the supreme governing bodies of the constituent Churches,, any of their existing incorporated boards or committees are legally conolidated and transferred to the possession, control and superin¬ tendence of the United Assembly, it shall have no power over such boards or committees or their properties, except as hereinabove speci¬ fically delegated. Sec. 1489] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1025: Article VI. Amendments * Amendments to the Constitution, after approval by the United As- sembly, shall be submitted to the supreme judicatories of the con¬ stituent Churches. Such amendment shall become effective upon the-, approval of all of the supreme judicatories, provided such approval has been secured pursuant to the constitution and form of government of each constituent Church. 1922, p. 31. The following communication from the Presbyterian: Church U. S. A. was referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence : The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U. S. A. acknowledges the communication from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U. S. regarding the adoption of the Constitution for a United Assembly of Presbyterian and Reformed Churches, to be operative and effective when approved by the Assembly of the Presby¬ terian Church U. S. A. and at least one other Church in the country holding the Presbyterian and Reformed Faith. We reaffirm our willingness to take any steps in the direction of the actual union of Presbyterian and Reformed Churches. In our judg¬ ment, however, this proposed Constitution secures no closer union than- is already made possible by the Constitution of the General Council of the Refonned Churches already adopted by the majority of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches and now in operation. We there¬ fore believe that for the present we should endeavor to promote that co-operation already made possible through the Council of the Re¬ formed Churches and its amended articles of agreement until such time as the Presbyterian Church of the U. S. is willing to proceed further and adopt measures which will secure actual organic union. 1922, p. 34. In reply to the Assembly of the U. S. A. touching the closer relation question, we recommend that the following message be sent: The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. ,S. A., having expressed a preference for the General Council of the Re¬ formed Churches in America over the Constitution of the Presbyterian Reformed Churches, which has been the subject of discussion between us for several years past, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. accepts that decision. We renew our expression of most cordial admiration and affection for your venerable Church. *This article as it appears in the former draft of the Constitution is as follows: Amendments to the Constitution, after approval by the United As¬ sembly, shall be submitted to the supreme judicatories of the con¬ stituent Churches. Such amendments shall become effective upon the approval of three-fourths of the supreme judicatories, provided such approval ha& been secured pursuant to the constitution and form of government of each constituent Church, and provided further, that in case there shall not be unanimous action thereon by the constituent Churches, such amendment shall not become effective until the re¬ gular meeting of the United Assembly following that meeting which canvassed the vote. Relations With Other Bodies 1026 [Book VII We thank God for the great work yon have done, are doing, and are destined to do. 1922, p. 77. Overtures from the Presbyteries of Transylvania, North Alabama, and Upper Missouri, asking the Assembly to appoint committees on various forms of closer relations with the Presbyterian Church U. S. A. and other Presbyterian bodies. Your Committee recommends that these overtures be answered in the negative, in view of the action of this Assembly on the matter of closer relations already taken. 1490. Correspondence with Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. 1921, p. 24. The Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence made the following partial report: That the following message be sent to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., in session at Winona Lake, Indiana : The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. extends to you our warm fraternal greetings and invokes God’s bless¬ ing on you in all your deliberations. I Thess. 1:2. 1921, p. 25. The overture of Rev. Dunbar H. Ogden and Rev. Wm. R. Dobyns, concerning conference with other Presbyterian and Reformed Churches, relative to the union of these bodies on the basis of Regional Assemblies or General Synods, was referred to the Assem¬ bly’s Ad Interim Committee to co-operate with the other constituent bodies in the formation of the constitution of a United Federal Assembly. 1921, p. 27. The following telegram from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America was read and referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence: Greetings. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., in session at Winona Lake, Indiana, has taken the following action regarding the proposed United Assembly of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches: 1. The Assembly refers back to its Committee on Church Co-oper¬ ation and Union the proposed constitution for a United Assembly of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches with instructions to the effect that, while willing to approve any measures which will promote closer relation with the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches, it is united and earnest in the desire for an actual union of the Churches of the Reformed Faith and Order. 2. The Assembly instructs the Moderator and Stated Clerk to send a message to the Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States now in session at St. Louis, expressing the desire of th Presbyterian Church in the United States of America for the real union of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches and the hope that the Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States may take such action as will not only promote closer relation, but secure the reunion of our two kindred bodies. Secs. 1489-1490] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1027 1921, p. 33. We recommend the following response to the tele¬ gram of the General Assembly in the U. S. A., on the subject of closer relations: The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, in session at St Louis, has continued its Committee on Co¬ operation and Union, with enlarged powers, postponing action on its report for another year, and giving it authority for further conference. Reciprocating the sentiments of fraternal regard implied in your telegram and assuring you of our confidence and Christian love, we deem it inexpedient at this time to take any further action, but we have referred your telegrams, together with other proposals on the subject of closer relations, to our Ad Interim Committee. 1921, p. 59. The following communication was received from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. It was referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence: Please accept cordial greetings from the one hundred and thirty-third General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. Acknowledgment is hereby made to your telegram concerning failure of our Church to make response to messages sent our previous Assemblies. We beg your pardon for this seeming discourtesy. Through remissness, for some unaccountable reason,' the messages never reached our Assemblies. In answer to criticisms of our actions concerning specific violations of comity agreement, we beg to say no change in the meaning of the identical note was made, but in view of wrong interpretations in the public press, in certain localities, which seemed to work injustice to certain, parties involved, and only with sincere desire that it be inter¬ preted and understood in harmony with its purpose and intent, the note of explanation was added by the Commission and adopted by the Assembly. We exceedingly regret that misunderstanding should arise from any source, and would assure you of our sincere desire to maintain the most cordial relations with you, our brethren. More¬ over, we would reassure you of our disposition to confer in the most frank and fraternal spirit concerning all matters that may yet arise involving our mutual interests. 1921, p. 62. The Standing Committee on Foreign Correspon¬ dence made the following supplemental report, which was adopted: Your Committee recommends that, in response to the message from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U. ,S. A., concern¬ ing matters of comity, the following message be sent: We acknowledge receipt of your telegram concerning certain mat¬ ters of comity between your Church and ours in Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas. Your message having been received on the eve of our adjournment, we have appointed Rev. R. F. Campbell, Rev. Russell Cecil, Rev. A. B. Curry, Hon. W. F. Stevenson an Ad Interim Com¬ mittee on Comity, authorized to confer with any Committee appointed by your Assembly on this matter or any similar matters that may arise between our two bodies, and to report to our next General As¬ sembly. 1028 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII 1491. Amending the provisions of the Constitution as to the powers of the Assembly to establish union , correspondence, etc. 1883, pp. 40, 54. The Committee on Bills and Overtures pre¬ sented a report on the following overture from the Presbytery of Mecklenburg : “In view of the uncertainty and ambiguity of our present law upon the subject of the power of the Assembly in settling the terms of correspondence, co-operation and organic union with other churches, the Assembly is asked to send down to the Presbyteries an amend¬ ment to the Constitution which shall prohibit the Assembly from finally concluding the terms or basis of correspondence, co-operation or organic union with other churches unless a previous Assembly shall have agreed to the same, and two-thirds of the Presbyteries have concurred therein.” Your committee would recommend the following amendment to he sent down to the Presbyteries for adoption,, viz. : In the Book of Church Order, Chap. V., Sec. VI., Art. V., instead of the words, “To correspond with other churches,” insert the following, viz.: “ To correspond, co-operate or go into organic union with other churches, after two-thirds of the Presbyteries have agreed thereto.” 1884, p. 251. Eighteen Presbyteries answer in the affirmative, sixteen in the negative, twenty-five give modified answers, approving only of parts of the overture, and one declines, on constitutional grounds, to act. 1887, p. 207. Overture from the Presbytery of Lexington, asking that the vote of two-thirds of the Presbyteries be required to form organic union with other Churches. Answer: (p. 231) The Assembly declines to send down the pro¬ posed amendment. 1492. Provincial Assemblies 1883, p. 57. Overture from the Presbytery of St. Louis, asking this Assembly to appoint a committee of conference to confer with a similar one from the Northern Church, on the propriety of re-arranging the territory of the Presbyterian Church in this country so as to form three or four Provincial Assemblies, and a General Presbyterian Council, composed of an equal number of representa¬ tives from each Provincial Assembly, this council to meet every three or four years. Your committee recommend the following answer: This Assembly judges that the providence of God does not indicate the time to be yet ripe for such action. 1493. Preservation of our identity and independence as a denom¬ ination 1865, p. 358. Overture from the Synod of South Carolina, de¬ claring in substance its continued approval of the course adopted by Secs. 1491-1494] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1029 the Southern Presbyteries in organizing this General Assembly; declaring its purpose to adhere with renewed energy and affection to our own cherished denomination; extending a welcome to our communion and fellowship to all who cordially adopt our Standards and sympathize with us in our principles as to the province of the Church; and warning our churches against all schismatical intruders. The Assembly expressed its agreement with the Synod in these views. 1882, p. 567. Resolved , That this Assembly does at this time solemnly declare its conviction, that the great Head of the Church in his wise and gracious providence did raise up this branch of his kingdom, and entrusted to it a great and special work, and has in her past history set his seal of approbation on her in that measure of success which he has heretofore granted her in the execution of the special work with which he has honored her; and inasmuch as her special work is not yet fully accomplished, and her testimony not yet fully delivered, this Assembly does further solemnly declare that it is our high and sacred duty to preserve our individuality as a church entire and intact, and to encourage no tendencies looking toward blending this body into any other. 1494. Conference on co-operation 1881, p. 389. An overture from the Synod of Texas, asking this Assembly to request the Northern Assembly to appoint a committee to confer with one to be appointed by this Assembly about the terri¬ tory in Texas, so as to avoid conflict in labors. Answer: The Assembly would express its earnest desire that brethren in Texas, from the Northern and Southern churches, should endeavor to avoid interfering with one another in their church work, and cultivate peace; but would refer to our Presbyteries all practical propositions for the cultivation of their fields; and would have the Synod of Texas, in a way merely advisory, do all that it can to promote charity and edification. 1883, p. 19. A communication from the Assembly in session at Saratoga was received by telegraph as follows: The following action was taken this morning: Resolved, That a committee of seven (7) be appointed by this General Assembly, to confer with a similar committee, if it shall be appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, now in session in Lexington, Ky., in regard to any plan or method of co-operation in any part of the great work that the Master has laid upon his servants, and which it might appear could be more effectually accomplished by cordial and friendly co-operation than by separate and independent action; and that these committees report the result of their deliberations to their respective Assemblies in 1884. P. 57. It was resolved that a committee of seven be appointed by this Assembly, to confer with a like committee appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States 1030 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII of America, in regard to any plans or methods looking to the more successful conduct of the work of the Church in such regions and concerning such interests as are more or less common to the two Churches, and that this committee report to our next Assembly. P. 50. A paper read by Rev. R. K. Smoot, D. D., was referred to this concurrent committee. For an account of the meeting of these committees, see Alexander’s Digest, p. 505. 1884, p. 198. The committee appointed by the last General Assembly to confer with a committee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United .States of America, in refer¬ ence to some plan of co-operation between the two churches, pre¬ sented a report, which having been read, was referred to a committee of one member from each Synod. P. 219. A report of the Special Committee on ‘‘Co-operative Work” was presented, and was adopted unanimously by a rising vote of the Assembly. The report is as follows: The committee to whom has been referred the matter of co¬ operation between the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America and the Presbyterian Church in the United States would respectfully submit to the General Assembly the following report: The papers placed in the hands of your committee are three in number: 1, An overture from the Presbytery of Louisville, to the effect that this General Assembly shall “not adopt the plan for the joint occupancy of the Danville Theological Seminary, recommended by the committees of conference of the two Assemblies;” 2, An over¬ ture from the Transylvania Presbytery to the same effect, with the addition formal request that the Assembly shall “give such shape to its action as shall tend to settle permanently this and kindred ques¬ tions, including that of organic union;” 3, The record of the pro¬ ceedings of the conference of the joint committees at Louisville, November 1, 1883, with the remarks prefatory thereto submitted by the chairman of the Southern committee. All of these papers referred to your committee have received its careful consideration. It will be seen that action upon the first and second will be essentially included in whatever action may be taken upon the third; and to this attention may be immediately directed. Upon examination it does not appear from this paper that, by any formal act of the Southern committee, it was ever adopted at a regular meeting of that committee, and ordered by it to be for¬ warded to this Assembly as its report. The document, however, does contain a “certified copy” of the proceedings of the joint conference; and your committee, waiving the informality of the paper, addressed themselves to the consideration of its matter. The substantive propositions contained in it are three, viz. : 1. The first is the recommendation concerning the joint occupancy of Danville Seminary, which is as follows: “An equal joint use and occupancy of the Seminary by the two branches of the Church Sec. 1494] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1031 (Northern and Southern), by the appointment of an equal number of Directors and Trustees from each branch, and giving to the South¬ ern branch at least an equal number of Professors. Should ad¬ ditional funds be raised for the further endowment of the institution, each body shall have absolute control of the funds raised by itself, using only the income from each fund for the support of the Semi¬ nary,” and “that the occupancy be in perpetuity, and that the Seminary be removed to Louisville.” 2. The second is the recommendation with reference to a plan of co-operation in Home Missions, to-wit: that each Assembly adopt a concurrent resolution as follows: “This Assembly, while asserting its right to labor in every part of our common country, would most earnestly enjoin upon those charged with the direction of Home Mission work, that they see that nothing be done through strife or vain glory; that, in prosecuting this work, the interest of the other Assembly already in occupancy, either with an organized church or missionary labor, shall be most carefully respected, and that the matter of consolidating feeble churches and cases of dis¬ agreement, threatening the disturbance of fraternal relations, shall be referred to a joint Commission of the Presbyteries having juris¬ diction.” 3. The third recommendation is that respecting “comity in mat¬ ters of discipline,” namely, that a concurrent resolution be adopted to this effect: “ Resolved , That this General Assembly, as a matter of comity between our own Church and the Northern Presbyterian Church, growing out of the fraternal relations so recently established, enjoin upon our church Sessions, Presbyteries and Synods, that they have due regard to the discipline of all the Sessions, Presbyteries and Synods of that church, and mutatis mutandis Your committee urge that, because of insuperable practical diffi¬ culty, the first recommendation be not adopted. With respect to the second, your committee report that they believe it impossible to devise any specific plan of co-operation in Home Mis¬ sions which shall be universally applicable throughout the Church, and they therefore recommend that no such plan be adopted by this Assembly, but that the Assembly be content to leave this whole mat¬ ter to the working of those broad principles of justice and Christian charity which alone will restrain either church from encroaching upon the natural territory of the other. In the judgment of your committee, if these principles are not adequate to the securing of harmony be¬ tween the two churches, then that result can never be attained by the mere adoption of any plan of co-operation. With regard to the third, it is hereby recommended that this Assembly adopt the concurrent resolution with reference to “comity in matters of discipline.” Respecting that part of the overture of the Presbytery of Transyl¬ vania which urges this Assembly to “give such shape to its action as shall tend to settle permanently” the question of “organic union,” your committee make answer that no such action is necessary, for 1032 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII the reason that we regard the mind of the Church as fully expressed against organic union by the action of former Assemblies. (See Minutes of Assembly of 1882, pages 567 and 568, and Minutes of 1883, pages 57 and 58 ; p. 995 of this Digest.) 1495. General Presbyterian Alliance ( Western Section) 1874, p. 483. A committee was appointed to whom were referred certain papers relating to a General Presbyterian Council. P. 518. The report of the committee concerning a General Pres¬ byterian Council was taken up, and, after discussion, the following substitute, offered by Rev. H. M. Smith, D. D., was adopted: In answer to the overture from a committee of the General Assem¬ bly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and from ministers of other Presbyterian churches, touching a con¬ ference of representatives of the various Presbyterian bodies through¬ out the world, with a view of “coming into formal communion with each other, and of promoting great causes by joint action,” this Assembly respectfully submits that we most heartily sympathize with every desire to advance the interests of the Redeemer’s kingdom. Nevertheless, in forming relations with other bodies, we are to be governed by our recognized principles of government. We must, therefore, respectfully decline this request, since, in our judgment, church courts, as such, cannot recognize the principle of an irre¬ sponsible alliance. The only question we can properly consider is the principle of co-ordination with courts constituted according to our Presbyterian form of government. 1875, p. 46. Overtures from the Presbyteries of Louisville, Florida, Lexington and East Hanover. These overtures concur in asking this Assembly to revoke the action of the last in regard to the proposed confederation of Presbyterian churches, and to adopt meas¬ ures favorable to that scheme. Resolved, That this Assembly appoint a committee on the con¬ federation of Presbyterian churches of the world, with authority to correspond with similar committees of other Presbyterian bodies in reference to the Constitution to be proposed for such a General Council; and if the committee deem it wise and practicable, appoint a delegate or delegates to the proposed conference to be held in Lon¬ don, on the ...... day of July, 1875. 1876, p. 204. The Rev. .Stuart Robinson, from the committee appointed by the last Assembly in relation to a proposed confeder¬ ation of Presbyterian churches of the world, made a report, and also another report concerning his attendance as a delegate upon the meet¬ ing of the Presbyterian Alliance in London last July. These reports were received and were considered at length in con¬ nection with certain overtures bearing on the same subject. Where¬ upon the following from the Committee on Bills and Overtures was adopted by a vote of 78 to 39: P. 225. Overtures from Transylvania Presbytery, expressing the Secs. 1494-1495] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1033 hope that the General Assembly will decline to enter the proposed council; from the Presbytery of Louisiana, asking the Assembly tot reconsider the subject of the Pan-Presbyterian Council, and, if it seems best to them, to repeal resolutions passed at the St. Louis As¬ sembly; from the Presbytery of Memphis, approving the action of the last General Assembly in appointing a committee on the con¬ federation of the Presbyterian churches of the world, and expressing the wish that all needful steps be taken to put in operation the plan adopted in July,, 1875, by the delegates assembled in council. Your committee, after the consideration of these overtures and the subjects presented in them, recommend the adoption of the following resolutions : Resolved, 1, That this Assembly hereby expresses its approval, in general, of the proceedings of the conference held in London in July last, composed of the representatives in a large portion, some 15,000 congregations, of the Presbyterian churches of the world. Resolved, 2, The Assembly approves of the general tenor of the Constitution of the Alliance providing for a General Presbyterian Council, to be held every three years. Resolved, 3, That this Assembly will appoint delegates to repre¬ sent the Presbyterian Church in the United States in the General Council, to be held in Edinburgh in 1877, provided that this appoint¬ ment of delegates shall not be understood as pledging any funds of the Church to defraying the expenses of the delegates to the council. Resolved, 4, That the delegation so appointed shall select from their own number members to prepare any paper concerning the condition and position of our Church, to be spread upon the records of the council; and, in case the delegates be unable to attend the council, they are hereby authorized to represent our Church by such official letter as they may agree upon. P. 237. The following paper, offered by the Rev. Dr. Hoge, was passed with but one dissenting voice: Resolved , That in appointing delegates to the General Presbyterian Alliance, it is with the distinct declaration that it is not to be regarded as another and a higher court, but as an assemblage of committees, appointed by the several churches which they represent, for the pur¬ pose of joint conference and joint report, and for such action only as belongs to an association of delegates thus constituted. The report of the committee appointed by the General Assembly of 1875 on the confederation of the Presbyterian churches of the world is found in the Appendix to the Minutes of 1877, page 487. The report of Rev. Stuart Robinson, D. D., delegate to the conference held in London, July 21-23, 1875, to frame a Constitution for a Gen¬ eral Presbyterian Council, is found on page 489 of the Minutes for 1877. The resolutions adopted by the Assembly of 1876 (see above) are substantially the same as those recommended in the report of the above coJhmittee. The Constitution adopted for the Alliance is on page 492 Minutes of 1877, and is as follows: 1034 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII Whereas churches holding the Reformed faith, and organized on Presbyterian principles, are found, though under a variety of names-, in different part of the world; Whereas many of these were long wont to maintain close rela¬ tion, but are at present united by no visible bond, whether of fellow¬ ship or of work; And whereas, in the providence of God, the time seems to have come when they may all more fully manifest their essential oneness, have closer communion with each other, and promote great causes by joint action, it is agreed to form a Presbyterian Alliance, to me~t in general council from time to time, in order to confer upon mat¬ ters of common interest, and to further the ends for which the Church has been constituted by her Divine Lord and only King. In forming this Alliance the Presbyterian churches do not mean to change their fraternal relations with other churches, but will be ready, as here¬ tofore, to join with them in Christian fellowship and in advancing the cause of the Redeemer on the general principle maintained and taugfit in the Reformed Confessions, that the Church of God on earth, though composed of many members, is one body in the communion of the Holy Ghost, of which body Christ is the Supreme Head, and the Scriptures alone are the infallible law. 1. Designation. — This Alliance shall be known as “The Alliance of the Reformed Churches throughout the World holding the Pres¬ byterian System. II. Membership. — Any church organized on Presbyterian prin¬ ciples, which holds the supreme authority of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments in matters of faith and morals, and whose creed is in harmony with the consensus of the Reformed Confessions, shall be eligible for admission into the Alliance. III. The Council. — 1. Its Meetings. — The Alliance shall meet in general council once in three years. 2. Its Constituency. — The Council shall consist of delegates, being ministers and elders, appointed by the churches forming the Alliance; the number from each church being regulated by a plan sanctioned by the Council, regard being had generally to the number of congre¬ gations in the several churches, the delegates, as far as practicable, to consist of an equal number of ministers and elders. The Council may, on the recommendation of a committee on business, invite Pres¬ byterian brethren, not delegates, to offer suggestions, to deliver ad¬ dresses, and to read papers. 3. Its Powers. — The Council shall have power to decide upon the application of churches desiring to join the Alliance; it shall have power to entertain and consider topics which may be brought before it by any church represented in the Council, or by any member of the Council, on their being transmitted in the manner; hereinafter provided; but it shall not interfere with the existing creed or constitution of any church in the Alliance, or with its internal order or external relations. 4. Its Objects. — The Council shall consider questions of general interest to the Presbyterian community; it shall seek the welfare of churches, especially such as are weak or persecuted; it shall gather and disseminate information concerning the kingdom of Christ throughout the world; it shall commend the Presbyterian system as Scriptural, and as combining simplicity, efficiency and adaptation to all times and conditions; it shall also entertain all subjects directly connected with the work of evangelization, such as the relation of the Christian Church to the evangelization of the world, the distri¬ bution of mission work, the combination of church energies, es¬ pecially in reference to great cities and destitute districts, the training of ministers, the use of the press, colportage? the religious instruction of the young, the sanctification of the Sabbath, systematic beneficence, the suppression of intemperance and other prevailing vices, and the best methods of opposing infideliy and Romanism. 5. Its Methods. — The Council shall seek to guide and stimulate Secs. 1495-1497] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1035 public sentiment by papers read, by addresses delivered and pub¬ lished, by the circulation of information respecting the allied churches and their missions, by the exposition of Scriptural principles, and by defense of the truth; by communicating the Minutes of its pro¬ ceedings to the supreme courts of the churches forming the Alliance, and by such other action as is in accordance with its constitution and objects. 6. Committee on Business. — The Council, at each general meet¬ ing, shall appoint a Committee on Business, through which all com¬ munications and notices of subjects proposed to be discussed shall pass. The Committee appointed at one general meeting shall act pro¬ visionally, so far as is necessary, in preparing for the following meet¬ ing. IV. Change of Constitution. — No change shall be made in this Constitution, except on a motion made at one general meeting of Council, not objected to by a majority of the churches and carried by a two-thirds vote at the next general meeting. 1496. Delegates to the General Council to be accredited by com¬ missions 1877, p. 413. Your Committee further recommend that the dele¬ gates to the General Council of the Presbyterian Alliance from the Presbyterian Church in the United States be accredited to the former body by commissions duly issued by the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly. Adopted. 1497. The Dabney resolutions tabled A paper was offered by Rev. R. L. Dabney, D. D., with reference to the import of this Assembly’s being admitted as a constituent part of the General Alliance. This paper, found on page 656, Minutes for 1878, recites the full and equal rights and courtesies extended to the commissioners, appointed by the Southern Assembly, and that we recognize these happy events as constituting a virtual and distinct reconciliation with us of all the churches which joined in this cor¬ dial and courteous extension of equal rights in that council to the commissioners of our Church, upon that Scriptural basis of truth always held by our Church, touching the essentials of those subjects of difference which had unhappily interrupted the full communion of sundry of those churches with us. The subjects cited were such as lawfulness of slavery as a civil institution, which the Church has no mission to condemn, the liberty of conscience in matters political, and the power of church courts to decide political questions and pro¬ mulgate political decrees, etc. This paper submitted the following resolutions : Resolved, That this happy and unconditional recognition of the Church we represent, through its commissioners in the Presby¬ terian Alliance, is to be construed by us as a graceful, virtual and distinct withdrawal on the part of the brethren lately in separation from us, of all condemnatory doctrines and declarations, and a hearty and peaceful reconciliation upon the scriptural position we have occupied, and still occupy; leaving each branch of the Pres- 1036 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII byterian churches, as well as ourselves, to hold, without reproach, its own opinions on all non-essentials of church and civil order. And it is on this understanding, as hereby assumed by us, and in act conceded to us, that our Church holds its place as a constituent of the General Presbyterian Alliance. Resolved, That it shall be the duty of the Stated Clerk to trans¬ mit certified copies of these resolutions to the Business Committee of the last council, and to the Moderator of that council appointed for 1880, in the city of Philadelphia. No one offering to debate the paper, it was tabled without de¬ bate by a vote of 69 to 41. (Page 641.) To this Dr. Dabney and twenty-eight others entered a dissent and protest (p. 656), alleging two reasons: 1, The form in which the vote was taken was out of order and injurious to the rights of the minority; 2, Because it put the Assembly and the Church in a pain¬ fully equivocal position before the world and assailants. This second ground the protest argues at length. The answer to the protest was confined to the first reason, and asserts that the motion to table was an orderely one, and did not infringe upon the rights of any. The action of the house, laying the resolutions on the table, clearly evinced the will of the Assembly, that the subject matter of the resolutions should not be discussed. (P. 662.) Condensed from the Minutes of 1878. The committee to answer the protest consisted of Drs. Armstrong, Preston and Bullock; Elders J. D. Jones and C. A. Carrington. 1879, p. 19. Iu answer to an overture from the Presbytery of Central Texas, inquiring into the significance of the above action, the following was adopted: The action of our Assembly in sending delegates to “the General Presbyterian Council,” and in tabling the paper alluded to in the overture of the Presbytery of Central Texas, is not to be understood as implying any change in our position upon questions of differ¬ ence between ourselves and other bodies, or any surrender of our testimony. 1498. Delegates to the Council should he chosen from the various Synods 1881, p. 388. Overture from Holston Presbytery, asking that the appointment of delegates to the General Presbyterian Council be distributed amongst our various Synods, at least one from each Synod, and that it be referred to the Synods to make the nomina¬ tion, each for itself. Your committee recommend the Assembly to reply that it has no control over the action which it may please the Assembly of 1883 to take respecting its appointments, but is willing to express the opinion that the appointments should be distributed, and that nom¬ inations from Synods should be invited. 4 Secs. 1497-1501] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1037 1499. Standing committee to correspond with the Council 1881, p. 389. A request from the Council for a small Stand¬ ing Committee to be appointed by this Assembly, with whom the Clerks of the Council might correspond. Your committee recommend that this request of the Council be complied with by the Assembly. Adopted. The Clerks of the Assembly were appointed the committee to cor¬ respond with the Council. 1500. Expenses of the Council 1885, p. 433. In accordance with the request of an overture from the delegates of our Assembly who attended the third Gen¬ eral Council of the Alliance of Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian System, held at Belfast, the Assembly hereby directs the Treasurer to pay to the Treasurer of the American Branch of the Alliance so much as may be required to meet the apportion¬ ment fixed for our Church by the Executive Commission for the year 1885-’86, provided the same shall not exceed $132. 1886, p. 40. The Assembly hereby directs its Treasurer to pay to the Treasurer of the American Branch of the Executive Commis¬ sion of the “General Alliance of Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian System” one hundred and fifty dollars ($150), to aid in defraying the ad interim expenses of the Alliance for the year 1885-’86, and the same amount for the year 1886-’87, these amounts to be paid during the years for which they are to furnish aid. 1501. General Alliance of the Reformed Churches Western Section ( continued ) 1889, p. 615. Resolved, That the Treasurer of the General Assem¬ bly be directed to pay, out of any money in the treasury not other¬ wise appropriated, to George Junkins, Esq., Treasurer of the Western Section of the Alliance, $480, this Assembly’s proportion of the expenses of the Alliance. 1890, p. 38. The attention of the Assembly being called to the fact that its share of the funds necessary for the annual expenses of the Western Section of the Commission is $480, the following committee is appointed, and requested to raise this amount among the churches and forward it to the Treasurer of the Assembly, to be paid over to the proper officer of the Alliance: Dr. C. R. Hemp¬ hill. Dr. W. T. Thompson, E. A. Ramsey, M. M. Gilliam, J. L. Bowles, W. M. McPheeters, J. A. Orr. 1891, p. 257. Resolved , 1, The Assembly, having received the annual report of the Eastern and Western Section of the Alliance^ rejoices that so much has been done for our brethren of like pre¬ cious faith on the continent of Europe and for the foreign field at large. 2, To the overture of the Presbytery of East Hanover, proposing Relations With Other Bodies 1038 [Book VII that our share of the expenses be met out of the Assembly’s fund, the Assembly returns a negative answer. 3, To the communication from the committee of the Presbyterian Church, United States of America, inviting us to unite in the form¬ ulation of a consensus creed, the Assembly returns the following answer: We are not prepared at this time to unite in the move¬ ment to formulate a consensus creed, and therefore we decline to appoint the proposed committee. 4, That Rev. W. S. P. Bryan, Rev. M. D. Hoge, D. D., Rev. J. C. Molloy, Judge J. W. Martin, Col. M. A. Candler, J. B. O’Bryan and James E. Webb be appointed an ad interim committee to raise the fund needed to pay our proportion of the expenses of the Alliance, and to report to the next Assembly the names of thirty delegates and alternates to attend the next meeting of the Alliance. 1892, pp. 458, 463. Resolved, 1, That our share of the expenses of the Alliance be paid hereafter out of the Treasury of the Assem¬ bly, and that to this end a committee of three be appointed to secure the sum necessary to meet those expenses. The Moderator appointed the Revs. Drs. R. P. Kerr and W. T. Hall, and ruling elder Geo. E. Dennis, the committee called for by the foregoing resolution. 2, That the nominations of delegates to the next Council at To¬ ronto, Canada, submitted by the ad interim committee, be confirmed, a copy of which is returned to the Assembly with this report, and that the Stated Clerk be directed to issue commissions to each prin¬ cipal, mentioning his alternate in the same document. 3, That a small -Standing Committee be appointed, which shall be the medium of communication between this Assembly and the Alliance, and shall have power to fill vacancies in the list of dele¬ gates; this committee to be reappointed at the Assembly next suc¬ ceeding each General Council of the Alliance. H. H. Boude, G. A. Trenholm, E. C. Gordon, S. G. Wentworth and J. M. Duncan, were made this committee. 1893, p. 52. The Assembly ordered that the annual assessment made to meet the expenses of the Alliance be paid hereafter from the treasury of the General Assembly; and to this end the assess¬ ments laid upon the Presbyteries by the Assembly be increased twenty-five per cent. 1894, p. 235. Overture from the Presbytery of Abingdon, to submit to the Presbyteries the question of discontinuing our con¬ nection with the Alliance of the Reformed Churches throughout the World holding the Presbyterian System. Answer : It is inexpedient to take such action. 1896, p. 573. Your Committee on Foreign Correspondence, to which was referred the communication from “The Western Section of the Alliance of the Reformed Churches throughout the World holding the Presbyterian System,” respectfully report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend the adoption by this Sec. 1501] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1039 Assembly of the “Plan of Co-operation” submitted in said communi¬ cation, which is as follows: The Boards and Committees of Home Missions, Church Erection, Freedmen’s Missions and Sabbath School Work of the American churches in “The Alliance of the Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian System,” both in the United States and Canada, rec¬ ognizing, with gratitude to God, their substantial unity, both in faith and polity, do agree upon the following principles of action for their guidance in their work, viz. : 1. That in the work of all these Boards, as related to each other, the authority of the church courts is to be recognized as final. 2. That there shall be no interference with churches, missions, or Sabbath Schools at present existing, unless by voluntary agree¬ ment between the denominations directly concerned. 3. That, ordinarily, no churches, missions or Sabbath Schools shall be established in small communities where the field is fully occupied by other Presbyterian or Reformed Churches. 4. That the supreme judicatories of the several churches rec¬ ommend their church members, when moving into new communi¬ ties, in which there is no congregation of their own church, to unite, for the time being, with some other Presbyterian or Reformed Church, if such there be. 5. That if cases of difference of opinion arise in connection with the work, they shall be referred for consideration and amicable ad¬ justment to the missionary authorities of the denomination directly concerned. 6. The delegation of this General Assembly to the Council of the Alliance of the Reformed Churches to convene in the city of Glasgow is instructed to bring to the attention of the Council the basis of representation in the Council and the matter of the ex¬ penses of the Alliance, with the view of reducing expenses, if pos¬ sible, and of making an equitable distribution of the same among the several bodies represented in the Alliance. Adopted. 1895, p. 409. The Council of 1888 fixed the following basis of representation : For each hundred congregations or less, two delegates up to one thousand congregations; above one thousand congregations, one dele¬ gate for each additional one hundred up to two thousand congrega¬ tions; above two thousand congregations, one delegate for each addi¬ tional two hundred and fifty congregations. In the case of union of churches represented in the Alliance, it is recommended that the number of delegates remain as previous to union till the following meeting of Council, when, on the union being reported to the Council, the future number of delegates shall be deter¬ mined. 1897, p. 32. This Assembly expresses its great satisfaction that the plan of co-operation in Home Missions brought to the attention of the last Assembly by this committee of the Alliance has been adopted by the General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and of 1040 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VI L the Presbyterian Church in Canada, as well as by our own, and by the General .Synods of the Reformed Church in America and the Re¬ formed Church in the United States. 1898, p. 228. The Committee of Foreign Correspondence, to which was referred the letter of the Rev. William Caven, D. D., chairman, and the Rev. W. H. Roberts, D. D., Secretary, of the Western Section of the “Alliance of Reformed Churches throughout the World holding the Presbyterian System,” which letter stated That our apportionment for the expenses of the Alliance is not paid, Mio recommend: 1. That the Treasurer of the General Assembly be directed to pay what is due from our Assembly out of the funds in the treasury. 2. That the members of the American Section from our church endeavor to have the expenses of the American Section reduced, and n corresponding reduction obtained in the apportionment of our As¬ sembly. 3. That the Rev. G. W. Finley, D. D., the Rev. F. H. Johnston, D. D., and Elder W. M. Graybill be appointed a committee of correspon¬ dence with the American Section, and that they be instructed to notify the delegates of their appointment to attend the approaching meeting in Washington, D. C., September 27, 1899. Also, that they be author¬ ized to fill vacancies in the list of delegates. For list of delegates, see Minutes of 1898, p. 228. 1899, p. 423. The committee reported the following reply to the communication from the Secretary of the Western Section of the Alliance of Reformed Churches Throughout the World Holding the Presbyterian System; which reply was adopted: In view of the communication from W. H. Roberts, American Sec¬ retary of the Alliance of the Reformed Churches Throughout the World Holding the Presbyterian System, we hereby commend — 1. That $480 be appropriated as our pro rata of the expenses of the Alliance. 2. That the Assembly has heard with pleasure the greetings of their representative, Rev. R. P. Kerr, D. D. 3. That, since the Peace Conference of the accredited repre¬ sentatives of the nations, looking forward to the disarmament of the several armies and navies of the nations, is now in session at The Hague, Holland, the Assembly, at the hour of recess this afternoon, $>e led in prayer for this Conference by the Moderator. 1900, p. 620. The General Assembly has heard with pleasure the address of Rev. R. H. Fleming, D. D., the representative of the Western Section of the Alliance of the Reformed Churches Hold¬ ing the Presbyterian System. It is recommended that the Treasurer of the Assembly be in¬ structed to pay the $480 due the Alliance for the current year. As to the establishment of mission work through summer stations on the continent of Europe, in which this Assembly is asked to engage, it is recommended that this matter be referred to the As¬ sembly’s Executive Committee of Foreign Missions. It is recommended that the Standing Committee to be a medium >of communication between the Assembly and the Alliance be re- Sec. 1501] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1041 appointed. This committee consists of Rev. G. W. Finley, D. D., Rev. F. H. Johnston, D. D. and Prof. William M. Graybill. Adopted. For report of the delegates to the Alliance, see Minutes of 1900, pp. 605-608. 1901, p. 20. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence made a report on the communication from the Alliance of Reformed Churches throughout the World holding the Presbyterian System. The report was adopted, and is as follows: In answer to the communication from the Executive Committee of the Western Section of “The Alliance of the Reformed Churches throughout the World holding the Presbyterian System,” your com¬ mittee recommends — 1. That the Assembly express continued interest in the work of the Alliance. 2. That provision be made for meeting our apportionment of the expenses, viz., $480. 3. That the matters in the communication called to our atten¬ tion be referred for their consideration to the several Executive Com¬ mittees of our Assembly dealing respectively with these matters. 4. That the representative of the commission accredited to us to bear its official salutations be given opportunity to discharge this honorable and pleasing duty. See also pp. 16, 68. 1902, p. 290. The Assembly has listened with pleasure to the address of Rev. George D. Matthews, D. D., the General Secretary of the Alliance of the Reformed Churches, and expresses its con¬ tinued interest in the united work of the Presbyterian Church. We note with pleasure the appointment of Rev. R. P. Kerr, D. D., of Richmond, Va., as chairman of the Western Section. We recommend that the sum of $495, apportioned to our church for the expenses of the Alliance, be paid. Also that the attention of the Synods be called to the resolution adopted by the Western Section, as to “the necessity for the adapta¬ tion of the Home Mission work to the changing conditions of our population.” We rejoice in the movements towards union in th,e mission churches of the Presbyterian faith and order in Asia, and recom¬ mend that these bodies be represented at the meetings of the Coun¬ cil. Adopted. For list of delegates to Liverpool Council, see Minutes, p. 290. For report of Executive Commission of Alliance, see Minutes, pp., 333-335. 1903, pp. 539-544. Report of Western Section of Executive Com mission of the Alliance, and Memorial on an Advanced Course of Sabbath School Lessons. 1904, p. 40. Relative to the annual report of the Western Sec¬ tion of the Executive Commission of the Alliance of Reformed Churches (See Appendix to Minutes), we recommend resolutions A, B, and C, concerning the use of the Bible in public schools. We 1042 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII recommend that the second Sabbath of September be again set apart as a day of prayer for our public schools. We recommend that the resolutions on the question of Marriage and Divorce be approved. We recommend that the apportionment on our Church for the annual expenses of the Alliance be paid. We recommend that Rev. R. H. Fleming, D. D., delegate from the Alliance to this body to convey its fraternal greetings, be invited to address the As¬ sembly. In answer to an overture from the Presbytery of ,St. Louis to re¬ quest the Western Section of the Executive Commission of the Alliance of the Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian Sys¬ tem, to propose to the churches composing the Alliance some plan for a closer alliance of Young People’s Societies of our various churches, Your committee recommends that this overture be referred to the Committee on Conference with Other Presbyterian Bodies. See Minutes, pp. 118-120, for report of Western or American Sec¬ tion. 1905, p. 39. That the first Sabbath of November be set apart as a session of special thanksgiving to God for the blessings bestowed upon so many churches and countries from the great religious revival which we call the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century. 2. That the apportionment of our Church for the annual expenses of the Alliance (viz., $480) be paid. 3. The report of the Special Committee on Candidates for the Ministry as made to ^he Alliance is highly interesting reading, and the facts therein presented are worthy of the serious reflection of our whole Church. There is nothing in the report, however, which calls for action by this Assembly as appears in this report. 4. We find nothing calling for special attention or action on the part of our Assembly in the report on Fraternal Associate Member¬ ship in Evangelical Churches, as made to the Alliance. 1906, p. 44. We learn with great pleasure, from the report of the Western Section of the Alliance, of the good work going on in all parts of the world through the instrumentality of our brethren of this Alliance. In regard to the matter suggested about co-opera¬ tive work for residents in foreign ports and immigrants to our land, we recommend that this work be taken up by our Committees of Home and Foreign Missions. We are glad to see that our representation has been increased from ten to nineteen, and our apportionment has been reduced from $480 to $380, and recommend that this apportionment be paid by the Treasurer of the Assembly. For report, see Minutes, pp. 99-103. 1907, p. 58. In relation to the report of the Executive Com¬ mission of the Alliance of the Reformed Churches throughout the World holding the Presbyterian system, your Committee recom¬ mends the adoption of all the recommendations and suggestions contained in said report touching Foreign Missions, Home Missions, the Sabbath School and Young People’s Work, Defections in Church Sec. 1501] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1043 Membership and the Calvin Anniversary. The Committee also rec¬ ommends that the Moderator of the General Assembly appoint nineteen representatives for this Church in the council which is to be held in the city of New York, in the year 1909. We also recommend that the sum of $380, the amount apportioned to our Church as the expenses of said Alliance, be appropriated and paid out of the funds of the General Assembly. Adopted. 1908, pp. 18, 47. We call attention to the fact that the Ninth General Council of the Alliance of the Reformed Churches through¬ out the World holding the Presbyterian System will meet in the city of New York in the fall of 1909. We recommend that the nineteen delegates from our church, with their alternates, be appointed by the Moderator, their expenses to be met by themselves; that $380, the amount apportioned to our church, be appropriated to pay our share of the expenses of the Alliance for the present fiscal year ending March 31, 1909. Delegates to Alliance of Reformed Churches, New York, 1909: Principals : Ministers A. B. Curry, J. E. Jones, A. A. McGeachy, W. R. Henderson, D. M. Sweets, W. L. Lingle, Chas. R. Hyde, A. M. Fraser, S. M. Smith, W. B. Y. Wilkie, R. E. Vinson, T. S. Wil- .son, P. R. Law; Ruling Elders, Thos. W. Bullitt, C. W. Dorsey, Gov. Hoke Smith, Geo. W. Watts, W. A. Clark, Rhodes S. Baker. Alternates’. Ministers, C. W. Grafton, A. F. Carr, E. C. Caldwell, W. W. Elwang, C. W. Sommerville, Robert Adams, J. F. Lawson, F. T. McFaden, W. J. McKay, W. H. Neal, J. P. Robertson, W. E. Cave, Melton Clark; Ruling Elders, E. Hotchkin, S. M. Inman, Gov. R. B. Glenn, A. M. Scales, Geo. R. Cannon, Thos S. Mc- Pheeters. Ad interim committee to fill any vacancies: A. B. Curry, J. E. Jones, A. A. McGeachy. Adopted. 1909, p. 62. We have examined the report of the Executive Com¬ mission of the Alliance of Reformed Churches throughout the World holding the Presbyterian System, and would make the following recommendations in connection with the same. (a) That reports on Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Evange¬ listic and Sabbath School Work be referred to our Executive Com¬ mittees respectively. (b) That the amount of expense as apportioned to us, $380, be paid. (c) That, at such a time as may be convenient to him and to the Assembly, the Rev. A. J. McKelway, D. D., be granted the privileges of the floor for a brief address on the cause of Church Federation. And that Rev. Dr. W. W. Moore be heard as a dele¬ gate from this Executive Commission. Adopted. 1910, p. 46. The Assembly has heard with interest, pleasure and 1044 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII profit the able address of the Rev. Dr. R. H. Fleming representing the Western Section of the Council of Reformed Churches through¬ out the World holding the Presbyterian System, and is grateful for his graphic statement of “the faith once delivered to the saints.” For report of Executive Commission of Alliance (Western Sec¬ tion), see Minutes, pp. 150-159. 1915, p. 38. The report of the Executive Commission of the Alliance of the Reformed Churches throughout the World holding the Presbyterian System1 (Western Section), for the year ending March 31st, 1915, was placed in our hands. While the report (which will be found in the Appendix) is too lengthy to be incor¬ porated herewith, we would indicate to the Assembly that it covers the field of Foreign Missions with the effect of the war thereupon. Special notice is drawn to the magnitude and importance and the urgency of winning our great continent for Christ. In the appeal for peace we quote the following: “We appeal to our fellow Chris¬ tians to join with us in prayer and to study the things that make for peace,” and again, “In view of this catastrophe, we appeal most earnestly to all the Churches connected with this Alliance to implore Almighty God to influence the warring nations so that a righteous peace may be speedily secured.” We suggest that the Assembly be now led in prayer in accordance with this request. We recommend the continued interest of our Assembly in this Alliance. 1917, p. 47. There have come into the hands of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence the minutes of the Executive Commission of the Alliance of the Reformed Churches throughout the World holding the Presbyterian System, Western (American) Section. The meeting of the Western Section of the Commission was held in the chapel of the First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, -S. C., March 7-8, 1917. In connection with this report, Rev. I. S. McElroy, D. D., ad¬ dressed the Assembly as delegate from the Western Section of the Commission. The thanks of the Assembly are tendered Dr. McElroy for his address. The minutes of the Commission show encouraging progress in the Churches in extending the Kingdom of our Lord. We quote some figures as to the activity of the Churches of the Alliance in Foreign Missions : The Conference of Foreign Mission Boards of 1915 shows that there are 246 organizations contributing to this work in North America; of these nine are Presbyterian in polity and doctrine. The total contributions from all organizations amounted to $18,793,990, and of that $4,509,407, or nearly one-fourth, came from Presby¬ terian sources. The total number of missionaries from all these or¬ ganizations is 10,500; of these 3,100 are Presbyterians. The total native staff is about 50,000, of whom about 10,000 are associated with the Presbyterian section of the work. Sec. 1501] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1045 We would call attention to the postponing of the date for the meeting of the Eleventh Council of the Alliance from September, 1917, to September, 1918. In the report of the Committee on Necrology we note the just tribute paid to our worthy and beloved brother, Rev. Julius Walker Walden, D. D., LL. D. We are gratified to note that Rev. R. C. Reed, D. D., of Columbia Seminary, is the Vice-Chairman of the Western Section of the Ali- ance. The next place of the meeting of this Section of the Commission is to be at Princeton, N. J., as the guests of the Theological Semi¬ nary. 1919, p. 54. As to the papers touching the Alliance of Reformed Churches, Executive Committee (Western Section), that the special attention of the Assembly be directed to the fact that one of our ministers, Rev. Dr. R. C. Reed, of South Carolina, is now Chairman of the Western Section, and that the date of the next meeting of the Alliance has been referred to the Executive Committee with power, in correspondence with the Eastern Section; and that the Assembly authorize the present Moderator to reappoint the requisite number of representatives of our Church to the next meeting of the Alliance, or to fill vacancies in the list, with the further recommendation that, in his appointment, at least two-thirds of said appointees shall be of men not previously appointed to a meeting of the said Alliance. 1920, p. 12. The Assembly directed me [the Moderator, Rev. Dr. Fraser] (see Minutes of Assembly, paragraph 3, pages 54 and 55) to reappoint as representatives of our Church in the General Council of Reformed Churches Throughout the World Holding the Presbyterian System, the same persons who had been appointed by the Assembly of 1916 for a meeting of the Council which failed to convene because of the World War. I was also directed to fill any vacancies that may have occurred since 1916. In my effort to discharge this duty, I met with two embarrassments. First, the number of representatives assigned to our Church has been reduced from thirty to twenty-one. This made it necessary to drop the names of nine of those appointed at first, together with their alternates. Second, some of the representatives, chosen because of their residence in particular Synods, have changed their residence to other Synods since their appointment. My construction of my duty was that I was limited to reappointment except in cases of actual vacancy. I have, therefore, followed the list exactly as it is contained in the Minutes of 1916 as far as possible. There was only one vacancy, that caused by the death of Ruling Elder J. C. Calhoun, the alternate from the Synod of Virginia. I appointed Ruling Elder R. E. Magill, of the Synod of Virginia, to fill that vacancy, Mr. Magill having been one of the original representatives at large, and his name occurring first on the list of those who had 1046 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII to be left off. With these explanations, I report the following as the list of representatives to the Council appointed by me, viz: Synod Principal Alternate Alabama . , . R. H. McCaslin, D. D . J. S. Foster, D. D. Appalachia . C. C. Carson, D. D . J. N. Fisher* Arkansas . T. L. Green . C. H. H. Branch, D. D. Florida . L. B. Skinner* . Joseph Venable, D. D. Georgia . E. L. Hill, D. D . S. L. McCarty Kentucky . H. H. Sweets, D. D . E. C. Ward* Louisiana . T. M. Hunter, D. D . G. H. Cornelson, D. D. Missouri . W. W. Elwang, D. D . A. A. Wallace, D. D. Mississippi . C. W. Grafton, D. D . W. C. Wells* ll North Carolina ....A. A. McGeachy, D. D . J. M. Wells, D. D. Oklahoma . C. C. Weaver, D. D . A. H. Ferguson* South Carolina.. ..A. D. P. Gilmour, D. D . Alexander Martin, D. D. Tennessee . . Wm. Crowe, D. D . C. S. Ivie* Texas . R. M. Hall, D. D . Bradford Hardie* Virginia . W. J. McMillan, D. D . R. E. Magill* West Virginia . G. E. Price* . D. P. McGeachy, D. D. At Large Arthur G. Jones, D. D R. B. Glenn* . E. Thompson, D. D. ... R. P. Williams* . D. H. Ogden, D. D . *R'uling Elder. 1921, p. 30. There was placed in our hands the report of the Western Section of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, and we find the following overture addressed to the Supreme Judicatories of the Constituent Churches: “1. That the Western Section of the Alliance of the Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian System would respectfully over¬ ture the Supreme Judicatories of its Constituent Churches to give earnest consideration at their spring meetings to the needs and op¬ portunities of our brethren in the various Reformed and Presbyterian bodies on the continent of Europe. “(a) We would call special attention to the desperate condition of many of the ministers of the Reformed Churches in Hungary, Transylvania, Poland, Lithuania and Jugo-Slavia who have been deprived of their means of support by the measures adopted by the governments under whose rule they have fallen since the war, and who for that reason, and also on account of the prevailing industrial conditions in those countries, are destitute of both clothing and food. “(b) We would also call attention to the great opportunities con¬ fronting our brethren in Czecho-Slovakia, where great numbers are coming out of the Romish Church who could be reached by the evangelistic effort of the Evangelical Church of the Czech brethren if there were church building accommodations for the congregations that could be gathered and support for the ministers that would be required to preach to them. “2. That this Section suggests to the General Assemblies and Henry Moore* Byron Clark, D. D. JU. C. Caldwell, D. D. .E- E. Smith, D. D. ,E. T. Wellord, D. D. Sec. 1501] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1047 General Synods of our constituent Churches for consideration, and if deemed wise, for adoption, the following program: “(a) That the Month of October next be designated as “Conti¬ nental European Month,” in which special efforts shall be made to provide for the immediate needs of the suffering brethren of our Re¬ formed and Presbyterian Churches in Europe; this, however, not to conflict with plans already made in any denomination for that object. “(b) That donations in clothing, unused or slightly worn, or whole cloth, linen (especially bed linen), and shoes, be sent during that month to a depot or depots designated by the Committee appointed by our Alliance; also that food drafts or money can be sent through this medium, all these to be sent direct to the following suffering Churches: Hungary, Transylvania, Vienna, Czecho-Slo- vakia, Germany, Poland and Lithuania; also money can be sent to France, Belgium and Italy if desired. “(c) That the last Sunday in October (Reformation Day) be designated as a Day of Prayer in all our churches for our oppressed and suffering brethren in Europe, and that on that day offerings be taken for this object, unless this conflicts with any previous plan in any of the denominations.” We recommend that this suggested program, in so far as it can be so adjusted as not to interfere with arrangements already made for contributions to other causes in October, be approved by the Assem¬ bly and commended to our churches. We especially recommend that the suggestions in regard to donations of food and clothing be com¬ mended to our people, and that the last Sunday of October (Refor¬ mation Day), in connection with the commemorative services held on that day, be also observed as a Day of Prayer for our oppressed and suffering brethren in Europe. We also recommend that the names of Dr. I. S. McElroy and Dr. ,S. H. Chester be added to the list of delegates at large to the Council of the Presbyterian Alliance to be held in Pittsburg in September. 1921, p. 80c. The following resolution touching membership in the Council of the Reformed Churches in America was adopted: If any of the principals and their alternates who have been elected to membership in the General Council of the Alliance of the Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian System throughout the World, to convene in Pittsburg, Pa., during September, 1921, should fail to attend this meeting of the Council, their places may be filled by the Moderator of this General Assembly, or by those members of the Council from our Church who may be in attendance on said Council. 1922, p. 80. Rev. Ernest Thompson, D. D., made a report of his attendance upon the meeting of the Western Section of the Alli¬ ance of the Reformed Churches Throughout the World Holding the Presbyterian System, and of his appointment to represent the Alli¬ ance at this meeting of the Assembly. This report was referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Correspondence. 1922, p. 34. The report of Rev. Ernest Thompson, D. D., con¬ cerning the meeting of the Western Section of the Alliance of the 1048 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII Reformed Churches throughout the world holding the Presbyterian system was placed in our hands and carefully read by us. Four items in that report call for action on our part: 1. We recommend that the matter of raising $100,000 for chapels in Bohemia and $25,000 for the Jewish Mission be referred to the Protestant Relief Committee of the Assembly. 2. We recommend that the Continental Committee be authorized to take up the matter of securing traveling expenses of theological students from the Continent of Europe with the several seminaries of our Church. 3. We heartily approve of the effort to have more English services on the Continent of Europe. 4. We recommend that the Assembly approve of the increase in the appropriation to this great cause, the total appropriation not to exceed $700. 1502. Eastern Section 1921, p. 35. The Assembly has heard with peculiar pleasure the address of Rev. J. R. Fleming, D. D., Secretary of the Eastern Sec¬ tion of the Alliance of Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian System. We welcome him as the guest of our Presbyterian Bodies represented in this Alliance, and wish him God speed on the mission on which he has come to our country. s 1503. Federal union between the Reformed Churches 1893, p. 52. A communication from the Rev. R. M. Patterson, renewing the invitation to this Assembly to co-operate in the effort to establish a “Federal Union between the Reformed Churches in the United States holding the Presbyterian System,” the object of which shall be “to secure co-operation in religious work, and in the promotion of such moral and social reforms as affect the welfare of the nation,” and asking for the appointment of a committee to attend a conference, the purpose of which shall be “to perfect a plan of federation to be submitted to the General Assemblies and General Synods for their consideration and action.” Answer : This Assembly does not desire to enter into the federal union proposed. 1894, p. 234. Rev. W. F. Junkin, D. D., a delegate from the Alliance of the Reformed Churches throughout the world, presented to the Assembly the plan of federation agreed to by committees of eight different ecclesiastical bodies in the United States connected with said Alliance, and inviting this General Assembly to adopt these articles of federation. * Reply : This Assembly does not desire to enter into the federal union proposed. 1904, p. 12. The following communication was received by telegraph from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Secs. 1501-1503] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1040 the United States of America, and referred to the Committee of Foreign Correspondence: The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., in session at (Buffalo, has adopted, with only one dissenting vote, the following resolutions: Whereas it is known to this Assembly that the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, now in session at Mobile, Ala., has before it overtures from some of its Presbyteries looking to closer relations with this Assembly, and, Whereas, we earnestly desire to remove all obstacles to such rela¬ tions, now, therefore, be it, Resolved, 1. That this General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America hereby removes all asper¬ sions and charges of any and every kind made by previous Assem¬ blies, reflecting on the Christian character of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S., and is ready at any time to confer on the subject of closer relations, whenever such conference shall be agreeable to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. 2. That the Moderator and Stated Clerk be instructed immediately to communicate this action to the General Assembly of the Presby¬ terian Church in the United States. P. 15. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence reported, and the Assembly adopted the following reply which the Stated Clerk was directed to wire immediately: The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States learns with joy of the action of your Assembly in the removal of all aspersions upon the Christian character of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and declares its readiness to follow the leadings of Providence in the matter of closer relations, overtures touching which are now before us for consideration. P. 32. The report of the committee was then adopted, and is as follows : Your committee, to which were referred the various overtures and communications to this General Assembly on the subject of Closer Relations with the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches in the United States, would respectfully state that they have carefully con¬ sidered the following overtures and memorials: From the Synod of Alabama and the Presbyteries of Meridian, Mecklenburg and Enoree, and from a joint conference of representatives of the Reformed Pres¬ byterian Church (General Synod), the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, the Reformed Church in America, and the United Presbyterian Church, held in New York City, December 9-10, 1903, all asking the appointment of a committee to confer with similar committees from other churches on the bringing about of closer relations and co-operation between the various Reformed and Presbyterian Churches. Also, we have considered a memorial from the Presbytery of Nashville, asking this Assembly to assure our sister churches of our willingness to confer on the subject of closer relations, whenever such conference would be likely to result in closer fellowship; but asking that the Assembly defer, for a year, the appointment of a committee. We have had for our careful consid- 1050 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII eration, overtures from the Presbyteries of Arkansas, Ouachita and Red River, asking the appointment of a committee to confer with a Committee of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, looking to closer relations with that Church. We have considered, also, a communication from the Reformed Church in America (Dutch), expressing their willingness to confer with a committee from our Church, on closer relations with us. And also overtures from our Presbyteries of Durant, Wilmington, Tuscaloosa and North Alabama, asking us to appoint a Committee of Confer¬ ence with the Reformed Church in America. We have also given due consideration to the action of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, rescinding all former expressions of their General Assemblies reflecting on the Christian character of our church and this with a view to remove all obstacles to closer relations between these two churches. Your committee recognize that there is not only in our own church, but also in other churches holding the Presbyterian Reformed Cal- vinistic system a very general and strong desire for closer rela¬ tions between these churches, whereby may be expressed their essen¬ tial unity in doctrine and discipline, and whereby they may more effectively co-operate in the work of Christ’s Kingdom. We, therefore, recommend that this Assembly, wishing to promote closer fraternity in the spirit of love and candor, appoint a com¬ mittee of six ministers and three Ruling Elders, which committee shall be named by the Moderator, who shall be authorized and em¬ powered to confer with similar committees that may be appointed by other Presbyterian and Reformed Churches, when notified that it is the wish of such other churches to enter into conference with ur And the committee appointed by this Assembly is to confer on the subject of closer relations with such churches as may enter the conference, with a view to discover: 1. The real sentiment of the churches on the subject. 2. The leadings of God’s Providence in the matter. 3. The obstacles that may stand in the way of closer fellow¬ ship. 4. Whether and how such obstacles can be removed. 5. And what may be the nature and form of the relations, which shall best secure effective co-operation, by federation or otherwise, and at the same time, preserve loyalty to those great principles for which the various churches have been called to testify. And the committee shall report to the next meeting of the General Assembly the result of its conferences. The Moderator appointed the following to constitute the Com- •>.! 'ee uf ( onUience j Rev. G. B. Strickler, D. D., Rev. C. R. Hemphill, D. D., Rev. J. F. Gannon, D. D., Rev. J. H. McNeilly, D. D., Rev. Wm. E. Boggs, D. D., Rev. J. R. Howerton, D. D., Capt. C. N. Roberts, Hon. Charl¬ ton H. Alexander and Thad Harrison, Esq. The Assembly added the Moderator (Rev. S. M. Neal, D. D.) to the committee. 1905, p. 13. The report of this Committee was referred to a Sec. 1503] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1051 select committee of thirteen, to be composed of one member from each Synod, to be appointed by the Moderator. P. 45. The Assembly resumed consideration of the unfinished business, being the substitute for an amendment to the second sec¬ tion of the report of the Special Committee on Closer Relaions with Other Presbyterian Churches. The report of the committee was as follows : Your committee to whom was referred the report of the ad interim Committee of Conference on Closer Relations with other Presbyterian Churches, appointed by the Assembly at Mobile, 1904, with certain overtures from the Presbyteries of Central Mississippi, Chesapeake, Chickasaw, Lexington, Mississippi, Western Texas, and other papers pertaining to this subject would report: That it has carefully considered these several papers, and would recommend to the Assembly the following action: 1. That the General Assembly commend the fidelity and diligence of the Committee on Closer Relations with other Presbyterian and Reformed bodies. 2. That the Assembly continue the Committee on Closer Relations with Presbyterian and Reformed Churches, increased as hereinafter provided, and authorize their conference with similar committees of such Churches, should they be appointed, with a view of perfecting a plan of co-operation, the results of such conference to be submitted to the General Assembly at its next meeting. 3. That the Committee on Closer Relations is instructed to give due consideration to all suggestions and criticisms that may be offered by any of our Church courts, or by any of the officers and members of our Church. 4. That the Moderator of this General Assembly (Rev. J. T. Plunket, D. D.) be added to the Committee on Closer Relations, and that he shall by appointment add to said committee one member from each Synod not now represented on said committee. The amendment was to add to the second section the following v:ords : It is the intention of this item of the report to eliminate federation from future consideration. The substitute offered for this! amendment was: In connection with this recommendation the Assembly expresses its inability, under all the conditions, to approve the plan of federa¬ tion submitted through the committee of the Pittsburg Conference. The substitute and the amendment were both lost, and the report wras then adopted unchanged. 1504. Report of the ad interim Committee of Conference on Closer Relations 1905, p. 107. This committee respectfully submits the following report : 1. The chairman of your committee (Rev. G. B. Strickler, D. D.), was invited in July last (1904) to meet with “the Executive Com- 1052 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII mittee of the Joint Conference on Closer Relations between Presby¬ terian and Reformed Churches in the United States,” to make arrange¬ ments for a larger conference between the full committes of the dif¬ ferent Churches represented. This conference was held in Philadelphia in September last, and agreed to call a general conference of the committee to meet in Pittsburg, Penn., on the 29th of November, and proposed a tentative plan of Federation to be presented for its con¬ sideration. Your chairman was not able to attend the meeting in Philadelphia, but the committee was represented by Dr. C. R. Hemp¬ hill. 2. On the 29th of November, 1904, your committee met in Pitts¬ burg, in conference with committees from the following Churches: Reformed Presbyterian Church (General Synod), Reformed* Church in America, Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A,, Presbyterian Church in the U. S., United Presbyterian Church, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Reformed Church in the United States. The conference lasted for three days, and the subjects designated were discussed' with earnestness and in the spirit of fraternity, in the attempt to formu¬ late some plan by federation or otherwise by which a closer fellow¬ ship of the Churches might be attained, and they might be able to co-operate more effectively in the service of the Lord in extending the kingdom in our country. Jt was found that the real sentiment of all the Churches favored such co-operation in the general work as might be found practicable, while each Church should retain its sepa¬ rate organization. The obstacles in the way of closer relations than those now existing were freely and frankly and' kindly discussed with a view to their removal, and to discover a method of co-operation that would be effective and at the same time preserve our distinctive principles. The joint conference formulated the plan *of federation accompanying this report, and resolved to send it to the various Churches represented in the conference for such action, as the supreme judiciary of each Church might determine to take. And the joint conference recommended that the Churches appoint committees to meet hereafter in a similar conference, and' take such further steps as may be indicated by the action of the Churches as to this plan. Your Committee, therefore, hereby submits this plan for your consid¬ eration; and if you should desire that further effort should be made for closer fellowship and co-operation, then we recommend that you appoint a committee of conference to meet with the committees of the other Churches to perfect the plan and put it into operation, if the way be clear, according to the method that may appear to you wisest and best. 3. The following overture was referred to us by the last As¬ sembly: The Presbytery of St. Louis respectfully overtures the Gen¬ eral Assembly at Mobile. Ala., to request the Western Section of the Executive Commission of the Reformed Churches holding the Pres¬ byterian system to propose to the Churches composing the alliance some plan for a closer alliance or affiliation of the Young People’s Societies of our various Churches. To this overture we recommend that the Assembly give the fol¬ lowing answer: We judge it best, for the present, at least, that our young people be kept, as far as possible, under our own control and training, and that they be accustomed to the use of our own literature and methods of work. 4. Copy of the action of our Assembly having been sent by our Stated Clerk to the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the chairman of your committee received a letter fromT the Rev. W. H. Black, D. D., chairman of their Committee on Closer Relations, expressing a readiness to confer with us on that subject. This letter was considered by our committee while at Pittsburg, and the chairman was instructed' to say that since the Cumberland Church ♦Substantially the same as “Articles of Agreement,” p. 1054. Secs. 1503-1504] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1053 was represented in the conference, and since we were conferring with its representative as with the representatives of other Churches, we did not consider another and different conference necessary. 1905, p. 57. The following resolution was referred to the ad interim Committee on Closer Relations: Our representatives are requested to seek to have the basis of representation in the committee of co-operation or council of federa¬ tion established, not upon the numerical strength of each denomi¬ nation entering therein, but upon the principle which will give the smallest church representation equal with the largest, after the analogy of representation of the several States of the Federal Government in the Senate of the United .States of America, where the smallest, Rhode Island, for example, has the same representation with the largest in area, Texas, and most populous in inhabitants, New York. 1906, p. 12. Overtures touching Closer Relations and the Articles of Agreement issued by the Charlotte Conference of Committees (See next Section), were received from the following Presbyteries: North Alabama, Paducah, Arkansas, Mobile, East Alabama, Louisville, Savannah, Knoxville, Ebenezer, Upper Missouri, Greenbrier, West Lexington, Macon, Charleston, Transylvania, Muhlenburg, Chesa¬ peake, Winchester, Lexington and Nashville. It was ordered that all these papers, and others touching this matter of Closer Relations with other Presbyterian bodies, be re¬ ferred to a Select Committee consisting of one member from each Synod, said Committee to choose its own Chairman. The Committee is as follows: P. 16. E. D. McDougall, Ala.; B. W. Green, Ark.; B. L. Baker, Fla.; T. H. Rice, Ga. ; D. M. Sweets, Ky. ; Geo. Battalora, La.; W. Y. Frierson, Miss. ; H. N. Spencer, Mo.; A. J. McKelway, N. C.; Robt. Adams, S. C.; G. W. Bull, Tenn. ; O. G. Jones, Tex.; Eugene Daniel, Va. The committee appointed by the last Assembly to confer with Committees of other Presbyterian bodies touching Closer Relations, presented its report, which was referred to the above Select Com¬ mittee, and is as follows: 1805. “ Articles of Agreement.” 1906, p. 62. The Committee on “Closer Relations with the Presby¬ terian and Reformed Churches in the United States,” appointed originally by the Mobile Assembly, was continued by the Assembly last year at Fort Worth, and enlarged by the addition of the follow¬ ing names: Rev. W. J. McKay, D. D., Rev. W. McF’. Alexander, D. D., Hon. T. C. McRae and Rev. J. T. Plunket, D. D., and was authorized to confer with similar committees of other Presbyterian and Reformed Churches with a view of perfecting a plan of co-opera¬ tion, and was1 instructed to give due consideration to all suggestions and criticisms that might be offered by any of the church courts or by any of the officers and members of our Church. This Committee, on the 14th of March, 1906, in the First Presby¬ terian Church, Charlotte, N. C., met in conference with the Reformed 1054 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII Presbyterian Church (General Synod), the Reformed Church in Amer¬ ica, the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, the United Presbyterian Church, the Reformed Church in the United States, and the Associate Reformed Church. After three days of conference, the following “Articles of Agreement” were adopted': ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT 1506. Reformed Churches in America Holding the Presbyterian System The Reformed Churches in America holding the Presbyterian Sys¬ tem, desiring to evince and develop their spiritual unity and to pro¬ mote closer relations and more effective administrative co-operation among these Churches, hereby adopt fthe following Articles of Agree¬ ment in furtherance of these purposes: 1. For the prosecution of work that can be done better unitedly than separately an Ecclesiastical Council is hereby established, which shall be known by the name and style of “The Council of the Re¬ formed Churches in America holding the Presbyterian System.” 2. The Council shall consist of at least four representatives, min¬ isters or ruling elders, from each of the constituent Churches, for each one hundred thousand communicants or fraction thereof up to three hundred thousand; and where a church has more than three hundred thousand communicants, then four representatives, ministers, or elders, for each additional two hundred thousand communicants or fraction thereof. These persons shall be chosen with their alter¬ nates under the direction of their respective supreme judicatories, in such manner as those judicatories shall respectively determine. 3. Every Church entering into this agreement retains its dis¬ tinct individuality, its own creed, government and worship, as well as every power, jurisdiction and right, which is not by these Articles expressly and exclusively delegated to the body hereby constituted. 4. The Council shall exercise only such powers as are conferred upon it by these Articles, or such as may hereafter be conferred upon it by the constituent Churches. It shall not interfere with the creed, worship, or government of the Churches, and, in particular, all matters of discipline shall be left to the exclusive and final judg¬ ment of the ecclesiastical authorities of the Churches concerned. AIL acts of the Council affecting the interests of any of the constituent Churches shall have only advisory authority, except in matters cov¬ ered by Articles 6 and 7. 5. The Council shall promote the co-operation of the constituent Churches in their Foreign Missionary work, and also in their general work in the United States of America, in connection with Home Missions, Work among the Colored People, Church Erection, Sabbath Schools, Publication and Education. The Council may also advise and recommend in other matters pertaining to the general welfare of the kingdom of Christ. 6. The Council shall have power to deal with questions which may arise between the constituent Churches, in regard to matters within the jurisdiction of the Council, which the constituted agencies of the Churches concerned have been unable to settle, and’ which may be brought to the attention of the Council by the supreme judicatories of the parties thereto; and such differences shall thereupon be deter¬ mined by the Council or by such agencies as it may appoint. If determined by an agency, such as a Committee or Commission, there shall be the right of appeal to the Council for final decision. The representatives in the Council, of Churches which are parties to ques¬ tions at issue, shall be excluded from voting upon such questions. Every final decision shall be transmitted by the Council to the su¬ preme judicatories of the Churches concerned, which shall take such steps as are necessary to carry the decision into effect. 7. The Council shall have power to deal with any other matters of interest common to any two or more of the constituent Churches, Sec. 1506J Correspondence With Other Bodies 1055 which may be referred to it by the supreme judicatories of the Churches concerned’ for its action, with such authority in the premises and under such conditions as may be agreed upon by the Churches which make the reference. It may also initiate movements having co-operation in view, -subject to the approval of the Churches con¬ cerned. 8. The Council shall have power to open and maintain a friendly correspondence with the Presbyterian and other Evangelical Churches for the purpose of promoting concert of action in matters of common interest; but nothing in this Article shall be construed as affecting the present rights of correspondence of the constituent Churcnes. 9. The Council shall give full faith and credit to the acts, pro¬ ceedings and records of the duly constituted authorities of the several constituent Churches. 10. The officers of the Council shall be a President, Vice-President, Stated Clerk, Treasurer, and such other subordinate officers as may be necessary. 11. The Council shall meet in regular session at least biennially, and on its own adjournment, at such time and place as may be determined. In conduct of its meetings it shall respect the con¬ scientious views of its constituent members. The President shall call special meetings at any time when requested so to do by a majority of the representatives of each of two or more of the constituent bodies; thirty days’ notice of such meetings shall be given to all the members, and only such business may be transacted as is specified in the notice. 12. The incidental expenses of the Council shall be met by a fund to be provided by a pro rata apportionment on the basis of the representation of each Church in the Council. The expenses of the representatives shall be paid by their respective Churches. All the expenses involved in the settlement of any question between the Churches shall be borne equally by the Churches concerned. 13. When the representatives of three of the Churches, at a meet¬ ing of either the Council or its agencies, request a unit vote by Churches upon a pending motion, the vote shall be so taken. 14. The Council shall have power to make such regulations and by-laws as shall be deemed necessary for the conduct of its business. 15. After this Council shall have been constituted, any Church holding the Reformed Faith and Presbyterian Polity may be received into the Council by a majority of the representatives of the Churches, voting by the unit rule, and upon its adoption of the Articles of Agreement. 16. Any Churcli in the Council may withdraw therefrom on notice officially given, and on its observance of the same constitutional steps as were followed in its adoption of these Articles. 17. Any amendment to these Articles proposed to the Council shall before its adoption be approved by the Council, and receive the consent of two-thirds of the constituent Churches acting in accordance with their respective Constitutions. When the Councils shall have been notified of such consent it shall declare the amendment to be a part of the Articles of Agreement. 18. These Articles of Agreement shall go into effect when any two or more Churches shall adopt the same by proper action, and elect their representatives in the manner herein provided. The above articles were adopted at Charlotte, N. C., March 16, by the Committees on Closer Relations of the Reformed Presbyterian Church (General Synod), the Reformed Church in America, the Pres¬ byterian Church in the United States of America, the United Pres¬ byterian Church, the Presbyterian Church in the United’ States, the Reformed Church in the United States, and the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After these articles had been adopted by the General Conference, they were approved by your Committee, by a vote of twelve to two, 1056 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII and ordered to be sent to this Assembly with the recommendation that they be adopted. We add that the Chairman of the Executive Conference, the Rev. J. Preston Searle, and the temporary Secretary, ask from the con¬ stituent bodies approving the “Articles of Agreement” authority to make such arrangements as may be necssary for convening the first meeting of the council provided' for in these articles. (The Executive Committee which was appointed by the Conference consists of the officers of the Conference and the chairmen of the several committees. See Assembly’s Minutes, 1905, pp. 110-111.) P. 45. It was resolved that the Articles of Agreement touching Closer Relations be referred to the Presbyteries for their action. 1907, p. 12. The responses of the Presbyteries to the Articles of Agreement touching Closer Relations with other Presbyterian bodies in this country, sent down by the last Assembly, together with a number of overtures and other documents bearing upon this subject, were presented by the Stated Clerk. The resolution concerning this matter which had been docketed yesterday, was taken from the docket, and the following was adopted in its stead. That all reports, papers and overtures sent up to the Assembly by Presbyteries or individuals, touching the proposed Articles of Agreement, be referred to a special committee composed of one min¬ ister and one ruling elder from each Synod, said committee to be appointed by the Moderator and to select its own chairman, and that this committee, first, shall consider and report upon the con¬ stitutionality of the proposed adoption of said articles, with a brief statement of the reasons for its conclusions, and, second, shall recom¬ mend, upon the ground of its findings and of a study of all the papers concerned, the course to be pursued by the Assembly. The Moderator appointed the following as the committee called for in the above resolution: Neal L. Anderson and J. L. Dean, Alabama; John C. Williams and Chas. McKee, Arkansas; A. W. Pierce and C. D. Rinehart, Florida; I. S. McKlroy and P. M. Dougan, Georgia; J. S. Lyons and John .Stites, Kentucky; Geo. D. Booth and C. L. Pond, Louis¬ iana; W. D. Hedleston and W. Calvin Wells, Mississippi; W. R. Dobyns and J. G. Trimble, Missouri; Alex Martin and J. D. Mur¬ phy, North Carolina; W. M. McPheeters and P. A. McKellar, South Carolina; T. A. Wharton and Allen G. Hall, Tennessee; T. F. Gal¬ lagher and W. B. Hamilton, Texas; Russell Cecil and F. T. Glas¬ gow, Virginia. P. 28. The Select Committee on Papers Touching the Articles of Agreement,” presented majority and minority reports, The following resolutions were adopted preliminary to the discus¬ sion: 1. Your Committee on Articles of Agreement recommend to the General Assembly that the whole matter involved in the report of your committee be made a continuing order until the same shall have been disposed of. 2. Your Committee on the Articles of Agreement recommend that the Assembly allow designated representatives of the majority and Sec. 1506] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1057 minority reports two and' one-half hours each for each side in which to present the views of the majority and minority of the committee, and that then the debate be open for other members of the Assembly. Before entering upon the consideration of the reports presented, the Assembly engaged in special prayer for the divine presence and guidance. P. 43. It was resolved that the morning call be suspended and the unfinished business be taken up immediately; and also that speeches hereafter on this subject be limited to ten minutes each, the Moderator dividing the time as equally as practicable between the two sides to the question. The discussion continued till 12 o’clock, when the vote was taken upon the minority report of the committee, and the yeas and nays being called, the paper was rejected by a vote of 92 yeas to 99 nays. The following is the paper: We, the undersigned, a minority of the committee, to which was referred the consideration of “The Articles of Agrement,” beg leave to report as follows, viz.: 1. That we find the proposed action unconstitutional, for the reasons following, to-wit: (1) That the Articles create a court unknown to our Constitution, to which not only advisory, supervisory, and administrative powers and rights are delegated, but also judicial powers and jurisdiction, pertaining to matters vitally affecting the welfare of our church. (2) The Constitution provides for our receiving other ecclesiastical bodies under our jurisdiction, but makes no provision for bringing our church under the jurisdiction of another ecclesiastical body. 3. In view of the above conclusion reached by us we recommend that the Assembly decline to enact the Articles of Agreement recom¬ mended by the Charlotte Conference. (Signed with ten names.) The majority was then adopted by a vote of 96 yeas to 94 nays, and is as follows: P. 45. Your committee to which was referred the Articles of Agreement and the returns and overtures from the Presbyteries, in re the vote of the Presbyteries upon said articles, beg leave to report: 1. We have counted the vote of the Presbyteries and find that of the seventy-nine which have made returns to the General Assembly, fifty have voted in favor of the adoption of the Articles, twenty-eight have voted in favor of the rejection of the Articles and two took no action. The names of the Presbyteries, with their action, are as follows : In favor of adopting: Maryland, Ouachita, Orange, North Mis¬ sissippi, East Alabama, Arkansas, Transylvania, Lafayette, Ethel, Eastern Texas, Fort Worth, Muhlenburg, Florida, Ebenezcr, Meck¬ lenburg, Albemarle, King’s Mountain, St. Louis, Suwanee, Mobile, West Lexington, T'ombeckbee, Meridian, Potosi, Atlanta, Palmyra, Charleston, North Alabama, Upper Missouri, Brazos, Savannah, Mangurn, Pine Bluff, Paris, Augusta, Pee Dee, Western Texas, Louisville, Nashville, Concord, Knoxville, Central Texas, Asheville, Dallas, New Orleans, Paducah, Washbourne, Enoree and Central Alabama. 1058 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII Against adopting: Cherokee, Norfolk, West Hanover, Lexington, Abingdon, Winchester, Chesapeake, Harmony, Bethel, Fayetteville, El Paso, Macon, Wilmington, Durant, Western District, Mississippi, Memphis, Holston, Athens, South Carolina, Montgomery, Columbia, East Hanover, Roanoke, Louisiana, Chickasaw, Central Mississippi and Tuscaloosa. No action: Kanawha and Greenbrier. We have no returns from Presbyteries of Red River, Indian, St. John’s and Brownwood. 2. In our opinion the General Assembly can adopt the Articles of Agreement without violation of the Constitution of the church. Our reasons therefor are as follows: First — They do not contravene the letter of the Constitution. Second — They are in harmony with the spirit of the Constitution. Third — They are in line with precedents made by former General Assemblies. Fourth — They are within the class of powers given to the General Assembly by the Constitution. 3. We have carefully considered all the overtures and papers sent up by the Presbyteries with return of their votes and find none of them requires answer from this General Assembly other than that contained in this report. 4. We recommend that the Articles of Agreement be adopted by the General Assembly. 5. As the Presbyterian Church in the United States will be entitled to twelve representatives in the Council provided for by said Articles of Agreement, we recommend that the representatives be divided into three classes of four members each, to consist of two ministers and two ruling elders each. We further recommend that the representatives chosen by this General Assembly be divided into three classes to serve respectively, one, two and three years, and that hereafter as vacancies occur in the representation by expiration of terms of service, the persons chosen to fill said vacancies be chosen for a full term of three years. 6. We recommend that the Moderator appoint a committee of five who shall nominate and report to this General Assembly the names of twelve persons qualified to serve as representatives from this church, dividing the same into classes as provided for in this report. 7. We recommend that until some other provision be made, the representatives certify to the then Moderator of the General Assem¬ bly their actual expenses incurred in attending to their duties as such representatives, and if the same be approved by the Moderator, the Stated Clerk and Treasurer pay them. P. 53. The nominating committee referred to above (item 6) "was as follows: J. M. Grier, Chalmers Fraser, F. W. Lewis, W. D. Hedleston and J. L. Dean. P. 58. The committee on nomination of delegates to council, established by the adoption of Charlotte “Articles of Agreement,” Sec. 1506] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1050 would recommend the following delegates with their alternates, in order named: Class 1. To serve one year : Rev. W. McF. Alexander, D. D.* New Orleans, La.; Rev. W. T. Hall, D. D., Columbia, S. C. ; Mr. C. N. Roberts, Sherman, Texas; Mr. H. O. Fulton, Columbia, Tenn. Alternates : Rev. J. E. Jones, D. D., Meridian, Miss.; Rev. J. H. McNeilly, D. D., Nashville, Tenn.; Hon. W. F. Stevenson* Cheraw, S. C. ; Mr. C. Matheson, Gainesville, Fla. Class II. To serve two years: Rev. J. F. Cannon, D. D., St.. Louis, Mo.; Rev. J. S. Lyons, D. D., Louisville, Ry. ; Hon. Hoke Smith, Atlanta, Ga. ; Hon. T. C. McRae, Prescott, Ark. Alternates r Rev. M. McN. McKay, D. D., Fort Smith, Ark.; Rev. Neal L. Anderson, D. D., Montgomery, Ala.; Col. T. W. Bullitt, Louisville* Ky. ; Mr. J. M. Chaney, Jr., Independence, Mo. Class III. To serve three years: Rev. J. R. Howerton, D. D.,. Montreat, N. C. ; Rev. Russell Cecil, D. D., Richmond, Va. ; T. H. Somerville, LL. D., Oxford, Miss.; Judge R. T. Simpson, Florence* Ala. 1 Alternates : Rev. J. Y. Fair, D. D., Savannah, Ga. ; Rev.. Robt. Hill, D. D., Dallas, Texas; Mr. F. T. Glasgow, Lexington* Va. ; Hon. A. M. Scales, Greensboro, N. C. This report was received and adopted, and the parties therein nominated were elected. 1908, p. 18. Your committee has examined, with care, the report . from the Council of the Reformed Churches in America holding the Presbyterian System. We would call attention to the fact that the terms of the following members representing our church in this Couucil will expire this year — Rev. W. McF. Alexander, D. D., Rev. W. T. Hall, D. D., Mr. C. N. Roberts and Mr. H. O. Fulton, with their alternates, Rev. J. E. Jones, D. D., Rev. J. H. McNeilly, D. D., Hon. W. F. Stevenson and Mr. C. Matheson. We recommend that these vacancies be filled by the Moderator. We recommend that, in compliance with the request of the Coun¬ cil, the report of the Committee on Foreign Missions and the report of the Committee on Home Missions, which are in the Minutes of the Council, be referred to our Executive Committee on Foreign Missions and our Executive Committee on Home Missions, res¬ pectively. We recommend that $83, the amount apportioned to our church be appropriated as our share of the incidental expenses of the Council, to be paid out of the funds of the Assembly. Adopted. P. 17. That inasmuch as the Council of Reformed Churches in America at its late meeting designated the evangelization of the negroes as a field in which the various churches constituting the council are willing to unite, our Assembly hereby express its ap¬ proval of such co-operation and welcome the help of our sister churches in giving a pure gospel to our large colored population,, with the hope that such united effort may result in the building up of a strong colored Presbyterian Church; and, furthermore, that 1Q60 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII our secretary, Dr. James G. Snedecor, place himself in touch by cor¬ respondence or otherwise, with the proper authorities of said churches, with a view to facilitating as far as he can said co-opera¬ tion. P. 33. An overture from the Synod of South Carolina, asking for the appointment of an ad interim committee to consider the con¬ stitutional and other objections that have been or may be brought against the action of the Birmingham Assembly in the matter of the Articles of Agreement. Answer : In view of the fact that no objection is mentioned nor any unconstitutional act specified in the above overture, the Assem¬ bly sees no reason why an ad interim committee should be appointed. Adopted. P. 47. The Moderator reappoints as representatives in the Coun¬ cil of the Alliance the four members whose terms expire this year, with their alternates, viz. : Principals : W. McF. Alexander, D. D., W. T. Hall, D. D., Mr. C. N. Roberts, Mr. H. O. Fulton. Alternates : J. E. Jones, D. D., J. H. McNeilly, D. D., Hon. W. F. Stevenson, Mr. C. Matheson. 1909, p. 63. In regard to the communications from the Council of the Reformed Churches in America, holding the Presbyterian system, we would recommend: 1. That the Assembly appoint a Standing Committee on the Minutes of this Council. 2. That our apportionment of the expenses of the Council, amount¬ ing to the sum of $83, be paid. 3. That all matters pertaining to the work of the Executive Com¬ mittees of our Church be referred to those Committees, respectively, with power to act. Adopted. 1910, p. 65. The Standing Committee on the Council of the Reformed Churches: made the following report, which was adopted: Your Standing Committee on the Minutes of the Council of the Reformed Churches in America Holding the Presbyterian System respectfully offer the following report: 1. We have examined the printed Minutes of the Council and find them kept in proper order and detail. 2. We note with pleasure that co-operation in our Foreign Mis¬ sion work by our several governing bodies is already an accom¬ plished fact. 3. We learn that joint agreements as to the conduct of Home Mission work have been entered upon by some of the constituent bodies, and with good results. 4. We recommend that the sum of $83, asked of our Assembly for the annual expenses of the Council for the year ending March 31, 1911, be paid. 5. We recommend that the Assembly answer in the affirmative the overture from the Council requesting permission to call con¬ ferences of the representatives of the official agencies of the con- Sec. 1506] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1061 stituent churches of the Council, when such conferences are neces¬ sary and practicable. 6. We recommend that the Council’s overture that our Assembly authorize our Executive Committee of Home Missions to supply certain information about Home Missions, be answered in /the affirmative. 7. We recommend the re-election of the following representatives of our Assembly in Council for a period of three years: Rev. J. R. Howerton, D. D., Lexington, Va. ; Rev. Russell Cecil, D. D., Rich¬ mond, Va. ; T. H. Somerville, LL. D., Oxford, Miss.; Judge R. T. Simpson, Florence, Ala. Alternates’. Rev. J. Y. Fair, D. D., Rich¬ mond, Va.; Rev. Robt. Hill, D. D., Dallas, Tex.; F. T. Glasgow, Lexington, Va.; A. M. Scales, Greensboro, N. C. 1911, p. 40. . We commend the spirit of unity, and progressive¬ ness that is manifested in the proceedings of the Council and urge the hearty cooperation of all our Churches as the recommendations of the Council may be amended and modified to suit our respective needs and conditions. As to work among the colored people,, see this Digest, p. 308. In reference to work among foreign speaking people, see this Digest, p. 300. For co-operation in Home Missions, see this Digest, p. 1054. In regard to Education and Publication, see this Digest, p. 1054. We recommend the appointment of the following representatives of the executive agencies of this Assembly in the Council of 1912: Rev. S. L. Morris, D. D., Rev. H. H. Sweets, D. D., Mr. R. E. Magill. We recommend the appropriation of $83.00 asked of our Assem¬ bly for the annual expenses of the Council for the year ending March 31, 1912. We recommend the re-election for a period of three years of Rev. W. McF. Alexander, D. D., New Orleans, La., and Mr. H. O. Fulton, Columbia, Tenn., and the substitution of the name of Rev. R. C. Reed, D. D., Columbia, S. C., instead of the name of Rev. W. T. Hall, deceased, and the name of Prof. D. F. Eagleton, Sherman, Tex., in place of Capt. C. N. Roberts, infirm. 1913, p. 70h. Your Standing Committee on the Minutes of the Council of the Reformed Churches in America Holding the Pres¬ byterian System would respectfully report that we have examined the Minutes of the Executive Committee, which has met twice during the year, there having been no meeting of the Council, and would rcommend : 1st. That the Treasurer be authorized to pay our apportionment of seventy-five dollars for the annual current expenses of the coun¬ cil for the year ending March 31st, 1914. 2nd. That the following members be re-elected for a period of three years: Rev. J. R. Howerton, D. D., Lexington, Va. ; Rev. Rus¬ sell Cecil, D. D., Richmond, Va. ; Prof. T. H. Somerville, LL. D., Oxford, Miss.; Judge A. C. Howze, Birmingham, Ala. Alternates: 1062 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII Rev. J. Y. Fair, D. D., Richmond, Va. ; Rev. Robt. Hill, D. D., Dallas, Tex.; Mr. F. T. Glasgow, Lexington, Va. ; Mr. A. M. Scales, Greensboro, N. C. 1914, p. 63. We recommend: 1. That the Assembly approve the request of the Council, on page 4 of printed Minutes, “that the Supreme Judicatories authorize their Executive Agencies to appoint representatives to be present at future meetings of the Council.” 2. That the Assembly adopt the following recommendation, page 13 of printed Minutes: “In order to make effective the principles of comity adopted at previous meetings of the Council, we recommend: “1. That the Supreme Judicatories direct their Synods each to appoint three representatives to act with representatives of other Presbyterian and Reformed bodies in constituting a Joint Advisory Committee of Comity, for the purpose of effecting a fair exchange of Churches, to discourage overlapping of Home Mission forces, to settle cases of friction, and promote other phases of co-operation in Home Mission work, the Joint Advisory Committee to report to each of the appointing Synods. “2. That in any city of less than 100,000 where any Presbyterian or Reformed Church is at work among foreign people, no other Presbyterian or Reformed Church shall open a work for the same people in that city until other cities and towns where such work is needed have been occupied. “3. That in case of any denomination contemplating opening work for foreigners in such cities already occupied by one of the constituent Churches of this Council, this matter shall be referred to the Committee of Comity, provided for in Resolution 1 of this report.” 4. That the following resolutions, printed Minutes, page 18, be referred to the Executive Committee of Publication and Sabbath School Work and the Committee of Christian Education and Minis¬ terial Relief for consideration and appropriate action: “ Resolved , That this Council appoint a committee to consider, formulate and report to the Council plans for the introduction of moral and religious training, in our public schools; plans which, without violating any phase of the great and cherished principle of government by which Church and State are separated in our land, may yet be systematic and competent. “ Resolved , That the Council request each of the Judicatories to appoint a committee to co-operate with the committee of the Council both in securing facts and formulating plans. “As to the Bible in public schools, the following is recommended : “Whereas, the Word of God is the charter of the spiritual and civil rights of man, as abundantly illustrated in the history and institutions of this country; and, “Whereas, persistent efforts are being made to exclude the Bible from use in the public schools; therefore, be it Sec. 1506] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1063 “Resolved, That the Council overtures the Supreme Judicatories to use every proper means in maintaining the Word of God as an essential element in the education and training of the youth of the land.” 5. That the Assembly re-elect for the term of three years the following representatives, whose terms expire at this time: Rev. W. McF. Alexander, D. D., Rev. R. C. Reed, D. D. Prof. D. F. Eagleton, Mr. H. O. Fulton. 6. That the Assembly direct that the sum of $75.00, the appor¬ tionment of expenses of the Council assigned to our Church, be paid by the Treasurer of this Assembly. 1915, p. 74. Your Committee on the Minutes of the Council of the Reformed Churches in America has carefully considered the minutes, and submits the following report: This Council includes seven constituent Churches namely: the Reformed Church in America, the Reformed Church in the U. S., the Presbyterian Church U. S. A., the United Presbyterian Church, the Presbyterian Church U. S., the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Synod, and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Colored). The regular meetings of the Council are held biennially, and no meeting has been held during the past ecclesiastical year. The next regular meeting will be held on the third Tuesday of March, 1916. In the intervals between the regular meetings the business of the Council is transacted by the Executive Committee, which Committee also in these intervals formulates and forwards the reports to the constituent bodies. This Executive Committee is composed of the four officers of the Council, together with the chairmen of the six committees. This Assembly is represented on the Executive Com¬ mittee by T. H. Sommerville, LL. D., the Vice-President of the Council, and by Rev. Russell Cecil, D. D., Chairman of the Com¬ mittee on Home Missions. The Executive Committee met in Philadelphia December 15, 1914, and, in accordance with the action last year of this Assembly and of other constituent bodies, appointed the Committee of Eleven on Closer Co-operation, of which Rev. J. ,S. Lyons, D. D., of At¬ lanta, was made Chairman and Rev. Russell Cecil, D. D., of Rich¬ mond, was made a member. This Committee of Eleven is charged with very important and far-reaching duties, and is instructed to give attention to “more effective administrative co-operation between the several Presbyte¬ rian and Reformed Churches represented in the Council, with par¬ ticular reference to the formulation of an effective federation of their plans, work, and executive or administrative agencies, both in the home and foreign fields.” The work of this Committee has been so distributed as to give promise of results that will be of distinct value to the Churches. This Committee of Eleven is called to meet in Philadelphia on June 22, 1915, and it is composed of the fol¬ lowing members: Rev. J. S. Lyons, D. D., with Rev. Drs„ Geo. Alexander, R. W. Miller, T. H. Mackenzie, D. F. McGill, W. H. Relations With Other Bodies 1064 [Book VII Roberts, Russell Cecil, J. B. Laird, J. Alvin Orr, E. S. Bromer, and J. D. Searle. We recommend: ( 1 ) That the Assembly direct our four Executive Secretaries to confer and co-operate in their judgment, if feasible, through their respective Executive Committees, with the Committee of Eleven on Closer Co-operation of the Council. (2) That the Treasurer of the Assembly be directed to pay the annual apportionment of $75.00, our share for the current expenses of the Council. (3) That the following be appointed members of this Council for a term of three years: Principals, Rev. J. F. Cannon, D. D., St. Louis, Mo.; Rev. J. S. Lyons, D. D., Atlanta, Ga. ; Hon. T. C. McRae, Prescott, Ark.; Pres. J. R. Dobyns, Clarksville, Term. 1916, p. 53. The Committee on the Minutes of the Council of Reformed Churches in America holding the Presbyterian System, beg leave to report the following: The Council held its regular session in Philadelphia, Pa., on March 22 and 23, 1916. Present: Official delegates, 47, and 33 representatives of the 30 Boards of Churches represented. Total present, 80. We call attention to the following action as part of the action of the Council upon the subject of Home Missions, under the head Comity : Resolved, 1. That the supreme judicatories direct their Synods to appoint three representatives, and that the Synods direct the Presbyteries and Classes also to appoint three representatives to act with representatives of other Presbyterian and Reformed bodies in constituting Joint Advisory Committees of Comity for the purpose of effecting a fair exchange of churches, to discourage overlapping of Home Mission forces, to settle cases of friction, and promote other phases of co-operation in Home Mission work, the Joint Advisory Committees to report to each of the appointing bodies. Before definite action is taken on any specific matter, a confer¬ ence between the interested bodies shall be had. 2. That in cities with less than one hundred thousand popula¬ tion, where one Presbyterian or Reformed church is operating among the foreign population, all other Presbyterian and Reformed churches are instructed to co-operate in said work through the denomination already in charge. 3. That the various constituent bodies engaged in work among foreigners of the same nationality be encouraged to co-operate in the matter of providing suitable literature for these people, in the education of young men for the ministry, and in the possible ex¬ change of congregations, where such action would advance the work among such people. 4. That the supreme judicatories instruct their Stated Clerks to send printed copies of this action to the Stated Clerks of all their Synods, Presbyteries, and Classes, together with a letter calling Sec. 1506] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1065 special attention to the significance of this action, and asking that immediate attention be given it and the committees provided for be appointed. 1. We recommend that said action be taken. Again we call attention to this action, under the subject of The Protestant Reformation : (a) Protestant Reformation. — Whereas, the four hundredth an¬ niversary of the Protestant Reformation occurs in 1917; and Whereas, the Churches constituting the Council of the Reformed Churches holding the Presbyterian System represent historically one great branch of the Christian Church of the Reformation, there¬ fore, Resolved, That the Council recommends to the several supreme judicatories the holding of suitable anniversary services for the pur¬ pose of emphasizing the great principles of the Reformation in the sixteenth century. (b) Public Schools. — (1) That the Council appoint a committee to consider, formulate, and report to the Council plans for the in¬ troduction of moral and religious training in our public schools, plans which, without violating any phase of the great and cherished principle of government by which Church and State are separated in our land, may be yet systematic and competent. (2) That the Council request each of the judicatories to appoint a committee to co-operate with the committee of the Council both in securing facts and formulating plans. 2. We recommend that said action be taken, and that Dr. W. W. Moore, of Richmond, Va., be appointed to co-operate with the com¬ mittee of the Council in securing facts and forming plans. 3. We recommend that the following be elected to fill vacancies for a term of three years: Rev. Ernest Thompson, D. D., Charleston, W. Va. Rev. R. F. Campbell, D. D., Asheville, N. C. Mr. Calvin Wells, Jackson, Miss. Mr. A. M. Scales, Greensboro, N. C. Alternates : Rev. J. Y. Fair, D. D., Richmond, Va. Rev. Robert Hill, D. D., Tyler Tex. Mr. F. T. Glasgow, Fexington, Va. Rev. R. F. Kirkpatrick, D. D., Memphis, Tenn. 4. We recommend that the $75.00 assessment made on this As¬ sembly be paid. 1917, p. 26. The Committee on Minutes of Council of Reformed Churches of America holding the Presbyterian System report as follows : The minutes of the 1916 Council, placed in our hands, were ex¬ amined by the General Assembly of 1916, and report of such is found in the Minutes of said Assembly. We have selected the following members in place of those whose terms expired March 31, 1917: Rev. W. McF. Alexander, D. D., 1066 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII New Orleans; Prof. D. A. Penick, Austin, Texas; Rev. R. C. Reed, D. D., Columbia, S. C. ; Mr. H. O. Fulton, Columbia, Tenn. Alternates — Rev. A. B. Curry, D. D., Memphis, Tenn.; Rev. W. L. Lingle, D. D., Richmond, Va. ; Mr. Geo. W. Watts, Durham, N. C. ; Mr. H. T. McIntosh, Albany, Ga. 1918, p. 39. Your Committee on the Minutes of the Council of the Reformed Churches in America holding the Presbyterian Sys¬ tem would respectfully report that the copy of the Minutes of the meeting held in Philadelphia, Pa., March 19-20, 1918, has been examined and the various requests and recommendations carefully considered. In accordance with the action of previous Assemblies concerning closer co-operation in the work and the administrative agencies of the Churches of the Council, your Committee would recommend: 1. That the suggested Conferences of the Secretaries of Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Christian Education and work among colored people, to consider how the agencies of the constituent Churches can best co-operate in their work, be referred to the re¬ spective Committees for consideration and action. 2. That the Assembly view with favor the suggestion of the Coun¬ cil under the head of Ministerial Relief concerning “the reciprocal recognition by each of the boards of the constituent Churches of full credit in each for the years of service rendered in any one of them where a minister is transferred from one Church to another,’’ and that this matter be referred to the Executive Committee of Min¬ isterial Relief for its investigation and such action as in its judg¬ ment is considered wise. 3. That the special attention of the Assembly be directed to the statement in the report of the Council concerning the great short¬ age of ministers and of ministerial candidates, duetto so many min¬ isters being engaged in some form of war work and the enlistment of so many students in the army and navy, and to the suggestion of the Council that consecrated laymen be more largely used in the conduct of religious services and,, in the supply of vacant churches. 4. That the plan of Federal Union for all the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches in America submitted by the Council for the consideration of this Assembly be referred to the Conference Com¬ mittee on Federation with the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. 5. That the following persons be elected to membership on the Council for a term of three years: Rev. J. S. Lyons, D. D., Rev. J. F. Cannon, D. D., Hon. T. C. McRae, Mr. R. A. Brand; Alternates, Rev. R. H. McCaslin, D. D., Rev. R. E. Douglas, D. D., Mr. W. R. McDaniel, Mr. G. W. Taylor. 6. That the Treasurer of the Assembly be directed to pay $75.00, the amount apportioned to our Church, for the expenses of the Council. 1919, p. 68. Your Committee on Minutes of the Council of Re¬ formed Churches in Atnerica holding the Presbyterian System re- Sec. 1506] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1067 spectfully report that the year which we are appointed to consider was not a time for a regular meeting of the said body. Into our hands has come a report of the proceedings of the Executive Com¬ mittee of the Council. It is brief, because little was done. A plan of Federal Union is therein resubmitted to us in succinct form, the Request being made for us to approve it “that the plan may be put into “execution.” We only call attention to these facts, as a more comprehensive plan for Federal Union is already before the Assem¬ bly. The Council asks our “consent ... to the following resolu¬ tion: First, that the Supreme Judicatories authorize their Execu¬ tive Agencies to appoint representatives to be present at future meet¬ ings of the Council; second, that each of the -Supreme Judicatories appoint Standing Committees to report upon the minutes and recom¬ mendations of the Council.” We recommend that our “consent” be so given. We also recommend: First, that Rev. J. S. Lyons, D. D., the duly accredited delegate from the Council to this Assembly, be heard as such, if the privilege is desired; second, that, in place of the four brethren whose tehns expire at this time, the following be appointed to represent our Church in the Council for the next three years : Rev. Robt. Hill, D. D., Tyler, Texas. Rev. A. L. Patterson, D. D., Savannah, Ga. Rev. D. Clay Lilly, D. D., Winston, N. C. Dr. A. J. A. Alexander, Spring Station, Ky. And the following be their alternates, in the order in which they are named: Hon. Rhodes S. Baker, Dallas, Texas. Rev. Dr. C. H. H. Branch, Texarkana, Ark. Rev. W. H. Boggs, Columbia, S. C. Rev. U. D. Mooney, D. D., New Orleans, La. Third. That our pro rata share of $75.00 for the annua! ex¬ penses of the Council be paid out of the Assembly’s treasury. Fourth. That we pray the blessing of our God and Saviour upon the Council in the gift of power to suggest the best things and the wisest methods for promoting “redemption through His blood according to the riches of His grace.” 1920, p. 80c. Your Committee on the Council of Reformed Churches in America begs leave to report as follows: We have carefully read the minutes of the meeting of the Coun¬ cil of Reformed Churches in America, and find that the Council de¬ sires to call the attention of the Churches interested to two matters of special importance: 1. The Council asks our churches to consider the need of “in¬ creasing greatly and promptly the endowments of our Christian colleges, in order that competent Christian teachers may be retained* and that students may not be turned away because of excessive tui¬ tion charges.” In calling the attention of our Assembly to this mat- 1068 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII ter, the Council urges, as argument, that “government figures show that the cost of living has increased 82 per cent.” Another set of government figures show that at the same time the average wage of the workers in eight leading industries has increased 95 per cent., but that the salaries of teachers in Presbyterian colleges have in¬ creased only 31 per cent., and to enable them to live they must be given increased compensation. Unless this is remedied they will be compelled to yield to strong pressure and go to other institutions where good teachers are sorely needed. It will not do to increase tuition charges, or we will shut out, or turn toward State Schools, the very boys and girls we are seeking for the Christian vocations, and who need the training and inspiration of the Christian college. The only remedy for a situation which has become critical is a large increase in college endowments.” 2. The Council asks our Assembly to send the following recom¬ mendation to our Presbyteries: “That all Presbyteries take suitable action calling the attention of ministers and Sessions to the marked tendency toward much closer co-operation among Churches of the Presbyterian type, and that they recommend to their congregations, especially to those lo¬ cated in cities, that, in all cases where a change of site is contem¬ plated, conference be had with representatives of any adjacent church of the Presbyterian family, with a view to arranging, if possible, for such a combination and redistribution of forces as will pro¬ vide accessible Churches and make for greater efficiency, instead of seeming competition, on the part of the Presbyterian organizations.” We find that it will be necessary for this Assembly to elect four representatives, with their alternates, to succeed those whose terms expire in 1920. We recommend the following for the year term 1920-1923: Principal Alternate Rev. Geo. Summey, D. D . Rev. Wm. Crowe, D. D. H. L. Moseley . . . Rev. Thos. C. Johnson, D. D. Rev. A. W. Blackwood, D. D . Hon. A. M. Scales J. B. Milligan . , . H. R. Todd And for the unexpired term of Rev. J. F. Cannon, D. D., de¬ ceased, Rev. C. R. Nesbit, D. D. 1921, p. 80b. The standing Committee on the Minutes of the Council of the Churches in America holding the Presbyterian Sys¬ tem made the following report, which was adopted : We have carefully read the report of the Council of the Reformed Churches in America holding the Presbyterian System, also pam¬ phlet, “Constitution of the Presbyterian Reformed Churches in America as approved by the Joint Committee at Philadelphia, Feb¬ ruary 9, 1921.” Inasmuch as the contents of these two papers deal almost exclus¬ ively with Church Union, and that question having already been presented to the Assembly by the Ad Interim Committee on Closer Sec. 1506] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1069 Relations with other Churches of Like Faith and Order, we have no recommendations to make as to these two papers. We find it necessary for this Assembly to elect four representatives, with their alternates, to succeed those whose terms expire in 1921. We recommend the following for the three-year term, 1921-1924: Principals — Rev. J. S. Lyons, D. D., Atlanta, Ga. ; Rev. C. R. Nisbett, D. D., Kansas City, Mo.; Elder E. T. Miller, St. Louis, Mo.; Elder R. A. Brand, Wilmington, N. C. Alternates — Rev. R. H. McCaslin, D. D., Montgomery, Ala.; Rev. R. E. Douglas, D. D., Macon, Ga. ; W. R. McDaniel, Milford, Texas. And for the unexpired term of the Rev. A. W. Blackwood, Jr., D. D., Dr. J. M. Wells, D. D., Wilmington, N. C., for two years. 1922, p. 31. Report of Standing Committee on the Minutes of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches in America. Your Committee had placed in its hands the following papers: The Minutes of the General Council of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches in America, the report of the Council, an over¬ ture from Tuscaloosa Presbytery asking that the amended consti¬ tution be sent down to the Presbyteries for their approval and adoption, and a letter from Rev. J. Sprole Lyons, D. D., suggest¬ ing that we elect representatives on this Council on the old basis of representation rather than on the new basis as a matter of econ¬ omy, stating that the U. S. A. Church was going to take the same action. Rev. Geo. Summey, D. D., of New Orleans, was elected as official delegate to this Assembly. We recommend — First — That the Assembly approve the action of the Council in adopting the amended constitution or plan of union, in spite of some apparent irregularities attendant upon the canvass of the re¬ turns of the constituent bodies of the Council. Second — That the overture from Tuscaloosa Presbytery be an¬ swered in the negative. Third — That the official delegate, Rev. Geo. Summey, D. D., be heard by the Assembly pending the adoption of this report. Fourth — We recommend the adoption of the suggestion of Rev. J. S. Lyons, D. D., President of the Council, touching the basis of representation. We note that the term of the following principals and alternates expires at this meeting: Principals — Rev. Robert Hill, D. D., Tyler, Texas; Rev. A. L. Patterson, Savannah, Ga.; Rev. D. Clay Lilly, D. D., Lexington, Ky. ; Dr. A. J. A. Alexander, Spring Station, Ky. Alternates — Hon. R. S. Baker, Dallas, Texas; Rev. C. H. H. Branch, Texarkana, Ark.; Rev. W. H. Boggs, Columbia, S. C.; Rev. U. D. Mooney, D. D., New Orleans, La. We recommend that these gentlemen be re-elected for a term of three years. 1070 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VIE (For full report, see page 200 of Appendix, and for Amended Constitution, see page 210 of Appendix.) 1507. Comity between the Assemblies The following memorial was addressed to the Assembly U. S. A. : 1915, p. 21. Overtures have reached us from two of our Presby¬ teries in the South complaining of breaches of comity on the part Hof Presbyteries subject to your jurisdiction. Rev. Geo. Summey, D. D., of the Presbytery of New Orleans, a Presbytery under our jurisdiction, is commissioned to lay the facts before your venerable body. While passing no judgment on the merits of these com¬ plaints, we bespeak for him your patient hearing, as we are exceed¬ ingly anxious that the relations of comity existing between the two Assemblies should not be disturbed by any action of the lower courts. 1915, p. 30. In answer to the protest from the Committee on Comity of the Synod of Texas, concerning violations of the prin¬ ciples of comity adopted by the highest Judicatories of the Church, We recommend that this protest be referred to the Council of Reformed Churches in America holding the Presbyterian System. The following telegram was received from the General Assembly, XJ. S. A.: 1915, p. 76. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, in session at Rochester, N. Y., has adopted the following action, which is hereby transmitted to you for such action as may be agree¬ able to your venerable body: “The Committee on Bills and Overtures beg leave to report in the matter of a memorial from the Presbyterian Church U. S. that they have received the papers placed in their hands by the Rev. Dr. Geo. Summey, the accredited representative of the Presbyterian Church U. S.; that they have heard him, and beg to submit the following as their recommendation for the action of the Assembly: “Resolved, That papers which have been referred to the Com¬ mittee on Bills and Overtures in the matter of the memorial of the Presbyterian Church U. S. are hereby referred to the Executive Commission with power; they are directed: “(1) To confer with our own Presbyteries and Synods, in order that the facts in the case may be known and that the rights of our Presbyteries may be safeguarded, and that justice may be done to ■all concerned. “(2) Also to confer with any committee or other agency that may be appointed by the General Assembly U. S. in a spirit of fraternal and brotherly kindness. “(3) Also to endeavor to make more definite the basis of comity between the bodies. “Resolved, That this action to be telegraphed by the Stated Clerk 1920. 1921, p. 26. The report of Rev. Russell Cecil, D. D., of the Committee on World Conference on Faith and Order, was pre¬ sented and referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Cor¬ respondence. ( See Appendix. ) 1921, p. 35. The report of the World Conference on Faith and Order, together with the report of our Committee in that Confer¬ ence, has been placed in our hands. The Executive Committee of the World Conference is planning for a Conference of all the churches throughout the world in the interest of Christian Unity. A preliminary meeting was held at Geneva, Switzerland, in August, 1920, at which our Church was represented by Rev. S. H. Chester, by appointment of last Assem¬ bly, and he was made a member of the Conference Continuation Committee. A meeting of this Committee has been appointed at Annadale, New York, August 17-25, of this year. We recommend that the General Assembly continue its connec¬ tion with the World Conference of Faith and Order, to be rep¬ resented by Dr. Russell Cecil, Dr. S. H. Chester and Dr. J. Horace Lacy, with Dr. J. H. Taylor as alternate to either of the others, and that the Treasurer of the Assembly be authorized to pay the expenses of these Committeemen in attending the meetings of their respective Committees. 1922, p. 33. We have read carefully the report of the Com¬ mittee on the World’s Conference on Faith and Order, and rec¬ ommend that the Committee, composed of Rev. Russell Cecil, D. D., and Rev. J. H. Lacy, D. D., be continued as the representa- Relations With Other Bodies 1092 [Book VII tives of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S., until the next As¬ sembly. 1514. Christian Faith and Social Service 1913, p. 66. A communication from the Rev. Dr. R. H. Flem¬ ing, asking that this Assembly appoint a committee to meet similar committees, if appointed by the other Assemblies now in session in the city, in order that these committees may prepare a joint dec¬ laration on the relation of the Christian Faith and Social Service, to be adopted by their respective Assemblies. In response thereto your Committee recommend that this Assembly appoint an Ad Interim Committee of five to meet similar committees, if appointed by the other Presbyterian Assemblies, and that this Committee be charged with the duty of preparing in conjunction with these other committees, if they be appointed, or alone if these said committees be not appointed, a full statement upon this whole subject of the relation of the Christian Faith and of the Presbyterian Church to Social Reform and Social Service, and report the same to the Gen¬ eral Assembly of 1914. 1914, p. 28. The report of this Committee was adopted and is as follows (p. 161): The report of the Joint Committee appointed to prepare a United Declaration on Christian Faith and Social Service by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church of North America, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Synod of the South. Tfie Joint Committee would respectfully submit the following report : We were appointed in response to a proposal that our four Pres¬ byterian Churches should prepare and publish a united declaration of their common faith in the great truths of the gospel in relation to what has come to be known as Social Service. We understand from the action taken by the respective bodies which appointed us that our Churches call for such a declaration as will make clear to the world the true place of Social Service in Christian life and work. Our United Declaration In preparing this United Declaration, we use the words: “Christian Faith” to designate the teachings of the Holy Scrip¬ tures, the essential doctrines of which are held in common by all Uvangelical Churches and are embodied in the ecumenical creeds of Christendom. “Church” to designate an organized body instituted by Christ and exercising her corporate functions through her courts and of¬ ficers. “Social Service” to designate the practice of the principles set forth in God’s holy law which regulate the relations by which men Sec. 1514] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1093 are bound together in the social order, this practice being a part of those good works of which our Confession of Faith teaches that they are only such as God hath commanded in His Holy Word, and are done in obedience to God’s command, and are the fruits and evidence of a lively faith, and at best cannot merit pardon of sin or eternal life at the hand of God. Accordingly, our Churches unite in saying: I. We believe that man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever, and that the first duty of all men is to seek God, to repent of sin, to accept the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ, and to dedicate their lives unreservedly to His service. II. We believe that, from the creation of man, God has ordained for us those social relationships which are to His glory and to the happiness and usefulness of mankind, and that in every age He has made known His will that he that loveth God must love his brother also. III. We believe that the moral principles upon which all social rela¬ tions are based were written in the heart of man when he was made in the image of God, that these principles have been obscured by sin and are revealed anew in the Holy Scriptures. Inasmuch as all evils, social and individual, have their source in human sin and selfishness, they can be remedied only by the divinely appointed plan for salvation from sin, and through the divinely given mo¬ tive which is the love begotten in our hearts through God’s love for us in the gift of His Son. IV. We believe that the Church, holding the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is not only the appointed means to salvation from eternal death, but that, with the State and family, she has a distinctive work to do in bettering the social relations of men in this present world. The power given to the Church is spiritual, ministerial and declarative, and her function, through the Word and the Holy Spirit, is to inculcate and apply those principles and to quicken those motives which are essential to all true and lasting reform. V. We believe that the social conditions of our day require emphasis upon the divine message for the following reasons: 1. The tremendous advance in our time of scientific discovery and invention and of commercial, industrial and civic enterprises 1094 Relations With Other Bodies [Book VII by which men have been brought into closer relations of reciprocal dependence and service towards one another as individuals and towards society as an organized body. 2. The vast increase of wealth, its unequal and, often, unjust distribution, and the consequent increase of the power of the priv¬ ileged few to exploit their fellowmen for private and selfish ends. 3. The development of great business corporations which dis¬ charge many of the functions once belonging to individuals, and as a result of this the weakening of the sense of individual respon¬ sibility for social wrongs. 4. The fostering or protection of vice as an instrument to pri¬ vate gain or to selfish ambition for place and power. 5. The submergence of large classes in ignorance and poverty, so that the difficulty of reaching them with the message of Christ is greatly increased. These reasons require that the Church of Jesus Christ, which takes its stand as Christ did against the sins of social injustice and tyranny, as well as against other forms of sin, should emphasize: 1. The duty of man toward his fellowmen as individuals, and towards society, with reference to the life that now is as well as the life which is to come. 2. The duty of men to put into practice the Christian principles of Love, Justice, and Truth in all their social relations, economic, industrial or political; as officials or citizens of the State; as em¬ ployers and employees; as capitalists and laborers; as stockholders or officers in corporations, and in all similar relationships. 3. The responsibility of men both for the manner in which they acquire positions, possessions and power in their social relations, and for the manner in which, as stewards of God, they use these, lest, in the great day of judgment, they be found unfaithful. 4. The responsibility of every individual, not only for those social wrongs to which he may be a contributing cause, but for those which, by his prayers and efforts, he could assist in abolishing. 5. The duty of Christian citizens to observe those principles of our religion which require that every man do his full share of the world’s work; which oppose injustice and tyranny, even when these are entrenched in the usages of our civilization; which lead men to endeavor to maintain themselves in a self-respecting, God¬ fearing way, this self-maintenance being understood to include a fair return for labor, sufficient to support the man and his family against illness and old age, and relief from labor on one day in seven; which lead to movements to secure childhood against forced labor, and woman against conditions degrading womanhood. 6. The duty of every man to accept Jesus Christ and obey His teachings as the only cure for the injustice, tyranny and sins now looming so large upon the world’s horizon. Sec. 1514] Correspondence With Other Bodies 1095 VI. We believe that, inasmuch as many of these evils are rooted in the past and have grown with the development of civilization, they can be cured only by concerted and organized effort on the part of all good citizens. Our Churches, therefore, should always encour¬ age voluntary organizations for the betterment of social conditions and urge their members to co-operate in them, leaving private judgment to decide what means or methods, or what organizations, are best adapted to the promotion of these desirable ends. Your Joint Committee would respectfully recommend to the General Assemblies and to the Synod which appointed that: 1. This report be adopted. 2. This report be printed by the Boards of Publication of our Churches, or by one of these Boards acting for the others, in the number of at least ten thousand copies for distribution. 3. This report be transmitted to the supreme judicatories of our sister Churches in the Federal Council for their consideration by the Clerk of this Committee, Rev. D. F. McGill, Ben Avon, Pa. 4. Our Churches cordially recognize and encourage the Federal Council as affording a common ground where all who love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ may meet for conference and co-opera¬ tion in the vast and holy enterprise of Christian Social Service, and, to the end that these conferences may continue to be truly Chris¬ tian and this co-operation really effective, the representatives of our Churches in the Executive Committee of the Federal Council be directed to endeavor at all times to have the Federal Council distinctly recognize the great truths of the Christian faith held in common by the Evangelical Churches, and thus avoid and allay misunderstandings. Further, that these representatives be directed to report to the subsequent Assemblies the result of their endeavors. All of which is respectfully submitted. I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that the accompanying is a true and correct copy of the report of the Joint Committee, ap¬ pointed to prepare a United Declaration on Christian Faith and Social Service by the General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S., the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., the United Presbyterian Church of N. A., and the Associate Reformed Synod of the South, and that the following persons have authorized me to affix their signatures to the report: For the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the\ U. S. — J. S. Lyons, Louisville, Ky. ; James R. Howerton, Lexing¬ ton, Va. ; Robert E. Vinson, Austin, Texas; Thornton Whaling, Columbia, S. C. ; A. M. Scales, Greensboro, N. C. For the General Assembly of the! United Presbyterian Church of N. A. — John A. Wilson, Pittsburg, Pa.; J. K. McClarkin, Pitts¬ burg, Pa.; D. F. McGill, Ben Avon, Pa.; George M. Paden, Pitts¬ burg, Pa.; John E. Shaw, Pittsburg, Pa. For the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. — W. S. Plumer Bryan, Chicago, Ill.; J. Ross Stevenson, Balti- Relations With Other Bodies 1096 [Book VII more, Md.; Charles R. Erdman, Princeton, N. J.; J. C. McCombs, Pittsburg, Pa.; S. E. McClelland, Decatur, Ill. For the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Synod of the South. — A. S. Rogers, Rock Hill, ,S. C. 1515. Southern Baptist Convention 1911, p. 18. To the Southern Baptist Convention , Jacksonville , Fla. : The greetings of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, in session at Louisville, Ky. “Now the God of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thes. 3: 16. 1911, p. 20. General Assembly Presbyterian Church in the United States, Louisville, Ky.: Southern Baptist Convention heartily responds to greeting. Deep spirituality and missionary zeal mark our sessions. Grateful for blessings upon your work and ours for a common Lord. Similar greetings were exchanged in 1919 (Minutes pp. 11, 21); 1922, p. 23. 1516. Russia 1917, p. 24. A communication from the “Gospel Committee for Work among War Prisoners,” requesting that greetings be sent to the Evangelical Christians of Russia at this time of trial and suf¬ fering, when their government has granted them religious liberty; we recommend that the following resolution be adopted: Resolved, That the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in U. S., in session in Birmingham, Ala., U. S. A., expresses to the Evangelical Christians of Russia its heartiest greetings, re¬ joicing with them in the dawn of a new day of religious liberty. We extend to them the hand of Christian fellowship as, with new hope and faith, they shall seek to extend the Kingdom of our Lord and spread abroad the knowledge of His Gospel. We further assure them of our intercession in their behalf in these coming days of enlarged responsibility and opportunity. (This to be addressed to some representative of the Evangelical Christians of Russia.) 1517. China 1919, p. 54. Your Committee recommends That this Assembly take knowledge of the fact and express its commendation of the organizing of the Provincial General Assem¬ bly of the Presbyterian Church in China; that it make special prayer for the newly formed Church, that in all its plans and work it may have the Divine guidance; and that the Stated Clerk of this Assembly be directed to communicate this action to the said Provincial Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in China. BOOK VIII Judicial Cases 1518. The right to overture, appeal and complaint cannot he abridged 1878, p. 610. The Committee on Bills and Overtures report on Overture from the Synod of Texas, asking the Assembly to decide that “all overtures, appeals, complaints, etc., should proceed in regu¬ lar gradation from the Session to the Presbytery, from the Presby¬ tery to thq Synod, and from the Synod to the General Assembly, and vied versa, without omitting any of the intermediate courts.” The following reply is recommended: 1. As to judicial cases we refer to Chap. VI., Sec. III., Art. VI., Book of Discipline. 2. That while the General Assembly may recommend that over¬ tures should ordinarily be sent from the Synod, it cannot deny the right of the Presbyteries, the constituent elements of the Assem¬ bly, nor of individuals, to overture the General Assembly whenever circumstances may require. 3. That the General Assembly has the right to send its deliver¬ ances directly to the Presbyteries. Adopted. 1519. Counsel for the accused 1879, p. 51. Resolved, That when our Book says that an ac¬ cused person may, if he desires it, be represented in the superior courts by “any member of the court” (or as the old Book expresses it, “by any minister or elder belonging to the judicatory,”) the de¬ sign according to the judgment of this Assembly, is not to allow any array of counsel, but the privilege is to be limited to the aid which one advocate can give him. 1520. Refusal to obey a citation from the Session See Chapter on the Session, (p. 85.) 1521. Who are entitled to sit in a judicial case In the minute touching the Park case the following is found: 1882, p. 530. After the reading of the record in the case it was decided that members of the General Assembly who were ab¬ sent during the proceedings of the trial by permission of the court were entitled to sit in judgment in the case. 1522. Courts are not parties in Judicial Cases In the minutes of the Commission which tried the fourth ap¬ peal of W. S. Turner against the Synod of Georgia the following is to be found: 1883, p. 46. It was moved that Rev. J. Woodrow, D. D., of the Synod of Georgia, be allowed to appear before the Commission [Book VIII 1098 Judicial Cases and plead in behalf of the Presbyterian Church. Carried, with one dissenting vote. The appellant requested that his dissent to the admission of Dr. Woodrow, as counsel in the case, be noted in the Minutes of the Com¬ mission, on the ground that he is neither an original party in the cause nor a member of the court. While the finding of the Commission was adopted by the Assem¬ bly, this particular action of the Commission was virtually disap¬ proved later, as follows: P. 48. Exception to the Minutes of the Synod of Georgia: On page 27, Synod appointed a member to represent it before the Gen¬ eral Assembly in an appeal case. Your committee think that our courts are not parties in judicial cases, and hence are not entitled to be represented in the superior courts. Adopted. 1523. Difference between an appeal and a complaint 1889, p. 615. Objection to the action of the Presbytery of Savan¬ nah, in dissolving a certain pastoral relation, was considered by the Synod of South Georgia and Florida as an appeal from the decision of the Presbytery. This was irregular, inasmuch as Chapter XIII., Section III., Paragraph 2, shows that appeal can be taken only in cases where there has been a regular judicial trial. The case should have been considered as a complaint. 1524. Who are the appellant and the appellee 1889, p. 715. The Presbytery of Florida asks: In an appeal from a lower to a higher court, who is the appellant and who is the appellee? Ansiver: The appellant is the party against whom judgment has been rendered; the appellee is the Presbyterian Church in the United States. 1525. Proposed change in the Rules of Discipline as to the parties to a cause. 1897, p. 40. The Presbyteries of New Orleans and South Caro¬ lina overtured the Assembly to make the following necessary changes in our Rules of Discipline, Chapter XIII., Section IV: P. 267. I. Line two, after the word “against” insert “some de¬ cision of.” P. 269. III. To substitute for the whole of this Rule the follow¬ ing: “The court against whose decision a complaint is taken shall appoint a representative to defend that decision, who shall be called the respondent. After the superior court has ascertained that the complaint is regular, its first step shall be to read ‘the record’ of the case; its second to hear the complaint; its third to hear the respon¬ dent; its fourth to hear the complainant again, and then it shall con¬ sider and decide the case.” P. 271. V. Line one, in place of the word “which” put “whose decision.” Secs. 1522-1527] Judicial Cases 1099 The object of this overture is to conform these three Rules to Chapter V., III. (163), and Chapter XIII., II. (239), and to the principle that the courts are not parties in cases of process and that when a matter is transferred from an inferior to a superior court, it is not the inferior court that is transferred, but only the cause. Answer: We recommend that the changes asked for be made and that this overture be sent down to the Presbyteries with the direction that the Presbyteries vote for or against the proposed changes, and report the result to the next General Assembly. Adopted. 1526. Taking the testimony of distant witnesses 1892, p. 419. The Presbytery of Roanoke overtures the Assembly to the effect that the Book of Discipline be amended in Chapter IX., Section X., so as to provide for the taking of testimony of witnesses at a distance not alone by a Commission, which is often impracti¬ cable, but by a co-ordinate court contiguous to the place. Your committee recommend that the overture be granted, and that the Assembly send down to the Presbyteries the following amend¬ ments for consideration and adoption, viz. : 1. At the close of Chapter VI., Section VIII., that the words be added “or co-ordinate court.” 2. That in Chapter IX., Section X., after the words “a Commis¬ sion shall be appointed,” add “or co-ordinate court requested.” Again further on, after the words “of which Commission,” add “or co-ordi¬ nate court.” Again, further down, after the words “that a Com¬ mission,” add “or co-ordinate court” as in the former case, etc. And near the close of the Section, after the words “taken by the Commis¬ sion,” add “or co-ordinate court.” Adopted. 1893, p. 23. Of forty-three reporting Presbyteries, all but one have approved and adopted this overture. This is more than a majority of all the Presbyteries. The Assembly did thereupon formally enact the above amendment to the Rules of Discipline, thereby constituting it a part of our Book of Church Order. pP. 30, 31. The report in which the above action is embraced was reconsidered and recommitted, but afterward reported back, with no change in this part of the report, and readopted. 1527. Counting the vote in Judicial Cases 1907, p. 56. In answer to an overture the Assembly said: There is no authority in Paragraph 262, Sec. 8, or in Paragraph 270, Sec. 4, Rules of Discipline, for a vote “not to sustain in part.” A vote to sustain in part should ordinarily be counted as a vote to sustain. P. 57. An ad interim Committee was appointed to consider an overture asking that the Book of Church Order, Chap. 13, Sec. 4, be amended by inserting five additional sections upon the method of taking and counting the vote, and report to the next Assembly. 1100 Judicial Gases [Book VIII 1908, p. 24. That Committee recommended that the Assembly send down the proposed amendment to the Presbyteries with a recom¬ mendation that they adopt the same, as follows: First — To amend the Book of Church Order, Chap. XIII., Sec. 4, by inserting after the present Paragraph “4” the following new para¬ graphs, viz.: “5. In voting upon a complaint, the vote shall be either to sustain to sustain in part, or not to sustain. “6. The effect of a vote to sustain shall be to sustain each and all of the items or counts of the complaint; that of a vote not to sustain shall be to annul each and all of the items or counts of the complaint, and that of a vote to sustain in part, shall be to sus¬ tain one or more specific items or counts of the complaint. “7. Those voting to sustain in part shall be required when voting to state what item or items, count or counts of the complaint they desire to sustain. “8. In making up the vote on the complaint, only those items or counts shall be declared to be sustained for the sustaining of which a majority of the votes cast has been given. “9. The foregoing provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis to voting upon appeals.” Second — That the remaining paragraph of this section be num¬ bered ‘TO,” instead of, as at present, “6.” Adopted. 1909, p. 49. Seventy-four out of seventy-six Presbyteries adopted the amendment. Thereupon the Assembly enacted the same. 1528. A Judicial Tribunal 1908, p. 59. Resolved, That an ad interim Committee of five be appointed, who shall prepare and submit to the next Assembly a plan for the erection of a separate tribunal for the hearing of judicial cases, to the end that, when needful, future Assemblies may be relieved of the burden of judicial business and may devote them¬ selves to their other functions. 1909, p. 69. The committee appointed under the above resolution reported an amendment to the Book of Discipline, which was re¬ ferred to the next Assembly, and is found in the Appendix to the Minutes (p. 131). 1910, p. 68. Put on the docket for the next Assembly. 1911, pp. 46-49. The matter was referred to the Presbyteries for their advice and consent. 1912, p. 36. It failed to receive the votes of a majority of the Presbyteries. 1529. A Judicial Commission proposed 1916, p. 80a. A resolution to create a Standing Judicial Com¬ mission was placed on the docket for the next Assembly. 1917, p. 18, 26. The matter was referred to an Ad Interim Com¬ mittee. 1918, p. 57. The plan was not adopted. Secs. 1527-1531] Judicial Cases 1101 1530. A Commission may try a case 1913, p. 30. Amendment to form of government, Paragraph 94, by striking out the whole of the first sentence in the paragraph and substituting the following words in its place: “The Synod and the General Assembly may, at their own discretion, commit any case of trial, coming before them on appeal, to the judgment of a com¬ mission, composed of others than members of the court from which the case shall come up. Except that all cases affecting doctrine shall be tried by the court itself. The commission of a Synod,” etc. (Paragraph to continue as at present.) (1912, p. 36.) The vote of the Presbyteries on this matter was as follows: “Aye” 53; “No” 17. No answer 15. 1531. Complaint of Rev. W. I. Sinnott, against the Presbytery of North Alabama 1910, p. 16. A complaint of Rev. W. I. Sinnott against the Presbytery of North Alabama was referred, without reading to the Judicial Committee. P. 25. Your Judicial Committee would respectfully report that the only matter referred to us was the complaint of the Rev. W. I. Sinnott against the Presbytery of North Alabama. We have examined the records of this case and find them in order. We have also heard a statement of the representative of the Presby¬ tery, and our conclusion is that, owing to the .nature of the case and the probability that it would produce a lengthy and unprofitable discussion if tried by the Assembly in open session, we recommend that the complaint be referred to a Commission to be appointed by the Moderator, who shall adjudicate the matter and report its find¬ ings to this Assembly. Adopted. P. 26. The Moderator announced the following Commission to try the complaint of Rev. W. I. Sinnott against the Presbytery of North Alabama: Ministers: W. McC. White, D. D. (Chairman), W. W. Akers, J. H. Patton, D. D., D. F. Wilkinson, H. M. Sydenstricker, L. F. Ross, T. C. Barrett, D. D., Melton Clark, W. T. Matthews, T. B. Craig, W. ,S. Porter, A. D. Watkins, T. R. Sampson, D. D. Elders: F. M. Smith, W. S. Preston, W. D. Hooper, C. A. Leonard, W. D. Johns, L. L. Prince, P. Pearsall, H. W. Shannon, W. N. Craig, F. H. Leslie, G. C. Pollock, Jacob Bates, S. L. Dodd. P. 43. The Commission made a report: The full statement of the case, as contained in this report was read before the Assembly, which approved the same and made its own the decision of the Commission. The report is as follows: The commission appointed to adjudicate the complaint of W. I. Sinnott against the Presbytery of North Alabama met on May 23d 1102 Judicial Cases [Book VIII and was called to order by Chairman W. McC. White. The Com¬ mission was constituted with prayer by the Chairman. The follow¬ ing were present: W. McC. White, Chairman; C. W. Humphreys, W. W. Akers, J. H. Patton, H. M. Sydenstricker, L. F. Ross, T. C. Barrett, Melton Clark, T. B. Craig, W. S. Porter, Asa D. Watkins, T. R. Sampson, F. M. Smith, W. S. Preston, W. D. Hooper, C. A. Leonard', P. Pearsall, W. -N. Craig, F. H. Leslie, G. C. Pollock, Jacob Bates, S. L. Dodd. Absent from all sessions W. T. Matthews, W. D. Johns, L. L. Prince, H. W. Shannon, D. F. Wilkinson. The Commission was duly charged by the Chairman. Elder W. D. Hooper was elected Clerk. The Commission then proceeded to the trial of the case submitted to it, in accordance with the law of the Church. The record of the case was read, the argument of the complainant was, in his absence, read in full; the representatives of the Presbytery were heard in behalf of the Presbytery, and the rejoinder of the com¬ plainant was read in full. It appears from the statement and argument of the complainant, and from the statements of the representatives of the Presbytery, that the complainant, a member of that body, during a heated campaign on the question of the adoption of a Constitutional Amendment Pro¬ hibiting the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors in the State of Alabama printed, or allowed to be printed, communications over his name in the daily press of the State opposing the principle of prohibition in general and the provisions of the Constitutional Amend¬ ment in particular. These communications, being seized on by the opponents of the Amendment and scattered broadcast over the State, with the statement that they were written by the Stated Clerk of the Synod of Alabama and of the Presbytery «f North Alabama, in the opinion of the Presbytery greatly prejudiced the standing of the Presbytery and the Church in the estimation of the people of the State. Under these circumstances, the Presbytery of North Alabama, in “session at Anniston, on October 28, 1909, passed a series of resolutions, as follows: “1. That we heartily endorse this amendment to the Constitution 'of the State and urge our people to give it their support so that in the event of its adoption prohibition of the liquor traffic will be the permanent policy of the State. “2. That we view it as a non-partisan and non-political moral measure and we approve the action of the Legislature in authorizing a special election thereon thus presenting to the people the bare issue ;of constitutional prohibition without entangling it with any party, factional, or personal politics. “3. That we believe the adoption of the amendment will greatly strengthen the cause of temperance, promote the purest and best interests of our homes and redound to the welfare and prosperity of our people.” Against this action W. I. Sinnott complained to the Synod of Ala¬ bama. The records of that Synod show that “with the consent of the complainant the complaint was referred to the next General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, in accordance with the Book of Church Order, Paragraph No. 248, on acconut of the tense and divided feeling in the Synod on the proposed amendment.” Opportunity having been given for the members of the Commission to express their opinion, the roll was called on the question of sus¬ taining or not sustaining the complaint. The vote was as follows: To sustain, 7; not to sustain, 14. Absent and not voting: D. F. Wilkinson, W. T. Matthews, W. D. Johns, L. L. Prince, H. W. Shannon — 5. The Chairman not voting. The Chairman thereupon declared the complaint not sustained. Sec. 1531] Judicial Cases 1103 and a committee was appointed to formulate the judgment of the Commission. The report of this- committee was adopted, as follows: Your Commission in voting “not to sustain” did not mean to recede from or compromise the principle of non-intrusion into civil affairs or affairs which concern the Commonwealth, but to leave our courts free as to the mode of dealing with a gigantic moral evil, which mode* in this case, was the urging upon our people in the State of Alabama to vote for constitutional prohibition. The Presbytery of North Alabama did not originate, or advise the State to adopt, this mode, but, in accordance with the oft-repeated instruction of our General Assembly to “use all legitimate means”' to banish the liquor traffic from our land, after the State provided this means, urged upon its constituency to use this means, and did so expressly on moral and non-political grounds. On the other hand, the Commission condemns the action, language, and spirit of the complainant as highly unbecoming in a minister of the gospel. To this decision the following protest was ordered entered on the record: Under a deep sense of duty, and actuated by loyalty to the Con¬ stitution of our Church, the undersigned minority members of the Commission appointed to adjudicate the complaint of W. I. Sinnott against . the act of the Presbytery of North Alabama desire to protest against the finding of the Commission in said case. We emphatically disclaim all sympathy with the position taken by the complainant, which led to the action against which he makes, complaint; we appreciate thoroughly the delicate and embarassing position in which the Presbytery was placed through no fault of its own; we greatly admire the spirit which actuated that body and which caused it, as we think, to err; but the fact remains that the Presbytery, instead of disavowing the views of the complainant and condemning his manner of expressing them, did officially, while sit¬ ting as a court of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, recom¬ mend the adoption of an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alabama, and this in direct contradiction, as we hold, of the Con¬ stitution of said Church, and its steadfast maintenance of this funda¬ mental principle laid down in that instrument. Under these circumstances it was our painful duty to vote to sustain the complaint, and we consider it no less our duty now to enter this, our solemn and respectful protest, against the decision of the majority in this case. (Signed) J. H. Patton, L. F. Ross, T. C. Barrett, Melton Clark, T. R. Sampson, W. D. Hooper, Jacob Bates. The Minutes of the meetings of the Commission are submitted herewith. 1911, p. 33. The Standing Committee on Judicial Business made the following report on the petition of Rev. W. I. Sinnott for a re-hearing of his complaint before the last Assembly, which was adopted : 1. Upon consideration of the petition of the Rev. W. I. Sinnott, your committee submit that the same should be disallowed, and denied on the ground that the judicial deliverances of the General Assembly, of Lewisburg, W. Va., are not reviewable by a subsequent General Assembly, upon petition to rehear the case, decided by the former court. 2. In response to the overtures from the Presbyteries of Transyl¬ vania, King’s Mountain, Lexington, Asheville, Holston, Lafayette, New Orleans, and Savannah, touching the judgment of the General 1104 Judicial Cases [Book VIII Assembly at Lewisburg, in 1910, in the case of Rev. W. I. Sinnott, your committee recommends that the General Assembly re-affirm with emphasis its adherence to our Confession of Faith as set forth in Paragraph 4, Chapter 31. And further that “cases extraordinary” are to be decided accord¬ ing to nature of each case, and when the General Assembly has de¬ termined that question in any concrete case, it is not competent for any subsequent Assembly to question such decision by a re-hearing of the same case. 1911, p. 62. The following protest [with four signatures] relat¬ ing to the Sinnott complaint case, was presented and admitted to record without answer: We would respectfully enter our solemn protest against the action of this Assembly in refusing to grant the petition of Rev. W. I. Sinnott for a rehearing in the matter of his complaint against the Presbytery of North Alabama, for the following reasons: 1. Because precedents for the re-opening of a case by the court of last resort are not wanting either in civil or ecclesiastical procedures. Not to cite others, we would refer the Assembly to the decision of the old school Assembly of 1864, found in Moore’s Digest, page 652. In that decision the Assembly asserts its power to reverse the judi¬ cial act of a former Assembly “in cases of such palpable error as would manifestly tend to interfere with the substantial administra¬ tion of justice.” At similar decision of a civil court is found in seventieth Alabama Reports, page 401, in which Chief Justice Brickell, speaking for the Supreme Court of Alabama, says: “When a court has rendered a judgment or decree void on its face, either from a want of jurisdiction of the sub¬ ject matter, or of the parties, a due regard to its own dignity, the protection of its officers, the prevention of the abuse of its process, and the preservation of the sanctity of the judgments it may rightfully render, demand that it should, on a proper application, coming from a party having rights and interests immediately involved, at any time subsequent to its rendition, vacate such judgment or decree.” Your protestants would respectfully urge that both these decisions apply to the case which this Assembly has declined to reconsider. 2. Because in this case the judgment of the last Assembly is void on its face by reason of the following errors and irregularities: (1) The complainant was subjected to a sentence of censure when he was not on trial and not in court. (2) Had the Assembly proceeded formally to try him in his absence its procedure would have been void for want of jurisdiction. (See Par. 161-196 of Book of Church Order.) (3) The complaint was tried by a commission without his con¬ sent, whereas our law gives no authority for trial by a commission Sec. 1531] Judicial Cases 1105 of the Assembly save with consent of the appellant or complainant. (See Par. 94, Book of Church Order.) (4) The commission erred grievously in traveling outside of the record, as appears from their own statement of the case. (5) The commission’s own statement shows error on the face of it, in that it omits a vital part of the action complained of. But for such omission a grave mistake would have appeared plainly in their rehearsal of the facts. The omitted part of the preamble to the resolutions complained of sets forth in part the ground on which Presbytery based its deliverance, namely, its previous action in endorsing the principle of prohibition, and its advising the Legisla¬ ture to submit a constitutional amendment to the vote of the people •of Alabama. Notwithstanding this, the commission says that the Presbytery did not give such advice. (6) The grave injustice in this case is the more apparent when we remember that the complainant Was not accusing his brethren of any unchristian conduct, but merely of an error of judgment, and was honestly seeking, with all the decisions of the General Assem¬ bly behind him, to bring the Presbytery back to obedience to our constitution. 3. Finally, we protest because this decision is a palpable viola¬ tion of a solemn covenant, implicity entered into by our Church with the Synod of Kentucky, namely, the agreement under which that body united with our Assembly. If this Assembly may assume jurisdiction over a minister, and without process sentence him for “action, language and spirit highly unbecoming a minster of the gospel,” it may on the same principle, in the same summary fashion, and with equal reason, hear ex-parte accusations as to grievous sin and proceed to excommunicate any member or depose any minister in our bounds. 1912, p. 70a. The Judicial Committee in the matter of the memorial of sundry persons, and the overtures from the Synod of Virginia and sundry Presbyteries for a re-hearing of the complaint of Rev. W. I. Sinnott against the Presbytery of North Alabama, recommends : (i) That the prayers of said memorial and overtures be denied, on the ground that the case of W. I. Sinnott against the Presbytery of North Alabama was finally adjudicated by the General Assem¬ bly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States sitting in Lewisburg, West Virginia, May, 1910, and the judicial deliverances of that Assembly are not reviewable by a subsequent General As¬ sembly on memorial and overtures to re-hear the case decided by the former court; and on the further ground that the General Assembly sitting in Louisville, Kentucky, May, 1911, after con¬ sideration of the petition of Rev. W. I. Sinnott for a re-hearing of said complaint, disallowed the petition and denied its prayer for that “the judicial deliverances of the General Assembly of Lewis¬ burg, West Virginia, are not reviewable by a subsequent General Judicial Cases 1106 [Book VIII Assembly upon petition to re-hear the case decided by the former court.” (2) That in response to the overtures from Sundry Presbyteries touching the judgment of the General Assembly at Lewisburg, West Virginia, 1910, the General Assembly reaffirm its adherence to our Confession of Faith, as set forth in Paragraph 4, Chapter XXXI. (3) That the General Assembly approve and re-affirm the de¬ liverances of the General Assembly at Louisville, Kentucky, May, 1911, touching the petition of the Rev. W. I. Sinnott for a re-hear¬ ing of his complaint against the Presbytery of North Alabama. The following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION ON THE SINNOTT CASE Resolved, By the General Assembly sitting at Bristol, Tenn., May 21, 1912, in the matter of the memorial of sundry persons and overtures from the Synod of Virginia and sundry Presbyteries, ask¬ ing for a re-opening of the case of Rev. W. I. Sinnott vs. the Pres¬ bytery of North Alabama, that it approves the finding of the Judicial Committee as to the re-opening of said case, but feels that this Assembly can with propriety express the opinion that the reference in the judgment of the Assembly at Lewisburg to the “action, language, and spirit of the complainant” was unwise and appears to have been informal. This Assembly disclaims any intention to criticise the Lewisburg Assembly, or to disturb in any way its judg¬ ment. 1912, p. 70. The following resolution was offered by Rev. E. M. Green, D. D., and referred to a select committee consisting of Rev. D. M. Mclver, Rev. J. B. Ficklen and Elder R. W. Daily: Resolved , That it is the judgment of this Assembly that no church court can constitutionally either recommend political meas¬ ures for adoption by the state legislature, or attempt to control the votes of the citizen. 1912, p. 70g. The Select Committee, to whom was referred the resolution of Dr. E. M. Green, presented majority and minority reports. The minority report was adopted, and is as follows: In reference to the resolution proposed concerning political de¬ liverances by church courts, your committee would report as follows: Inasmuch as the General Assembly is on record, having already made numerous deliverances on this subject, we would refer this Assembly to these deliverances. 1913, p. 68. The report of the Standing Committee on Judicial Business was adopted, and is as follows: Your committee respectfully reports that a memorial from Rev. W. I. Sinnott to this venerable body was placed in their hands. The memorialist recites that the Minutes of the General Assembly of 1910 contain statements erroneous as to facts; and asks this Gen¬ eral Assembly to “adopt a paper or pass an act that will correct these errors as to facts.” Sec. 1531] Judicial Cases 1107 Your Committee recommends that the General Assembly decline the request of the memorialist, on the ground that this General As¬ sembly is not in a position to judge of the facts complained of by the Rev. W. I. Sinnott. The memorialist further recites that the Synod of Alabama has for three successive annual meetings failed to review the minutes of the Presbytery of North Alabama for the Fall Meeting of 1909 and the Spring Meeting of 1910; and asks that the General Assem¬ bly “require the Synod of Alabama to comply with the Book of Church Order and review said minutes.” We recommend that a negative answer be given, because the minutes of the Synod of Alabama for 1909 and 1910 have been reviewed and approved by the General Assemblies of 1910 and 1911. With this approval the rights of appeal, complaint and memorial touching the review of the same are estopped. 1914, p. 21. The Standing Committee on Judicial Business made the following report, which was adopted: The Judicial Committee would respectfully report that we have had brought before us a memorial from Reverend W. I. Sinnott, asking that this Assembly vacate the judgment of the Assembly of 1910 against himself. We recommend that no action be taken •except to refer him to the Minutes of the General Assembly for 1913, pages 68 and 69. 1920, p. 73. The Standing Committee on Judicial Business made a report, which was adopted. It is as follows: The only matter before the Committee is the memorial of Rev. W. I. Sinnott, complaining of certain language used by the General Assembly of 1910, when his case was before it. The question to be considered in this case is that of jurisdiction and law. Has the Assembly any power to pass upon the merit of this case? It appears from the memorial of Mr. Sinnott and the Assembly records of 1910 that this case was decided by the highest court of the Church, and the statements by which Mr. Sinnott feels he has been injured are embodied in said decision. It is a principle of law, held in the highest courts of the States, and by the Supreme Court of the United States, that public policy requires that there shall be an end of litigation, and this is ' as true in the government of the Church as in the government of the State and Nation. We think that this is the correct position, and express the opinion that the conclusion of the case has been reached by the General Assembly of the Church, which your Committee re¬ gards as final. Your Committee therefore rcommends that the memorial of Rev. W. I. Sinnott be denied. At the same time we desire to express the opinion that Mr. Sinnott is a minister and a man of the highest Christian character. Judicial Cases 1108 [Book VIII 1532. Complaint of Rev. J. F. Cannon and others against the Synod of Missouri 1911, p. 30. The Judicial Committee reported to the General Assembly in the case of the complaint of Jno. F. Cannon and others against the Synod of Missouri, First, that we find the complaint in order. Second, that it be heard by the General Assembly, after the following manner, namely: First, that the records of the case be read. Second, that the complainant be heard for forty-five minutes. Third, that the respondents be heard for sixty minutes . Fourth, that the complainant be heard for fifteen minutes. Fifth, that the Assembly consider and decide the case. 1911, p. 38. The hearing the complaint of Rev. J. F. Cannon and others against the Synod of Missouri, was resumed. The com¬ plainant, Rev. J. F. Cannon, was heard for forty-five minutes. The respondent, through J. M. Chaney and John F. Green, was heard for one hour. The complainant was heard in reply for fifteen minutes. It was ordered that the roll be called and that one minute be given to each member to express his opinion. 1911, p. 45. The complaint case of Rev. J. F. Cannon and others against the Synod of Missouri was resumed. The roll was called and each member was given the opportunity to speak one minute. Rev. J. E. Abbott and Rev. R. S. Eskridge were excused from voting. The complaint was then read and the vote was taken, resulting as follows: To sustain, 84; to sustain in part, 14; not to sustain, 23. The Moderator appointed the following select committee to for¬ mulate the judgment of the Assembly: R. W. Jopling, A. A. Little, F. B. Webb, W. H. Raymond, and J. A. Lyon. 1911, p. 62. The select committee appointed to formulate the judgment of the Assembly in the complaint case of J. F. Cannon and others, against the Synod of Missouri, made the following report, which was adoped: First t That the votes of the Rev. R. S. Brank and Rev. C. H. Talbot, who had been dismissed by the Presbytery of St. Louis to the Presbyteries respectively of Savannah and Louisville, and who had not been received by said Presbyteries at the time of said vote, were legal and valid, in accordance with Book of Church Order, Chapter 15, Paragraph 280. Second, That the Synod of Missouri erred in pronouncing judg¬ ment that the action of St. Louis Presbytery complained of, was unwise and unjust, and therefore the action of the Synod be, and the same is hereby, annulled, and that of the Presbytery of St. Louis is hereby affirmed. Third, The General Assembly furthermore expresses its convic¬ tion that Presbyteries have jurisdiction in matters pertaining to the location of church buildings. Secs. 1532-1533] Judicial Cases 1109 1911, p. 68. Rev. J. V. McCall presented the following protest against the action of the Assembly in the complaint case of Rev. J. F. Cannon and others against the Synod of Missouri. It was ad¬ mitted to record without answer: PROTEST With respect to the action of the Assembly in the complaint of Rev. John F. Cannon and others against the Synod of Missouri, I do most respectfully and most earnestly protest against said action by reason of the fact that after the close of the argument in said cause, and when the Assembly adjourned for noon recess on May 24, 1911, before voting upon said complaint, complainant caused to be distributed among the members of the Assembly a printed pam¬ phlet containing a large number of alleged facts which constituted no part of the record in said cause, together with complainant’s argu¬ ment thereon. I protest against the action, because it was an introduction of new and additional matter, outside of the record in the cause, con¬ trary to the provisions of Paragraph 189, Book of Church Order; and, further, because it brought to the individual members of the court, not in open court, arguments which had not been introduced in open court, in the presence of representatives of respondent. 1533. Complaint of J. K. Dowman and others against the Synod of Virginia 1911, p. 30. In the case of the complaint of J. K. Dowman and others against the Synod of Virginia, the Judicial Committee re¬ ported. First, that the complaint is in order. Second, that it be heard by a commission (p. 32 of Minutes) after the following manner: First, that the record be read. Second, that the complainants be heard. Third, that the respondents be heard. Fourth, that the complainants be heard. Fifth, that the Commission consider and decide the case. Sixth, that the time given to the complainants and respondents for argument, be fixed by the Commission. 1911, p. 38. The commission to try the complaint of J. K. Dowman and others against the Synod of Virginia made a report, which was recommitted. 1911, p. 51. The commission to try the complaint of J. K. Dow¬ man and others against the Synod of Virginia was read and ap¬ proved, and the minutes ordered spread upon the minutes of the Assembly. The report is as follows: The judicial commission appointed by the Moderator to try the complaint of J. K. Dowman and others, members of the Synod of 1110 Judicial Cases [Book VIII Virginia, against the action of the Synod of Virginia in disap¬ proving the standing rule of the Presbytery of Kanawha as to the election of commissioners to the General Assembly, met in the Foreign Mission room of the Second Presbyterian Church, Louis¬ ville, Ky., May 23rd, 1911, at 8:15 p. m. The roll was called and the following were present: W. D. Morton, Chairman; M. H. Kerr, Hervey McDowell, C. J. Ralston, A. H. Atkins, R. I. Long, C. L. Ewing, J. V. McCall, Louis Voss, H. V. Escott, J. G. Venable, J. E. Henderson, F. R. Graves, D. A. Caldwell, C. S. Forbes, C. S. Tabb, L. P. Ault, R. C. Dale, O. B. Beatie, W. R. Lampson, W. J. Martin, J. E. Buchan, H. E. Ravenel and F. S. Day. Rev. J. G. Venable led the commission in prayer. R. I. Long was elected clerk. It was ordered that the complainant and the respondent have 40 minutes each to present the case. The complainant to have 20 minutes to open the case. The two representatives of the Synod of Virginia, Rev. A. C. Hopkins, D. D., and Rev. R. H. Fleming, D. D., to have 20 minutes to close. The chairman of the commission read the charge from the Book of Church Order. The record of the case was read. The commission then heard Rev. W. L. Bedinger, representing the complainants, Rev. Dr. A. C. Hopkins and Rev. Dr. R. H. Flem¬ ing, representing the respondent, and the closing of the argument by Rev. W. L. Bedinger representing the complainants. It was ordered that each member of the commission be allowed three minutes, if he so desires, to express his views. The roll was called and a full discussion followed. The vote was then taken to sustain, to sustain in part or not to sustain. The roll was called and the vote stood to sustain 20, not to sus¬ tain 2. The following committee was appointed to express the judgment of the commission: Rev. W. D. Morton, Rev. H. V. Escott, Elder W. J. Martin, and Rev. M. H. Kerr. The commission adjourned until 8.45 tomorrow morning, May 24. The commission met according to adjournment at 8.45 a. m. The roll was called, showing a quorum present. The minutes of last night’s session were read and approved. The committee appointed to formulate the judgment of the commis¬ sion, submitted the following, which was adopted: The commission appointed to adjudicate the complaint of certain members of the Synod of Virginia against the action of that Synod in disapproving of the standing rule of the Kanawha Presbytery as to the election of commissioners to the General Assembly, decides to sustain the plea of complainants on the following ground: That the Presbytery acted within its constitutional rights, under the Book of Church Order. The minutes of today’s session were read and approved. The minutes adopted as a whole. The commission adjourned. By order of the General Assembly the commission met again in Secs. 1533-1534] < Judicial Cases mi one of the class rooms of the Second Presbyterian Church, May 24, 1911, at 2:30 p. m., to put its judgment in a more complete form. The roll was called showing a quorum present. The following was adopted as the judgment of the commission: The commission appointed to try the complaint of J. K. Dow- man and others of the Synod of Virginia against the action of the Synod of Virginia, in disapproving of the standing rule of Kanawha Presbytery as to the election of commissioners to the General As¬ sembly which rule reads thus: “That it be made a standing rule of this Presbytery that the minister who is the oldest member of the Presbytery, shall be the ministerial commissioner to the General Assembly, unless the Presbytery shall, by a two- third majority, de¬ termine otherwise,” sustain the plea of the complainants on the ground that the Presbytery acted within its constitutional rights under the Book of Church Order. The minutes of today’s session were read and adopted. The commission adjourned. 1534. Complaint of the Lafayette Church, New Orleans, against the Synod of Louisiana 1911, p. 66. The report of the Standing Committee on Judicial Business in the complaint of the Lafayette Church, Presbytery of New Orleans, was taken from the docket. Majority and minority re¬ ports were presented and the minority report was adopted, and is as follows: Inasmuch as this case is now before the Synod of Louisiana, and a day for its hearing, has been appointed, both parties having been notified to appear at the hearing the Assembly declines to entertain this complaint. 1912, p. 70a. The Judicial Committee, to which was referred the appeal of the Session of the LaFayette Church of New Orleans from the decision of the Synod of Louisiana, failing to sustain a complaint of the said Session against the Presbytery of New Orleans, recommends that the appeal be dismissed, as the record of the case shows on! its face that the entire proceedings in the case are irregular and void; for that (1) The said Session does not complain of “some decision ” made by the Presbytery of New Orleans, as required by Sec. 4. Chap. XIII, Rules of Discipline, which defines a complaint as a “repre- r sentation made to a superior court against some decision of an in¬ ferior court”; but the Session merely complains. (2) “The Session of the LaFayette Church complains to the Synod of Louisiana against the Presbytery of New Orleans.” One church court cannot complain to a superior court against another church court. Sec. 4, Chap. XIII, limits the right of complaint to “any member of the Church submitting to its authority.” 1112 Judicial Gases [Book VIII 1535. Sale of lot of Westminster Church, Springfield, Mo., authorized 1913, p. 33. The Committee on Judicial Business presented the following report, which was adopted: Your Committee respectfully report that certain communications from Westminster Church, Springfield, Mo., were placed in their hands, reciting that the General Assembly has a contingent rever¬ sionary interest in the lot on which the church building of the Westminster Church stands, and asking the General Assembly to relinquish its claim and thus permit the Westminster Church to sell the property and reinvest the proceeds in other property, which will be much to the advantage of the Church. Your Committee recommend that this request be granted by adopting the following paper: Whereas, on the third day of March, 1894, John G. Russell and Pauline P. Russell, his wife; T. B. Townsend, and Jere C. Cravens, by their certain instrument in writing and deed of said date, re¬ corded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of Greene, in the State of Missouri, in Book 136, at page 216, con¬ veyed unto Jesse W. Hogg, F. C. Roberts, and Ed A. Barbour, as trustees for the body of Christian people known and designated as Westminster Presbyterian Church of Springfield, Missouri, said Church being identified and holding connection with that body known as the Synod of Missouri, identified and holding connection with that body known and designated as the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, the following described tract or parcel of land, situated in the County of Greene, in the State of Missouri, that is to say, “Beginning at the northeast corner of Jefferson and Ei. Elm streets, in the City of Springfield, Missouri; thence north on the east line of Jefferson street eighty-four feet, more or less, to Pauline P. Russell’s lot; thence east one hun¬ dred and thirty feet; thence south eighty-four feet, more or less, to the north line of East Elm street; thence west one hundred and thirty feet to the beginning, it being expressly understood and condi¬ tioned that should said Westminster Presbyterian Church at any time withdraw from or cease to be connected with the said Synod of Missouri, or in anywise or from any cause cease to be connected with the said General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States (so long as said General Assembly continues its sepa¬ rate organization as then constituted) then, and in either of any such events, the said trustees named, their heirs and successors in office, shall thereby and forthwith become the trustees of and accountable in said trust to the said General Assembly, and shall have the absolute right both in law and in equity to the possession and con¬ trol of said property — And whereas said Westminster Presbyterian Church of Spring- field, Missouri, and said General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States are desirous of selling and disposing of Secs. 1535-1536] Judicial Cases 1113 said real estate and the interests of said Church and General Assem¬ bly therein, and of reinvesting the proceeds of such sale in other real estate to be held, possessed and controlled by said Westminster Presbyterian Church — And whereas said Westminster Presbyterian Church of Spring- field, Missouri, and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States believe it to be to the best interests of all concerned and more conducive to the objects and purposes of said trust that such sale, conveyance and reinvestment be made — Now, therefore, be it resolved by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States that Ed A. Barbour and Jesse W. Hogg (F. C. Roberts being dead), trustees as aforesaid, be and they are hereby authorized, empowered and directed for and on behalf of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States to sell and dispose of any and all interests, vested or contingent, of the said General Assembly 01 the Presbyterian Church in the United States in and to said real estate unto such person or persons, natural or artificial, and for such sum or sums as they may deem just and proper, and to execute, acknowledge and deliver to the purchaser or purchasers such conveyance or conveyances as may be necessary to convey unto such purchaser or purchasers the interests of said General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States therein, severally or jointly, with a conveyance of the interests of said Westminster Presbyterian Church of Spring- field, Missouri, and to reinvest the proceeds of such sale or sales in such real estate as they may deem proper to be held, possessed and controlled by Westminster Presbyterian Church of Springfield, Missouri. 1536. Complaint of Robert A. Lively against the Synod of Oklahoma 1913, p. 43. The Committee on Judicial Business made a report on the complaint of Robert A. Lively vs. the Synod of Oklahoma. The report was adopted and is as follows: In the complaint of Robert A. Lively and others your Judicial Committee finds this complain irregular in the following partic¬ ulars : First. There is no official “record” of the cause transmitted to this court by the Synod of Oklahoma, as required by Paragraph 189, Rules of Discipline. Second. The complainant failed to lodge his complaint with the Stated Clerk of this Assembly before the second day of its sessions, as required by Paragraphs 268 and 260. With reference to the second irregularity, your Committee finds that the complainant was providentially hindered from reaching this court on time, and that he presented his complaint at the earliest possible time, and that therefore this irregularity should be waived. With reference to the first irregularity, we find that the attached papers constitute substantially the record, though they are not of- 1114 Judicial Oases [Book VIII ficially attested. We find further that Rev. E. Brantly, represent¬ ing the Synod of Oklahoma, and Mr. Orme, representing the com¬ plainant, desire the case to be heard, and agree to its submission on the basis of the unofficial record attached. We, therefore, recommend (1st) That the Assembly waive the irregularity noted and hear the case, as provided in Book of Church Order, Paragraph 269. (2nd) That the case be heard through a Commission, (p. 44 of Minutes.) (3rd) That the steps be taken in their order by the Commission as provided in said paragraph. (4th) That the Synod of Oklahoma be solemnly reminded of its neglect in not sending up the record of this case, as provided in the Book of Church Order, and that they be urged to use greater care in the future. 1913, p. 70k. The Judicial Commission to try the case of Robert A. Lively and others vs. the Synod of Oklahoma made a report, which was approved and the judgment of the Commission was entered as the judgment of the Assembly in the case. The report is as follows: It is the judgment of your Commission that the action of the Synod of Oklahoma in this case was irregular, in that the Judicial Committee of said Synod exceeded its authority by recommending action in regard to a complaint referred to it, when it should have merely reported the regularity or irregularity of the complaint; and the complaint is sustained and the case remanded to the Synod for re-hearing. 1537. “Complaints” not to be included with “appeals” 1913, p. 70k. In answer to the overture from the Presbytery of Louisville, asking the General Assembly to take steps to amend Paragraph 94 of the Book of Church Order by including “com¬ plaints” along with “appeals” in the provision of this paragraph, provided a sufficient number of Presbyteries shall have voted for the amendment proposed by the last Assembly to make said amend¬ ment effective, we recommend that this overture be answered in the negative. 1538. Complaint of Rev. J. M. Holladay against the Presbytery of Bethel 1914, p. 21. The Judicial Committee reported a complaint of Rev. J. M. Holladay against the Presbytery of Bethel, referred by the Synod of South Carolina to this Assembly. We have found the complaint in order and recommend that the Assembly hear said complaint according to paragraph 269, Book of Church Order, and that Reverend S. C. Byrd, D. D., be recognized as the representative of said complainant. Secs. 1536-1539] Judicial Cases 1115 We would recommend that in the trial of the complaint of Rev. J. M. Holladay against the Presbytery of Bethel, the order be: (1) . That the record be read. (2) . That Rev. ,S. C. Byrd, D. D., be heard for the complainants. (3) . That the respondent be heard through its representative, Rev. Alexander Martin. (4) . That the complainant be heard again. (5) That the Assembly consider and decide the case. 1914, p. 28. The hearing of the complaint of Rev. J. M. Holla- day against the Presbytery of Bethel was resumed. The Moderator charged the court. The record was read. The complainant was heard through Rev. S. C. Byrd, D. D. The respondent was heard through Rev. Alexander Martin. The complainant was heard again. The vote was then taken, resulting as follows: to sustain the com¬ plaint, 91; not to sustain, 15. The Moderator appointed the following Select Committee to for¬ mulate the judgment of the Assembly in the case: Rev. T. P. Hay, Rev. W. W. Arrowood, Elder J. K. Goodman. 1914, p. 33. The Select Committee appointed to formulate the judgment of the court in the complaint case of Rev. J. M. Holladay against the Presbytery of Bethel made the following report, which was adopted: The Committee appointed to explain the vote of the Assembly on the complaint of Rev. J. M. Holladay against the Presbyery of Bethel, which was specifically against the action of the Presbytery in omitting the examination and sermon for ordination of a candi¬ date who had recently been licensed to preach the gospel, recommend the following: The Assembly, in voting to sustain this complaint, would be understood as expressing its judgment that in all cases of trial for ordination for the ministry, however soon they may follow the trial for licensure, the Presbytery should not omit examination of the candidate, and should require an ordination sermon. 1539. Appeal of Rev. Lloyd B. Field against the Synod of Arkansas 1915, p. 27. The .Standing Committee on Judicial Business made the following report, which was adopted. 1. That we find the appeal to be drawn in regular form, and recommend that it be heard by a Judicial Commission composed of fourteen teaching and thirteen ruling elders, and that this Commis¬ sion be permitted to meet during the sessions of the Assembly, (p. 28 of Minutes.) 2. That the cause be heard as prescribed in Paragraph 261, Book of Church Order. 3. There has also been referred to us an overture from the Pres¬ bytery of Pina Bluff; and, as this is a plea for a certain decision in Judicial Oases 1116 [Book VIII this judicial case, we recommend that it be referred to the Judicial Commission to be appointed. 1915, p. 49. The Judicial Commission to try the case of the appeal of Lloyd B. Field against the Synod of Arkansas presented the minutes of the Commission, which were approved and ordered spread upon the Minutes of the Assembly. The Assembly was then led in prayer by Rev. J. E. Thacker, D. D. The minutes of the Judicial Commission are as follows: The Commission appointed by the General Assembly to try the appeal of the Rev. Lloyd B. Field against the Synod of Arkansas met in the Y. M. C. A. Building May 24th, 1915, at 10:00 a. m. There were present: D. K. Walthall D. P. McGeachy, E. C. Mur¬ ray, E. H. Lyle, C. H. Rogers, F. A. Drennan, I. S. Anderson, R. S. Boyd, G. T. Storey, H. S. Bradshaw, W. R. Anderson, M. E. Gilmore, F. S. Robbins, W. E. Bingham, J. ,S. McCutchan, R. B. Caldwell, Hugh Davidson, J. A. Patterson, James Whittet, James McD. Adair, F. B. Offutt, A. D. McGill, E. W. Sydenstricker, and H. A. Watkins. The chairman not being present, Rev. D. K. Walthall, at the request of the Moderator of the Assembly, called the Commission to order, and was by it elected Chairman. The Commission was opened with prayer. Rev. D. P. McGeachy was elected Clerk, with Ruling Elder James Whittet, Assistant. Ruling Rider R. B. Caldwell was elected Reading Clerk. Rev. Messrs. F. T. McFaden, J. W. Stagg, and 0. L. Altfather were excused on account of delayed arrival owing to other business. The following papers were placed in the hands of the Commis¬ sion: The record of the appeal of Rev. L. B. Field from the Synod of Arkansas, and an overture on this subject from the Presbytery of Pine Bluff; also the report of the Judicial Committee. The Rev. L. B. Field, the appellant, and Rev. R. B. Willis, rep¬ resenting the Synod of Arkanses, were present at the reading and discussion of the record, as were also Hon. G. A. McLean, Com¬ missioner to the Assembly from the Presbytery of Central Missis¬ sippi, W. M. Hamner and A, W. Dent, of Meridian Presbytery, as representatives for the appellant. The chairman then charged the court. The record was then read. Pending the reading of the record recess was taken till 2.00 p. m. The Commission reconvened with prayer at 2.00 p. m. All the members of the Commission were present except those excused. The reading of the record was completed. The overture from Pine Bluff Presbytery was read. The Commission took recess till 8.30 p. m. The Commission resumed its session at 8.30 p. m., and was opened with prayer by Rev. I. S. Anderson. Present all members of the Commission except those excused. The appellant was heard through his representative. The appellee was heard through its representative. The appellant closed through his representative. The Commission went into executive session. The roll was called for expressions of opinion on the part of members of the Sec. 1539] Judicial Cases 1117 Commission. The vote was taken with the following result: To confirm the action of the lower court in full, 22; to confirm it in part, 1 ; the Moderator not voting. A committee consisting of D. P. McGeachy, G. T. Storey, and R. B. Caldwell were appointed to draft the opinion of the court. Adjourned with prayer till Tuesday morning at 9.15. The Commission met as above at 9.30 a. m. Opened with prayer by Ruling Elder James Whittet. Present, all members of the Commission except those excused. The following paper was presented by the committee appointed to draft the judgment of the Commission: It is the judgment of the Commission in the case of the appeal of Rev. L. B. Field from the Synod of Arkansas: First. — That the appeal should be, and is hereby, dismissed. Second. — That the judgment of the Synod of Arkansas be, and the same is hereby, confirmed in so far as it adjudges the appellant guilty on both counts of the indictment, and also in restoring the appellant to the sacrament of the Church. Third. — That the judgment of the Synod of Arkansas be, and the same is hereby, reversed, in so far as it modifies the judgment of the Presbytery of Pine Bluff by substituting indefinite suspension of the appellant from the ministry in lieu of deposition from the ministry. It is our judgment that, under all the facts and circum¬ stances of the case, the Rev. L. B. Field should be deposed from the ministry, but restored to the sacrament of the Church, and that the courts below be, and they are hereby, instructed to take such steps as may be necessary to put this judgment into effect. This report was adopted, the first and second sections unani¬ mously, and the third section by the following vote: Ayes — McGeachy, Murray, Lyle, Rogers, Drennan, Boyd, Storey, W. R. Anderson, Robbins, Bingham, Caldwell, Davidson, Patterson, McGill, Watkins, and Sydenstricker — 16. Noes — Walthall, I. S. Anderson, Bradshaw, Gilmore, McCut- chan, Whittet, Adair, and Offutt — 8. The report was then adopted as a whole. The minutes of all sessions of the Commission were read and approved. The Commis¬ sion then adjourned sine die, after prayer by the Chairman. 1915, p. 80e. The following protest against the action of the Assembly in approving the report of the Judicial Commission in the appeal of L. B. Field from the Synod of Arkansas was admitted to record without answer: Fifteen persons protested against the action of the Assembly in the case of Lloyd B. Field vs. the Synod of Arkansas, because of what is, in our opinion, an error of judgment in the following par ticulars : 1. Irregularity and illegality of procedure on the part of the trial court. Oh the one hand, instead of granting relief to the appellant from the decision of the lower court, that decision was reversed, and for it was substituted the extreme censure. This 1118 Judicial Cases [Book VIII judgment, in our opinion, was excessive, and we believe a lighter sentence would have achieved all the designed ends of discipline. On the other, an overture was admitted to record contrary to the Rules of Discipline. 2. A full statement of the case was not given by the Commission to the Assembly, as is required in the Book of Church Order, Article 94, III. 3. Discussion of the question to approve records of the Commis¬ sion having been denied, in our opinion, the Assembly could not arrive at a fair and intelligent judgment of the cause. 1540. Complaint of F. G. Ruff against the Session of the 'Clear¬ water Church 1916, p. 41. The Standing Committee on Judicial Business made the following report, which was adopted: There has come before us a complaint of F. G. Ruff, a member of the Clearwater Church, St. Johns Presbytery, against the Session of said church. Your Committee, on investigation, find that the complaint has not been made to the Presbytery, and as that is the first court to which, according to our Book of Church Order, such a complaint should be referred, your Committee recommends that the complainant be so advised. 1541. Complaint against Savannah Presbytery 1922, p. 55. A communication from a member of the Savannah Presbytery, protesting against the action of the Presbytery in regard to certain matters, as follows: (a) The action of the Presbytery in requesting and securing one who is not a member of the Southern Presbyterian Church to serve in an advisory capacity on the Presbytery’s Committee of Home Missions. In answer to this protest, your Committee recom¬ mends that the action of the Presbytery be sustained. (b) In regard to the listing of gifts to the benevolent causes from a church which does not belong to our communion, we recommend that such gifts be classed as “miscellaneous offerings,” in order to avoind confusion and misunderstanding. (c) Touching the permission granted to a minister to labor with¬ out its bounds, your Committee recommends that this matter com¬ plained of be referred to the Savannah Presbytery, since it is pro¬ vided for in the manual of said Presbytery. (d) As to the complaint concerning the reception by the Presby¬ tery of a candidate for the ministry who is not a member of the Southern Presbyterian Church, your committee recommends that the attention of the Presbytery be called to the rules of our Church, which cover the ground of said complaint. (See new section in the Book of Church Order, Chapter V|I, Sec¬ tion 7, adopted at New Orleans, May, 1919.) BOOK IX GENERAL STATISTICAL INFORMATION SUCCESSION OF MODERATORS PLACE OP A. D. NAMES. PRESBYTERY. ASSEMBLY 1861. Rev. Benj. M. Palmer, D. D.* . New Orleans...Augusta. 1862. Rev. J. L. Kirkpatrick, D. D.* . Concord’ . .Montgomery. 1863. Rev. James A. Lyon, D. D.* . Tombeckbee . Columbia. 1864. Rev. John S. Wilson, D. D.* . .Flint River . Charlotte. 1865. Rev. George Howe, D. D.* . Charleston . Macon. 1866. Rev. Andrew Hart Kerr, D. D.* . .Memphis . Memphis. 1867. Rev. Thos. Vernor Moore, D. D.*...,F!,ast Hanover..Nashville. 1868. Rev. John N. Waddel, D. D.* . Chickasaw . Baltimore. 1869. Rev. Stuart Robinson, D. D.* . Louisville . Mobile. 1870. Rev. Robert L. Dabney, D. D.* . .West Hanover..Louisville. 1871. Rev. Wm. S. Plumer, D. D.* . Harmony . Huntsville. 1872. Rev. 1873. Rev. 1874. Rev. 1875. Rev. 1876. Rev. 1877. Rev. 1878. Rev. 1879. Rev. 1880. Rev. 1881. Rev. 1882. Rev. 1883. Rev. 1884. Rev. 1885. Rev. 1886. Rev. 1887. Rev. 1888. Rev. 1889. Rev. 1890. Rev. 1891. Rev. 1892. Rev. 1»93 Hon. Thomas R. Welch, D. D.* . Arkansas!, . Richmond. Henry Martyn Smith, D. D.*New Orleans. ...Little Rock. John L. Girardeau, D. D.* . Charleston........ .Columbus. Moses D. Hoge, D. D.* . .East Hanover..St. Louis. Benjamin M. Smith, D. D.*...,West Hanover.-Savannah. C. A. Stillman, D. D.* . .Tuscaloosa . New Orleans. T. E. Peck, D. D.* . Roanoke . Knoxville Joseph R. Wilson, D. D.* . Wilmington . Louisvi e. T. A. Hoyt, D. D.* . Nashville . Char es on. Robert P. Farris, D. D.*....f..Ht. Louis . aun on R. K. Smoot, D. D.* . .Central Texas. Atlanta. T. Pryor, D. D.* . . East Hanover. Lexington, Ky T. D. Witherspoon, D. D.* . Louisville . Vicksburg. H. R. Raymond, D. D.* . Tuscaloosa . Houston. J. H. Bryson, D. D.* . North Alabama Augusta. G. IB. Strickler, D. D.* . Atlanta . St. Louis. J. J. Bullock, D. D.* . Maryland . Baltimore. H. G. Hill, D. D . Fayetteville . Chattanooga. Rev. James Park, D. D.* . Knoxville . Asheville. Hampden C. Du Bose, D. D.*..Pee Dee . Birminghom. Samuel A. King, D. D.* . Central Texas..Hot Springs. J. W. Lapsley* . North AlabamaMacon. 1894. Rev. James R. Graham, D. D.* . Winchester . Nashville. 1895. Rev. C. R. Hemphill, D. D . Louisville . Dallas. 1896. Rev. R. Q. Mallard, D. D.* . New Orleans.. ..Memphis. 1897. Rev. George T. Goetchius, D. D.*....Che;rokee . Charlotte. 1898. Rev. E. M. Green, D. D . Transylvania. ...New Orleans . 1899. Rev. John F. Cannon, D. D.* . St. Louis . Richmond. 1900. Hon. Joseph W. Martin, LL. D.*.... Arkansas . Atlanta. 1901. Rev. Neander M. Woods, D. D.* . Memphis . Little Rock. 1902. Rev. William T. Hall, D. D.* . Bethel . Jackson. 1903. Rev. Abner C. Hopkins, D. D.* . Winchester . Lexington, Va. 1904. Rev. S. M. Neel, D. D.* . . [Jpper MissouriMobile. 1905. Rev. J. T. Plunket, D. D.* . Augusta . . Ft. Worth. 1906. Hon. Allen G. Hall, LL. D.* . Nashville). . Greenville. 1907. Rev. J. R. Howerton, D. D . . . Asheville...... . iBirmingham. 1908. Rev. W. W. Moore, D. D . West Hanover. .Greensboro. ♦Deceased. 1120 Statistics [Book IX . 1909. Rev. Wm. E. Boggs, D. D . Suwanee...., . Savannah. 1910. Rev. J. W. Bachman, D. D . Knoxville . Lewisburg, W. Va. 1911. Rev. Russell Cecil D. D . East Hanover. Louisville. 1912. Rev. Thos. S. Clyce, D. D . Dallas . Bristol. 1913. Rev. J. S. Lyons, D. D . Louisville...., . Atlanta. 1914. Wm. J. Martin, LL. D . Concord . Kansas City. 1915. Rev. W. McF. Alexander, D. D.New Orleans... ^Newport News. 1916. Rev. C. W. Grafton, D. D . Mississippi . Orlando. 1917. Jno. M. Wells, D. D . Wilmington . Birmingham. 1918. James T. Vance, D. D . Nashville . Durant. 1919. A. M. Fraser, D. D . Lexington . ....New Orleans. 1920. Rev. W. L. Lingle, D. D . Concord . Charlotte. 1921. Rev. A. B. Curry, D. D . Memphis . st. Louis. 1922. Rev. R. C. Reed, D. D . Atlanta . Charleston, W. Va, GENERAL STATISTICS For statistics prior to 1911 see Alexander’s Digest, 1910. 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 Synods . 14 14 14 14 15 16 Presbyteries . 88 86 85 84 85 85 Candidates . 436 465 478 470 475 489 Licentiates . 42 41 31 36 30 36 Ministers . 1,712 1,734 1,781 1,819 1,850 1,861 Churches . 3,375 3,392 3,409 3,430 3,438 3,437 Licensures . 44 61 55 86 58 78 Ordinations . 46 50 57 79 60 67 Installations . 232 231 249 259 212 218 Ministers Deceased . 31 34 33 33 39 28 Pastoral Dissolutions . Ministers received from other 205 186 203 197 174 193 denominations . Ministers dismissed to other 23 31 35 27 30 19 denominations . 10 11 12 20 13 15 Churches organized . 88 57 49 74 48 58 Churches dissolved . Churches received from other 27 38 27 39 33 43 denominations . Churches dismissed to other 11 5 4 3 2 denominations . 7 12 9 4 2 2 Number of Ruling Elders . 10,903 10,977 11,390 11,661 11,803 11,822- Number of Deacons . 10,456 10,637 11,032 11,266 11,845 12,211 Added on Examination . 13,437 14,103 15,979 16,149 20,156 21,804 Added on Certificate . 13,744 12,977 14,660 15,248 15,232 15,126 Total Communicants . 287,174 292,845 300,771 310,602 332,339 348,223 Number of Adults Baptized ... 5,721 6,021 6,769 7,095 8,998 10,021 Number of Infants Baptized . . . Total Sunday School Enroll- 5,016 4,970 5,439 5,598 5,761. . ment . 224,497 245,495 260,838 284,693 310,278 328,252: CONTRIBUTIONS 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 Foreign Missions . $ 452,513 $ 501,412 $ 631,069 $ 561,179 $ 544,162 $ 527,665. Assembly’s Home Missions . 128,752 116,747 150,061 165,465 165,718 176,381 Local Home Missions . 263,197 268,069 310,056 312,301 *363,129 443,618 Christian Education and Min¬ isterial Relief . 295,638 229,743 238,416 239,246 f272, 134 264,88a Sunday School Extension and Publication . 20,580 25,499 29,418 42,643 32,827 37,556 Bible Cause . 7,578 8,483 9,204 9,701 9,465 9,015. Orphans’ Homes . Pastors’ Salaries 94,424 86, 125 97.029 121,198 114,533 141,304 1,320,059 1,493,234 1,385,455 1,616,259 1,449,068 1,850,728 1,413,630 1,689,649 1,522,616 1,722,993 Congregational, etc . 2,690,718 Miscellaneous . 215,362 233,673 305,107 335,269 187,613 130,824 $4,168,762 $4,293,044 $4,772,072 $5,086,798 $4,792,860 $4,976,852- *Embracing Synod, $60,207; Presbytery, $171,419; and Congregational, $131,443. t Including $132,222 reported as contributed for Schools and C alleges. These figures are not in every case the same as appear in the report of the Presbyteries, but are partly derived from the Executive Committee’s financial reports. Statistics 1121 GENERAL STATISTICS 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 Synods . 17 17 17 17 17 17 Presbyteries . 87 87 87 87 88 88 Candidates . 489 432 371 337 366 470 Licentiates . 42 37 46 42 39 42 Ministers . . 1,922 1,960 1,956 2,013 2,026 2,056 Churches . 3,475 3,442 3,447 3,359 3,475 3,492 Licensures . 71 84 74 55 51 51 Ordinations . 71 77 62 51 40 53 Installations . 269 217 259 303 300 299 Ministers deceased . 28 30 50 37 37 32 Pastoral Dissolutions . Ministers received from other 199 214 228 259 266 240 denominations . Ministers dismissed to other 21 14 29 26 36 29 denominations . 19 14 23 9 15 5 Churches organized . 71 48 29 36 47 54 Churches dissolved . Churches received from other 32 33 47 38 45 29 denominations . Churches dismissed to other 2 2 2 3 8 1 denominations . 2 2 6 2 2 2 Number of Ruling Elders . 12,289 12,382 12,611 12,919 13,395 13,849 Number of Deacons . 12,592 12,280 12,877 13,475 14,220 14, 632 Added on Examination . 19.804 22,441 13,587 20,643 24,369 24,002 Added on Certificate . 16,009 14,527 14,361 19,773 21,889 20,251 Total Communicants . 359,335 362,522 364,230 376,517 397,058 411,854 Number of Adults Baptised. . . . 9,427 7,751 6,224 9,613 11,892 11,993 Number of Infants Baptized . . Total Sunday School Enroll- 6,054 5,564 4,780 6,194 7,210 7,468 ment . 332,420 336,480 341,460 357,848 370,840 396,850 CONTRIBUTIONS 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 Foreign Missions . .$ 570,856 $ 670,287 $ 791,441 $1,108,758 $ 1,153,629 $ 1,281,323 Assembly’s Home Missions. . . 193,363 233,991 303,587 407,652 536,836 543,438 Local Home Missions . Christian Education and 449,274 399,419 490,515 *710,875 900,150 857,783 Ministerial Relief . 517,585 285,466 214,803 247,621 968,955 380,165 Educational Institutions . Sabbath School Extension 279,928 205,480 721,586 879,744 739,776 and Publication . 41,781 47,424 74,239 94,892 100,028 96,704 Bible Cause . 12,444 18,824 19,695 22,935 26,099 24,007 Orphans’ Homes . Pastors’ Salaries . . 131,343 153,015 205,480 385,441 373,109 363,469 1,626,653 1,505,003 1,822,143 2,186,075 2,557,002 2,663,192 Congregational, etc . 1,589,347 1,918,341 1,971,974 2,889,308 3,673,657 3,608,210 Miscellaneous . 641,194 422,458 416,946 461,693 955,682 1,185,658 Total . $5,934,156 $6,516,303 $9,236,836 $12,124,891 $11,743,725 *Embracing Synodical, $207,085; Presbyterial, $454,216; and Congregational, $238,849. These figures are not in every case the same as appear in the reports of the Presbyteries, but are partly derived from the Executive Committee’s financial reports. PER CAPITA GIFTS (1921-1922) Benevolences . $ 13. 2g Current Expenses . 15.22 Total for nil pauses . . . . . $ 28.50 1122 Statistics [Book IX FOREIGN MISSIONS Foreign Workers Native Workers Out Stations Organized Churches j _ ‘ _ 1 Communicants Added on Confession Christian Constituency Sabbath Schools Sabbath School Membership Schools Students Income from Native Sources Native Students for the Ministry 1914 339 1,227 983 105 30,107 4,059 103,946 543 30,264 324 12,375 56,422 105 1915 358 1,078 1,111 501 33,021 3,768 122,578 626 36,436 457 16,012 113,298 126 1919 377 894 1,211 160 38,169 5,256 76,178 884 60,550 565 24,004 122,332 205 1917 381 1,073 1,399 181 41,337 5,972 84,139 965 61,466 715 25,264 121,097 1918 384 3,024 1,489 185 43,221 5,491 83,820 638 67,441 752 27,684 159,640 1919 384 2,802 1,320 241 43,797 4,617 80,000 1,014 60,085 739 26,117 290,717 1920 1921 424 2,874 1,574 239 44,169 44,834 4,690 4,731 91,573 1,142 1,327 68,584 76,707 884 29,574 307,285 274,578 k . \ In 1921-22 (p. 58) 40 new missionaries and 5 associates workers were added to roll. For every dollar contributed by the Home Church about 25 cents was given by our Native Churches; the amount given by them is more than our entire missionary income for 1902. HOME MISSIONS General m .2 'Eh G o G O "G a> £ JZW O 03 r—S o rd o Foreign d o • rH c$ £ Colored OQ U v rO Frontiers 03 .2 3 £ o • rH 03 03 CO two years, 129. Joint meetings, 153. Commissioners leaving before ad¬ journment, 130. Substitution of alternate for prin¬ cipal, 130. Lord’s Supper, 131. Secretaries and Clerks have privi¬ leges of the floor, 133. Stated clerk to publish what re¬ ports are required, 140. Beports to be read bv Stated Clerk, 138. Notices to be read by Clerk, 138. Salary of clerks, 133. Resignation of Dr. Law, 134. Office of Permanent Clerk abolished, 135. Term of officers, 135, 137. Treasurer of, 130. His accounts to be published, 136. Moderator not to be ex-officio a member of the next Assembly, 131. Bi-ennial meetings, 137. Pules adopted and revised, 127. Prayer for, 141. Price of Minutes, 142. Quarter-centennial, 152. Semi-centennial, 152. Centennial of first Assembly in America, 152. Enacting power of, 132. Secretaries to be elected by Asem- bly, 136. Invitations, 137. Has right to send deliverances di¬ rectly to Presbyteries, 1097. May approve decision of lower court without approving reasons [665]*. May base decision solely ( on prin¬ ciple and not on merits of case. [674]*. Not proper for Assembly to assume jurisdiction while case is pend¬ ing in lower court [662]*. Without power to organize or dis- s.olve a Presbytery, 100. Relation to churches in mission territory, 209. What control over foreign evan¬ gelist, 209. General Powers of Church Courts, 464. General Regulations for Church Agencies, 764. Geneva, Evangelical Churches of, 928. Theological Seminary of, 946. Gideons, 803. Giving, Christian, 15. Pastors to preach on, 773. Golden Rule interpreted, 894, Government, Form of, see Form, etc. Graded lessons in Sabbath Schools, 532. Graham building, 395. Graham plan for equipment, 736f, 742. Gravbill, Rev. A. T.. founds the Mexican mission, 224. Greece, mission to, 225. Greek Evangelical Synod, 938. Greek, study of 364. Grinnan, Rev. R. B , founds the Japan mission, 226. Group calling a pastor, 47. Grouping churches, 268, 289. * Numbers in [ ] refer to Alexander’s Digest (1910). 1142 Index. Hampton Institute, 955. ' Hangchow Presbytery, 99. Herald , Home Mission. 252, 604. Heretical books, 503. Historical Society, Presbyterian, 811. Southern Presbyterian, 813. History, collecting materials for, 813. Home and School, 458. Separated from Fredericksburg Col¬ lege, 464. Consolidated with Education and Relief, 465, 582, 601. Transferred to Synod of Virginia, 469. Home department in Sunday School, 529. Home Missionary Societies, 251. Home Missionary Journal, 251. Home Missionary Herald , 252, 604. Home Missions, 238. Assembly’s, defined, 247. Local (Presbyterial) , 243, 246. Harmonizing Synodical and As¬ sembly’s plan, 244f. Synodical, Gifts to Nacoochee, 247. Executive Committee created, 238. Separated from Foreign Missions, 239. Work beyond bounds of organized Presbyteries, 341. To be included in program of Semi- Centennial, 152. Forward Movement, 250. One dollar per member, 250. Small cost of operation, 240. Fine reports of Executive Commit¬ tee, 241, 258, (710). Successful year, (663). Change of location, 239. Changes of name, 239. Manual, 238. Incorporated, 240. Non-co-operating Presbyteries, 242. Study classes, 257. Percentage, 246, 658. Semi-centennial, 248. Memorial fund, 248. Individual support, 250. Secretary to visit throughout the Church, 239. The Secretaries, 241. Secretary, on Comity Committee, 247. Secretary to attend Home Mission Council, 241. The Treasurer, 241f. Schools, 297. Amount of money asked for, 247f. Appropriations to be made in lump to Presbyteries, 243. Each Presbytery may draw out its own contributions, 243. Convention, 250. Journal, 251 f . Children’s Day, 253. H. M. Week, 253, 611. Synodical Superintendents, (632). Importance of, 256. Difficulties, 260. Ministers to present, 257. Conference of Chairmen, 269. Equipment, 290. Salaries, 291. Sunday Schools and H. M., 253. Evangelism, see Evangelism. Items to be reported, 611. Conference with Northern Church to remove friction, 255. Small cost of operation, 240. Statistics, 247f, 1122. Honorary titles, 141. Huntsville Educational Con¬ vention, 418. Huss Memorial, 256. Hymn Book, 555. Rouse’s version of the Psalms, 915. . Hymn Books for Sunday Schools, 556. Immersion, 835. Not scriptural but valid, 838. Independent Presbyterian Church, Union with, 916. Independent Church for col¬ ored people, 316. Independent Presbytery in China, 220. Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah, 45. 921. India, correspondence with Presbyterian Church in, 945. Indian, Presbytery of, trans¬ ferred to Synod of Texas, 115. Index. 1143 Indians, Missions among, 218. Religious literature for, 525. Schools among, 218, 292. Transfer to Home Missions. 219. 340. Individual Missionaries, Assuming support of, 183. Infant Paper, 543. Infants, Elect, 3. Informality in sending over¬ tures, 15. Information Bureau of, 288. Dissemination of, 368. On Foreign Missions, 203. Inman, Hugh T., gift to Minis¬ terial Relief, 393. Inquiry, Committee of, as to organic union with North¬ ern Church, 982. Inslee, Rev. E. 13., founds the China Mission, 220. Inspiration of the Scriptures in Seminaries, 481. Installation, 42. Institutes, Sunday School, 552. Intemperance, 850. Interchurch World Movement, 215, (713), 723, (727f), 738, 1087. International friendship, 933. International Lessons, 532, 544f. Inter-Racial Committee, 339. In thesi deliverances, 164, 1GG. In transitu , Ministers, 39. Invalid scheme, 375. Endowment for, 304. “Invalid Fund” not “Relief Fund,” 392. Investments, 382, 792. Invitations, accepting, 137, 907. Irish Presbyterian Church, 934. Italian Mission, 221. Itinerary of returned mission¬ aries, 216. Jamestown Exposition, 877. Japan, Mission to, 22G. School for girls, 235. Jews, Missions among, 230, (632). Evangelization of, in our bounds, 273. Judgment, private, 167. Judicial Cases, 1097. Who are entitled to sit in, 1097. Courts not parties in 1097. And so not entitled to be repre¬ sented on appeal, 1098. Counting vote in, 1099. When take the vote, 15. Appeal lies only when there has been a judicial trial, 1098. Co-ordinate court may take the testimony of distant witness, 1099. Counsel for accused limited, 1097. Who are appellant and appellee.. 1098. Parties absent during trial by per¬ mission of court, entitled to sit in case, 1097. Judicial Commission, 1100. May try a case, 1101. Judicial committee may not pass final judgment on a case [675] * Judicial Deliverances different from in thesi deliverances, 166. Judicial Tribunal, 1100. Junior College, Presbyterian, 416. Jurisdiction over a minister of another Presbytery, 100. Jurisdiction, Original, of Pres¬ bytery, 91. Justice, Assembly approves substantial jus¬ tice of a sentence, but does not give sanction to irregularities, [668]*. Kennedy bequest for Bibles and tracts, 524. Kentucky, Legacy for evange¬ listic work in, 244, 407. Kentucky, Synod of, unites with the Assem- blv, 916. Reply to Synod of, in regard to Central University, [717]*. Theological Seminary, 479. Consolidated with Danville, 480. * Numbers in [ ] refer to Alexander’s Digest (1910). 1144 Index. King College, 407. Knox, John, Anniversary of birth of, 927. Korea, 230. Correspondence with church in, 946. LaGrange College, 406. Lane, Ilev. E., founds the Bra¬ zilian mission, 222. Latin thesis, 65. Lay preachers and evangelists, 52f. Lay Workers’ Training School, 433. Laymen, Use of, 35. To manage church enterprises, 277, 765. Laymen's Missionary Move¬ ment, 192, 250, 614. League, Westminster, 566. Lectureships in Seminaries, 494. Legacies, method of distribut¬ ing, 244. Expense of collecting certain, 795f. Legacy, Of W. A. Moore, 283. Of Susanna P. Lees, 283. Of Miss Mary -J. Baldwin, 244. Of Miss Mary Stuart, 387. Of Wm. Workman, -244, 407. Of Stuart Robinson, 396. Of Robert Lusk, 362. Letter. Correspondence to be by, 958, 977. Dismissing members to other de¬ nominations, 20, [669]*. For a member, must include his children also, 22. Of dismission, return of, reinstates a party in membership, 24. Libraries, 555. License, And ordain not at same meeting, 60. Before ordination, 60. Changes, 60. Licensure, Standard for, 59. In extraordinary cases, 49f. Licentiates, In evangelistic work, 63. May declare a church vacant, 66. Presbytery may recall license of, [66*0] *. Life Work Secretaries, 372. Linn, Kev. S. P., case of [669]*. Liquor, Traffic, suppression of, 857. Retailers of, 857. And fire-arms in South Sea Islands, 906. Literature, For the colored people, 524. For the Indians, 525. Liturgy for public worship, 846. Loans, For completing church edifices, 282. To candidates, 357, 361. Loan Fund, Educational, 454. Loan Fund, Student’s, 456f, (633) Loans, Rather than gifts, (651). To prospective medical mission¬ aries, 358. To young women, 358. Local Home Missions, 239, 246. Lord’s Day Alliance, 757, 828f. Lord’s Supper, 834. Elements in, 834. Deacons and others may assist in 835. Losses in Membership, 24. Lotteries, 863. Louisiana Svnod organized, 110. Louisville colored mission, 338. Louisville conference, 1030. Louisville Theological Semi¬ nary, 479. Consolidation with Danville, 480. Luebo Church and School, 229. Lusk, Mr. Kobert, legacy of. 362. Mail, Sunday, 826. Management of Executive Committees, 602. Manses, 288f. Manual for Foreign Missions, 199. Marriage, Theories of, 870. Of Minors, 866. Maryville College, 405. M asonry, 35. * Numbers in [ ] refer to Alexander’s Digest (1910). Index. 1145 McAlpine, a founder of the Japanese mission, 226. McNeilly, Eev. J. H., resigna¬ tion of, 175. Medical missionaries, Call for, 234. Loans to prospective, 358. Melvin, Thanks to Dr., 455. General Secretary of Steward¬ ship Committee, 750, 755. Members of the Church, Affiliate, 33. How received from other denomi¬ nations, 20. By certificate unless examined by Session, 18. On re-statement, 19. Letter of dismission necessary, 18. Dismissing to churches not con¬ nected with the Assembly, 20. Non-communing, dismission of, 22. Non-communing, a roll of, to be kept, 22. Losses of, not to be reported, 24. Transfer of, under the twelve months’ rule, 19. Neglecting to transfer for twelve months, on separate roll, 19. Not to be dismissed in blank, 21. Presbytery may have original juris¬ diction over, 91. Not necessary to notify church to which dismissed, 20. Non-attending, 25. Session cannot lawfully pass sent¬ ence on member in his absence from court, on single citation, [679] *. When in good standing, 18. Entitled to letter of dismission after censure, if desired, [669]*. Is in “good and regular standing” after censure, [669]* Membership, Courts cannot make new rules of, 87, 164. Suspension from, without trial [679]*. Memorial Scholarships, 457. Men, Program for, (633), 748. And Religion Forward Movement 35. Men’s work, permanent com¬ mittee, 761. Mexican mission, 224. Presbytery of Tamaulipas, 225. Synod of Mexico, 942. Mexicans, Home Missions among, 341. Mileage, 146. Presbyteries urged to adopt As¬ sembly’s system, 109. Minimum amounts for causes, 642. Minimum requirements for church schools, 413. Ministers, 36. Reception of, without letters of dismission, 36. Examination rule for, 37. Dismission of, to other denomina¬ tions, 37. Dismission by Stated Clerk, not allowed, 36. Subscribing, when received into a Presbytery, 39. Transferred to another Presbytery 37. In transitu, 39. Not belong to two courts at once. 39. “Otherwise paid” not in blanks. 140. Jurisdiction over lOOf. Not preaching, 45. When they may supply churches out of our connection, 45. May not become such supply per¬ manently, 45. Suspended, 40. Mode of restoring the deposed, 50 Assigned to church membership 51. Out of doctrinal accord with the church, 54. Who doubt their having a call, 54 Received from other denominations 36, 37. Alarming need of more, 364. Presbytery can restrain minister from exercise of functions, with¬ out judicial process, if of un¬ sound mind, [664]* Colored, 305. Ministerial Education, see Edu¬ cation. Ministerial Relief, Invalid Fund, 392. Ministerial Relief, see Relief. Ministerial Support, 390. Ministerial Union of Rich¬ mond, 940. * Numbers in [ ] refer to Alexander’s Digest (1910). 1146 Index. Ministry, Extraordinary recruit for; 491. Claims of, on Christian workers, 365. Claims of, to be presented in Col¬ leges and Universities, 497. Minors, Marriage of, 866. Minutes of the Assembly, To be published by Committee of Pub¬ lication, 142. Price of, 142. Abstracts of reports of Executive Committees to be published in ap¬ pendix, 776. Items in, 136, 141, 613, 655, 674, 692, 708, 776. Report of Trustees in, 794. Column for Young People’s Soci- ties, 571. Column for Invalid Fund and Con¬ gregational Expenses, 788. Printing Chairmen of Home Mis¬ sions, 273. Tables in, (635). Minutes of a Court, 168. Miriams, 568. Miscellaneous contributions, 791. Miscellaneous gifts, distribu¬ tion of, 783. Mission, Court, 234. Field, united Presbyterian church, 212. Schools, 292, 557. Station treasurer, 234. Study classes for men, 672. Study course, 197, 707. Work beyond bounds, 341. Missionaries, Expenses of new, 206. Qualifications of, 206. Relations of Presbyteries and Exe¬ cutive Committee to appoint¬ ment of, 210. How transfered to foreign Presby¬ tery, 212. Entitled to copy of Executive Com¬ mittee’s record affecting them¬ selves, in certain cases, 217. List of, to be published twice a year, 233. Call for more, 234. Annual support, (617). School for children of, 472. Loyalty to the faith, 210. Individual supporters to be re¬ ported, 611. Sanitary houses, 236. New appointments, 236. Among the colored people, 322. Women as, 205. Missionary, Aims in Sunday School, 546. Literature, 544. Memorial day, 235. Education (Seven Year Plan), 198. Meetings in Presbytery, 196. Conferences, 174. Conference in Edinburgh, 204. Conference at Panama, 204. Platform, 193. Missionary , The , 200, 604. Missionary , The Children' s, 202. Missionary Societies, Women’s and Young People’s, 187. Men’s, 190. Statistics of, 1126. Missions, Monthly meetings in interest of, 171. Lessons on, 546. Prompt payments to, 207. Missouri, Synod of, unites with Assembly, 918. Mixed Presbyteries, in foreign field, 211. Mob. law, 866. Moderator, An elder may be, 73. Of Session, who may be, 83. Of Congregational meeting, 34. Of Assembly, not to be ex-officio a member of next Assembly, 131. Moderators of the Assembly, 1119. Money, Methods of raising, 773. Use of, (667). Monmouth monument, 865. Monthly, Concert for Foreign Missions, 171, 180. Payments for mission stations, (650). Months, For collections, 582, 597. For Foreign Mission, 186. For Home Missions, 254, 693. Use of (E. M. C.), (637), 641, 674. Montreal, 429ff. Summer Bible School, 429. On budget, (734), 744. Moore Fund, 283. Index. 1147 Moral and Secular Topics, 850. Moravian Church, 943. Morrison, Trial of, 227. Mortgage on edifice, not re¬ quired for loan, 283. Morton, Rev. G. Nash, founds Brazilian mission, 222. Mountaineers, 297. Mount Bethel Church, sale oj, 90. Music to be under charge of Session, 848. Nacoochee, 247 Names of Presbyterian Institu¬ tions, 416. Narratives, 155. Topics for, 9 1 f . Must be signed by clerk, 109. Near East Relief, 740, 931. “Necessity and Mercy,” 7. Negro Girls’ Training School, 332. Negro Women, see Colored Women. Newspaper, Presbyterian, 544, 864. Newspapers, Sunday, 823. Non-attendance, 26. Non-communicants, Baptized, 22. Non-co-operating churches, 243. Non-co-operating Presbyteries, 242. Non-denominational books sold by Publication Committee, 503. Non-ministerial mission work¬ ers, 235. Non-political character of church, 885, 900. Non-resident members, 26, 31. Not same as retired members, 32. Noonday prayer for Missions, 180. Normal course for training teachers, 528. Diploma in, 532. North Alabama Presbytery, 116. Oblation, Directory 847. for, 784, Offense, Courts may make de¬ liverances defining what constitutes, 164. Offenses, Not all to be dealt with by judicial process, 164. Official records, 168. Oglethorpe University, 420. Oklahoma, 342. Synod organized, 110. Home Missions in, 342. School for boys, 296. Presbyterian College for girls ( = Durant College), 293. Dutch Deformed work, 342. One dollar per member for Home Missions, 250. Onward , 543. Order, Book of Church, 525. Ordinances, 816. Ordination, Only as pastor or evangelist, 48. In extraordinary cases, 49f. In foreign field, 51. Not merely to qualify as chaplain, 49. Not as private, 60. Cannot be partial, [673]*. Sine titulo, 48. Changes, 60. Organic union, 909. With Northern church, Correspond¬ ence, 961, 1001, 1026. Pastoral letter on, 966. Amending powers of Assembly to effect, 1028. Resolve to maintain independent stand, 1028. Declined, 995. Committee of inquiry, 982. With other bodies, 92 If. Of all Presbyterian and Reformed Churches in U. S., 922. Original jurisdiction, When Presbyteries may have, over elders and members, 91. Orphanages, Column in statistical reports for contributions to, 452. Orphans’ Home, Choctaw, 293. Overture, the right to, cannot be abridged, 1097. * Numbers in [ ] refer to Alexander’s Digest (1910). 1148 Index. Overtures, Informality in manner of sending down, 15. Printing in the Minutes, 140. Should come through lower courts, 125, 139. To be sent to Stated Clerk and Moderator, 160. And memorials may be referred without reading, 139. Pages, Testaments to, 161. Painter, G. W., Ordination of, 207. Pan-Presbyterian Council, 641, 1032, 1037. See General Presbyterian Alliance. Paper Week, Church, 749. Parents, Relation of, to Sun¬ day School, 528. Park, Rev. Samuel, case of. [672]* Parliamentary Rules, 127. Parties to a cause, who are. 1098. Pastor, Who may vote for, 40. Course of call for, 41. Amending form of call for, 41. Call for, without promise of ade¬ quate support, 41. Bv whom installed, 42. In Sabbath School, 557. Salary, 41, 91. Pastoral relation, Not to be lightly broken, 44. Dissolution of, 44. Pastoral letter, On organic union with Northern Church, 966. On religious instruction of colored people, 301. On claims of gospel ministry, 367. On parental training, 832f. On worldly amusements, 851. To non-resident members, 31. Against errors, 865. Pastorates, Term, 41. Pastors should preach to the children, 556. Patapsco, Presbytery of, unites with Assembly, 909. Peace Conferences, 866, 903. Pearls for the Little Ones , 543. Pending Question, 14. Pension System, 379. Per capita for benevolences. 738, 743, 1121. Percentages, 621, (637), 641f, 655f, 657 f , 673, 690, 704, 721, 739. Permanent Committees instead of Standing, 608. Permanent Standing Commit¬ tee, 138. Pernambuco, Mission founded at, 222. Phillips, Dr. A. L., memorial to, 554. Physicians, Examining, for ap¬ plicants for appointment as missionaries, 207. Pilgrimage, Monmouth, 865. Pilgrims, Church of, 285. Plan of Union, Presbyterian and Reformed Church- es in U. S. of America, 1006. United Assembly, 1015, 1018. Powers of, 1020. Basis of Union, 1018. Platform, Missionary, 193. Pocket Testament League, 804. Policy, Missionary, 194. Sunday School, 563. Polity, Church, Catechism on, 534. Poly gamy, 873. Postoffice, Sunday closing, 826. Pozsonv Reformed Presbytery., Hungary, 232 942. Prayer, For the General Assembly, 141. For increase of candidates for min¬ istry, 365, 371. In installation service, 43. Day of, for Missions, 179f. For youth, 448. For schools and colleges, 366. For public schools, 448. Fasting and, 848. Thanksgiving and, 849. Topic at Assembly, 831. Week of, 448, 935. Calendar, Foreign Missions, 203. Calendar, Home Missions, 253. Prayers, Book of, 556. Preaching of the gospel, 907. * Numbers in [ ] refer to Alexander’s Digest (1910). Index. 1149 Preparatory School, Presbyte¬ rian, 415. Presbyterial, And Synodical Unions of Women’s Societies, 190. Changes in Synod of Georgia, 96. Narratives, 108. Schools, 419. Chairmen for Foreign Missions, duties of, 176. Chairmen for Education, duties of, .368. Supervision of Sunday Schools, 539. Presbyterian Church, North, Correspondence in reference to union, 961, 1026. Fraternal relations, 967-977, 978. Correspondence by letter, 977. Fraternal delegates, 981. Organic union, 982, 986, 995 (de¬ clined), 1001. Co-operation, 989. Closer relations, 999, 1052. Union and federation, 1002. Regional assemblies, 1011. Further correspondence, 1026. Aspersions removed, 1049. Presbyterian And Reformed Churches, 1006. College, 415f. Educational Association, 409. Educational Institutions, number of, 428. Ministers’ Fund, 384. Preparatory School, 415. University, 417. Presbyteries, The original, 96. New, 97. That have disappeared from roll, 98. Of Potomac and Winchester, 96. Mixed, in foreign field, 21 If. For colored people, 322. Presbytery, 96. Elders not appointed may not sit in, 102f. An elder necessary to a quorum, 103. Meeting out of proper place, 103. Meeting out of its own bounds, 103. To meet twice a year, 104. Called meeting, 104. Corresponding members, 102. Power to dissolve pastoral relation, 44. What control over her . foreign evangelist, 210. When it has original jurisdiction over elders and members, 91. Assembly without power to or¬ ganize, 100. Dismissing a minister still within its bounds, 101. Makes its own rules, 109. Organize new churches, 105. Power over missions, 90. Missionary meeting at, 196. Assembly has* right to send deliv¬ erances directly to, 1097. May recall license of probationer, [660]*. May forbid the public contending against decision of Assembly, [683]*. Must assign minister divested of office, membership in church, [703]*. Not allowed to vote on review of its own records, [668]*. Can restrain minister from exercise of function without judicial trial, if of unsound mind, [664]*. Synod cannot interpose its author¬ ity to interfere with Presbytery in judging qualifications of its ministers, [664]*. Presbytery’s quota, (636). Presbytery, Of Charleston Union, 98. Of Sao Paulo, 98. Of Hangchow, 99. Formed in Greece, 226. First in U. S., bi-centennial of, 945. Principals, eligibility, 643. “Principles, Distinctive,” 908. Printing plant, 510. Prison evangelist, 273. Private judgment, Night of, 167. Profanity, 864. Progressive Program, Presby¬ terian (715), 740, 751, 753, 760, 762f. Eight objectives, (715), 722, (730). Goal, 749. Blank, 749f. Prohibition, see Temperance Proof Texts, Revision of 12. Property, Church and College, 14, 425. Pro re nata meeting Of Presbyterv, see Called Meeting. Of Synod, 104, 122. Protest, limitation on right of, 167 Provincial Assemblies, 1028. Proxy voting, 34. * Numbers in [ ] refer to Alexander’s Digest (1910). 1150 Index. Psalms and Hymns, 555. Psalms, Rouse’s version of, 915. Public Schools, Day of prayer for, 448. Christian influences in, 448. The Bible in, 449. Publication and Sunday School Work, 500. Executive Committee constituted, 500. Property of Synod of Mississippi tendered to Assembly, for, 505. Location of the Committee, 505. Depositories, 501, 505, 507f. Quorum of, 500f. Manual for, 521. Endowment for, 510. Benevolent work of, 511. Printing plant, 510. Annual catalogue, 510. Publishing House, 514. Property in Richmond, 523. Change of name, 524, (618). Applications for aid to be endorsed, 511. * Money to be used only for publica¬ tion, 512. Business capital not to be used for benevolence, 522. Management of Committee and Secretary endorsed, 512. Executive Committee incorporated, 513. Business to be done by contract, 514. Cheaper publications, 523. Restrictions on sales removed, 520. Regulations for Committee, 521. Gratuitous distribution, 521f. Relations of Committee with Phil¬ adelphia Board, 523. Co-operate with other denomina¬ tions, 578. Proposed consolidation with Edu¬ cation, 523f. Committee to pay salary of Secre¬ tary, 506. Date for collections for, 525. Provision for expense, 516. Committee to have supervision of Sunday School work, 515. Assuming entire control of issuing our Sabbath School literature, 515. To publish Missionary literature, 544. Rule about examining books, 500. Copy of every book published to be given to each member of Executive Committee, 522. Publish books by our own minis¬ ters, 506. Publishing annual receipts, 511. Non-denominational books, 503. Ecclesiastical year for, 512 Secretary to visit Synods and Presbyteries, 521. Secretary made Treasurer, 521. His salary, 524. Attendance of Treasurer at Assem¬ bly, 511. Itemized statements in Treasurer’s report, 524. Statistics, 526, 1123. Publications Of other houses, our imprimatur to be placed on, 506. Character of books sold by Publica¬ tion Committee, 500. For freedmen, 524. For Indians, 525. Publicity, 159. Publishing agent, 507. Publishing bouse, 514. Quakers, baptizing of, 840. Qualifications of missionaries, 206. Quarter-centennial services of assembly, 152. Quorum, Of a Session, 83. Of Presbytery, elder necessary to, 103. Of Commission of Presbytery, 106. Of Synod, 123. Of courts, 167. Quota of Presbytery, 641. Quotas of Synods, (717) To be fixed by Synods, 740. Rally Day, 551. Reception of members from other denominations, 20. Certificates of, 2 1 f . Reception of ministers without letters, 36. From foreign countries, 36. Records, Official, 168. Red River country as mission field, 340. Reduction of armaments, 1086. Reformation Dav, 875. * %j / Index. 1151 Reformation, Four hundredth anniversary, 454. Reformed Church in America (Dutch Reformed), Co-operative alliance with, 547, 955, 958f, 960. Co-operation in publishing Sunday School journals, 542. Reformed Churches in Amer¬ ica, 1053. Council, 1054. Reformed Churches in U. S. ( Presbyterian System ) , Federal union among, 623, 1048. Regional Assemblies, 1011. Register of baptized children to be kept, 22. Of non-communing members ,23. Reinforcements, 234. Reinstating a divested minis¬ ter, 50. Relations of Church with Other Bodies, 885. Relief Fund, Scheme for, 375. The scheme goes into operation, 378. Regulations for, 378, 380. Plan modified, 381. Investing Committees for, 382. Investment of, under whose con¬ trol, 382. Taken from under church control, 383. Supervision of contract with Clergy Friendly Society transferred to Foreign Missions Committee, 384. Transferred to Presbyterian Minis¬ ters’ Fund, 384. Details of administration, 390. History of, 396. Relief, Ministerial, 373. Executive Committee appointed, 385. Consolidated with Education, 388. Endowment, 392. Gift of Mr. Inman, 393. Statistics, 1123. Relief, Protestant, in Europe, 928, 930. Religion, Decline of, in the home, 833. Re-open, Assembly declines to reopen case al¬ ready adjudicated, [667]*. Reports, List of, to be published by Stated clerk, 140. Statistical, from foreign field, 216. Representatives, Elders are, not delegates, 102. Requirements, Educational, Minimum, 413. Reserve Fund for Foreign Mis¬ sions, 182, (631). Resident and non-resident members, 32. Responsive readings in Sunday School, 548. Re-statement, Members re¬ ceived on, 19. Restoring a deposed minister, 50, [669]* Retired members, 32. Retired ministers, 378. Retrenchment and reform, 779. Revision, American of Bible. May be supplied for memorizing Catechism, 559. Revision, Of “Apostles” Creed, 11. Of Directory of Worship, 11. Of Book of Church Order, 2, 11. Of Proof Texts to Standards, 12. Righteousness, Civic, 883. Robinson, Rev. Dr. Stuart, Legacy of, for invalid fund, 396. Roll of Honor (Ministers), 379. Romanism, 505. Romish baptism, 836, 839. Ronzone, Miss Christina, founds Italian mission, 221. Rotary eldership and diacon- ate, 71. Rouse’s version of the Psalms, 915. Rules of parliamentary order, 127. Ruling elder, see Elder. Russia, 233, 1096. Sabbath, 816. Assembly affirms universal and perpetual obligation to keep Sab¬ bath holy, [691]*. * Numbers in [ ] refer to Alexander’s Digest (1910). 1152 Index. Sabbath, Observance of, 824, 907. Conference on, 827. Mails, 826. Closing postoffices, 826. Permanent Committee on, 816. Standing Committee on, 818. National Committee on, 821. Presbyterial Committees on, 820. Ministers to preach on, 830. Application to civil authorities as to observance, 820. Petitions to railroads and cor¬ porations, 827. Co-operation in movement as to, 821. Discipline for violation of, 823. Newspapers and railway trains on, 823. Travel, 823. Amusements, 827. Pastoral letter on desecration of 824. Closing World’s Fair on, 826. Meeting of Synod on, 821. Union, American, 819, 822. Lord’s Day Alliance, 828f. And Family Religion, 818, 831, 833. Lessons on, 546. Sabbath School Day (Rally Day), 551. Sabbath School Extension, 549. Sabbath Schools, see Sunday Schools. Salaries, Statistical column for, 67, 137. Of Secretaries, 205, 765. Average and Minimum, paid our ministers, 289. For Missionaries, (650). Larger, for ministers, 707. Sao Paulo Presbytery, 98. Savannah Independent Presby¬ terian Church, 921. Sayre Female Institute, 405. Schism, Charge of, against our Church, 973. Scholarships, Memorial, 457. “Scholars” substituted for “Children” in Sunday School reports, 561. School for Missionaries' chil¬ dren, 472. Schools, Mission, 557. Among the Indians, 218, 292. Home Mission, 297. Schools, Presbyterial and Sy¬ nodical, 419. Constitution for, 398. Statistics of, [749-755]*. Schools and Colleges, 397. Church connection, *414. Standardization, 413, 415. Presbyterian Preparatory School, 415. Presbyterian Junior College, 416. Collegiate Institute, 416. Names of Presbyterian Institu¬ tions, 416. Activities of Church and Sunday School to be taught in, 565. Financial problems, 416. Better equipment, 417. Day of Prayer for, 366. Collections for, 369. Consolidated with Ministerial Edu¬ cation and Relief, 582, 601. Executive Committee established, 400. Scouts, Boy, 579. Seamen, 275, 814. Seaports, Residents in foreign, 233. ' Secretaries of Executive Com¬ mittees, To be elected by Assembly, 604f, 640, 749, 764/ Appointed for three years, 164. Not to be on Systematic Bene¬ ficence and Stewardship Com¬ mittee, 348, 606. Secretaries and Clerks, Have privileges of floor in As¬ sembly, 133. Secular education, 407. Semi-centennial of Assembly, 152, 248. Seminaries, see Theological Seminaries. Sensational exercises and liter¬ ature, To be avoided, 557. Session, 81. Mav one elder constitute a valid, 81. May pastor be, when there is no elder, 84. Quorum of, 82f. Opening with prayer, 88. Powers of, 85. No meeting without sanction of pastor, 84. * Numbers in [ ] refer to Alexander’s Digest (1910). Index. 1153 Session, 81. Relation to deacons, 76. Narratives of, 91. Moderator of, 83, 87. Control all church organizations, 87. Has charge of music, 848. Has control of Sunday School, 530. May not instruct its representa¬ tives how to vote, 86. Provisional or special, 85. Flags in churches, 88. Record reports to Presbytery, 95. Care of absent members, 83. Citation by, 85. Cannot lawfully pass sentence on member in his absence from court, on single citation, [679]*. Legal force of censure terminates when inflicted, [669]*. Not required to try accused mem¬ ber because charges are Defer¬ red, [670]*. Sessional Narratives, 91. Sessional powers for unor¬ dained missionaries, 87. Seven Year Plan of Mission¬ ary Education, 198. Shares in Mission work, 194, 234. Sheppard, Trial of, 227. Side rolls, 23, 95. Simultaneous meetings, 191. Singers, professional and hired, 848. Slavery, 891. Slides, stereopticon, 204. Smith, Rev. J. Rockwell, founds Pernambuco Mis¬ sion, 222. Snedecor, Dr., 331. Snedecor Memorial Synod, 112. Sociology in Seminaries, 494. Soldiers, Educational work among, 455. Pastoral letter about, 277. Reception of, 33. Soul Winners’ Society, 297. Southern' Presbyterian Univer¬ sity, 417, 420. Southwestern Advisory Com¬ mittee, Of Domestic Missions, 238. Southwestern Presbyterian University, Theological Department, 479. Special, Appeals, 187, 740. Donation Fund, 185, 610. Objects, contributions to, 185. Topics at Assemblies, 160. Spencer Academy, 218. Spillman, J. B. Thanks to, 705, 724. Apportionment plan, 721. Spirituality of the Church, 901. Deliverances on, to be published, 901. Standard For licensure, 59. Of minimum requirements, 413. Standardization, 413. Of Christian Schools, 413, 415. Standing Committees, Permanent, in the Assembly, 138, 608. Printing reports of, 139. Committee on Auditing, added to, 150. On Evangelistic Labor, 262, 264. On Correspondence, 977. On Sunday Schools, 538. State aid for schools, 369. State Universities, Care of Presbyterian students in, 450. State Schools, Bible in, 449. State, Province and relations of Church and, 888, 902. Appeal to, in case of Morrison and Sheppard, 229. Our duty to, 899. Stated Clerk, To publish list of reports required, 140. To tabulate reports, 578. See also under Clerks. Of Presbyteries, to forward Ses¬ sional reports to Publication Committee before May 1, 640. Stated Supply, Official status of, 47. By what title to be reported, 47. Stations, to be represented by numerals, 791. Statistical Report and Syste¬ matic Beneficence, 774. Statistical Reports (see also Blanks), Home Department and Cradle Roll, not separate column, 529. * Numbers in [ ] refer to Alexander’s Digest (1910). 1154 Index. Statistical Reports (see also Blanks) , Changes declined, dismissals, etc., 95. Baptized non-communicants, 22. Column omitted, 23. Pastor’s salary, 67. From foreign field, 216. Colored churches, 316. Orphanages, 452. Assembly’s Home Missions and Local Home Missions, 246. On Systematic Beneficence, 769. “Contributed” interpreted, 775. Items to be reported, 788, 791. Blanks for, 787. Four new columns added, 789. “Scholars” substituted for “chil¬ dren,” 561, 790. Outside causes as ’’Miscellaneous,” 791. Sessional, to include blank for Every Member Canvass, 706. Statistical tables, general and special, 1120ff. Statistics, 1119. Blanks for, 787. What items to be reported, 787. Stereopticon slides, 204. Stewardship Bay, 691. Contest, 691. Stewardship Committee (As¬ sembly’s), 655, (679), 704, (714), 722. Conferences, 692. Reports (627), (644), (660), (666), 673, (698). Secretary, (651), 655, (660), 671, 688, 750. Combined with Systematic Bene¬ ficence, 723. Name, 751. Nature and duties, 751. Membership, 752. Organization, 753. General Secretary and staff, 754. Expenses, 754. Report to Assembly, 754, 756, 758. Stillman, Dr., 334. Stillman Institute (see Tusca¬ loosa), 324. Self support at, 333. Importance of Institute, 333. Title to property, 333. Changes in organization, 334, 336. Permanent quarters, 331. Work of, 331. New site, 333. Local Advisory Board, 333. Conference for colored women, (679). Stites, thanks to Mr., 456, 611. Stuart, legacy of Miss Mary, 387. Student Loan Fund, 456, (633) Study Course, Mission, 197. Subscribing of ministers, when received into Presbytery, 39. Summer Bible School at Mon¬ treat, 429. Conferences for Young People’s Movement, 572. School of Theology, 498. Sunday mail, 826. Sunday Schools, 527. What is a, 527. What it should embrace, 528. Salvation of pupils the primary ob¬ ject, 538. Expenses paid by church, 564. Separate rooms, 528. Policy, 563. Control of, 530. Teachers of, 534. Reports of, 559. Organization, 529. Home Department, 529. Cradle Roll, 563. Presbyterial Committees, 539. In relation to the family, 528. Adults in, 528. Attendance of Children at public worship, 529. Publication Committee has over¬ sight of work in, 539. Efficiency chart, 531. Efficiency standard, 534. Use our own literature, 535. International Lessons, 544. Supplemental and graded lessons, 53 1 f . Advanced course, 546. Syndicate treatment of Interna¬ tional Graded Lessons, 535. Lessons on the Sabbath and on Missions, 533, 546. Catechisms, etc., to be taught, 531. Catechism and doctrinal questions on lessons, 547. Study activities of church, (633). Presbyterianism to be distinctly taught, 530. Responsive readings, 548. Contributions to benevolent causes, 548f. Union schools, 552. Conventions and teachers’ meet¬ ings, 552f. Libraries and hymn books for, 555f. Co-operate, 538. Index. 1155 Sunday Schools, Missions schools, 557. Sensational methods and litera¬ ture, 557. Use of Bible in, 558. Standing Committee on, 538. In the Assembly, 560. For colored people, 561. Work of Foreign Missions in, 196. Convention sends greetings to As¬ sembly, 937 Survey for, 564. Statistics, 559, 1125f. “Sunday School'’ Assembly, 565.. Superintendent of Sabbath Schools, Presbyterial, 539. General, 561. Superintendents of Tuscaloosa Institute, 331*. Supper, elements in Lord’s 834. Deacons and others may assist in, 835. Supply of churches out of our connection by our minis¬ ters, 45. ^ Survey , Missionary , 202, 547. .749. Suspension of a member with¬ out trial [679]* SUSTENTATION, 286. A scheme for, 286. Executive Committee appointed, 239, 286. By-Laws for the Committee, 287. Committee changed to that of Home Missions, 239. Aid for candidates doing mission work, 292. Aid for colored people from the Committee, 311. And evangelistic work to be con¬ ducted separately, 263. Fund, 388. Swedenborgian baptism, 840. Synod, 100. Time of meeting, 121. Called or pro re nata meetings, 122. Biennial meetings not approved, 123. Suggested change in constitution (in regular gradation), 120. Meeting out of time legalized, 121. Meeting of, ordered by Assembly, 122. May order a Presbytery to meet instcmter, 122f. Ordering a Presbytery to meet, must specify the object, 122. Quorum of, 123. Note of absentees on the records, 124. May not amend the record of lower court, 124. , No power to enjoin assessment, 125. Becords should name the churches its elders represent, 124. Records should not contain out¬ side matter, 125. Assembly may demand that records be sent up, 126. Copy of records sent up for re¬ view, 126. What should be included in re¬ cords, 125. Records should be signed by Clerk, 126. Requested to meet before Presby¬ teries, 762. Cannot interpose its authority to interfere with Presbytery in judging qualifications of its min¬ isters, [664]*. Of Kentuckv, unites with Assem¬ bly, 916. Of Missouri, unites with Assem¬ bly, 918. Of Texas, division of, refused, 120. Of Brazil, 222, 936. Independent (colored), 321. Two hundredth anniversary of first, 120. Members of Presbytery may vote on Presbyterial records, 126. Synodical, Boundaries changed, 114ff. Evangelist, 124. Schools, 419. Secretaries and agents, 774. Synods, The original, 110. New, 110. How divided, 126. And Presbyteries to be arranged in the Minutes alphabetically, 140. “System of Doctrine” inter¬ preted, 16. Systematic Beneficence (and Stewardship), 580. Duties and powers, 581, (586), 596, 615, 624, 740, 751. Committees of, 596. Annual spring meeting, 581, (590). Letter from, for the press, (592). Two meetings of, (584), (595). * Numbers in [ ] refer to Alexander’s Digest (1910). 1156 Index. Systematic Beneficence (and Stewardship), 580. Presbyterial Committees on, 582. Apportionment for, 770. Permanent Committee, 580. Separate Treasurer for Benefi¬ cence, 581. Standing Committees changed to Permanent, 582, 608, 638. Expenses paid by Assembly, 583. Annual Reports, 596, 606, (630), (648), (661), (677), (693), (708), 719, (725). Reports of Standing Committee, 670, 687, 703, 719, 736, 756. Questions added to blank, 675. Reports of Executive Committees to be sent, (592), 609, 624. Estimate of needs of benevolent causes, (595). Systematic Beneficence (and Stewardship) , Alternates, 605. Constitution of Committees, 605, (653), 656, 671, 723. Conferences of Presbyterial and Synodical Chairmen, 606f. Report to be printed in Minutes, 613. To meet prior to Assembly, 624. To submit report in writing, 624. Combined with Stewardship, 723. Name changed, 751. Teachers, Invalid, Relief Fund, 379. Teachers’ Meetings, 553. Teacher training, 554. Teachers in Sabbath Schools, 534. Temperance, 859f. Union, 935. Convention, 935. Tennessee Synod organized. 110. Term pastorates, 41. Testimony of distant wit¬ nesses, 1099. Texarkana depository, 508, 611. Texas, Aid for colored Presbytery of, 935. Evangelistic work in, 340. Home Missions in, 339. Land, 884. Text books for Academics and Colleges, 450. Texts, Proof, Revision of, 12. Thacker, Work of Dr., 278. Thanks, Standing Committee on, 138. . Thanksgiving, 159. Day of prayer and, 849, 899. Theatrical performances, 850, 852. Theological, Change in mode and standard of education, 482. Students, Mission work for, 497. Theological Seminaries, 475. Columbia, 476. Union, 475. For the Southwest, 479. Southwestern Presbyterian, 479. Louisville, 479. Consolidation of Louisville and Danville, 480. Austin, 481. Inspiration of Scriptures in, 481. English Bible in, 477, 489. Teach Sociology, 494. Terms of six months, 489. Missionary interest in, 196. Health in, 491. Patronizing our own, 492. Students leaving, 496. Control of Assembly over, 492, 498. Evangelism in, 263. Reports from other institutions re¬ quested, 478. Evolution in, 493. Items to be reported to Assembly, 498. Additional endowments, 494. Scholarship funds, 495. Thesis, Latin, 65. Thomas, Thanks to Dr. Trigg A. M., 456. Three million dollar drive (699), 705, (714) . Three and a half million dollar drive, (7l7f). Three Years’ Program (Edu¬ cation), 453. Three Year Program (Finan¬ cial), 722, 743. Tithe, 644, 708, (716), 780. Title of Church, 1. Titles, Honorary, 141. Tobacco, 862. Topics at Assemblies, 160. Tract Society, American, 813. Tracts, Kennedy bequest for, 524. Index 1157 Training School. For lay workers, 433. On budget, 720, 749. Training, Teacher, 554. Transfer, Of churches, 100. Of church membership, 27. Of territory transfers the minis¬ ters, 101. Travel, Sunday, 823. Treasurer, Of the Assembly, 136. A single, for all the funds of the Assembly, 756, 766. One for a mission field, ( 650 ) . Treasurers, Of Executive Committees, 766. Items to be reported by, 602, 610. Bonds of, 610, 766. Separate for benevolences, 767. (Mission) not to overdraw, (631). Of churches notify Executive Secretaries, 656. Of benevolences in church papers, 792. Tribunal, Judicial, 1100. Trustees, 793. Of Assembly organize under the charter, 793. Secretaries of Executive Commit¬ tees ex-officio members of Board of Trustees, 793. Number of, reduced, 794. Divided into three classes, 794. To pay over bequests to Executive Committees, 795. Five per cent deduction, 796. Form of bequest, 793. By-Laws for, 794. Reports of the Board, 794. Tenure of office, 794. Treasurer of the Board, 794, 797. Expenses of the Board, 794. Quorum of the Board, 797. President of the Board ex-officio a member of the Assembly, 797. Members of the Board have the privileges of the floor, 797. Judicial powers, 797. Trustees of congregation, 77. Tuberculosis, 875. Tuscaloosa Institute (see Still¬ man Institute), Origin of, 324. Agency for, 326. Commended, 326. Statistical column for, 326. Incompetent students, 326. Change in financial management. 327. Progress and history of, 327. Academic Department for, 329. Superintendents of, 331. Under Executive Committee, 330. Tuscumbia Presbytery, 116. Twelve million dollars in three years (701f), 704f, 722. Twentieth Century Fund, 402. Undesignated funds, 611. Union, Plan of, 1006. Union Presbyteries on foreign soil, Reporting ministers in, 212. Union Sunday Schools, 552. Union, American Sabbath, 819. Of Women’s Societies, Presbyterial and Synodical, 190. Union Theological Seminary, Assembly assumes review and con¬ trol, 475. West .Virginia to share in control, 475. Gift of C. H. McCormick to, 475. Removed to Richmond, 475. Origin of, 475. Faculty changes, 475. Union, Federal, among Re¬ formed Churches, 623, 1048 Unitarian baptism, 839. United Presbyterian Church, Conference with, 947. Suggested basis of union, 949. United Presbyterian Church in each Mission field, 212. United Svnod of the South, Unites with Assembly, 909. Universalists not to use our Church buildings, 935. University, Atlanta, 419. Southern Presbyterian, 417, 420. Vacant churches, 46, 268. Vacation Bible School, 553. Valid baptism, 838f, 842. Voluntary Agencies, 799. Voluntary Societies, 784. * Numbers in [ ] refer to Alexander’s Digest (1910). 1158 Index Vote, Counting, in Judicial cases, 1099. When taken, 15. Right to, not abridged by race or color, [672]*. By Proxy, 34. Waldensian churches, Aid for, 924. Waldensians in Uruguay, Mis¬ sion to, 232. Walkup, It. L., Secretary, Stewardship Committee, 655, (660), (664), (714). 722. War work, 276, 879. Problems, 277. Offerings under “Miscellaneous,” 579. Council, (696). Watts, Death of Mr. George W., 476. Week of prayer, 448, 935. Western Section, see Alliance. Westminster Assembly, Sketch of, to be added to Book of Church Order, 11. Two hundred and fiftieth anniver¬ sary of, 153. Westminster Church, Sale of lot authorized, 1112. Westminster League, 566. West Virginia, Synod, 110, 125, 342. White slave traffic, 874. Whyte, Robert, Thanks to, 233. Wilson, J. Leighton, memorial. 230. Wilson, Prayer for President, 877f. Winsborough, Mrs., 575, 706f. Witnesses, taking the testi¬ mony of distant, 1099. Woman’s Auxiliary, 573, (619), 622, 640, (651), (664), 671, (679), (696), 706, (712), 722, (734), 746f. Circle plan, 577. Contributions of, 693, (734), 746. Membership in other organizations, 707. Presbyterial and Synodical Unions, 190. Tenth anniversary, 577. Statistics, 577, 1126. Woman Secretary and Com¬ mittee of Foreign Mis¬ sions, 172. Woman’s School of Missions at Montreat, 746. Women, As preachers, 55. Sphere of work, 56. As missionaries, 205. Aid for, in Training Schools, dis¬ continued, 360. Workman, Wm., Legacy of, for evangelistic work in Ken¬ tucky, 244, 407. World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh, 204. Worldly amusements, 850, 854. Conformity, 853. Pastoral letter, 851. Worship, Family, 831. Public, Attendance of children upon, 833. Revision of Directory for, 11. Year Book, 544. Year, ecclesiastical, For Education, 369. For Publication, 512. Uniform, 784. Y. M. C. A., 815, 938. Y. W. C. A., 815. Young People’s Societies, 566ff. Committee in each Presbytery and Synod, 573. Alliance of, 946. Statistics, 1126. Youth, day of prayer for, 448. Zwingli, Works of, 502. * Numbers in [ ] refer to Alexander’s Digest (1910). * * 4 Date Due t I / » ■ c A » / Princeton Theological Seminary-Speer Library 1 1012 01031 9566 • • • • . ■ ■ ‘ :