MINUTES NATIONAL COUNCIL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AT THE FIRST SESSION, HELD IN OBERLIN, OHIO, NOVEIVIBKJR 15 -SI, 1871. BOSTON: CONGREGATIONAL PUBLISHING SOCIETY 1871. M I ISr TJ T E S NATIONAL COUNCIL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AT THE FIRST SESSION, HELD IN OBERLIN, OHIO, ilSrOVElMBKR 15 -SI, 1871. BOSTON: CONGKEGATIONAL PUBLISHING SOCIETY. 1871. COMMUNICATIONS SHOULD BE ADDBES8ED: For the Secretary, — Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, New Bedford, Mass. For the Registrar, — Rev. William H. Moore, Berlin, Conn. For the Treasurer, — Charles G. Hammond, Chicago, III. For the Chairman of the Provisional Committee, — Rev. Henry M. Stores, d. d., Brooklyn, N. Y. For the Chairmen of Special Committees, — as on page 68. These Minutes are generously published, and a copy sent to each church, by the business department of the Congregational Publishing Society. Alonzo H. Quint, William H. Moore, Samuel Holmes, Publishing Committee of the Council, CONTENTS. Page ISTTRODtrcTORY NOTE 5 Proceedistgs of Prelimii^^ary Convention, Dec. 21, 1870. 9 Minutes of the Council of 1871: 1. Prior to the Adoption of the Constitution . . 13 2. Of the National Council 33 Constitution and By-Laws 63 List of Officers and Committees 68 Theological Seminaries 70 General Benevolent Societies 71 State Organizations of Churches 72 Summary of Statistics of the Congregational Churches, 1871 75 Index 78 IXTRODUCTORT NOTE. The churches no\v kuowa as The Coxqregatioxal Churches OF THE United States have met in general Coimcil four times be- fore the meeting at OberHn. The first " Synod " convened at Xewtown, now Camhridge, Mass., August 30, 1637, and dissolved September 22 following. ~ It was called to consider certain opinions then strenuously vn-ged, which were al- leged to be erroneous, and which the Synod condemned. The Synod consisted of " all the teaching elders throughout the country," and of " messengers from the churches," — " about twenty-five godly minis- ters of Christ, besides many other graciously-eminent servants of his." Eev. Peter Bulkley, of Concord, and Kev. Thomas Hooker, of Hart- ford, were Moderators. The results are found in Weld's " Short Story," published in 1644. The number of churches then existing ap- pears to have been nineteen. The second " Synod " convened at Cambridge, September 1, 1646; " after about fourteen days " it adjourned to June 8, 1647; met on that day, but, on account of " an epidemical sickness," almost immediately adjourned; met again August 15, 1648, and "ended in less than four- teen days." Its main work was the " Cambridge Platform " of polity, and consent to the Westminster Confession of Faith, " for the sub- stance thereof." The number of churches then existing appears to have been fifty-three. No general Sj^nod or Council was thereafter held until " A Conven- tion of Ministers and Delegates of Congregational Churches in the United States" met at Albany, N". Y., October 5, 1852, which con- tinued four days. The main subjects were (1) That of aiding feeble churches in building church edifices, and (2) That of the " Plan of Union " between Presbyterians and Congregationalists, agreed upon in 1801 by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church and the General Association of Connecticut, whose continuance it declared to be inexpedient. Of that convention, Rev. Wm. T. Dwight, d. D., of Maine, was President; Rev. Noah Porter, D. D., of Connecticut, and Rev. Asa Turner, of Iowa, Vice-Presidents; and Rev. Richard S. Storrs, D. D., of New York, Rev. John C. Holbrook, of Iowa, and Rev. 6 INTRODUCTOEY . [1871. L. Smith Ilobart, of Michigan, Secretaries. The number of churches existing in 1852 has not been accurately determined, because of the non-existence of statistical tables at that time. But judging from reports in 1847 and 1858, the number in 1852 was not far from one thousand nine hundred and fifty. The fourth was the " National Council," which met at Boston, Mass., June 14, 1865, and dissolved June 24. Of this Council, Hon. Wm. A. Buckingham, of Connecticut, was Moderator; Eev. Joseph P. Thomp- son, of New York, and Hon. Charles G. Hammond, of Illinois, Assistant Moderators; and Rev. Henry M. Dexter, D. D., of Massachusetts, Rev. Philo R. Hurd, of Michigan, Rev. Martyn ,K. "Whittlesey, of Illinois, Dea. Samuel Holmes, of New York, and Rev. Elihu P. Marvin, of Massachusetts, Scribes. The number of churches was then two thou- sand six hundred and fifty-eight. The number of churches existing at the time of the meeting at Oberlin, was three thousand three hundred and two. While there was no general Council between the years 1848 and 1852, several partial Synods, of great importance, were held between these two: 1. That of March 10, 1662, which, on the next day, adjourned to June 10, when it met and continued until July 4 ; re-assembled Sep- tember 9, and "soon closed its sessions." This Synod, which was confined to Massachusetts, was distinguished by the " Half-way Covenant." 2. The Synod known as the " Reforming Synod," which was also confined to Massachusetts, met September 10, 1679, and adjourned on he 19th. It held a second session May 12, 1680, and soon dissolved. This Synod unanimously approved of the Platform of 1648, and adopted, with slight variations, the " Savoy Confession." 3. The Synod which met at Saybrook, Conn., September 9, 1768, was limited to Connecticut. The " Saybrook Platform" distinguishes this Synod. Local organizations have long existed: 1. Of ministers. As early as 1633, the ministers of Boston and vicinity held regular meetings of the same character with those of the present ministerial Associations. They were subsequently suspended, but regularly organized Associations (generally by counties) were in existence prior to the year 1700. In Connecticut, the General Asso- ciation, in which the local associations were represented, was formed 1871.] INTRODUCTOEY. 7 in 1709. Such General Associations, although only of ministers, served to promote work requiring union. That of Massachusetts, in 1810, appointed the first members of the American Board of Commis- sioners for Foreign Missions. Local associations of ministers still continue, and some State Associations. 2. Of churches. The consociations of churches in Connecticut date from 1708. In 1826, the General Conference of Maine was organ- ized, uniting the county Conferences of churches. The Conference system spread, until now each State has its organization of that char- acter, both local and general, although not always under that name. In 1871, there are twenty-one such State organizations, and seven others which occupy parts of States, or which group several States. None of them have any ecclesiastical authority. Between these State organizations, intercourse has been maintained by the annual appointment of delegates by each to all the others. The local and State Conference system, and the official recognition of unity by the regular interchange of delegates between the several State organiza tions, had become the practice of the Congregational churches. On the approach of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims, the Church of the Pilgrimage, at Plymouth, Mass., invited the churches to meet by delegates at New York, to con- sider the appropriateness of particular action in celebrating this fifth jubilee. Such a meeting was held March 2, 1870 ; and it appointed a general committee for its purposes, consisting of Hon. Edward S. Tobey, Rev. William W. Patton, D. D., Rev. Henry M. Dexter, d. d., Samuel Holmes, A. S. Barnes, Rev. Ray Palmer, D. D., and Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, D. D.; of which, the first named was chairman. Rev. Dr. Dexter, secretary, and Mr. Holmes, treasurer. Among the acts of this committee was the calling of a Pilgrim Memorial Convention^ which met at Chicago, 111., April 27, 1S70, open to delegates from all the churches in the United States. Of that convention, B. W. Tompkins, of Connecticut, was Moderator; Hon. E. D. Holton, of Wisconsin, Rev. Samuel Wolcott, D. D., of Ohio, and Rev. George P. Magoun, of Iowa, Vice Moderators; Rev. Henry 0. Abernethy, of Illinois, Rev. Philo R. Hurd, D. D., of Michigan, and Rev. L. Smith Ilobart, of New York, Secretaries; and Rev. William W. Patton, D. D., of Illinois, Dr. Samuel Holmes, of New York, Hon. 8 INTRODUCTOEY. [1871. C. J. Walker, of Michigan, James L. Kearuie, of Missouri, and Rev. Rowland B. Howard, of Illinois, Business Committee. Among the resolutions adojited at that large convention were the following: — Hesolved, That this Pilgrim Memorial Convention recommeud to tlie Congregational State Conferences and Associations, and to other local bodies, to unite in measures for instituting on the principle of fellowship, excluding ecclesiastical authority, a permanent 2s'ational Coulerence. The General Conference of Ohio was the first to in'opose definite action. That Conference api^ointed a committee (Rev. A. Hastings Ross being made chairman) to correspond with the other State organ- izations and propose a convention to mature the plan. The several State organizations approved of the proposed National organization, and appointed committees. The General Association of JSew York proposed that a meeting of these committees be held in Boston, December 21, 1870, and its committee (Rev. L. Smith Hobart, chairman) issued circulars to that effect. The Committee of the General Association of Massachusetts adopted the proposal, and issued invitations accordingly. The olficial record of that convention, is herewith given. CONVENTION OF COMMITTEES rrox THE PuorosAi. to form a MTIOxNAL CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL. In accordance with a call issued by a committee of the General Association of the Congregational Churches of Massachusetts, upon suggestion of the General Association of New York, Committees appointed bj^ the several General Associations and Conferences in the United States, on the subject of a National Council, assembled in the Congregational Library Room, Boston, Mass., December 21, 1870, at 12 o'clock, noon. EeA^ Alonzo H. Quint, d, d., of Massachusetts, called the con- vention to order, and read the invitation under which the commit- tees had convened. Rev. L. Smith Hobart, of New York, Rev. Charles Seccombe, of IMinnesota, and Rev. Joseph A. Leach, of New Hampshire, were appointed a committee to nominate officers. They reported the following nominees, who were unanimousl}^ elected : — Rev. Edwin B. Webb, d. d., of Massachusetts, Moderator; Hon. Amos C. Barstow, of Rhode Island, Assistant Moderator ; Rev. William E. Merriman, of Wisconsin, Scribe ; and Hon. Henry S. McCall, of New York, Assistant Scribe. Prayer was offered by the Moderator. The roll of delegates was made out, and as completed in the further sessions of the convention, is as follows : — Maine. — Rev. Benj. Tappan ; Rev. Charles C. Parker, d. d. New Hampshire. — Rev. Josiah G. Davis, d. d. ; Rev. Franklin D. A3'er ; Rev. Cjtus W. Wallace, d. d. ; Rev. Joseph A. Leach ; Rev. George M. Adams ; Rev. Henry E. Parker. Massachusetts. — Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, d, d. ; Rev. Samuel T. Seelye, d. d. ; Rev. Edwin B. Webb, d. d. ; Hon. Charles Stod- dard ; Hon. S. Angler Chace. Rhode Island. — Rev. James G. Vose ; Rev. James H. Lyon 10 CONVENTION OF COMMITTEES. [1871. Hon. F. "W. Bickuell ; Hon. Amos C. BarstoTv ; Rev. Francis Horton. Connecticut. — Rev. Davis S. Brainerd ; Rev. Robert G. Ver- milye, d. d. ; Rev. Edward W. Gilman ; Bro. Ralph D. Smith ; Rev, Leonard Bacon, d. d. ; Bro. Calvin Day. New York. — Rev. L. Smith Hobart ; Hon, Henry S. McCall ; Rev. William I. Bndington, d. d. New Jersey. — Dea. Samuel Holmes. Ohio. — Rev. George W. Phillips ; Rev. Hiram Mead ; Rev. Israel W. Andrews, d. d. MiCHiGA-N. — Rev. Jesse W. Hough. Minnesota. — Rev. Charles Seccombe ; Rev. Jas. W. Strong. Wisconsin. — Rev. William E. Merriman. Rev. Dr. Quint read the substance of the action taken by the several State Conferences on the subject of a National Council, and moved the following : — Resolved, That it is expedient, and appears clearly to be the voice of the churches, that a National Council of the Congreyalioual Churches of the United States be organized. After full discussion, in which delegates from all the States represented expressed their views, the resolution was unanimously adopted. The convention took a recess of half an hour. On re-assembling, it was unanimously Besolved, That a committee of five be appointed, to whom shall be re- ferred all suggestions or papers, and who shall report in proper draft what is necessary to the organization of a National Council. The following brethren were appointed the committee : — Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, d. d., of Massachusetts ; Rev. William E. Merriman, of Wisconsin ; Dea. Samuel Holmes, of New Jersey ; Rev. George W. Phillips, of Ohio ; and Hon. F. W. Bicknell, of Rhode Island. Informal discussion followed, on various points submitted to tlie committee ; and the convention adjourned to meet to-mori-ow at 9^ o'clock J A. M. Thursday, December 22, 1870. The convention re-assembled at 9^ o'clock, a. m. Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Seelye, of Massachusetts, and Rev. Mr. Hobart, of New York. 1871.] CONVENTION OF COMMITTEES. 11 The committee appointed to prepare a draft of action necessary to the organization of National Council, reported. Their report was accepted, and considered article by article. After some amendment, it was unanimously adopted, as follows : Besolved, 1. That it is expedient, and appears clearly to be the voice of the churches, that a National, Council, of the Congregational Churches of the United States be organized. Besolved, 2. Tliat the churches are hereby invited to meet in Council, by delegates, to form such an organization, and constitute its first session at a place and time to be settled by a committee hereafter to be appointed, who shall give public notice thereof; and that delegates be appointed in number and manner as follows : (1.) That the churches assembled in ,their local conferences, appoint one delegate for every ten churches in their respective organizations, and one for a fraction of ten greater than one-half; it being understood that wherever the churches of any State are directly united in a General Association or Conference, they may, at their option, appoint the delegates in the above ratio in General Conference, instead of in local Conferences. (2.) That in addition to the above, the churches united in any General Association or Conference, appoint by such Association, one delegate, and one for each ten thousand communicants in their fellowship, and one for a major fraction thereof. (3.) That the number of delegates be, in all cases, divided between ministers and lay- men, as nearly equally as is possible. Besolv(^d, 3. That a comjuittee, consisting of seven persons, be ap- pointed to prepare the draft of a proposed Constitution for the National Council, to be submitted for consideration at the meeting now called, and to be previously published in season for consideration by the churches, and that that committee be governed by the following directions : (1.) That the name be as above. (2.) Tliat reference be made to the Declaration of Faith set forth at Plymouth, in the year 1865, as the doctrinal basis. (3.) That a declaration be made of the two cardinal principles of Con- gregationalism, viz. : the exclusive right and power of the individual churches to self-government; and the fellowship of the churches one with another, with the duties growing out of that fellowship, and especially the duty of general consultation in all matters of common concern to the whole body of churches. (4.) That the churches withhold from the National Council all legisla- tive or judicial power over churches or individuals, and all right to act as a Council of lieference. (5.) That the objects of the organization be set forth substantially as follows — To express and foster the substantial unity of our churches in doctrine, polity, and work; and To consult upon the common interests of all our churches, their duties in the worli of evangelization, the united development of their resources, and their relations to all parts of the kingdom of Christ. 12 CONVENTIOX OF COMMITTEES. [1871. (6.) That the number and manner of electing delegates be as now adopted in calling the first meeting. (7.) That the session be held once in years. (8.) To provide as simple an organization, with as few officers, and with as limited duties as maybe consistent with the efficiency of the Coun- cil in advancing the principles and securing the objects of the proposed organization. Besolved, 4. That the churches throughout the country be notified of the action of this convention, and be requested to authorize their repre- sentatives in coufereuces to choose delegates as above. Voted, That this committee be directed to determine the time and place of the first meeting of the Council, and issue the call. Voted, That this committee be instructed to recommend a mode of pro- viding for the expenses of delegates to the National Council. Voted, That thanlvs be returned to the brethren in Boston, for their abundant hospitalities. Vut'^d, That the convention expresses to the directors of the American Congregational Association its sense of tlie value of the library rooms as a place of meeting. Voted, That an official copy of these proceedings be published in religious periodicals. The following persons were then chosen, by ballot, the committee to prepare the draft of proposed constitution, as ordered in the third resolve : — Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, d. d., of New Bedford, Massachusetts, (Chairman. ) Rev. Rres. William E. Merriman, of Ripon, Wisconsin. Rev. Prof. Samuel C. Bartlett, d. u., of Chicago, Illinois. Dea. Samuel Holmes, of Montclair, New Jersey. Major-General Oliver O. Howard, of Washington, District of Columbia. Rev. William I. Budington, d. d., of Brookljai, New York. Hon. Amos C. Barstow, of Pi-ovideuce, Rhode Island. After prayer, the convention adjourned sine die. EDWIN B. WEBB, Moderator. William E. Merriman, Scribe. The Preliminary Committee decided to accept an invitation from the churches in Oberlin, Ohio, and issued the call of a National Council to meet there November 15, 1871. MINUTES. In response to a call issued by a Preliminary Committee appointed by a Convention of delegates, fiom the several State organizations of the Congregational churches of the United States, held in Bos- ton, Mass., December 21, 1870, a Council of the Congrega- tional Chcrches of the United States convened in the Second Church in Oberlin, Ohio,' at half-past ten o'clock, a. m., Wednesday, NoA-ember 15, 1871. Temporary Organization. The Chairman of the Preliminary Committee, Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, D. D., called the body to order, and read the letters calling the Council. Hon. Erastus D. Ilolton, of "Wisconsin, was chosen Moderator ; Dea. Samuel Holmes, of New Jersey, Scribe ; and Rev. William H. Moore, of Connecticut, and Rev. George S. F. Savage, D.D.,of Illinois, Assistant Scribes. Prayer was offered by Rev. Edwin B. Webb, d. d., of Massa- chusetts. Address of Welcome. Rev. James H. Fairchild, d. d., gave an address of welcome in behalf of the people of Oberlin, to which the Moderator replied. Committee on Credentials. Rev. Joshua W. Wellman, d. d., of Massachusetts, Rev. L. Smith Hobart, of New York, and Hon. Samuel D. Hastings, of Wisconsin, were appointed a committee on credentials, and their final report presented the following roll of members and their post- offices : — 14 MINUTES. [1871, MEMBERS. Dklegates from State and Local Bodies of Congregational Churches. California. General Association — Rev. Israel E. Dwinell, d. d., Sacramento ; Rev. Thomas H. Rouse, San Mateo ; Rev. John J. Powell, Rio Vista ; Dea. R. E. Cole, d. d. s., Oakland ; W. K. Rowell, Oakland. Colorado. Conference — Rev. Nathan Thompson, Boulder. Connecticut. General Conference — Rev. Leonard Bacon, d. d., ll.d , New Haven ; Rev. William H. Moore, Berlin * Rev. Lavalette Perrin, D.D., North Stonington ; Deacon Charles Benedict, AYaterbuiy. Fairfield East- Consociation — Hon. David P. Nichols, Danbury. Fairfield West Consociation — Rev. Richard B. Thurston, Stam- ford ; Dea. Philander Button, Greenwich. Farmington Valley Conference — Rev. James A. Smith, Union- ville. Hartford Conference — Rev. Aaron C. Adams, TVethersfield ; Hon. Elisha Carpenter, Hartford. Hartford South Conference — Rev. Elisha C. Jones, Southington ; Hon. Benjamin Douglas, Middletown. Litchfield North Fast Conference — Rev. Sanford S. Martj^n, New Hartford. Litchfield North West Conference — Rev. Jesse Brush, North Cornwall. Litchfield South Consociation — Dea. George Langdon, Plymouth. Middlesex Consociation — Rev. William Miller, Killingworth. Neio Haven East Consociation — Rev. D. William Havens, East Haven ; Whitney Elliott, North Haven. New Haven West Conference — Rev. William L. Gaylord, Meri- den; Rev. Orlando H. White, d.d.. New Haven; Dea. Edwin A. Lum, Waterbury. New London Conference — Hon. William A. Buckingham, ll. d., Norwich ; Rev. Davis S. Brainerd, Lyme ; Hon. Henry P. Haven, New London. 1871.] MINUTES. 15 Tolland Conference — Rev. Asa S. Fiske, Rockville ; Dea. John N. Stickuey, Rockville. Windham Conference — Rev. Jeremiah Taj'lor, d.d., West Kil- lingl}' ; Rev. Francis Williams, Chaplin. Illinois. General Association — Rev. Joseph E. Roy, d. d., Chicago. Aurora Association — Rev. Isaac Clark, Aurora ; Stephen B. Stiuson, Sandwich. Bureau Association — Rev. Joseph D. Baker, Maiden ; William Converse, m. d. Central Association — Rev. John A. Montgomeiy, Dwight. Central East Association — Rev. Israel Bruiidage, Paxton. Central West Association — Rev. William G. Pierce, Elmwood. Chicago Association — Rev. William W. Patton, d. d., Chicago ; Rev. Flavel Bascom, d. d., Hinsdale. Elgin Association — Rev. George S. F. Savage, d.d., Chicago; Prof. William Coffin, Batavia. Fox River Union — Rev. Julian M. Sturtevaut, jr., Ottawa. Quincy Association — Rev. Alexander B. Campbell, Mendon ; Charles H. Bull, Quincy. Mdckford Associatioyi — Rev. Henry M. Goodwin, Rockford ; Rev. Henry M. Daniels, Winnebago. Rock River Association — Rev. Martin Post, Sterling; Rev. Henry E. Barnes, Moline. Southern Association — Rev. John K. IVIcLean, Springfield ; Rev. Julian M. Sturtevaut, d. d., Jacksonville. Indiana. General Association — Rev. John B. Fairbauk, Fort Wa^nie ; Rev. Nathaniel A. Hyde, Indianapolis ; Rev. E. Frank Howe, Terre Haute. Iowa. General Association — Hon. John Meyer, Newton. Central Association — Rev. Daniel Lane, Belle Plaine. Council Bluff Association — Rev. William M. Brooks, Tabor ; Dea. George B. Gaston, Tabor. Daven23ort Association — Rev. J. A. Hamilton, Davenport; Ed win H. Pound, Tipton. 16 MINUTES. [1871. Denmarlc Association — Eev. Joseph W. Pickett, Des Moines ; Rev. H. K. Edson, Denmark. Des Moines River Association — Rev. Harmon Bross, Ottumwa. Dubuque Association — Rev. Loren W. Briutnall, Winthrop ; Rev. George Thacher, d. d., Iowa City ; Rev. Moses K. Cross, Waverley. Garnavillo Association — Rev. Chapman A. Marshall, Cresco ; Rev. Ephraim Adams, Deeorah. Grinnell Association — Rev. George F. Magouu, d. d., Griunell ; Hon Josiah B. Griunell, Grinnell. North Western Association — Rev. David Wort, Fort Dodge ; Robert Wright, Iowa Falls. Kansas. General Association — Rev. Peter McVicar, d.d., Topeka ; Rev. Richard Cordley, Lawrence ; Rev. James G. Merrill, Topeka ; Rev. Joseph C. Plumb, Fort Scott; Rev. James D. Liggett, Leaven- worth ; Dea. William Crosby, Grasshopper Falls ; Charles B. Lines, Waubaunsee. Kextcckt. Association of Christian Ilinisters and Churches — 'Rex. Edward H. Fairchild, Berea. Louisiana. South Western Conference — Rev. C. H. Thompson, d.d., New Orleans ; Rev. Joseph W, Healey, d. d., New Orleans. Maine. Cumberland Conference — Samuel P. Benson, Brunswick. FranUin Conference — Rev. George N. Mardeu, Farmiugtou. Kennfhec Conference — Simeon Page, Hallowell. Oxford Conference — Rev. David Garland, Bethel. Piscataquis Conference — Rev. John H. Gurney, Foxcroft. Somerset Coyference — Rev. Benjamin Tappan, Norridgewock. Washington Conference — Rev. Charles Whlttier, Dennysville. York Conference — Rev. Albert Cole, Cornish; Rev. Sylvauus Hayward, South Berwick ; Joseph Titcomb, Kennebunk. Massachusetts. General Association — Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, d. d.. New Bed- ford; Rev. Edwin B. Webb, d.d., Boston; Rev. Edward S. At- wood, Salem ; Rev. Mason Noble, jr., Sheffield ; Rev. Joshua W. 1871.] MINUTES. 17 Wellman, d. d., Newton ; Hon. Alphens Hard}^, Boston ; Samuel M. Lane, Southbridge ; Dea. J. Russell Bradford, Boston. Andover Conference — Rev. Caleb E. Fisher, Lawrence ; Dea. Peter Smith, Andover. Barnstable Conference — Dea.- Jonathan Higgins, Orleans. Berkshire South Conference — Rev. Nahum Gale, d. d., Lee; Alexander Hyde, Lee. lirookfiekl Conference — Rev. John Dodge, New Braintree ; Hon. William Hyde, Ware. Essex North Conference — Rev. Raj^mond H. Seeley, d d., Haver- hill-, Rev. Daniel T. Fiske, d. d., Newburyport. Essex South Conference — Rev. N. C. Robbins, Salem. Franklin Conference — Rev. David Peck, Sunderland ; Rev. Sam- uel H. Lee, Greenfield ; R. H. Leavitt, East Charlemont. Hampden Conference — Rev. Joshua T. Tucker, Chicopee Falls ; Eev. Ralph Perry, Agawam ; Charles A. Jessup, Westfield. Hampshire Conference — Hon. E. H. Sawyer, East-hampton ; Eev. James P. Kimball, Haydenville. Hampshire East Conference — Rev. Edward P. Blodgett, Green- wich ; Rufus D. Woods, Enfield. Mendon Conference — Rev. H. R. Timlow, Walpole. Middlesex South Conference — Rev. Henry J. Richardson, Lin- coln ; Dea. John A. Fitch, Hopkinton. Middlesex Union Conference — Rev. Horace Parker, Pepperell ; Jacob Haslicll, Fitchburg. Norfolk Conference — Rev. Charles W. Wood, Carapello. Pilgrim Conference — Rev. George A. Tewksbur}^, Plymouth. Suffolk North Conference — Rev. Daniel R. Cady, d. d,, Arling- ton. Suffolk South Conference — Rev. Edmund K. Alden, d. d., Bos- ton ; Dea. Ezra Farnsworth, Boston. Taunton and Vicinity Conference — Zebulon Pratt, North Middle- boro' ; Hon. S. Angler Chace, Fall River. Woburn Conference — Rev. Stephen R. Dennen, Woburn ; Elea- zer Boynton, Jr., Medford. Worcester Central Conference — Rev. Andrew Bigelow, d. d., Boylston. Worcester North Conference — Rev. Lewis Sabin, d. d., Temple- ton ; Rev. Davis Foster, North Winchendon. Worcester South Conference — Rev. Thomas C. Biscoe, Uxbridge. 2 18 MINUTES. [1871. Michigan. General Conference — Rev. Philo R. Hurd, d. d., Poiitiac ; Dea. Orlando Stevens, Clinton. Eastern Association — Hon. C. J. Walker, Detroit; Rev. AVil- liam P. Russell, Memphis ; Rev. William Piatt, Saline. Genesee Conference — Rev. George M. Tuthill, Kalamazoo; G. H. Holman, Flint. Grand River Association — Rev. Guy C. Strong, South Boston. Grand Traverse Conference — Rev. George Thompson, Leeland. Jackson Conference — Rev. Jesse W. Hough, Jackson; James B. Angell, ll. d., Ann Arbor. Kalamazoo Association — Rev. Warren F. Day, Galesburg ; Dea. L. Foster, Otsego. Marshall Conference — Rev. Orange V. Spoor, Vermontville ; Dea. Samuel F. Drury, Olivet. Southern Michigan Conference — Rev. Elisha M. Lewis, Church's Corners ; Rev. William E. Caldwell, Somerset. Western Conference — Rev. Leroy Warren, Pentwater. Minnesota. General Conference — Rev. James W. Strong, d. d., Northfield. AnoTia Conference — Rev. Abel K. Packard, Anoka ; William Cheney, Minneapolis. Owatonna Coiiference — Rev. Edward Brown, Medford ; Rev. George B. Nutting, Oberlin. St. Croix Valley Convention — Rev. Edwin J. Hart, Cottage Grove. Winona Conference — Rev. Americus Fuller, Rochester. Unassociated — Nine Congregational Churches, — Rev. Richard Hall, St. Paul. Missouri. General Association — Rev. Edwin B. Turner, Hannibal ; Rev. Truman M. Post, d.d., St. Louis. Hannihal Association — Rev. Minot J. Savage, Hannibal ; J. T. K. Hayward, Hannibal. Kidder Association — Rev. George G. Perkins, Hamilton. St. Louis Association — Rev. Charles Peabod}^ St. Louis Springfield Association — Rev. James H. Harwood, North Spring- field. 1871.] MINUTES. 19 Nebraska. North Platte Association — Rev. Isaac E. Heaton, Fremont. South Platte Association — Rev, Roswell Foster, Nebraska City. New Hampshire. General Association — Rev. Josiali G. Davis, d.d., Amherst. Cheshire Conference — Rev. Elijah Harmon, Winchester ; Rev. Joseph A., Leach, Keene. Coos and Essex Conference — Rev. Charles E. Millikeu, Littleton. Grafton Conference — Rev. Charles A. Downs, Lebanon. Hillsboro' Conference — Rev. Frederick Alvord, Nashua ; Rev. Daniel E. Adams, Wilton. Rockingham Conference — Rev. Isaac C. White, Newmarket ; Rev. Josiah Stearns, Epping. Strafford Conference — Rev. Harvey M. Stone, Rochester. Sullivan Conference — Rev. Charles R. W. Scott, New^Dort. ' New Jersey. General Associatio7i — Rev. William B. Brown, Newark ; Deacon Samuel Holmes, Montclau' ; Rev. Edward Hawes, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, Washington, D. C. New York. General Association — Rev. Jeremiah Butler, Fairport ; Rev. Stephen S. N. Greeley, Oswego ; Rev. George A. Pelton, Can- dor ; Dea. Samuel- D. Porter, Rochester. Albany Association — Rev. William A. McGinley, Gloversville. Black River Consociation — Rev. Alexander B. Dilley, Rodman. Central Association — Rev. Augustus F. Beard, Syracuse. Delaware Association — Rev, Joel J. Hough, Franklin. Neio York and Brooklyn Association — Rev, William I, Buding- ton, D, D., Brooklyn ; Rev. Ray Palmer, d. d,, New York ; Rev. Henry M, Storrs, d, d., Brooklyn ; Rev, William H, Ward, Brook- lyn. Oneida Association — Lucius P, Clark, Morrisville, Ontario Conference — Rev, Dwight K, Bartlett, Rochester ; Hon, Alfred Holmes, Lockport. Oswego Association — Rev, L, Smith Hobart, New York. St. Laivrence Consociation — Rev. George Hardy, Potsdam Junction, 20 MINUTES. [1871. Susquehanna Association — Rev. Edward Taylor, d. d., Bing- hamton ; Rev. Dwight W. Marsh, Oswego. Welsh Association — Rev. Edward Davies, Waterville. Weste7 7i New York Association — Rev. Elliott C. Hall, Kian- toiie ; Rev. Edward Anderson, Jamestown ; Hon. A. G. Dow, Randolph. Wyoming Conference — Rev. Wm. Dewe}', Le Roy. Ohio. General Conference — Rev. James H. Fairchild, d. d., Oberlin ; Rev. A. Hastings Ross, Springfield ; Douglas Putnam, Harmar. Central Conference — Rev. Thomas E. Monroe, Mt. Vernon; Dea. J. S. Boyd, Martinsburg. Central North Conference — Rev. Samuel B. Sherrill, Bellevue. Clevelo,nd Conference — Rev. Samuel Wolcott, d. d., Cleveland; Rev. Hiram Mead, Oberlin ; Dea. S. H. Sheldon, Cleveland. Erie Conference — Rev. J. E. Marshall, Sandusky. Grand River Conference — Rev. Amzi D. Barber, Geneva ; Hon. Henry Fassett, Ashtabula. Marietta Conference — Rev. Israel "W. Andrews, d. d , Marietta. Medina Conjerence — Rev. Stephen D. Feet, Chatham. Miami Corference — Rev. Eben H alley, Cincinnati. Plymouth Rock Conference — Rev. E. D. Tajdor, Claridon. Puritan Conference — Rev. Edgar V. H. Danuer, Cuyahoga Falls; E. V. Wolcott, Talmadge. Toledo Conference — Rev. D. Darwin AVaugh, Wauseon ; H. W. Howland, East Toledo. TrumhuU and Mahoning Conference — Rev. Joseph B. Davison, Hartford. Welsh Conference — Rev. David Davies, Brookfield. Oregon. Association — Rev. George H. Atkinson, d. d., Portland. Pennsylvania. Western Pennsylvania Association — Rev. Edmund T. Garrettd, Pittsburg ; Hon. A. B. Ross, Cambridgeboro. [See also New Jersey.] Rhode Island. Conference — Rev. Constantine Blodgett, d. d , Pawtucket ; Rev. James G. Vose, Providence ; L. B. Smith, Nayatt. 1871.] MINUTES. 21 Tennessee, etc. Central South Conference — Rev. Ewing 0. Tacle, Chattanooga ; Rev. Henry S. Bennett, Nashville. Vermont. General Convention — Rev. Harvey D. Kitchel, d. d , Middle- bury : Rev. Clarke E. Ferrin, Hinesburgh ; Hou. Julius Converse, Woodstock. Addison Conference — Dea. E. S. Bottum, New Haven. Caledonia Conference — Rev. S. Gerard Norcross, Mclndoe's Falls. Chittenden Conference — Rev. Lester H. Elliot, Wiuooski. FranMin and Grand Isle Conference — Rev. George F. Wright, Bakersfield. Orange Conference — Rev. John K. Williams, Bradford. Orleans Conference — Rev. Azel W. Wild, Greensboro. Rutland and Bennington Conference — Rev, William T. Herrick, Clarendon ; Dea. J. M. HaA-^en, Rutland. Washington Conference — Rev. James H. Babbitt, Waitsfield. Windham Conference — Rev. Joseph Chandler, West Brattle- boro ; Dea. C. F. Thompson, Brattleboro. Windsor Conference — Rev. Levi H. Cobb, Springfield ; Dea. Amasa Woolson, Springfield. Wisconsin. General Convention — Rev. Aaron L. Chapin, d. d., Beloit ; Rev. William E. Merriman, d. d., Ripon, Beloit Conference — Rev. Hiram Foote, Brodhead ; Rev. Joseph Collie, Delavan ; Rev. Lyman Whiting, d. d., Janesville. La Crosse Convention — Rev. Joseph M. Hayes, West Saline. Lemonweir Convention — Rev. Warren Cochran, Baraboo. Madison Convention — Hon. Samuel D. Hastings, Madison; Rev. Charles H. Richards, Madison. Milwaukee Convention — Rev. Enos J. Montague, Ocouomowoc ; Rev. Wilder Smith, Milwaukee ; Hon. Erastus D. Holton, Milwau- kee. 3Iineral Point Convention — Rev. Samuel W. Eaton, Lancaster. Winnebago Convention — Rev. Henry C. Dickinson, Appletou. 22 MINUTES. [1871. Honorary Members. Preliminary Committee and Delegates from Congregational Benevo- lent Societies and Theological Stminaries. Of the Preliminary Committee — Hon. Amos C. Barstow, Provi- dence, R I. American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions — Rev. Nathaniel G. Clark, d. d., Boston, Mass. American Congregational Association — Rev. Isaac P. Lang- worthy, Boston, Mass. American Congregational Union — Rev. Christopher Cashing, D. D., Boston, Mass. American Home Missionary Society — Rev. David B. Coe, d. d , New York, N. Y. American Missionary Association — Rev. Michael E. Strieby, D. D., New York, N. Y. Congregational Publishing Society — Rev. William Barrows, d. d., Boston, Mass. Society for the Promotion of Collegiate and Theological Education at the West — Rev. Horatio Q. Butterfield, d. d., New York, N. Y. Chicago Theological Seminary — Rev. Samuel C. Bartlett, d. d., Chicago, 111. Hartford Theological Seminary — Rev. William Thompson, d. d., Hartford, Conn. Oherlin Theological Seminary — Rev. John Morgan, d. d., Ober- liu, Ohio. Delegates from Corresponding Bodies. Congregational Union of Ontario and Quebec — Rev. Francis H. Marling, Toronto, Ontario ; Rev. William F. Clarke, Guelph, Ontario. Genercd Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the United States — Rev. J. B. Helwig, Cincinnati, Ohio. Bides of Order. It was Voted, That, until otherwise ordered, the rules of order for this body, be the rules adopted by the Council at Boston in 1865. 1871.] MINUTES. 23 Nominating Committee. The Preliminary Committee were requested to name seven persons to constitute a committee to nominate all committees whose appoint- ment maj^ not be otherwise provided for ; and they named the fol- lowing, who were appointed : — Hon. William A. Buckingham, ll.d., of Connecticut ; Hon. J. B. Grinnell, of Iowa ; Rev. Samuel Wolcott, d.d., of Ohio ; Eev. Henry M. Storrs, d. d., of New York ; Dea. J. Russell Bradford, of Mas- sachusetts ; Hon. Alpheus Hardy, of Massachusetts ; Rev. Harvey D. Kitchel, d. d., of Vermont. Honorary 'Members. According to recommendation in the report of the Preliminary Committee, it was Voted, That the Preliminary Committee, and one delegate from each of the Congregational theological seminaries, and one delegate from each of the Congregational benevolent societies, have all the privileges of members of this body, except that of voting. Business Committee. The following were appointed a business committee : — Rev. Aaron L. Chapin, d. d., of Wisconsin ; Hon. Henry P. Haven, of Connecticut ; Hon. Alpheus Hardy, of Massachusetts ; Rev. James H. Fairchild, d. d., of Ohio ; Rev. James W. Strong, D. D., of Minnesota. Order for Daily Sessions. The following order for the daily sessions was adopted : — Devotional services trom 8 : 30 to 9 a. m. Business sessions from 9 A. M. to 12 m., and from 2 p. m. to 5 p, m. The evening ses- sion to begin at seven o'clock. The report of the Preliminary Committee was made the first or- der for this afternoon. The doxology was sung, the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Harvey D. Kitchel, d. d., of Vermont, and the Council adjourned. Wednesday Afternoon, November 15. The Council met at two o'clock ; the 67th Psalm was read ; the hymn, " I love th}' kingdom, Lord," was sung, and prayer was of- fered by Rev. Samuel C. Bartlett, d.d., of Illinois. 24 MINUTES. [1871. Report of the Preliminary Committee, and the Proposed Consti- tution. The Preliminary Committee made report of its doings, with a draft of constitution appended. The report was accepted ; and it was Voted, That the constitution be considered and acted upon by- paragraphs. A communication from Rock River Association, Illinois, relating to the name to be chosen by this bodj^, was read, and it was Voted, That the consideration of the name be deferred until the other parts of the constitution have been considered. The constitution was then taken up, and the first thi'ee para- graphs, amended by omitting the name, were adopted. The fourth paragraph (relating to faith) was amended by insert- ing the word "infallible" after the word "only," and the word " religious " before the word " faith," and the words " of om- Lord " before " 1865." Theological Seminaries. It was Voted, That a committee of five be appointed to report upon the interests of the denomination as related to om- theologi- cal seminaries. Prayer was offered by Rev. Flavel Bascom, d. d., of Illinois, and the Council adjourned to meet in the evening in the first church, to hear a sermon from Rev. Leonard Bacon, d. d., of Connecticut. Wednesday Evening, November 15. Puhlic Worship. — Sermon. The Council met at seven o'clock, in the first church. After an anthem by the musical union. Rev. George Thacher, d.d., of Iowa, read the Scriptures and oflered prayer, and the hymn, " I love thy kingdom, Lord," was sung. Rev. Leonard Bacon, d. d., of Connecticut, preached from Ephe- sians, i : 22, 23. The hymn, " Glorious things of thee are spoken," was sung, prayer was offered by Rev. Israel E. Dwinell, d. d., of California ; the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Dr. Bacon, and the Council adjourned. 1871.] MINUTES. 25 Thursday Morning, November 16. Devotional Services. The Council met at 8 : 30 iu the second church, and spent half an hour iu devotion, led by Rev. Wilder Smith, of Wisconsin. At nine o'clock the moderator took the chair ; Rev. Joseph E. Roy, D. D.,of Illinois, read the Scriptures and offered prayer; the min- utes of Wednesday were corrected and approved. Orders. — Speeches in Discussions limited. It was Ordered, That, during the day, the consideration of the constitution take precedence of all other business until it is com- pleted ; that, in this and other discussions, each speaker be limited to five minutes ; that this evening be devoted to hearing papers and addresses prepared by request of the Preliminarj' Committee ; and that afterward these papers and addresses be referred to com- mittees to consider and report any action which ma}^ seem to be called for. Theological Seminaries. The following were appointed the committee on the interests of the denomination as related to our theological seminaries : Rev. Harvey D. Kitchel, d.d., of Vermont; Hon. William A. Buckingham, LL.D., of Connecticut; Hon. Charles G. Hammond, of Illinois ; Rev. Samuel Wolcott, d. d., of Ohio ; Rev. William E. Merriman, t>. d., of Wisconsin. A letter from Rev. John L. Taylor, d. d., in behalf of the faculty of Andover Theological Seminary, in response to an invitation to send a delegate to this body, was read, expressing a hearty interest in the Council and its objects. Rev. Leonard Bacon, d. d., of Con- necticut, a member of the Council, reported himself as also a dele- gate from the Yale Theological Seminary. The Roll. The committee on credentials presented the roll, which was cor- rected and approved. Finance Committee. It was Voted, That a finance committee be appointed. Consideration of the Constitution resumed. The verse, " I love thy kingdom, Lord," was sung, and the con- sideration of the constitution was resumed. 26 MINUTES. [1871. The paragraph referring to Faith, with all papers and communi- cations relating to it, was referred to the following committee : — Rev. Samuel C. Bartlett, d. d., of Illinois ; Hon. Elisha Carpen- ter, of Connecticut ; Hon. C. J. Walker, of Michigan ; Rev. Israel E. Dwinell, d. d., of California; Rev. Daniel T. Fiske, d. d., of Massachusetts. The fifth paragraph was adopted. The sixth paragraph was amended by inserting after the word " Scriptural," the words " and inalienable," and by omitting the name and the words " churches or individuals," and was then adopted. The Council adjourned. Thursday Afternoon, November 16. Consideration of the Constitution resumed. The Council met at two o'clock, and prayer was offered by Rev. George F. Wright, of Vermont. The consideration of the constitution was resumed. The first line of section one, of the Rules, and the next following paragraph, were amended by omitting the name, and by substitut- ing the words " State organizations" for the words " Associations or Conferences," and were adopted. The paragraph defining representation was amended by substi- tuting for the words " Association or Conference " the word "organization"; and for the words "General Conference," the words " such body" ; and for the word '• Conferences" the word " organizations" ; for the words " General Association or Confer- ence" the words " State organizations" ; and in the same line, for the word "Association" the word "body"; and for the word "understood" the word "recommended" ; and was adopted. The paragraph upon representation of General Societies was amended by omitting the name, and was adopted. Recess. Choir from Fiske University. A recess of fifteen minutes was taken, in which a choir of colored pupils of Fiske University, Nashville, Tenn., sung several songs. A spontaneous collection of $130.00 was taken, to be applied to their education, and they were addressed by the Moderator. Consideration of the Constitution resumed. Business was then resumed, and the committee upon the section 1871.] MINUTES. 27 on Faith reported, recommending that in place of all the words fol- lowing the word " practice," the following words be substituted : " their interpretation thereof being in substantial accordance with the great doctrines of the Christian faith, commonly called evan- gelical, held in our chvn-ches from the early times, and sufficiently set forth in former General Councils." Their report was accepted, and the sections thus amended were adopted. The several paragraphs relating to " officers," excepting the last, were adopted. It was Voted, That, in view of the recess, the Council adjourn at 5:15. The last paragraph relating to "officers " was amended by sub- stituting for the word "any "before the word "office" the word " the " ; and for the words " except that of Moderator " the words " of Secretary, Registrar or Treasurer," — and was adopted. The paragraph relating to By-Laws, was adopted. The section relating to amendments was amended by substituting, for the words " Association or Conference," the words " State or- ganization," and was adopted. The Council adjourned to meet in the evening in the First Church. Thursday Evening, November 16. Papers and Addresses. , The Council met at seven o'clock in the First Church. • After an anthem by the Musical Union, prayer was offered by Rev. L. Smith Hobart, of New York. Rev. "William I. Budington, d. d., of New York, read a paper on the Unity of the Church. Rev. Christopher Cushing, d. d., of Massachusetts, read a paper on the Supply of the Ministry. A paper was presented from the Central Association of Illinois, in relation to the devising by this Council of some method for bringing together vacant churches and unemployed ministers. Rev. William W. Patton, d. d., of Illinois, read a paper on Con- gregational Literature. Rev. Ray Palmer, d. d., of New York, read a paper on Church Building. The colored choir, from Fiske Universitj^, then sung several 28 MINUTES. [1871. songs, the congregation united in the doxolog}", the benediction was pronounced by Dr. Budington, and the Council adjourned. Friday 3Iorning, November 17. Devotional Services. The Council met in the Second Church at 8 : 30, and spent half an hour in devotion, led by Rev. Michael E. Strieby, d.d., of New York. At nine o'clock, the Moderator took the chair, Dea. J. Russell Brad- ford, of Massachusetts, read the Scriptures, and prayer was offered by the Moderator. The hymn, " All hail the power of Jesus' name," was sung. The minutes of Thursday were corrected and approved. The committee on credentials reported additions to the roll, in connection with which, Rev. John G. Fee, of Kentucky, was heard in explanation. Finance. The following were appointed a committee on finance : Hon. Amos C. Barstow, of Rhode Island ; Deacon Ezra Farnswoith, of Massachusetts ; Douglas Putnam, of Ohio. Committees on Papers and Addresses of Thursday Evening. Committees on the papers and addresses presented on Thursday evening, were appointed as follows : — On the Unity of the Church — Rev. Leonard Bacon, d. d., of Coui necticut ; Rev. Truman M. Post, d. d., of Missouri ; Charles B. Lines, of Kansas. On the Supply of the Ministry and the Paper from the Central As- sociation of llliyiois — Rev. Julian M. Sturtevant, d.d., of Illinois ; Rev. Edmund K. Alden, d.d., of Massachusetts ; J. T. K. Hayward, of Missouri. On Congregational Literature — Rev. Edwin B. "Webb, d. d., of Massachusetts ; Rev. Nathaniel A. Hj'de, of Indiana ; James B. Angell, LL.D.,of Michigan. On Church Building — Rev. Flavel Bascom, d. d., of Illinois ; Rev. Edward Hawes, of Pennsylvania ; Hon. John Mej-er, of loAva. Consideration of the Constitution. The consideration of the name to be inserted in the blanks in 1871.] MINUTES. 29 the constitution was taken up, and there was much discussion ; in the course of which Rev. Charles G. Finney, of Oberlin, was intro- duced to the Council, and by request offered prayer. It was Resolved, That a ballot be taken in which three names shall be placed on the tickej in the order of choice ; and that, if the first name has the majority, this shall be the name of the body ; if not, the two names having the highest number of votes shall then be presented to the body for their choice. The ballot was taken. No name had a majority of the votes. The name "Council" had the highest number, and the name " Union" the next highest. The vote was then taken on these two names, and the name " Council " was chosen by a large majority ; and it was Resolved, by acclamation, That the choice be declared unani- mous. The doxology was sung, and the Council adjourned. Friday Afternoon, November 1 7. The Council met at two o'clock, and prayer was offered by Rev. William H. Ward, of New York. THE CONSTITUTION. The constitution, with the word " Council " inserted in the blanks for the name, was read, and was unanimously adopted as a whole, 'and the Assistant Registrars were directed to divide it by sections. It is as follows : — The Congregational churches of the United States, by elders and messengers assembled, do now associate themselves in National Council : To express and foster their substantial unity in doctrine, politj'', and work ; and To consult upon the common interests of all the churches, their duties in the work of evangelization, the united development of their resources, and their relations to all parts of the kingdom of Christ. They agree in belief that the Holy Scriptures are the sufficient and only infallible rule of religious faith and practice ; their inter- pretation thereof being in substantial accordance with the great 30 mNUTES. [1871. doctrines of the Christian faith, commonly called evangelical, held in our churches from the early times, and sufficiently set forth by former General Councils. They agree in belief that the right of government resides in local churches, or congregations of believers, who are respon- sible directly to the Lord Jesus Christ, the One Head of the church universal and of all particular churches ; but that all churches, being in communion one with another as parts of Christ's catholic church, have mutual duties subsisting in the obligations of fellowship. The churches, therefore, while establishing this National Council for the furtherance of the common interests and work of all the churches, do maintain the Scriptural and inalienable right of each church to self-government and administration ; and this National Council shall never exercise legislative or judicial authority, nor consent to act as a council of reference. And for the convenience of orderly consultation, they establish the following Rules : — I. Sessions. — The churches will meet in National Council every third year. They shall also be convened in special session when- ever any live of the general State organizations shall so request. II. Representation. — The churches shall be represented, at each session, b}^ delegates, either ministers or laymen, appointed in number and manner as follows : — 1. The churches, assembled in their local organizations, ap- point one delegate for every ten churches in their respective organ- izations, and one for a fraction of ten greater than one half, it being understood that wherever the churches of any State are directly united in a general organization, they may, at their option, appoint the delegates in such body, instead of in local organiza- tions, but in the above ratio of churches so united. 2. In addition to the above, the churches united in State or- ganization apppoint by such body one delegate, and one for each ten thousand communicants in their fellowship, and one for a major fraction thereof : — 3. It being recommended that the number of delegates be, in all cases, divided between ministers and laymen, as nearly equally as is practicable. 4. Such Congregational general societies for Christian work, and the faculties of such theological seminaries, as may be recog- 1871.] MINUTES. 31 nized by this Council, maj'- be represented b}' one delegate each, such representatives having the right of discussion only. III. Officers. — 1. At the beginning of every stated or special session, there shall be chosen by ballot, from those present as mem- bers, a moderator, and one or more assistant moderators, to preside over its deliberations. 2. At each triennial session, there shall be chosen b}^ ballot a secretary, a registrar and a treasurer, to serve from the close of such session to the close of the next triennial session. 3. The secretary' shall receive communications for the Council, conduct correspondence, and collect such facts, and superintend such publications, as may from time to time be ordered. 4. The registrar shall make and preserve the records of the pro- ceedings of the Council ; and for his aid, one or more assistants shall be chosen at each session, to serve during such session. 5. The treasurer shall do the work ordinarily belonging to such office. 6. At each triennial session, there shall be chosen a provisional committee, who shall make needful arrangements for the next tri- ennial session, and for any session called during the interval. 7. Committees shall be appointed, and in such manner, as may from time to time be ordered. 8. Any member of a church in fellowship may be chosen to the office of secretary, registrar, or treasurer ; and such officers as are not delegates shall have all the privileges of members, except that of voting. IV. B)/-Laws. — The Council may make and alter By-laws at any triennial session. V. Amendments. — This constitution shall not be altered or amended, except at a triennial session, and by a two-thirds vote, notice thereof having been given at a previous triennial session, or the proposed alteration having been requested by some general State organization of churches, and published with the notification of the session. Declaration on the Unity of the Church. ^ The members of the National Council, representing the Congre- gational churches of the United States, avail themselves of this opportunity to renew their previous declarations of faith in the unity of the church of God. ' Inserted hei'e by direction of the Council. 32 MINUTES. [1871. While aflSrming the liberty of our churches, as taught in the New Testament, and inherited hy us from our fathers, and from martyi's and confessors of foregoing ages, we adhere to this liberty- all the more as affording the ground and hope of a more visible unity in time to come. We desire and purpose to cooperate with all the churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the expression of the same catholic sentiments solemnly avowed by the Council of 1865, on the Burial Hill at Plymouth, we wish, at this new epoch of our history, to remove, so far as in us lies, all causes of suspicion and alienation, and to promote the growing unity of counsel and of effort among the followers of Christ. To us, as to our brethren, " There is one body and one spirit, even as we are called in one hope of our calling." As little as did our fathers in their day, do we in ours, make a pretension to be the only churches of Christ. We find ourselves consulting and acting together under the distinctive name of Con- gregationalists, because, in the present condition of our common Christianity, we have felt ourselves called to ascertain and do our own appropriate part of the work of Christ's church among men. We especially desire, in prosecuting the common work of evan- gelizing our own land and the world, to observe the common and sacred law, that in the wide field of the world's evangelization, we do our work in friendly cooperation with all those who love and serve our common Lord. We believe in " the holy catholic church." It is our prayer and endeavor, that the unity of the church may be more and more apparent, and that the prayer of our Lord for his disciples may be speedily and completel}^ answered, and all be one ; that by conse- quence of this Christian unity in love, the world may believe in Christ as sent of the Father to save the world. MINUTES OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL, AS PERMANENTLY ORGANIZED. The Council proceeded to organize under the Constitution, and elected officers for the session, by ballot : — Rev. William I. Budington, d. d,, of Brooklyn, New York, was chosen Moderator, and was conducted to the chair by Hon. Wil- liam A. Buckingham, ll.d., of Connecticut, and Dea. Ezra Farns- worth, of Massachusetts. On taking the chair, the Moderator addressed the Council. Prayer was offered by Rev. Aaron L. Chapin, d. d., of Wiscon- sin. Thanks were voted to the temporary Moderator, Hon. E. D. Holton, to which he responded. Gen. Oliver O. Howard, of the District of Columbia, and Rev. George H. Atkinson, d. d., of Oregon, were chosen Assistant Moderators. Voted, That the present Scribes be Assistant Registrars, and that the committees already appointed, be continued. Officers for the term of three years. The Council elected, by ballot, officers for the term of three years, viz. : — Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, d. d., of New Bedford, Mass., Secretary ; Rev. William H. Moore, of Berlin, Connecticut, Registrar ; and Hon. Charles G. Hammond, of Chicago, Illinois, Treasurer. Committee on By-Laws and Rules of Order. The Preliminary Committee were appointed a committee on By- laws and rules of order, namely : — Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, d. d., of Massachusetts ; Rev. William E. Merrimari, d. d., of Wisconsin ; Rev. Samuel C. Bartlett, d, d., of Illinois; Dea. Samuel Holmes, of New Jersey; Gen. Oliver O. Howard, of District of Columbia ; Rev. William I. Budington, d. d., of New York ; Hon. Amos C. Barstow, of Rhode Island. 3 34 MINUTES. [1871. Dea. Samuel Holmes, of New Jersej', was, at his request, excused from serving as Assistant Registrar. Provisional Committee. The nominating committee were directed to present names for the Provisional Committee. They reported the following, who were appointed : — Rev. Henry M. Storrs, d. d., of New York ; Hon. E. W. Blatch- ford, of Illinois ; Rev. Israel W. Andrews, d. d., of Ohio; Hon. John B. Page, of Vermont; Dea. Ezra Farnsworth, of Massachu- setts ; Hon. Samuel Men-ill, of Iowa ; Rev. Israel E. Dwinell, d.d., of California. [And, by the subsequent adoption of By-laws, the Secretary, Registrar, and Treasurer, became members of this committee, ex officiis.'] Salutations from Corresponding Bodies. The hymn, " How happy are our ears, that hear the joyful sound," was sung, and pra3^er was offered by Gen. Oliver O. Howard, of District of Columbia. Rev. AVilliam F. Clarke and Rev. Francis H. Marling presented the salutations of the Congregational Union of Ontario and Quebec, and Rev. J. B. Helwig, those of the General Synod of the Evan- gelical Lutheran Church of the United States ; and the Moderator responded. Order for the Evening. It was made the order for the evening, that the Council meet in the First Church and hear papers and addresses from Rev. Nathaniel G. Clark, d.d , of Massachusetts, on Foreign Missions ; Rev. Joseph E. Ro}', D. D., of Illinois, on Home Missions ; Rev. William E. iMerriman, d.d., of Wisconsin, on Church Extension ; Rev. Michael E. Strieby, d. d., of New York, on the work of the American Mis- sionary Association ; and Rev. Horatio Q. Butterfield, d. d., of New York, on the work of the Society for Promoting Collegiate and Theological Education at the West ; and that afterward these papers aiKl addresses be referred to several special committees. The Council adjourned. Friday Evening, November 17. The Council met at seven o'clock in the first church. After singing by the Musical Union, prayer was offered by Rev. George H. At- kinson, D. D., of Oregon. 1871.] MINUTES, 35 It was made ■ the order for nine o'clock Saturday morning, that Rev. Charles G. Finney, of Oberlin, be invited to read a passage of Scripture and address the Council thereon. Pajiers and Addresses. 'Rev. Nathanial G. Clark, d. d., of Massachusetts, spoke on For- eign Missions. Rev. Joseph E. Roy, d. d., of Illinois, read a paper on Home Missions. After singing by the Musical Union, Rev. "William E. Merriman, D. D., of Wisconsin, read a paper on Church Extension. Rev. Michael E. Strieby, d. d., of New York, read a paper on the work of the American Missionary Association. Resolutions were presented in relation to petitioning Congress for aid in the education of the freedmen. Rev. Horatio Q. Butterfield, d. d., of New York, spoke on the «vork of the Society for the Promotion of Collegiate and Theologi- cal Education at the West. The doxology was sung, the benediction was pronounced by Rev. George S. F. Savage, d. d., of Illinois, and the Council adjourned. Saturday Morning, November 18. Devotional Services. — Mev. Charles G. Finney addresses the Council, and is requested to Preach. The Council met at 8.30 in the Second Church, and spent half an hour in devotion, led by Rev. "William Thompson, d. d., of Conn. At nine o'clock the Moderator took the chair and read the closing verses of Matthew and of Luke, and Rev. Charles G. Finney, of Oberlin, remarked upon the passages read, and offered prayer. The Council, b}' rising, i-equested Mr. Finne}' to preach before them a sermon on the subject embraced in his remarks, namely, the Bap- tism of the Hoi}'' Spirit. The minutes of Friday were corrected and approved. The com- mittee on credentials reported additions to the roll. Business Committee. Hon. Henry P. Haven, of Connecticut, and Hon. Alpheus Hard}', of Massachusetts, of the business committee, having leave of ab- sence, Hon. Elisha Carpenter, of Connecticut, and Hon. C. J. "Walker, of Michigan, were appointed in their stead. 36 MINUTES. [1871. The Unity of the Church. The committee on the miity of the church presented a report, in the form of a declaration, which was accepted and adopted, and ordered to be put on record in close proximity to the constitution, as connected with the original action of this Council. The declar- ation is inserted on p. 31. Committee on Papers and Addresses of Friday Evening. Committees on the papers and addresses presented on Friday evening were ajjpointed as follows : — On Foreign Missions, and Women's WorJc in Missions — Rev. Josiah Gr. Davis, d. d., of New Hampshire ; Hon. Benjamin Douglas, of Connecticut ; Rev. Henry M. Goodwin, of Illinois. On Home Missions and Church Extension — Rev. Harvey D. Kitchel, D. D., of Vermont ; Dea. Samuel F. Drury, of Michigan : Rev. Ephraim Adams, of Iowa ; Rev. William H. Ward, of New York ; Rev. Edward Brown, of Minnesota. On the Work of the American 31issionary Af^sociation, and the Education of the Freedmen — Rev. William B. Brown, of New Jersey ; Rev. Edward H. Fairchild, of Kentucky ; Samuel P. Ben- son, of Maine. On the Work of the Society for the Promotion of Collegiate and Theological Education at the West — Rev. George F. Magoun, D. D., of Iowa ; Rev. Davis S. Brainerd, of Connecticut ; Douglas Putnam, of Ohio, Orders for Saturday, and for the Sabbath. It was Ordered, That at eleven o'clock, fifteen minutes be allowed the American Congregational Association for presenting the claims of the Congregational House ; that the Council meet at two o'clock p. M., in the First Chm'ch, and that we accept the invitation of the Trustees and Faculty of Oberlin College, and adjourn at 3 : 30, to participate in exercises connected with laying the corner-stone of a new building for the theological seminary ; also, that this evening be devoted to a general pra3'^er meeting in the First Church with special reference to the spiritual reviving of our churches, as indicated in the remarks of ]Mr. Finney ; also, that on the Sabbath, In the morning — Rev. William I. Budington, d. d., of New York, preach in the First Church ; 1871.] . MINUTES. 37 Rev. Harvey D. Kitchel, d. d , of Vermont, preach in the Sec- ond Church ; and Rev. Edmund K. Alden, d. c, of Massachusetts, preach in the Baptist Church. In the afternoon — The Council unite with the First Chui'ch in observing the Lord's Supper, to be administered by Rev. Charles G-. Finne}^ of Oberlin, assisted by Rev. Edwin B. "Webb, d. d., of Massachusetts, and Rev. Israel E. Dwinell, d. d., of California. In the evening — Rev. George F. Magoun, d d., of Iowa, preach in the First Church ; Rev. Henr}^ M. Storrs, d. d., of New York, preach in the Sec- ond Church ; and Rev. Julian M. Sturtevaut, d. d., of Illinois, preach in the Bap- tist Church. Dr. Budington declining, Rev. Truman M. Post, d. d., of Missouri, was appointed to preach in his place. The Neio England Church in Chicago. Rev. Leander T. Chamberlain, pastor of the New England Church in Chicago, was heard for ten minutes in a plea for aid in erecting a sanctuary in place of one destroyed by the recent fire. The appeal was referred to a committee of five, namely, — Hon. Amos C. Barstow, of Rhode Island ; Rev. Truman M, Post, D. D., of Missouri ; Dea. Ezra Farnswortli, of Massachusetts ; Rev. Henry M. Storrs, d. d., of New York ; Rev. Eben Halley, of Ohio, — with leave to report at two o'clock. Congregational Literature. The committee on Congregational literature presented a report with a resolution. The report was accepted and approved, and the resolution was discussed and laid on the table. The Congregational House, The order for eleven o'clock was suspended for ten minutes. Rev Isaac P. Langworthy, of Massachusetts, and Dea. Ezra Farns- worth, of Massachusetts, in behalf of the American Congregational Association, presented the claims of the Congregational House ; and it was unanimously'', — Resolved, That the Congregational House, as representing our 38 MINUTES. [1871. principles, and as affording a home for our benevolent societies and our peei'less library, should be taken hold of by our churches, and be built as soon as possible. Committee to prepare Papers. It was Voted^ That a committee of three be appointed to prepare for the information of the churches, a paper embod3dng the results of the deliberations of this body in regard to the several great parts of the Christian work. It was Voted, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare a paper expressiye of the great need of seeking the blessing of the Holy (Ghost upon the ministers and churches for the success of the gospel in the salvation of souls. The Council adjourned. Saturday Afternoon, Novemher 18. Referring the Constitution to the Churches. The Council met at two o'clock, in the First Church. A resolu- tion on the subject of referring the Constitution to the churches, was indefinitely postponed. Aid for the Theological Seminary and Churches at Chicago. A resolution was introduced respecting aid for the theological seminary and the churches of Chicago, which have suffered by the fire. The discussion of the resolution was suspended. Rules of Order. Voted, That the i-ules of order in force before the adoption of the constitution be adopted as the temporary rules of this body. The discussion upon aid for Chicago was then resumed, and the resolution was referred to the committee on the appeal for the New England church. Congregational Publishing Socii ty. The resolution reported by the committee on Congregational literature was taken up and adopted, and is as follows : Resolved, That we heartily commend the Congregational PuId- lishing Society as worthy to receive the most liberal pecuniary support from our churches, and as furnishing the religious litera- ture which they need. 1871.] MINUTES. 39 The Supply of the Ministry. The committee on the supply of the ministry, and the paper from the Central Association of Illinois, presented a report with resolu- tions. The report was accepted, and the resolutions after amend- ment were by vote adopted ; but the vote was afterwards reconsid- ered in order to give opportunitj' for further discussion. Theological Seminaries. The committee on the interests of the denomination as related to our theological seminaries, reported resolutions which were accepted, discussed and laid on the table. Three verses were sung of the hymn, " I love thy kingdom, Lord," and prayer was offered by Rev. William Barrows, d. d., of Massachusetts. Laying Corner Stone of a Building for Oberlin Theological Sem- inary. The Council adjourned to participate in the exercises connected with laying the corner-stone of a building for Oberlin Theological Seminary, at which exercises in the church, addresses were made hy Rev. James H. Fairchild, d. d., President of the College ; Rev. Samuel Wolcott, d. d , of Ohio ; Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, of District Columbia ; Hon, James Monroe, of Ohio ; Rev, Horatio Q. Butter- field, D, D,, of New York ; and the Moderator ; and an anthem was sung by the Musical Union. Saturday Evening, November 18. The Council met at 7 o'clock, in the First Church, and held a prayer meeting which was conducted by Gen. Oliver O. Howard, of District of Columbia. Monday, November 20. Tlie Services of the Sabbath, On the Sabbath, in the morning — Rev. Truman M. Post, d.d,, of Missouri, preached in the First Church ; Rev, Harvey D, Kitchel, d.d, of Vermont, preached in the Second Church ; and 40 MINUTES. [1871. Rev. Edmund K. Alden, d. d., of Massachusetts, preached in the Baptist Church. In the afternoon, the Council united with the First Church in observing the Lord's Supper, at which Rev. Charles G. Finney, of Oberlin, presided, and was assisted by Rev. Edwin B. Webb, d.d., of Massachusetts, and Rev. Israel E. Dwinell, d. d., of California. As requested by the Council, Mr. Finney preached on the baptism of the Holy Ghost, from Luke 11 : 9-13. In the evening — Rev. George F. Magoun, d. d., of Iowa, preached in the First Church ; Rev. Henry ■ M. Storrs, d. d., of New York, preached in the Second Church ; and Rev. Julian M. Sturtevant, d. d., of Illinois, preached in the Baptist Church. Monday Morning, November 20. Devotional Services. The Council met in the Second Church at 8.30, and spent half an hour in devotion, led by Rev. Benjamin Tappan, of Maine. At nine o'clock, the Moderator took the chair ; the Scriptures were read by Rev Edward S. Atwood, of Massachusetts, and prayer was offered by Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, of District Columbia. The minutes of Saturday were corrected and approved. The committee on credentials reported additions to the roll. Committees to prepare Papers. \ The following were appointed the committee to prepare, for the information of the churches, a paper embodying the results of the deliberations of this body in regard to the several great parts of the Christian work, namely : — Rev. William I. Budington, d. d., of New York ; Rev. Aaron L. Chapin, d. d., of Wisconsin ; Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, d. d., of Massachusetts. The following were appointed the committee to prepare a paper expressive of the great need of seeking the blessing of the Holy Ghost upon the ministers and clmrches for tlie success of the work of the gospel in the salvation of souls, nameh^ : — Rev. Edmund K. Alden, d. d., of Massachusetts ; Rev. Truman 1871.] MINUTES. 41 M. Post, D. D., of Missouri ; Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, of District of Columbia. Finance — Auditor — Edition of the Minutes — Piiblishing Com- mittee. The committee on Finance presented a report which was accepted, and it was Voted ^ That 5,000 copies of the Minutes of the Council be printed for the use of the Council and for distribution among the churches. Dea. Samuel Holmes, of New Jersey, was appointed Auditor. The Secretary, Registrar and Auditor were appointed a com- mittee to publish, at their discretion, the minutes and papers of this Council. A Mamial of Doctrine and Polity. The following preamble and resolutions were adopted : — Whereas There has come up, from all quarters, earnest calls for some brief manual of doctrine and polity for use in the families and Sunday schools of our churches, and it is understood that such a manual is in course of preparation by the Congregational Pub- lishing Society ; therefore, Resolved, That the Council recommend the completion of the proposed manual as speedily as is practicable. Resolved, That a committee of Ave be appointed to whom the work maybe submitted for approval, — whose sanction may give currency to the manual, not as a book of binding authority, but as a means of general instruction coimnended to the churches for its real merits. Declaration of Polity. It was Resolved, That the committee appointed b}' the Council of 1865, on a declaration of church polity, be urged to complete their work as speedilj' as possible. Correspondence ivith other Bodies. It was Resolved, That it is desirable that correspondence by the interchange of delegates be maintained between this Council and the general Congregational bodies of foreign lands, and the gen- eral ecclesiastical organizations of other evangelical churches in om* own land. Also, that in view of the union of our several State organizations in this National Council, it is expedient that 42 MINUTES. [1871. the practice of formally interchauging delegates between these bodies be discontinued. Day of Prayer for Colleges. It was Resolved^ That in accordance with the urgent desire of many of our colleges, and the action already taken by some of our State organizations and by the General Assembly of the Presby- terian Church, this Council recommend that hereafter the last Thursday in January be observed as the uniform day of special prayer for colleges and other institutions of learning. Orders. The report of the committee on the work of the American Mis- sionary Association, and the education of the freedmen, was read, accepted and made the order for two o'clock this afternoon. The report of the committee on church building, and a resolution on the consolidation of benevolent societies, were made the next orders ; and the report of the committee on Home Missions and Church Extension was made the order for 7 o'clock this evening. The resolutions on Theological Seminaries were made the order for 9.30 on Tuesday morning; and the resolutions on the Supply of the Ministry were made the next order for Tuesday forenoon. Systematic Support of the Benevolent Societies. It was Resolved, That in view of the pressing and ever-growing demands upon the churches to sustain the great benevolent societies to which we contribute, and to enable these societies to prosecute the work evidently laid upon them by the great Head of the church ; it seems very desirable, — and the Council earnestly recommend to the churches, — that systematic and regular contributions be made to them ; and to the pastors, that they fail not to present these claims of the societies to their congregations, and instruct them in regard to the same. The recent Treaty with Great Britain. It was Voted, by acclamation, That a special committee of five be appointed by the Moderator, to present a resolution in reference to the happy adjustment of difficulties between Great Britain and the United States, by the treaty of Washington, and expressive of our hope that international arbitration may in all cases hereafter take the place of war. 1871.] MINUTES.. 43 A Conference of Faculties of Theological Seminaries^ It was Resolved, That in the judgment of this body, it is desir- able that those who have the immediate direction of our theological seminaries, should hold a conference with a view of securing greater harmony and efficiency in training probationers for the sacred office ; and that thej^ be requested to pa}' particular attention to the subject of a '' special course " of professional study, as recom- mended by the Council of 1865. Special Offerings in the 3temorial Year — to he reported. It was Resolved, That this Couucil request the Congregational churches which made special contributions during the memorial year for the payment of debts, the endowment of institutions and the erection and completion of buildings for sacred and educational purposes, including the proposed Congregational House at Boston, — to make report of the same to Rev. Isaac P. Langworthy, of Boston, Secretary of the American Congregational Association, with a view to their publication, whenever it may be expedient. The Council adjom-ned at 11.30. Monday Aftei-noon, November 20. The American Missionary Association, and the Education of the Freedmen. The Council met at two o'clock, and prayer was offered by Rev. George F. Magoun, d. d,, of Iowa. The report of the committee on the work of the American Mis- sionary Association, and the education of the freedmen, was taken up, and the following resolutions, presented with the report, were adopted : — Resolved (1), That the overthrow of American slavery was sig- nally the work of Almighty God, having been forced upon the nation by a series of marvellous events not less significant of God's purpose and power than those which accomplished the deliv- erance of ancient Israel from Egyptian bondage. Resolved (2), That God, by thus emancipating the slaves, has signified his purpose to lead them and their race on to a Christian civilization hitherto denied them, — a purpose made practicable by the imprecedented eagerness with which they seek after knowledge, and made imperative by the fact of their elevation to all the rights 44 MINUTES. [1871. of citizenship ; in the exercise of which, if tlie}' are not educated, our free institutions will be endangered, if not overthrown. Besolved (3), That the overthrow of slaver}' has not oul}' made the Christian education of the freedmen practicable and necessary, but it has opened the whole South, and its interesting populations, native and foreign, to the introduction of our Congregational principles and polit}", from which hitherto, by the oppressions that have prevailed, we have been virtually excluded ; and that this opening of Providence should be regarded by us as a call from God to go in and endeavor to possess the land. Resolved (4), That God, in his providence, having freed the slave and purposed his elevation, has raised up in the American Missionary Association an agency signall}^ adapted to take the foremost place in the accomplishment of this great work. Not only has he prepared this people for instruction, but he has pre- pared instruction for this people. This Societ}', by twent}- years of labor for the oppressed, has gained the confidence of the freed- men and their friends, and, by its experience and resources, was exactly suited to take up the great work that was thrown suddenly upou the nation : and also, because of its natural and increasingly intimate relations to the Congregational churches, was admirably adapted to act as their organ in this department of Christian work. Recognizing that, under its leadership, and because of it, our churches have been more conspicuous than any otjiers, in carrying education to the freedmen ; we therefore recommend to all the Congi-egational churches of the laud that they take annual contri- butions to aid this Association in carrj'ing forward, this great and pressing work ; and we express the conviction that not less than. $400,000 should be annually contributed by our churches for this purpose. Resolved (5), That the higher educational institutions at the South under the auspices of this Association, — colleges, universi- ties and theological schools, — of which there are seven, being in great need both of buildings and endowments, are commended to the prayers and sympathies of our churches, and to the special con- sideration of benevolent men whom the Lord has made stewards of gold and silver that are his. Resolved (6), That in the prosecution of their work, we recom- mend to the Society, that the organization and support of churches and schools should be carried forward together ; and that, as the 1871.] MINUTES. 45 work advances, increasing attention should be given to church organization ; and we recommend this because of the evidence becoming continually more apparent, that the old churches gathered in the midst of slavery must to a great extent be superseded by others founded on broader principles, and with a better under- standing of Christian doctrine and morality. Resoloed (7), That the missions of this Association among the Indians of the West, and the Chinamen of the Pacific coast, call for the sjanpathy and support of all our churches, — and this on the gi'ounds both of Christian benevolence and of their peculiar hope- fulness. Resolved (8), That the spirit of caste, and especially at the South, is one of the great hinderances to education and the har- monious organization of society ; and we express approbation and encouragement to all judicious efforts to mitigate and eradicate this baneful influence, whether at the North or South, whether in our churches or colleges. It was also Resolved^ That the matter of petitioning Congress to go to the full extent of then* constitutional power in providing for the education of the colored people of the South be referred to the Provisional Committee. Church Buildimj. — The American Congregational Union. The report of the committee on Church Building nas accepted and approved, and the following resolutions presented with it were adopted : — ' Resolved (1), That as the work of aiding to erect Christian sanctuaries in our home mission fields was inaugurated in the Al- bany Convention, and was taken up with renewed enthusiasm by the Boston Council, so this first meeting of our triennial Council ought to mark a new epoch of increased efficiency and enlarged usefulness in the history of this enterprise Resoloed (2), That in tlie judgment of the Council, the American Congregational Union ouglit to receive and disburse within the coming j'ear §100,000, thus securing the erection of not less than two hundred church edifices where they will be permanent centres of saving influences in om* new States and Territories. Resolved (3), That to accomplish this object, it is hereby earnestly recommended to all the churches which are represented in this Council, to take a collection for this cause with as little 46 MINUTES. [1871. delay as possible, and to give it a permanent place every j-ear on their schedule of stated contributions. The recent Treaty ivitli Great Britain. The following were appointed the coramittee to present a resolu- tion on the recent treat}" with Great Britain : — Hon. AVilliam A. Buckingham, ll.d., of Connecticut ; Rev. Geo. F. Magoun, d. d., of Iowa ; Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, D. d,, of Massa- chusetts ; Hon. Elisha Carpenter, of Connecticut ; B. C. Cook, of Illinois. Orders. It was Ordered, That Rev. William Barrows, d. d., of Massachu- setts, be allowed ten minutes this evening to present the claims of the Congregational Publishing Society next after the consideration of the report on Home Missions ard Church Extension, and that the next order be the report on Foreign Missions and women's work in missions. Manual of Doctrine and Polity. The following were appointed the committee to whom may be submitted the proposed manual of doctrine and polity : — Rev. Henry M. Storrs, d. d., of New York ; Rev. .Toshua W. Wellman, d. d., of Massachusetts ; Rev. Henry Clay Trumbull, of Connecticut ; Hon. Alpheus Hardj', of Massachusetts ; Prof. AVil- liam Coffin, of Illinois. Two verses of the hj-mn, " Go preach my gospel, saith the Lord," were then sung. The Consolidation of the Benevolent Societies. The following action was taken concerning the consolidation of benevolent societies : — In view of the number of existing organizations for benevolence that claim coutiibutions from our churches, some of which organiza- tions are so closely affiliated in purpose and method that the}' con- template essentially the same work ; therefore, Resolved, That a committee of seven be appointed to consider and report at the next session of this Council whether anj' con- solidation of such organizations is practicable, — with a view to the promotion of great unit}^ and efficienc}^ of operation, and the reduction of expenses that are felt to be needless and therefore burdensome. 1871.] MINUTES. 47 It was also Resolved, That this committee be requested, when cle- sii*ed to do so, to investigate the merits of such special objects and institutions as are to be generally presented to the churches for aid, and give the churches the advantage of their judgment on their merits and importance. Indian Affairs in Oregon. The following action was taken on Indian affairs : — Whereas The forty-first Congress, third session, ordered the printing of executive document No 37, containing information in relation to the early labors of the Missionaries of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions in Oregon, com- mencing in 1836 ; and whereas onl}' a few hundred copies of said document were printed, although many thousand copies of execu- tive document No. 38, of the thirty-fifth Congress, adverse to said missions and flagrantly unjust to the memories of our faithful coun- trymen who were massacred, were printed and widely scattered ; therefore, Resoloed (1), That this National Council of Congregational Churches assembled at Oberliu, Ohio, Nov. 15, 1871, uniting with other religious bodies, do earnestly petition Congress to issue a second and much larger edition of said document No. 37, of the forty-first Congress, third session, in order that the friends of mis- sions and the public generally may have the facts before them re- lating to the great service which Dr. "Whitman and his compeers rendered to our country in saving our northwest coast from the grasp of a foreign power, and in providentiall}' preserving its vast area, with all its wealth and resources, for the benefit of om- whole nation. Resolved (2), That in presenting this petition to Congress, we wish not onl^' to do justice to the memor}^ of the martyred dead, and to do honor to living Christian patriots, but also to show how God blesses our nation incidental!}^ through its Christian missions The Provisional Committee were instructed to la}' the foregoing action before Congress at their discretion, in connection with the matter of the education of the freedmen. By-Laios and Rules of Order. The committee on By-laws and rules of order made a report which was accepted, amended, and adopted, as follows : — 48 MINUTES. [1871. By-Laws. I. In all its official acts and records, this body shall be desig- nated as The NATiojfAL Council of the Congregatioxal Churches of the United States. II. [See later proceedings.] III. The term "Congregational," as applied to the general benevolent Societies, in connection with representation in this body, is understood in the broad sense of societies whose con- stituenc}'' and control are substantially Congregational. I\^. The Provisional Committee shall consist of seven persons ^J appointment, with the addition of the Secretary, Registrar, and Treasurer, ex officUs. This committee shall specify the place, and the precise time, at which sessions shall commence ; shall choose a preacher of the opening sermon ; may select topics regarding the Christian work of the churches, and persons to propose and present papers thereon ; shall do any work which shall have been referred to them by the Council ; and shall make a fall report of all their doings, — the consideration of which shall be first in order of busi- ness after organization. V. The sessions shall ordinarily be held in the latter part of October, or the early part of November. VI. The call for any session shall be signed b}' the chairman of the Provisional Committee and the Secretary of the Council, and it shall contain a list of topics proposed by the committee ; and the Secretary shall seasonably furnish blank credentials, and other needful papers, to the scribes of the several local organizations of churches. VII. Soon after the opening of a stated or special session, the following committees shall be appointed : — 1. A committee on Credentials, who shall prepare a r6ll of mem- bers. 2. A committee of Nominations, to nominate all committees not otherwise provided for. 3. A Business Committee, to propose a docket for the use of the members. Except by special vote of the Council, no business shall be introduced which has not thus passed through the hands of this committee. Committees shall be composed of three persons each, except otherwise ordered. VIII. In the sessions of the National Council, half an hour 1871.] MINUTES. 49 shall every morning be given to devotional services, and the daily- sessions shall be opened with prayer, and closed with prayer or singing. One evening at least shall be entirely set apart for a meeting of prayer and conference ; and every evening shall ordi- narily be given to meetings of a specifically religious rather than business character. And the Council will join in the sacrament of the Lord's supper at some convenient season. IX. An Auditor of Accounts shall be appointed at every session. X. The Provisional Committee may fill any vacancies occurring in any committee or office in the intervals of sessions, — the per- son so appointed to serve until the next session, XI. The Council approves of an annual compilation of the statistics of the churches, and of a list of such ministers as are reported by the several State organizations. And the Secretary is directed to present at each triennial session comprehensive and comparative summaries for the three years preceding. XII. The Council will welcome correspondence by interchange of delegates, with the general Congregational bodies of other lands, and with the general ecclesiastical organizations of other churches of evangelical faith in our land. Delegates will be ap- pointed by the Council in the years of its session, and by the Provisional Committee in the intervening years. Bules of Oi der. The rules of order shaU be those found in common parliamentary use, not modified by local legislative practice, with the following explicit modifications : — When a question is under debate, no motion shall be received except the following, namely ; to amend, to commit, to postpone to a time certain, to postpone indefinitely, to lay on the table, and to adjourn, — which shall have precedence in the reverse order of this list, — the motions to lay on the table and to adjourn, alone, being not debatable. No member shall speak more than twice to the merits of any question in debate, except by special permission of the bod}^ ; nor more than once until every member desiring to speak shall have spoken. 4 50 MINUTES. [1871. Christian Colleges; The Society for the Promotion of Collegiate and Theological Education at the West. The committee on the work of the Society for the Promotion of Collegiate and Theological Education at the West, reported the following resolutions, which were adopted : — Resolved (1), That while the times on which we are thrown de- mand, for the maintenance of Christian truth and the prosecution of Christian work, instruments no less vigorous and far more varied than in former times ; and while all instruments manifestly prove themselves worthless, save as a higher and higher consecra- tion takes possession of them, and the'Holy Ghost, present and in- working, employs them ; the distinctively Christian college still stands, as it ever has done in this land, in the front of the means God has pointed out and blessed for the production of the choicest and best Christian laborers. Resolved (2), That the planting of Christian colleges and theo- logical Seminaries in our younger States, commends itself now more strongly than ever before to all our churches — especially to such individuals as are wealthy ; and that recent instances of lib- erality in this line of giving inspires us with the hope that the whole work is to receive a new and powerful impulse. Resolved (3), That it is the duty of the pulpit systematicall}' and thoroughly to instruct the whole people touching the indis- pensable necessity of Christian education, and the consequent jxecessity of sustaining these institutions. Resolved (4), That the Society for the Promotion of Collegiate •and Theological Education at the West, by its simple machinery, its comprehensive polic}^ and its successes, alread}' achieved, is fitted ±0 prosecute this great and increasing work ; and we heartily com- mend it to the confidence and increased liberality of the churches, and to their regular contributions. The Council adjourned. Monday Evening, November 20. The Council met at seven o'clock, and prayer was ofiered by Rev. Constantine Blodgett, d. d., of Rhode Island. Home Missions and Church Extension. The committee on Home Missions and Church Extension, pre- sented the following as their report, which was accepted and adopted, by rising : — 1871.] MINUTES. 51 The committee to -whom was referred the paper submitted to this Council relating to home missions, and also the paper on church extension, submit the following result of their deliberations. Your committee have labored earnestly to clear the wa}'^ of the Council to some decisive action which shall at once be wise and harmonious, and lead forth our now united Chm-ches into a new era of energy and liberalitj-- in their home missionary work. To this end, they have invited the utmost freedom of representation and criticism, and have sought light from all the sources within their reach. It will be impossible for 3-our committee, under this pres- sure of conference and inquiry, to do more than to indicate very briefly the convictions to which they have been led. And they offer these se^'cral results of their deliberations as, in their judg- ment, worth}' to be made the exj^ression of this Council. First. We record with profound gratitude our sense of God's gi-eat and seasonable mercy in raising up for our times and for our country, the American Home Missionary Society ; we rejoice in the honor he has put on this agency in giving it the affectionate favor of our churches, and in blessing it for these tifty j'ears with an evangelizing efficiency which has for its imperishable memorial, State beyond State, from the sea to the river, and from the river to the ends of om' earth, planted under its auspices with Christian institutions ; and in the name of all our churches, both those which are aided and those which are aiding in this service, we bear grate- ful testimony to the eminent fidelity and discretion which have so generally' characterized its administration. Secondly. While we rejoice in the abundant fruits of our home missionary work, and admire the liberal blessing that has crowned our labors in this direction, we are humbled by the conviction that we have but found our work, not done it ; that we have only touched the skirts of our enterprise in its breadth and vital rela tions ; and that it is now imperative!}' demanded of the whole fraternity of churches united in this Council ; by the very growth which God has thus given them, and is ready more abundantly to give ; by the expanding field that appeals to us by its destitution ; by every claim of Christian patriotism ; and by their allegiance to Christ and his redeeming purpose in all the world, — that they awake now to the greatness of our evangelizing work, and gi\e it without delay that full measure of zeal and liberalit}' which shall equal the urgency of the demand. 52 MDOJTES. [1871. Thirdly. Instructed by our ^vork itself, as it passes from one stage to another, we discern the necessity of greater flexibility in our method and measures ; and we recommend — 1. That a State organization be formed in everj^ State, upon which shall be devolved the development and direction of the worlc in its own field to the extent of the funds it ma}' raise. 2. That the secretaries avail themselves to the utmost of what- ever wisdom to direct can be gathered from those closest to the work. 3. That the policy and practice on which the societj^ have pro- ceeded, of invading unevangelized fields and sending its missiona- ries into the regions beyond, and among all, of whatever nationality, open to our approach, be largeh' pursued ; and, 4. That the obligation be still more urgentl}"" pressed on the aided churches, both in the older States and in the new, to cease from their dependence as early as possible, for the sake of those famishing in utter want. Fourthly. We recommend that a committee of five be appoin+ed by this Council to confer with the Executive Committee of tlie Home Missionary Society, and arrange with them a plan on which the State organizations can co-operate in efficient harmon}' with the parent societ3% for the common end ; and that this committee take action in season for the plan proposed to be in readiness for the several State Associations, Conferences, or Conventions, at their next annual meetings. Fifthly. For the compassing of the vast evangelizing work now devolved upon us. we urge upon our churches that at once not less than half a million annually be devoted to our Home Missionary enterprise. Prayer was offered bj' Rev. Julian M. Sturtevant, d. d,, of Illi- nois, and the verse, " I love thy kingdom. Lord," was sung. TJie Consolidation of Benevolent Societies. The following were appointed the committee to report at the next session of the Council, on the consolidation of benevolent societies : Rev. Edward T. Atwood, of Massachusetts ; Rev. William W. Patton, D. D., of Illinois ; Rev. Richard B. Thurston, of Connecti- cut; Rev. Levi H. Cobb, of Vermont; Hon. Henr}' P. Haven, of Connecticut ; Hon. Charles G. Hammond, of Illinois ; W. H. Cur- rier, of Michigan. 1871.] MINUTES. 53 The Neio-England Church in Chicago. The committee on the Appeal for the New-England Church of Chicago, failing to agree, was enlarged by adding the following, appointed b}^ the Moderator : — Rev. Edward Hawes, of Pennsylvania ; Rev. Euos J. Montague, of Wisconsin; W. H. Currier, of Michigan. Rev. Truman M. Post, d.d., of Missouri, and Hon. Amos C. Barstow, of Rhode Island, of that committee, having leave of ab- sence, the following were appointed in their places : Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, of District of Columbia ; Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, D.D., of Massachusetts. Foreign Missions. Rev. William Barrows, d. d., of Massachusetts, yielded the time allowed him, to the committee on Foreign Missions and women's work in missions. That committee made a report, which was accepted and approved, and the following resolutions were adopted : — • Resolved, That this National Council earnestly request all our churches who contribute for the evangelization of papal countries, to put their contributions into the hands of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions to be used for this purpose. Whereas The women of our churches, who, after the revivals of forty years ago, had in operation three hundred and seventeen mis- sionary societies, auxiliary to the American Board, have resumed the same service in the setting up of Women's Boards of INlissions, both at the East and the Interior, represented by fifty of their own sex engaged in special labors in behalf of women abroad ; and Whereas, For half a centur}', the^^ have been engaged in gener- ous efforts to snppl}'' the necessities of home missionary families through their benevolent societies, among which is the eminent New Hampshire Female Cent Society'-, that has raised an aggregate of S 7 7, 000 ; and . Whereas Cultivated women, with great self-denial, have given themselves to personal labor in behalf of the freedmen ; therefore, Resolved, That this National Council gratefully'' recognizes this re-awakening, among these Christian women, of the missionary spirit, which now finds expression, as the one mind of Christ, in 54 MINUTES. ■ [1871. these efforts for giving the blessings of the gospel to women in foreign lands ; for carrying hope and cheer to the homes of the frontier missionaries, and for ministering to the Christian culture of the freed people of th^ South; and earnestly recommends the organization of similar missionary societies in all our churches, in- voking the favor of God upon them and the objects of their beneficence. Order. The report of the committee on the recent treaty with Great Britain, was made the third order for Tuesday forenoon. The Deficiency in the Treasury of the American Home Missionary Society. The Business Committee were directed to prepare a resolution on the deficiency in the treasury of the American Home Missionary Societ3\ The Council adjourned. Tuesday Morning, November 21. Devotional Services. The Council met in the Second Church at 8.30, and spent half an hour in devotion, led by Rev. George F. Magoun, d. d., of Iowa. At nine o'clock the Moderator took the chair, and Rev. George H. Atkinson, d. d., of Oregon, read the Scriptures and offered prayer. The minutes of Monday wei'e corrected and approved. The com- mittee on Credentials reported additions to the roll. Conference with the American Home Missionary Society. The following were appointed the committee to confer with the Executive Committee of the American Home Missionary So- ciety : — Rev. Harvey D. Kitchel, d. d., of Vermont ; Hon. Benjamin Douglas, of Connecticut ; Rev. Hiram Mead, of Ohio ; Rev. James W. Strong, D. D., of Minnesota; Henry White, of Connecticut. The Congregational Publishing Society. Rev. William Barrows, d. d., of Massachusetts, was heai'd ten minutes in behalf of the Congregational Publishing Society. 1871.] MINUTES. * 55 By-I.aics. The committee on By-laws and rules of order were directed to report a By-law defining the term of service of delegates to the Council. Theological Seminaries. The report of the committee on the interests of the denomination as related to our theological seminaries, was taken up, discussed, and, with sundry resolutions, recommitted. The Churches and Theological Seminaries in Chicago. The committee in regard to aid for the New-England Church and other churches of the theological seminary in Chicago, presented a report with a resolution. The report was accepted and approved and the resolution was adopted, and is as follows : — Resolved, That the New England church and the other Congre- gational churches, and the theological seminary, in Chicago, which have suffered by the recent fire, are alike and together commended to all our brethren, and to the benevolent everywhere, for their sympathy and aid ; and that, when gifts are made, the specific ob- ject to which they shall be applied, — church or seminary, — be designated by the donors. The recent Treaty with Great Britain. The committee on the recent treaty between Great Britain and the United States made a report which was accepted, amended and adopted, and is as follows : — This Council of the Congregational churches of the United States, at its first triennial session, desires to express and record its profound satisfaction that the difficulties between this nation and Great Britain, arising from the conduct of citizens and the gov- ernment of Great Britain during the rebellion in this country, have been at length referred to an international arbitration in place of the fearful arbitrament of war, — a reference whicli warrants the hope that this happy mode of adjustment and reparation may be always adopted hereafter in all cases of variance between us, on which side soever the wrong may be. We record, also, our desire that steps may be early taken by the Congress of the United States, at its session now at hand, to secure among all nominally Christian and civilized nations the establishment of a system of international arbitration. 56 MmuTES. [1871. It was Voted, That the moderator and the secretary of tliis Coun- cil be requested to send a certified copy of this Minute to an}'- Christian bodies in other lands witli which we may come into cor- respondence ; and that the Hon. William A. Buckingliam, chair- man of this committee, be requested to present it to the Senate of the United States. Theological Seminaries. The committee on the interests of the denomination, as related to our theological seminaries, reported resolutions which, after amendment, were ftdopted, as follows : — Resolved, That this Council recognize the theological seminaries at Bangor, Andover, Hartford, New Haven, Obeilin, Chicago and Oakland, as proper constituencies of this body as defined in the constitution, and entitled to the confidence and sympath}^, and, according to their respective needs, to the benefactions of our churches. Resolved, That we recognize the present claims of our theological seminaries to the beneficent sympathy of our churches ; and, with- out prejudice to the claims of other institutions, that we earnestly trust that a further endowment of $100,000 each may, as soon as possible, be secured for the Oberlin, Chicago and Pacific seminaries. It was also Resolved, That our young and growing theological institutions at the South, in connection with How^ard, Atlanta and Straight Universities, are doing a work essential to develop and strengthen the growth of a pure and free Christian it}' in that por- tion of our country, and that we commend their growing wants to the attention and sympathy of our churches. The following resolutions were adopted : — Renolv-A, That this Coimcil are impressed with the importance of the theological department of Oberlin College in its relation to the broad region between the great West and the great P3ast, and that we recommend to the Congregational churches of Ohio, and of the nation, and to men of wealth and benevolence, a generous consid- eration of its claims upon their benefaction. Re>ioJved, That the raising of the sum of $50,000 under the auspices of the trustees and fticulty for tlie erection of the theologi- cal building, the corner-stone of which has been laid in our pres- ence, would be a worthy tribute to the Christian objects which we 1871.] MINUTES. 57 have assembled to promote ; aud that for such benefactions, and in commemoration of the founding in this place, on the principle of fellowship, of a permanent organization of our churches, a symbol of their unity, the new edifice may be appropriately named Memorial Hall. Delegates to Corresponding Bodies. The Nominating Committee reported a list of delegates to corre- sponding bodies, which was recommitted. The Council adjourned. Thursday Afternoon, November 21. Finance and the Minutes. The Council met at two o'clock, and praj^er was offered by Rev. Flavel Bascom, d.d., of Illinois. The minutes of the morning were approved. Rev. William Barrows, d. d., of Massachusetts, Secretary of the Congregational Publishing Society, having offered in behalf of that society, to print and distribute the Minutes of this Council without expense to the Council, it was Voted, That the offer be accepted, and that the minutes be so printed under the direction of the secretary, registrar and auditor of the council ; and that all former action made unnecessary by this vote be rescinded, and that the record be conformed to this vote. It was Voted, That a collection be taken in this body to raise the sum of three hundred dollars to defray the expenses of the Council. And the collection was taken. The Deficiency in the Treasury of the American Home Mission- ary Society. The Business Committee reported the following resolution, which was adopted : Resolved, That we learn with regret the financial embarrassment of the American Home Missionary Society, occasioned not by the diminution of its receipts, but by the enlargement of its work ; and we earnestly exhort the churches to make such prompt and liberal gifts to its treasury as will enable it not only to supply the wants of its missionaries, but to extend the scale of its operations, as the providence of God demands. 58 MINUTES. [1871. Vote excluding Titles Rescinded. It -was 0 xlereO.^ That the vote instructing the scribes to omit from the roll of this Council all academical and other titles belonging to the members, be rescinded. By-Laios. The committee on By-laws and rules of order reported the follow- ing by-law which was adopted : — II. It shall be understood that the term for which delegates to the Council are appointed expires with each session, triennial or special, to which the}^ are chosen. The Christian Sabbath. The following minute was adopted : — Impressed with the intimate connection between the proper ob- servance of the Christian Sabbath and the maintenance of sound morals and piety in our land, the National Council do hereby ex- press their sense of the need of renewed efforts to guard the day against the frequent encroachments of secular labor and pleasure- seeking recreations. Amidst the multiplied activities and enlarg- ing enterprises which engross the minds and consume the strength of our citizens, the rest of the Sabbath is indispensable to the con- tinuance of health, virtue, and Christian principle in this nation. To this end, the Council recommend that the claims of the Lord's day as a season of rest from earthly toil to be hallowed by religious culture and worship, be presented and urged by the press and the pulpit ; and that Christian laymen endeavor by personal persuasion and example to sanction and enforce this sentiment. Indian Policy of the Government Commended. It was Resolved^ That we rejoice that the government has found it proper to call into its cooperation the aid of Christian bodies in nominating agents for its Indian work ; and that we earnestly ap- prove of every governmental agency tending to pacifj^, educate and civilize the Indian people. Action on Caste. The following was adopted : — Whereas^ In the wonderful progress of providential events within the last ten years, the colored population of this country have been advanced to full participation in political rights ; and 1871.] MINUTES. 59 WJiereas We are all interested in the highest educational and religious development of this class of our population ; therefore, Resolved, That it is the duty, and should be the privilege, of our own churches, as well as of other churches, especially in the Norths so far as their influence extends, to throw open the doors of our churches, schools and colleges, to the full participation of these our fellow-citizens, without any discrimination on account of color. Intemperance. A memorial from the General Convention of Wisconsin, asking " that the National Council consider the expediency of making formal petition to Congress, so to frame its legislation as to dis- countenance and diminish, so far as may be possible, the manufac- ture, importation and use of spirituous liquors," was accepted and referred to the Provisional Committee with power to act in the case at their discretion. It was Resolved, That this Council deeply feel the need of re- newed and more vigororous Chi'istian effort to stay the woes of intemperance in this land, and exhort all Congregational minsters and churches to give this a prominent place in all their plans and labors in the work of reform. The Supply of the Ministry. The resolutions on the supply of the ministry were discussed and adopted as follows : — Resolved, (1), That it is the imperative dut}^ of ministers and churches and individual Christians to promote and encourage in every practicable way the education of worthy young men for the Christian ministr3^. Resolved (2), That the American Education Society and kindred societies ought to receive the sympathy and generous liberality of the churches, expressed by regular, stated contributions to their funds. Resolved (3), That while we are, as our fathers were before us, the firm friends and supporters of our noble public-school system, we cannot dispense with a S3'stem of academies, colleges and theo- logical seminaries, controlled and instnicted by men of devoted and active Christian faith, judiciously planted over all our terri- tory, and furnished with such ample resources as will secure to 60 MINUTES. [1871. them that commanding position among the institutions of learning of our country whicli academies and colleges, founded and nurtured by men of Congregational faith and order, have occupied from the very beginning of our history as a people. Resolved (4), That it is incumbent on ministers to inculcate on Christian parents, and especially on Christian mothers, the duty and the precious privilege of consecrating their children from their infancy to the service of the Master ; and, if the will of God shall be so indicated, to the ministry and to missionary work in the home and foreign fields. Resolved (5), That while we recognize the duty of churches to give, and the right of ministers to receive, a support which will free them from all hinderance in their work arising from pecuniary straitness or embarrassment, we ought to seek and expect such a baptism of the Holy Ghost as will make our young men willing and eager to enter the ministry, and to undertake the cultivation of the harvest fields in the Lord's vinej^ard in face of whatever difficulties, privations and discouragements, — since, without such a gift of the Holy Ghost, success in the great work to which the providence of God is loudly calling us, is impossible. The Credentials of Ministers. The following resolutions were adopted : — Resolved, That all ministers in our denomination ought to be in orderly connection with some ministerial or ecclesiastical organiza- tion which shall be able to certify to their regular standiug in the ministry. Resolved^ That churches be urged not to emplo}", as preachers, unsettled ministers without such evidence of their good standing in the ministry. The American Missionary Association. Rev, lVr."-Er-.Strieby, d. d., Secretary, gave the Council informa- tion as to the title of property purchased by donations from our churches. Delegates to Corresponding Bodies. Delegates to corresponding bodies were appointed as follows : General Congregational Union of England; General Congrega- tional Union of Scotland^ and General Congregational Union of Ireland — Hon. William A. Buckingham, ll. d., of Connecticut; 1871.] MINUTES. 61 Rev. Noah Porter, d. d., of Connecticut ; Rev. William M. Bar- bour, D.D., of Maine ; Hon. James \V. Patterson, of New Hamp- shire ; Hon. Erastus D. Holton, of Wisconsin. Congregational Union of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick — Rev. Asa D. Smith, d. c, of New Hampshire; Gen. Oliver O. Howard, of D. C. ; Rev. Edwin P. Parker, of Connecticut. Congregational Union of Ontario and Quebec — Rev. Henry D. Kitchel, D. D., of Vermont ; Hon. Bradford R. Wood, of New York ; Rev. Julian M. Sturtevent, jr., of Illinois. General Assembly of Presbyterian Church — Rev. William I. Budington, d. d., of New York ; Rev. Samuel Harris, d. d , of Con- necticut. United Presbyterian Church of North America — Rev. Raymond H. Seeley, d. d., of Massachusetts ; Hon. Samuel D. Hastings, of Wisconsin ; Rev. J. A. Hamilton, of Iowa. , Reformed Church in America — Rev. Julius H. Seelye, d. d., of Massachusetts ; Rev. E. P. Goodwin, d. d., of Illinois ; Rev. Alex- ander McKenzie, of Massachusetts. United Brethren — Moravian — Rev. John W. Chickering, d. d., of Massachusetts ; Rev. Samuel M. Freeland, of Michigan. . General Synod of the Free Evangelical Lutheran Church — Rev. William E. Merriman, d. d., of Wisconsin; Rev. A. Hastings Ross, of Ohio ; A. C. Sessions, of General Assembly of Cumberland Presbyterian Church — Rev. J. Eames Rankin, d. d., of District of Columbia ; Rev. Edward Hawes, of Pennsylvania ; Prof. John M. Ellis, of Ohio. General Conference of the Methodist Ejyiscopal Church — Rev. A. Huntington Clapp, d. d., of New York ; Hon. J. B. Grinnell, of Iowa ; Rev. George B. Bacon, of New Jersey. Methodist Church — Rev. George S. F. Savage, d. d., of Illinois ; Rev. Joshua T. Tucker, of Massachusetts. General Convention of the Baptist Churches — Rev. Nahum Gale, D. D., of Massachusetts; Rev. James G. Vose, of Rhode Island; Hon. Julius Converse, of Vermont. General Conference of the Free Wi'l Baptist Churches — Rev. Constantine Blodgett, d. d., of Rhode Island ; Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, D. D., of Massachusetts ; Hon. C. J. Walker, of Michigan. Hawaiian Association, Sandwich Islands — Rev. Edwin B. Webb, D. D., of Massachusetts ; Rev. George H. Atkinson, d. d., of Oregon ; Dea. Samuel Holmes, of New Jersey. 62 MINUTES. [1871. Promoting the Objects of the Council. It was Resolved, That it be recommended to the individual mem- bers of this Council, to secure at an early da}'', special meetings of the local bodies which they respectively represent, with a view to do all they can to diffuse the influence of the Council and to bring the churches into the fullest possible sympathy and co-operation with the great objects which the Council seeks to promote ; or, in default of such special meetings, that they seek to accomplish the same object at the next ensuing meetings of these bodies. Resolution of Thanks. The following resolution was adopted, by rising : — Resolved, That we return our grateful acknowledgments to the people of Oberlin for their so hearty and courteous Christian hos- pitalities ; to tlie several railroad companies that have granted us special favors ; to the Preliminary Committee, and Committee of Ai-rangements, for their efficiency in calling and providing for the convenience and labors of the Council ; to the Musical Union, for their especial and very gratifying aid in the religious services of the Council ; and to the Moderators, who have served the body with so much courtesy and business energy. And now, recognizing the good hand of God in convening this Council and governing its deliberations, we humbly implore him that his blessing may sanctify the results to which we have been led. Professor Johu M. Ellis and Professor John Morgan, d. d., of Oberlin, responded to this resolution. The roll, as a whole, was approved. The minutes of the afternoon were corrected and approved, and the minutes, as a whole, were approved. The Moderator addressed the Council ; the h^^mn, " Ye Christian heralds, go proclaim," was sung ; prayer was offered by Rev. Nathaniel G. Clark, d. d., of Massachusetts ; the doxology, " Praise God from whom all blessings flow," was sung ; the ben- ediction was pronounced by the Moderator, and the session of the Council was dissolved. WILLIAM I. BUDINGTON, Moderator. William H. Moore, > . . „ . ^ o -ni o r Assistant Reqistrars. George S. F. Savage, ) William H. Moore, Registrar. THE CONSTlTUTIOiY. The Congregational cluirches of the United States, by elders and messengers assembled, do now associate themselves in National Council : To express and foster their substantial unity in doctrine, polity, and work ; and To consult upon the common interests of all the churches, their duties in the work of evangelization, the uuited development of their resources, and their relations to all parts of the kingdom of Christ. They agi'ce in belief that the Holy Scriptures are the sufficient and only infallible rule of religious faith and practice ; their inter- pretation thereof being in substantial accordance with the great doctrines of the Christian faith, commonly called evangelical, held in our churches from the early times, and sufficiently set forth by former General Councils. They agree in belief that the right of government resides in local churches, or congregations of believers, who are respon- sible directly to the Lord Jesus Christ, the One Head of the church universal and of all particular churches ; but that all churches, being in communion one with another as parts of Christ's catholic church, have mutual duties subsisting in the obligations of fellowship. The churches, therefore, while establishing this National Council for the furtherance of the common interests and work of all the churches, do maintain the Scriptural and inalienable right of each church to self-government and administration ; and this National Council shall never exercise legislative or judicial authority, nor consent to act as a council of reference. And for the convenience of orderly consultation, they establish the following Rules : — ^ I. /Sessions. — The churches will meet in National Council every third year. They shall also be convened in special session when- ever any five of the general State organizations shall so request. 64 coNSTiTuriON. [1871. II. Representation. — The churches shall be represented at each session, by delegates, either ministers or laymen, appointed in number and manner as follows : — 1. The churches, assembled in their local organizations, appoint one delegate for every ten churches in their respective organizations, and one for a fraction of ten greater than one half, it being under- stood that wherever the churches of any State are directly united in a general organization, they may, at their option, appoint the delegates in such a body, instead of in local organizations, but in the above ratio of churches so united. 2. In addition to the above, the churches united in State or- ganization appoint by such body one delegate, and one for each ten thousand communicants in their fellowship, and one for a major fraction thereof : — 3. It being recommended that the number of delegates be, in all cases, divided between ministers and laj^men, as nearly equally as is practicable. 4. Such Congregational general societies for Christian work, and the faculties of such theological seminaries, as may be recog- nized by this Council, may be represented b}' one delegate each, such representatives having the right of discussion only. III. Officers. — 1 . At the beginning of every stated or special session, there shall be chosen by ballot, from those present as mem- bers, a moderator, and one or more assistant moderators, to preside over its deliberations. 2. At each triennial session, there shall be chosen by ballot a secretary, a registrar and a treasurer, to serve from the close oi such session to the close of the next triennial session. 3. The secretary shall receive communications for the Council, conduct correspondence, and collect such facts, and superintend such publications, as may from time to time be ordered. 4. The registrar shall make and preserve the records of the pro- ceedings of the Council ; and for his aid, one or more assistants shall be chosen at each session, to serve dining such session. 5. The treasurer shall do the work ordinarily belonging to such office. 6. At each triennial session, there shall be chosen a provisional committee, who shall make needful arrangements for the next tri- ennial session, and for any session called during the interval. 1871 ] CHURCH UNITY. 65 7. Committees shall be appointed, and in such manner, as may from time to time be ordered. 8. Any member of a church in fellowship may be chosen to the office of secretary, registrar, or treasurer ; and such officers as are not delegates shall have the privileges of members, except that of voting. IV. By-Laivs. — The Council may make and alter By-laws of any triennial session. V. Amendments. — This constitution shall not be altered or amended, except at a triennial session, and by a two-thirds vote, notice thereof having been given at a previous triennial session, or the proposed alteration having been requested by some general State organization of churches, and published with the notification of the session. DECLARATION ON THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH. The members of the National Council, representing the Congre- gational churches of the United States, avail themselves of this opportunity to renew their previous declarations of faith in the unity of the church of God. While affirming the liberty of our churches, as taught in the New Testament, and inherited by us from our fathers, and from martj'rs and confessors of foregoing ages, we adhere to this liberty all the more as affording the ground and hope of a more visible unity in time to come We desire and purpose to cooperate with all the churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the expression of the same catholic sentiments solemnly avowed by the Council of 1865, on the Burial Hill at Plymouth, we wish, at this new epoch of our history, to remove, so far as in us lies, all causes of suspicion and alienation, and to promote tbe growing unity of counsel and of the effort among the followers of Christ. To us, as to our brethren, " There is one body and one spirit, even as we are called in one hope of our calling." As little did our fathers in their day, do we in ours, make a pre- tension to be the only churches of Christ. We find ourselves con- sulting and acting together under the distinctive name of Congre- gationalists, because, in the present condition of our common Christianity, we have felt ourselves called to ascertain and do our own appropriate part of the work of Christ's church among men. 5 66 BY-LAWS. [1871. We especially desire, in prosecuting the common work of evan- gelizing our own land and the world, to observe the common and sacred law, that in the wide field of the world's evangelization, we do our work in friendly cooperation with all those who love and serve our common Lord. We believe in " the holy catholic church." It is our prayer and endeavor, that the unity . of the church may be more and more apparent, and that the prayer of our Lord for his disciples ma}'^ be speedily and completel}^ answered, and all be one ; that b}^ conse- quence of this Christian unity in love, the world may believe in Christ as sent of the Father to save the world. BY-LAWS. I. In all its official acts and records, this body shall be designated as The National Council of the Congregational Churches of the United States. II. It shall be understood that the term for which delegates to the Council are appointed expires with each session, triennial or special, to which they are chosen. III. The term " Congregational," as applied to the general benevolent Societies, in connection with representation in this body, is understood in the broad sense of societies whose constit- uency and control are substantially Congregational. IV. The Provisional Committee shall consist of seven persons ^y appointment, with the addition of the Secretaiy, Registrar, and Treasurer, ex offidis. This committee shall specify the place, and the precise time, at which sessions shall commence ; shall choose a .preacher of the opening sermon ; may select topics regarding the Christian work of the churches, and persons to propose and present papers thereon ; shall do any work which shall have been referred to them by the Council ; and shall make a full report of all their doings, — the consideration of which shall be first in order of busi- ness after organization. V. The sessions shall ordinarily be held in the latter part of October, or the early part of November. VI. The call for any session shall be signed by the chairman of "the Provisional Committee and the Secretary of the Council, and 1871.] BY-LAWS. 67 it shall contain a list of topics proposed by the committee ; and the Secretary shall seasonably furnish blank credentials, and other needful papers, to the scribes of the several local organizations of churches. VII. Soon after the opening of a stated or special session, the following committees shall be appointed : — 1. A committee on Credentials, who shall prepare a roll of members. 2. A committee of Nominations, to nominate all committees not otherwise provided for. 3. A Business Committee, to propose a docket for the nse of the members. Except by special vote of the Council, no business shall be introduced which has not thus passed through the hands of this committee. Committees shall be composed of three persons each, except otherwise ordered. VIII. In the sessions of the National Council, half an hour shall every morning be given to devotional services, and the daily sessions shall be opened with prayer, and closed with praj^er or singing. One evening at least shall be entirely set apart for a meeting of prayer and conference ; and every evening shall ordi- narily^ be given to meetings of a specifically religious rather than business character. And the Council will join in the sacrament of the Lord's supper at some convenient season. IX. An Auditor of Accounts shall be appointed at ever}^ session. X. The Provisional Committee may fill any vacancies occurring in any committee or oflSce in the intervals of sessions, — the per son so appointed to serve until the next session. XI. The Council approves of an annual compilation of the statistics of the churches, and of a list of such ministers as are reported by the several State organizations. And the Secretary is directed to present at each triennial session comprehensive and comparative summaries for the three years preceding. XII. The Council will welcome correspondence by interchange of delegates, with the general Congi-egational bodies of other lands, and with the general ecclesiastical organizations of other churches of evangelical faith in our land. Delegates will be ap- pointed by the Council in the years of its session, and by the Provisional Committee in the intervening years. OFFICERS Am COxMMITTEES. OFFICERS FOR THE SESSION OF 1871. Of the Council prior to the adoption of the Constitution : Hon. Erastus D. Holton, of Milwaukee, Wis., Moderator. Dea. Samuel Holmes, of Moutclair, N. J., Scribe. Rev. William H. Moore, of Berlin, Conn., and Rev. George S. F. Savage, d. d., of Chicago, 111,, Assistant Sa-ibes. Of the National Council : Rev. William I. Budington, d. d., of Brooklyn, N. Y., Mod- erator. Gen. Oliver 0^ Howard, of Washington, D. C, and Rev. George H. Atkinson, d. d., of Portland, Or., Assistant Mod- erators. And the Scribes and Assistant Scribes above mentioned were made Assistant Registrars. OFFICERS FOR THE ENSUING THREE YEARS. Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, d.d., of New Bedford, Mass., Sea-e- tary. Rev. William H. Moore, of Berlin, Conn., Registrar. Hon. Charles G. Habimond, of Chicago, 111., Treasurer. Dea. Samuel Holmes, of Montclair, N. J., Auditor. PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE ENSUING THREE YEARS. Rev. Henry M. Storrs, d.d., of Brooklyn, N. Y. (Chairman). Hon. Eliphalet W. Blatchford, of Chicago, 111. Rev. Israel W. Andrews, d. d., of Marietta, O. Hon, John B. Page, of Rutland, Vermont. Dea. Ezra Farnsworth, of Boston, Mass. Hon. Samuel Merrill, of Des Moines, Iowa. Rev. Israel E. Dwinell, d.d., of Sacramento, Cal. And the Secretary, Registrar, and Treasurer, ex officiis. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES. 69 COMMITTEES TO SERVE AFTER THE SESSION. To publish the minutes : The Secretary, Registrar, and Auditor. To propose, for the information of the churches, a paper em- bodying the results of the deliberations of the Council in regard to the several great parts of the Christian work : Rev. William I. Bddington, d. d., of Brooklyn, N. Y. Rev. Aaron L. Chapin, d.d., of Wisconsin. Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, d. d., of Mass. To propose a paper expressive of the great need of seeking the blessing of the Holy Ghost upon the ministers and churches for the success of the work of the gospel in the salvation of souls : Rev. Edmund K. Alden, d. d., of South Boston, Mass. Rev. Truman M. Post, d. d., of Wisconsin. Gen. Oliver O. Howard, of D. C. To lay the action of the Council on the late treaty with Great Britain before the Senate of the United States : Hon. William A. Buckingham, ll. d., of Norwich, Conn. To confer with the Executive Committee of the American Home Missionary Societ}' : Rev. Harvey D. Kitchel, d. d., of Middlebury, Vt. Hon. Benjamin Douglas, of Conu. Rev. Hiram Mead, of Ohio. Rev. James W. Strong, d. d., of Minnesota. Henry White, of Conn. To whom the proposed Manual of Doctrine and Polity may be submitted for approval : Rev. Henry M. Storrs, d. d., of Brooklyn, N. Y. Rev. Joshua W. Wellman, d. d., of Mass. Rev. Henry Clay Trumbull, of Conn. Hon. Alpheus Hardy, of Mass. Prof. William Coffin, of Illinois. 70 OFFICEES AND COMMITTEES. To consider and report at the next session of tlie Council whether any consolidation of the benevolent societies is practi- cable. And also, in the mean time, on application, to investigate the merits of such special objects and institutions as are to be generally presented to the churches for aid, and give the churches the advantage of their judgment on their merits and importance : Rev. Edward S. Atwood, of Salem, Mass. Rev. William W. Pattox, d. d., of Illinois. Rev. Richard B. Thurston, of Conn. Rev. Levi H. Cobb, of Vermont. Hon. Henry P. Haven, of Conn. Hon. Charles G. Hammond, of Illinois. W. H. Currier, of Michigan. THEOLOGICAL SEMINARIES REPRESENTED IN THE COUNCIL Theological Seminary, Bangor, Me. Rev. Enoch Pond, d. d., President. Andoveb Theological Seminary, Andover, Mass. Rev. Ed- wards A. Park, d. d,, Senior Professor. Theological Department of Yale College, Kew Haven, Conn. Rev. Noah Porter, d. d., ll.d., President. Theological Institute of Connecticut, Hartford, Conn. Rev. "William Thompson, d. d.. Senior Professor. Theological Department of Oberlin College, Oberliu, Ohio. Rev. James H. Fairchild, d. d.. President. Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, 111. Rev. Samuel C. Bartlett, d. d., Senior Professor. Pacific Theological Seminary, Oakland, Cal. Rev. Joseph A. Benton, d. d.. Senior Professor. SOCIETIES COMMENDED BY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL. American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, 33 Pemberton Square, Boston. Langdon S. Ward, Treasurer. Rev. Selah B. Treat, Rev. N. George Clark, d. d.. Secretaries. American Congregational Association, 40 Winter street, Bos- ton, Mass. For information, or remittances for the Congregational House, or gifts to tlie Congregational Library, address Rev. Isaac P. Langworthy, Corresponding Secretary, as above. « American Congregational Union (Church Building), 69 Bible House, New York City, N. A. Calkins, Treasurer. Rev. Rat Palmer, d. d,. New York, Rev. Christopher Cushing, d. d., 16 Tremont Temple, Boston, Secretaries. American Education Society, 15 Cornhill, Boston. Stephen T. Farwell, Tieasurer. Rev. Increase N. Tarbox, d. d.. Sec- retary. American Home Missionary Society, Bible House, New York City. William Henry Smith, Treasurer ; Rev. Milton Badger, D. D., Rev. David B. Coe, d. d., Rev. A. Huntington Clapp, d. d., Secretaries. American Missionary Association, 59 Reade street. New York City. William E. Whiting, Assistant Treasurer ; Rev. George Whipple, Rev. Michael E. Strieby, d.d.. New York, Correspoyidivg Secretaries ; Rev. E. M. Cravath, Field Secretary ; Rev. Edward P. Smith, Secretary for Indian Missions; Rev. Charles L. Wood- worth, 5 Pemberton Square, Boston ; Gen. Charles H. Howard, Chicago, 111. ; Rev. Gustavus D. Pike, 59 Reade street. New York, District Secretaries. Congregational Publishing Society, 13 Cornhill, Boston. Moses H. Sargent, Treasurer; Rev. Asa Bullard, Rev. William Barrows, d. d., Boston ; Rev. G. S. F. Savage, d. d., Chicago, 111., Secretaries. Western College Society, 62 Bible House, New York City. Rev. Horatio Q. Butterfield, d. d.. Secretary; Samuel Holmes, Esq , 4 Beekman street, Treasui er. THE STATE OEGANIZATIONS OF CHURCHES, WITH NAMES OF OFFICERS, AND DATES OF ANNUAL SESSIONS. Alabama : See Georgia. California, General Association of. — Organized October, 1857. Officers: Rev. James H. Warren, San Francisco, Registrar and Treas- urer; Rev. William C. Pond, Statistical Secretary. Session : Wednesday after tlie lirst Sunday in October. Colorado Conference of Congregational Churches. — Organized March 16, 18G8. Officers : Rev. Nathan Thompson, Boulder, Clerk. Session : First Tuesday in May and November. Connecticut, General Association of (Ministers only). — Organized May 18, 1709. Officers : Rev, William H. Moore, Berlin, Registrar, Statistical Secretary and Treasurer. Session : Third Tuesday in June. • , General Conference of. — Oreauized November 12, 1867. Officers : Rev. William H. Moore, Berlin, Registrar and Statistical Sec- retary ; Franlvlin B. Dexter, New Haven, Annalist of the Churches. Session : In Novembei-, at call of Standing Committee. Dakota, Association of the Congregational Churches of. — Organized in 1871. No report further. District of Columbia : in New Jersey Conference. Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee : The Central South Conference. — Organized October 25, 1871. Officers : Rev. Ewing 0. Tade, Chattanooga, Tenn., Moderator; Rev. C. W.. Frances, Atlanta, Ga., Recording Secretary; Rev. Henry S. Bennett, Nashville, Tenn., Statistical Secretary; William Morford, Chattanooga, Tenn., Treasurer. Session : Second Wednesday of October. Illinois, General Association of. — Organized June 21, 1844. Officers : Rev. Martin K. Whittlesey, Alton, Register and Corresponding Secretary. Session: Fourth Wednesday in May, at 7^ o'clock, p. m. Indiana, General Association of the Congregational Churches and Ministers in. — Organized March 13, 1858. Officers : Rev. Nathaniel A. Hyde, Indianapolis, Secretary. Session : First Thursday of June. STATE ORGANIZATIONS OF CHURCHES. 73 Iowa, General Association of. — Organized November 6, 1840. Officers: Rev. Joshua M. Chamberlain, Grinuell, Register. Session : First Wednesday after the fourth Wednesday of May, at 7h o'clock, p. M. Kansas, General Association of. — Organized August, 1855. Officers: Rev. George A. Beckwith, Olathe, Stated Clerk and Treasurer; Rev. Richai'd Cordley, Lawrence, Statistical Clerk. Session : Second Wednesday of May, at 8 o'clock, p. m. Kentucky, The State Association of Christian Chukcues and Minis- ters IN. — Organized . . No report. Louisiana and Mississippi : The South- Western Conference. — Or- ganized 26 January, 1870. Officers: Rev. Jacob A. Norager, New Orleans, Moderator; Rev. Myron W. Reed, New Orleans, Corresponding Secretary; Rev. Stephen W. Rog- ers, Iberia, Scribe and Statistical Secretary. Session : Second Thursday of January. Maine, General Conference of. — Organized January 10, 1826. Officers: Nelson Dingley, Jr., Lewiston, Moderator; Rev. David Gar- land, Bethel, Corresponding Secretary; Dea. Elnathan F. Duren, Bangor, Recording Secretary and Chairman of Committee of Publication. Session : Fourth Tuesday in June. Maryland : in New Jersey Conference. Massachusetts, General Association of the Congregational Churches of. — Organized June 29, 1803. Officers: Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, d. d.. New Bedford, Secretary; Rev. James P. Kimball, Haydenville, Registrar; S. T. Farwell, 15 Coruhill, Boston, Treasurer. Session : Third Tuesday of June, at 4 o'clock, p. m. Michigan, General Association of. — Organized October 11, 1842. Officers : Rev. Philo R. Kurd, Port Huron, Secretary and Treasurer. Session: Third Wednesday in May, at 7h o'clock, p. m. Minnesota, General Congregational Conference of. — Organized Oc- tober 23, 1856. Officers: Rev. Americus Fuller, Rochester, Corresponding Secretary; Rev. Henry A. Stirason, Minneapolis, Recording Secretary and Treasurer; Rev. Richard Hall, St. Paul, Statistical Secretary. Session : Second Thursday of October, at 7 o'clock, p. m. Mississippi : See Louisiana. Missouri, General Congregational Conference of. — Organized Octo- ber 27, 1865. Officers : Rev. Edwin B, Turner, Hannibal, Secretary and Treasurer. Session : Third Wednesday in October. Nebraska, Congregational Association of. — Organized August 8, 1857. Officers : Rev. James B. Chase, Jr., Fremont, Stated Clerk and Treasurer. Session : Second Thursday in June, at 8 o'clock, p. m. New Hampshire, General Association of. — Organized June 8, 1809. Officers: Rev. Franklin D. Ayer, Concord, Secretary; Rev. Henry S. 74 STATE ORGANIZATIONS OF CHUECHES. Huntington, Warner, Statistical Secretary and Treasurer; Eev. George Dustan, Peterborougli, Secretary of Sabbath Schools. Session : Fourth Tuesday of August. New Jersey, General Association of. — Organized June 2, 18fi9. Officers: Rev. George E. Adams, d. d.. Orange, Moderator; Rev. Walter E. C. Wright, Philadelphia, Pa., Secretary ; Rev. George B. Bacon, Orange, Treasurer. Session : Last Tuesday of October. New York, General Association of. — Organized May 21, 1834. Officers: Rev. Edward Taylor, d. d., Binghamton, Secretary; Rev. L. Smith Hobart, New York, Statistical Secretary. Session : Third Tuesday of October. North Carolina. — No organization. Ohio, Congregational Conference of. — Organized June 24, 1852. Officers : Rev. A. Hastings Ross, Springfield, Register, Statistical Secre tary and Treasurer. Session: Second Tuesday of June, at 7 o'clock, p. m. Oregon, Congregational Association of. — Organized, 1848. (?) Officers: Rev. W. R. Butcher, Albany, Registrar. Session : Third Thursday in June, at 9 o'clock, a. m. Pennsylvania. — No General Association. Four local Associations. Some churches are connected with General Associations of other States. Rhode Island Congregational Conference. — Organized May 3, 1809. Officers : Rev. Edward 0. Bartlett, Providence, Stated Secretary ; Alfred Richard, Providence, Treasurer. Session: Second Tuesday of June. South Carolina. — No organization. Tennessee : See Georgia. Texas, Congregational Conference of. — Organized December 4, 1871. Officers: Rev. Aaron Rowe, Corpus Christi, Moderator; Rev. David Peebles, Corpus Christi, Scribe. Session : First Thursday of October. Vermont, General Convention of Congregational Ministers and Churches in. — Organized June 21, 1796. Officers : Rev. Joseph Chandler, West Brattleboro', Register ; Rev. Jo- seph Torrey, Hardvvick, Corresponding Secretary; Rev. William S. Hazen, Northfield, Secretary of Sabbath Schools. Session : Third Tuesday of June. Virginia : in New Jersey Conference. Washington Territory. — No organization. Wisconsin. — No distinct Congregational organization. The churches are in the Presbyterian and Congregational Convention of Wis- consin. — Organized October — , 1840. Officers: Rev. Charles W. Camp, Waukesha, Stated Clerk and Treasurer; Rev. Enos J. Montague, Oconomowoe, Permanent and Statistical Clerk. Session : Time left to the permanent officers ; liitherto in October. Wyoming. — No organization. SUMMARIES OF STATISTICS. [fkom the congregational quarterlt.] SUMMARY I. — Churches, Ministers and Reported Contributions IN 1871. CHURCHES. MINISTERS. With Pastors. Vacant, i In pastoral work. I • 1 ,/ 11 tin Benevolent STATES, ETC. S C5 St? •6 , o < a, 3 r ■6 •J Si < 6- o ■^ o 13 1) 11 < b Contribu- tions reported. iS w o 50 O M P o 9. H !^2| a Alabama, 0 3 0 3 0 1 1 4 0 3 0 3 1 4 $107.75 California, 14 29 0 43 0 13 13 56 14 27 0 41 17 58 6,295.43 Colorado, 0 2 0 2 0 4 4 6 0 2 0 2 0 2 37.76 Connecticut, 166 77 0 243 5 44 49 292 167 76 0 243 110 353 262,738 84 Dakota, 1 5 0 6 0 0 0 6 1 1 0 2 0 2 109.45 District Columbia 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 11 12 *505.00 Georgia, 2 2 0 4 0 0 0 4 2 2 0 4 1 5 160.00 Illinois, 39 134 0 173 12 66 78 251 39 119 0 158 91 249 62,956.38 Indiana, 5 11 0 16 1 9 10 26 5 9 0 14 8 22 ? Iowa, 17 146 0 163 4 40 44 207 17 119 0 136 44 180 26.026 77 Kansas, 6 57 0 63 4 11 15 78 6 46 0 52 22 74 4,3.56.04 Kentucky, 3 2 0 5 0 0 0 5 4 2 0 6 5 11 311.70 Louisiana, 4 11 0 15 0 0 0 15 4 11 0 15 6 21 849.05 Maine, 57 89 0 146 50 43 93 239 55 75 0 130 40 170 34,378.00 Maryland, 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 ■> Massachusetts, 292 134 0 426 4 71 75 501 297 134 0 431 179 610 339,829".84 Michigan, 10 116 0 126 10 38 48 174 10 102 0 112 42 154 82,980.04 Minnesota, 11 47 0 58 1 17 18 76 11 33 0 44 9 52 14,936.73 Mississippi, 2 1 0 3 0 0 0 3 2 1 0 3 0 3 51.27 Missouri, 9 44 0 53 3 8 11 64 9 33 0 42 21 63 6,173.08 Nebraska, 1 26 0 27 0 5 5 32 1 18 0 19 10 29 327.50 Nevada, 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 ? New Hampshire, 73 55 0 128 9 49 58 186 74 55 0 129 52 181 42,716..5S New Jersey, 8 7 0 15 0 2 2 17 8 6 0 14 11 25 ♦13,262.00 New York. 64 112 0 176 34 40 74 250 58 92 0 150 68 218 103.400.00 North Carolina, 1 3 0 4 0 0 0 4 1 2 0 3 0 3 25.00 Ohio, 29 132 0 161 4 34 38 199 29 85 0 114 35 149 64,019.00 Oregon, 1 7 0 8 0 1 1 9 1 7 0 8 5 13 226 45 Pennsylvania, 4 39 0 43 1 35 30 79 4 32 0 36 7 43 ? Rhode Island, 9 11 0 20 0 5 5 25 10 11 0 21 9 3D 19,236*00 South Carolina, 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 s Tennessee, 0 5 0 5 0 1 1 6 0 5 0 5 3 8 111.15 Texas, 1 2 0 3 0 0 0 3 1 2 0 3 0 . 3 20 25 Vermont, 70 83 0 153 5 43 48 201 70 84 0 154 53 207 45,104.50 Virginia, 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 p Washington Ter., 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 *] 00.00 Wisconsin, 30 104 0 134 6 34 40 174 30 84 0 114 45 159 19,387.03 Wyoming, 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 *75.0O Totals. U. S. 930 1505 0 2435 153 614 767 3202 931 1287 0 2218 906 3124 81.150,814.19 Ont. & Que., 64 6 0 70 0 14 14 84 ~54 4 0 58 17 75 $15,678.00 New Brunswick, 0 3 0 3 0 2 2 5 0 3 0 3 0 3 Nova Scotia, 0 7 0 7 0 2 2 9 0 8 0 8 S Jamaica, 0 6 0 6 0 0 0 6 0 4 0 4 0 4 567.62 Totals, No. Am. 994 1527 0 2591 153 622 185 3306 985 1306 0 2291 923 3214 $1,166,9.59.81 There are also 101 Foreign Missionaries, besides the four in Jamaica. " Benevolent Contributions" do not include any parish expenses, endowments of colleges, etc. Those starred (*) are of last year, and are too small, this year's reports being not sepa- rated Into Items. 76 SUMMARIES OF STATISTICS. SUMMAEY II. — Membership in 1871, with Additions, Removals, axd Baptisms during the preceding Statistical Year. CHURCH mem:bers. ADDITIONS. o o o < o £ " J 1 E- REMOVALS. a BAPT'S QQ Ala., Cal., Col., Conn., Dak., D.C., Geo., 111., Ind., Iowa, Kan., Ky., ' Lou., We., Md., Mass., Mich., Minn., Miss., Mo., Neb., Nev., N. H., N. J., N. Y., N. C, Ohio, Or., Penn,, R. I., S.C, Tenn., Texas, Ver., Va., Wa. T. Wis., Wye, U.S., O. &Q., N. B., N. 8., Jam., 861 64 16,799 30 14.5 1.39 7,135 433 4,363 1,052 160 397 5,877 52 25,152 4,270 1,440 59 1,131 303 2 5,611 670 9,834 37 5,854 192 495 1,189 64 93 11 6,198 29 4,241 1,542 115 243 78 73 1.605 75 32,519 44 165 149 12,264 766 6.802 1,426 224 7e 13,680 51 55,431 7,738 2,117 50 1,605 417 13 12,743 1,266 16,673 36 10,511 276 790 2,950 137 138 20 12,314 30 8,195 151 2,466 164 49,318 103 310 288 19,577 1,204 11,165 2,725 384 1,166 19,557 103 80,583 12,008 3.557 109 2,736 720 15 18 354 1.936 25,807 73 16,975 468 4,199 4,149 201 278 50 18,512 63 41 12,519 20 11 419 22 5,194 36 2,295 113 977 274 53 103 3,808 13 12,517 1,171 450 6 245 3,393 203 2,026 3 682 15 37 11 3,351 18 1,550 204,062 312,054139,147 3,413 190 363 153 5,169 313 801 521 255 35 134 2 71 143 4 1,084 12 9 78 1,121 75 799 274 51 129 486 4 2,164 684 209 35 221 49 3 663 103 881 17 1,228 15 117 80 H 52 2 596 792 1 13,271 275 12 91 26 8 227 7 1,306 9 42 7 1,265 82 705 469 6 30 289 24 2,508 589 278 3 323 126 12 330 172 799 2 703 15 1.59 114 4 375 18 447 1 149 2 5 5 N. Am , 105,448 20H,18i 318,858i39,571 13,675 11,130 23,908 4,789 9,972 884 15,545 5,819 5,535 377,793 79 370 45 2,.390 21 51 85 2,386 157 1,504 743 57 159 775 28 4,173 1,273 487 38 544 202 15 993 275 1,680 19 1,931 3(1 276 194 16 100 6 971 26 1,239 424 14 96 31 2 21 1 900 0 4 5 193 16 79 30 2 27 334 2 1,348 124 54 1 35 363 25 314 1 239 4 27 57 3 2 0 366 0 116 3 141 6 1,369 0 9 3 1,082 71 533 130 2 48 370 4 2,949 .501 217 0 172 21 47 2 821 48 772 0 741 14 85 85 3 3 2 360 4 9,799 156 4 5 53 4 173 45 96 7 4 13 2,399 477 902 0 1 3 13 5 14 14 30 14 1,365 408 381 87 18 16 676 323 265 174 91 0,5 5 20 1 81 92 141 718 300 146 6 3 10 3.470 1,126 1,005 707 374 236 282 74 91 3 29 4 228 57 77 55 18 1 16 699 438 178 112 29 60 1,128 337 386 1 12 0 1,050 484 352 SO 6 9 121 25 105 147 3: 72 7 0 25 6 48 5 o 1 o 838 394 233 4 4 2 671 349 341 15.284 5,797 5,262 311 22 273 16 17 17 15,545 5,819 5,535 394 5,588 326 49,377 205 1,665 635 23,707 1,836 11,823 4,306 397 1,374 22.385 217 90,851 16,631 5,175 260 4,348 1,165 15 22,033 3,480 28,883 415 19,405 845 5,325 5,175 160 700 186 20,940 247 65 18,323 75 368,937 In the above table, note, — 1. The " totals " of church members, additions, and removals, in several States, and so in the footings, exceed the sum of particulars; because the " total" is occasionally given, with no report of the particulars whose addition makes such " totals." The particulars are slightlj' less, as reported, than they ought to be. 2. The '"excommunications" sometimes include, though not witii strict accuracy, the num- ber of persons whose names are dropped from church list on account of long absence. 3. In '■ Sabbath Schools," Iowa reports tho " average attendance" only. 4. The churches making no report are included in the Summaries, with past reports of mem- bership (if any are found within three years). But the report of "additions," "removals," and "baptisms" is (as usual) too small by just the number those churches might have reported. SUMMARIES or STATISTICS. 77 SUMMARY III. — Statistical Summaries of the Congregational Churches ix the United States as published 1858-1872, for the YEARS 1857-1871. a 1-3 O c CHURCHES. MINISTERS. With Ministers. Vacant. •73 C H " o 1? 1 'i P O K In Pastoral Work. o . en .11 It. no 13 o •- 2 ■6 9. '6 H o 5? £ .S o 13 ^ <u o'E. "A 9 >3 < 3)i: ■- o o ^ C3 *% P. o O O-S B a ^c: & O -AS o >- '? a CJ 0. H-l OJ H aj H c O Ck en H —1 1857 1858 947 592 229 1,768 503 44 2 315 9.53 562 216 1,731 592 27 2,350 1858 1859 894 690 253 1,837 472 60 2,369 907 617 222 1,746 625 38 2,409 1859 1860 861 594 548 2 003 390 178 2,571 87? 523 457 1,858 496 90 2,444 1860 1861 898 694 454 2.046 537 0 2,583 899 618 ,375 1,892 649 93 2,634 1861 1862 923 1,044 130 2,097 458 0 2,555 931 812 206 1,941 628 109 2.678 1862 1863 890 894 318 2.102 478 0 2,580 904 804 201 1.909 663 116 2.688 1863 1864 835 725 597 2,157 495 0 2.652 838 602 418 1.858 632 203 2,693 1864 1865 878 1.026 198 2,102 566 0 2,668 876 875 145 1,896 7.53 149 2,798 1865 1866 837 789 433 2,059 605 59 2,773 792 784 310 1,886 875 41 2,802 1866 1867 852 1.032 221 2,105 66 559 625 50 2,780 862 912 171 1.945 859 19 2,823 1867 1868 869 1.224 56 2,149 66 592 658 18 2,825 872 1,079 45 1.996 881 0 2,877 1868 1869 890 1.362 46 2,298 115 538 653 0 2,951 892 1,191 36 2,119 850 0 2.969 103 1869 1870 903 1,365 58 2,326 112 605 717 0 3,043 900 1,184 49 2,133 935 0 3.068 101 1870 1871 903 1,438 0 2.341 129 651 780 0 3,121 901 1,269 0 2,170 928 0 3.098 99 1871 1872 930 1,505 0 2,435 153 614 767 0 3,202 931 l,287l 0 2,218 906 0 3,124 105 ADDITIONS REMOVALS BAPT'S CHURCH MEMBERS. THE YEAR PRECED- THE TEAR PRECED- the year 2 a ING. ING. preceding 13 n3 'a 00 a 2 < O <2 c o 2 a) < H O 0) 5.2 i < E- 0 "5 ^2 o Ch a Cii H < <A H Q w E-i 1W7 ia5.s 224,7.S2 6,913 6,592 13,.505 .3,110 6,076 465 9,651 195..572 IH.Tf 1H.59 2«,3»» 12,812 7,950 21.582 3,;K).3 6..S,5;) 440 10,602 207,815 law wio 73,7.sr, 142,G2.i 250,452 27,601 25,202 9,.569 34,954 3, .5:3,5 8,067 6,54 12,34.3 10,529 5,601 228,984 i.s«.: l,s»il 79,sie 1.56,871 25.3,76.5 29,04.8 7.4S6 7,.335 14,821 3,61 1 6,9<» 649 11,22.5 3,a50 4.812 242,»2;3 rstii i.siw 81,I'JG 158,2;^7 2.5.5,0.'!4 32,180 5,522 6,629 12,151 3,708 6,280 .551 10,.539 2,151 4.544 246,178 iH«a 1H(« so.z.-is ini,4!Hi 2.-.7,Htl 3.3,266 6,196 6,4;3;3 12.629 3,!I(I8 5,376 616 9,900 2,4(i4 4.1.-« 2.5li,860 1,SKJ ISW &5,5-iI i(!4,ii.",r 2iin,2S4 30,8.H 7.765 6,243 14,.378 4,244 5,4.57 1.55 1 II, 4.51 ; .3,3lC. 4,122 •lhlM\ ISIH |.S«.i 8«,.i71 171.14.-. •Jiy.tM'.l 34,068 9,032 6,777 15,.S09 4.'.«K1 5,73!l 622 11,261 4,1122 4.i.;i lMH.i l.S«»i 84,71.5 in.im.N L'li i.-JlW .34,244 11,030 7,39.3 18,442 4,7-!l 6,57S 644 ll.'.IOl 4,974 4, 13.3 272.684 Ibtib 1*7 8.1.781 174,.'t"..'i 2iir,4.5-'5 32,0.81 11,249 8,.593 19,!I94 4,.3S0 8,:'.(;6 614 i-V!i;o .5,221 4,1177 i.s«r|i8iis 91.'4.i 1S4.-.-.4 2rs,.-«2 34,056 18,849 10,771 21I,63S 4,212 iV''.56 70;: 14.271 .S..V.IS 4,'.i4'.i ii.;,4.30 istwisus nr.oyu l:«,t;.-!i L'.l 1,(142 34,915 16,432 11,814 2S,246 4,.3lil 10,47'.! 8'ai 1.5,64-1 7,.s6:ii 4,iM4 >.1'.I.2II5 iseo.isrfl ',W,1(!.5 ii«;,s(;.-, .•!ilil,:;62 35,.364 15,167 12,07.« ::7.37.3 4,.'{.s(; i(i,7i;i i;42 1.5,.^ni 7,1 II 14 .5,11-2 ■■,.5i;,.502 isro isri iiii.yui aii»,'.«, .3IH;,.51t 36,51 Kl 1.3,501 11,6.36 25,1.37 4,441 i lO.IM) 626 l.i.lSII 6,33.5 5.1::4 361,4ii5 I8rilisr2 io.M,4ro 204,062 .312,0*4 39,147 13,271 10,969 23,343 4,70J 9,799 784 15,284 5,797 5,262 368,937 In the above table, the fifth column, churches having ministers "not specified," means that it was not slated whether those ministers were pastors or acting pastors ; but it is evident that most of them had acting pastors. The tenth column, " condition not reported," doubtless should be considered almost entirely as vacant churches. The seventeenth column, ministers whose position was not reported, i. e. whether in pastoral work or not, should doubtless be almost entirely added to the column of those not in pastoral work. For several years pi»st we have succeeded in reducing these columns of unknowns to "'0." It will be seen that in the past ten years the net gain of churches is 647, or .2.53. Net gain of ministers not including foreign missionaries, 446, or .161. Net gain of church memburs, 57,020, or .223, Net gain in Sabbath Schools, 122,759, or .494, INDEX. Address of Welcome, 13. American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, action regard- ing, 53. American Congregation Association, action regarding, 37. American Congregational Union, action regarding, 45. American Education Society, action regarding, 59. American Home Missionary Society, action regarding, 50, 54, 57. American Missionary Association, action regarding, 43, 60. Auditor appointed, 41. Benevolent Societies, representation of, in the Council, 22, 23. Systematic support of, 42. Consolidation of, action regarding, 46, 52. list of, 71. By-Laws, action upon, 33, 47, 55 ; in full, 48, 66. Caste, action against, 58. Chicago, aid for the churches and theological Seminary in, 37, 38, 53, 55, 56. Churches, State Organizations of, 72. Church Building, 45. Church Extension, 50. See also Home Missions. Church Unity of, Declaration on, 31, 36, 65. Colleges, Christian, action regarding, 49. Day of Prayer for, action regarding, 42. Committees, appointed, or reporting : Preliminary, 12, 24. See also same, on By-Laws. Provisional, for three years, 34. Credentials, 13, 25, 28. Business, 23, 35. Nominating, 23. Finance, 25, 28, 40. Publishing, 41. List of those serving after adjournment, 68. on By-Laws and Rules of Order, 33, 47, 65. on aid for churches, etc., in Chicago, 37, 38, 53, 55. on American Missionary Association and Education of Freed- men, 36, 43, 60. on Church Building, 28, 45. on Church Extension ; same as on Home Missions. on collegiate and theological education at the West, 86, 50. INDEX. 79 Committees, on Congregational literature, 28, 37. on consolidation of Benevolent Societies, 46, 62. on foreign missions, 36, 53. on Iiome missions and church extension, 36, 54. on statement of Faith, 26. on the supply of the ministry, 28, 39. on Theological Seminaries, 24, 25, 39, 55. on the late Treaty with Great Britain, 42, 46, 55. on the Unity of the church, 28, 31, 36. to approve Congregational Manual, 41, 46. to confer with Executive committee of American Home Mis- sionary Society, 52, 54. to petition Congress regarding document on Oregon affairs, 47. to prepare address to the churches, on the need of the Holy Spirit, 38, 40. to prepare a paper embodying the Results of the Council, 38, 40. Congregational House, action regarding, 37. Congregational Pablishing Society, 38, 54, 57. Congregational Literature, 28, 37, 38. Congregational Doctrine and Polity, Manual of, 41, 46. Congregational Polity, Committee of 1865, 41. Congress, memorials to, 47, 55. Constitution of the National Council : reported, 24. considered and amended, 24, 26-29, 38. adopted, 29. in full, 29, 63. Corresponding Bodies, Delegates and Salutations from, 22, 34. correspondence prepared, 41, 57. list of Delegates to, 60. Credentials of ministers, action regarding, 60. Devotional Services, 13, 23-29, 33-35 39, 40, 43, 50, 52, 54, 57. Finance, action on, 25, 28, 41, 57. Fiuuey, Rev. Charles G., introduced and requested to preach, 29, 35, 39. Fisk University, Chair from, 26, 27. Foreign Missions, action regarding, 53. Freedmen, Education of, 43. Great Britain, Recent treaty with, 42, 46, 55. Home Missions, action regarding, 50. Honorary Members, 22, 23. Indian affairs in Oregon, 47. AMERICAN BCABD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOBEIGI^ Ml^XOI^^S U»»Mt 80 INDEX. Indian policy of the government, 58. Intemperance, action regarding, 59. Lord's Supper, observed, 40. Members, Roll of, 14, 25. Memorial year offerings, 43. Minutes, edition ordered, and distribution, 41, 57. Ministers, credentials of good standing of, 60. Ministry, Supply of, 28, 39, 59. Oberlin Theological Seminary, action on, 56. Laying of Conner stone, 36, 39. Objects of the Council, promotion of, 62. Officers, Temporary, 13. Under the Constitution, 33, 41, 68. Post Office address of, 2. Order of Daily sessions, 23. Pacific Theological Seminary, 56. Papers and Addresses on assigned Subjects, presented, 27, 28, 35. Pilgrim Memorial Convention, 7. Polity : f>ee Congregational, etc. Preacher before the Council, 24. Preliminary Committee, 12, 24, 33. Preliminary Convention of Committees, 9. EoU of Members, 14. Rules of Order, temporary, 22, under the Constitution, 38. permanent, 49. Sabbath, Christian, action regarding, 58 Sabbath services arranged by the Council, 36, 39 Sermons preached, 24, 39. Society for the Promotion of Collegiate and Theological Education at the West, 49. State Organizations of the Churches, 72. Statistics of the churches. Summaries of, in 1871, 75. Synods, list of former, 4. Thanks to temporary Moderator, 33. to people of Oberlin, and others, 62. Theological Seminaries, action regarding, 24, 25, 39, 43, 55, 56. representation in the Council, 22, 23. list of, 70. Titles, Honorary, in the Minutes, action regarding, 58. Unity of the Church, Declaration on, 31, 36, 65. Woman's Worli in Missions, 53. THE GREAT STANDARD OF THE CHURCH. SONGS FOR THE SANCTUAHY. Already used by over 2,000 American Churches, and rapidly increasing in Circulation. Songs for the Sanctuary proper is published in three editions, viz.: 1. ITyinns and Tunes complete. 2. Hijmns only, in large type, for infirm eyes. 3. Hymns only, ordinary edition. Songs or Christian Worship Is an abridgment of Songs for the Sanctuary, containing the Choicest Hymns and Tunes, and is furnislied at a low price. The Quartet and Chorus Choir Contains appropriate music for the Hymns unadapted in Songs/or the Sanctuary. For further particulars, including the Greatly Reduced Prices, for first supply of churches, address the publishers. 111 and 113 William St., 515 State St., NEW YORK. CHICAGO " Hours at Home," for December, 18C9. fays: "After years of careful scrutiny, we are thorouphly snfUfled that the Bhelves o( our Sunday-school libraries arc crowded with books that do mere hoim thun tjofid, and that a taste is created by this maes of trashy, diluted, unnatural, and fictitious reading that leads to most un- " We are ^lad to note some improvement of late in this claps of books. If our publishers would be content to isBui fewer, to exercise more care and di^■cr;nlillation m leca'd to their character, we might hope (or a KiiiiiiT reform. We have had occasion lieretolore to commend the isi-ues of Robekt Carter a>d BK'.i NEKS, whose inre judgnni.t and KO<'d ini-te iu the getting up are notewoithy. Scraelimes they err: but iiiott of their juvenile books are excellent." Haw Miiai f l0olSg PUBLISHED Br ROBERT CARTER AND BROTHERS, 530 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. PUBLISHED DURING 1870. The Golden Cap. By De Liefue. 9 Il- lustrations $l-2.'> Fergus Morton : A Story. By the Rev. Dr. Macduff 0.35 Bessie on her Travels. By Joanna H. MiithewB 1.25 The Braid of Cords. By A. L. O. E. . . 0.70 Greystone Lodge 0.50 The Two Margarets. By Emma Marshall 0.50 Claudia: A Tale. By A. L. O. E. . . . 0.75 Sambo's Legacy. By the Rev P. B.Power 0.60 Herbert Peicy. A Sioryby L.A. Moncrief 0.60 Our Father in Heaven. By Wilson . . . 1.25 Busy Bees in Marg.nret Ru?sel's School . 1.25 Lily's Les.son. By JoannaH. Mathews . 0.60 Katie's Work. By Emma Marshall . . . 0.60 Roger's Apprenticeship. By Emma Marshall 0.50 Consideration for others. By Emma Marshall 0.50 Violet's Idol. By Joanna H. Mathews . O.RO Lives and Deeds Worth Knowing About . 1.25 Rose's Temptation. By Joanna H.Ma- thews Pinkie and the Rabbits. By Joanna H. Mathew's 0.60 Daisy's Work. By Joarna H. Mathews 0.60 Allan Haywood. By Julia Mathews . . 0 Christy's Grandson. By Julia A. Ma- thews 0.75 Laurence Bronson's Victory. By Julia A. Mathews 0.75 Conant Farm: A Story 12 Freddie Fighting his Way 0.50 The Potato Roaster .and Boy Guardian . 0.60 ■Wh.al She Could. By Miss Warner . . 1.25 Hyaciiithe and her Brothers. By Joanna II. Mathews 0.60 Down the Steps: A Story • 1-25 LUtle Primrose. By Emma Marshall . • 0.50 Rose Marbury. By Miss Prichard . . . 1.25 Christie Elwood and her Frieii<ls .... 1.90 The Flowerets. By Joanna H. Mathews. 6 vols 3-60 Ledgeiide Series. 6 vols 7.50 The Primrose Series. By Emma Mar- shall 3.00 ^°^SEND FOR OURCOMPLETE CATALOGUE IMPORTANT BOOKS FOR MINISTERS. Kitto's Bible Illustralions $7.00|nr. Hiunilioti's Works Hanim'sLiftM.f Christ 4 .'■)0|lliirs Divinity PUBLISHED DURING 1871. Lonely Lily. By M. L. C $ < ipportunilies. By Miss Warner . . . . Eiiglc Cr;ig. By Julia .\ . Malhew* . . . Frank -Au.-tin's Diamond. By Julia A. Mai hews True to his Flag. By Julia A. Mathews Drayton Hall beries. By Julia A. Ma- thews. 6 vols The Babe at the Wedding. By P. B. Power The Bag of Blessings. By P. B. Power . Belle Powers' Locket. By Joanna 11. Mathews Dora's Motto. By Joanna H.Mathews . S-hawny and the Light-house Daisy Maynard's Four Promises .... Faithful Rover Hill ry and his Pony Fresh Leaves from the Book, and its Story Cyril Ashley, by A. L. O. E The Lestrange Family A shcliffe Hall : A Tale. By E. S. Holt . Three Little Sisters. By Emma Mar- shall Agate Stories. In one vol Clarie's Little Charge French Bessie House in Town. By Miss Warner. . . Uifl in the Clouds. ByMissMarsh. . . Ivily Norriw' Enemy. By Juanna H. Mathews Jessie's Parrolt. By Joanna H.Mathews Nature's Wonders. By Dr. Newton . . Grandfather's Faith. By Julia A. Ma- thews Stories of Vinegar Hill. By .Vnna War- ner. 6 vols in a box. (These vol- umes are not so d separately) . . . . Bending Willow: A Tale. By J. G. Ful- ler The Two Holidays. By Emma Marshall A Wreath of Smoke. By A. L. O. E. . 0.35 1.25 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.60 0.60 1.00 1 110 0.60 0.75 0.50 0.60 2.00 0.75 1.00 1.25 0.50 1.25 0 50 0.50 1.25 0.35 1.00 1.00 1.25 3.00 1.25 0.50 0.50 2,00 Hodge's Corinthians 2.0(1 1 Fphesians . . 2 2.'^i Jacob's Genesis . . . 2.&o| Gospels . . . 6.00, Acts 6 00 Macdud 's Unity . . 10 00 Pool's Annotations . Yesterday, Today and Forever . Brown's Bible Thouu'hts. 4 \ols. 'Each Hymns of Faith, etc. 3 vols. . . Bi-h<p Butler's Works Ch-ilniei's Sermons. 2 vols • . D'Aubiiiuy's History Reformation. 5 vols. C'lvin. 5 vols Drunimond on the Parables 1.76 Henry's Commentary Dr. Guthrie's Works I AXI> MA-STY OTHEKS. SE]V» FOK A. CATAI.OGXTE. 3.50 3..')0 1.75 2.50 2.25 1.75 16.00 25.00 A RELIGIOUS JOURNAL FOR THE FAMILY. As a journal of wholesome, popular reading, it strives to be unsurpassed by any of its contemporaries, and in this day of unclean and pernicious literature would lead reform, not only by attack, but also by example. Embraced in its columns are : Stirring Editorials, Editorial Paragraphs, In Briefs, Poems, Sketchy Articles, A Sunday-school Column, Washington Correspondence, New York Correspondence, Pilgrim's Chicago Letters, Missionary Intelligence, Educational Items, Scientific Items, Temperance and Health, A Literary Review, Literary and Art Items, Summary for the Week, Religious Intelligence, Other Denominations, Original Gleanings, Our Exchanges, An Agricultural Column, News from Abroad, Financial and Stock Quotations, A Business Article. The constant aim is to give the Congregationai-ist the highest rank as an Onlspoken, Wide-awake, and Comprehensive Newspaper FOJEi. THK I»E0I?LE:. Among its contributors are Prof. E. A. Park, d. d., Hon. Henry L. Dawes, Mrs. J. D. Chaplin, Rev. E. B. Webb, D. D., Sophie May, Rev. John O. Means, D. D., Rev. J. E. Rankin, d. d., Jacob Abbott, Rev. John S. C. Abbott, Rev. J. T. Tucker, Mrs. Helen E. Brown, Rev. I. N. Tarbos, d. d., Rev. Wm. M. Barbour, D. D., Rev. Leonard W. Bacon, Rev. J. "W. Chickering, d. d.. Rev. H. Clay Trumbull, Rev. W. I. Budington, D. D., Judge Mellen Chamberlain, Mrs. Mary Spring Walker, Hun.Neal Dow, Mrs. M. A. Denison, Hon. A. B. Ely, Prof. Joseph Haven, D. D., Mrs. R. D. C. Robbins, Julius A. Palmer, Jr., Miss Isabella T. Hopkins, Prof. Austin Phelps, and William R. Hooper. PRICE, $3.00 PER ANNUM. THE BOSTON RECORDER Is now published as a separate paper made up each week from the CONGREGATIONAIilST for the special accommodation of those who wish a small but first class paper for a low price. Many pastors have taken a deep interest in its circulation, while in some cases benevolent individuals have ordered large numbers at their own expense, believing that no more useful or attractive reading for the family and for general circulation can be found. Here then, is A LIVE PAPER rOR ONLY $1.50. Bend for specimen copies of both papers and a list of premiums for new subscribers. 15 CORNHILL, BOSTON. PUBLISHED BT THE Congregational PulDlisMng Society WHICn ARE NEEDED IN EVERT FAMILY, SABBATH SCHOOL, OR CHURCH. Lectures on Christian Theology by Dr. Pond of Bangor, adapted to be read and studied by Ministers, Students, and intel.igent Christians generally. No Sabbath School Teacher can well do without this volume. 790 pages . $4.00 Works of Nathaniel Emmons, in six volumes of 800 pages each. Per vol 4.00 The Atonement. Discourses and Treatises, with Essay by Prof. Park 3.0o Boston Le';tnres, two volumes on Scepticism and Christianity 2.60 Lectures to Young Men, by Kev. Joel Hawcs 1.25 WITH MANY OTHER VALUABLE THEOLOGICAL WORKS. Send for Catalogue. SABBATH SCHOOL BOOKS. The Two Boys, by Rev. Alex. McKenzie of Cambridge $1.25 Lucy's Way out of the Dark 1.25 Norman Cline, by Elijah Kellogg 1..50 Black Valley, by S. W. Hanks 1.00 Faith working by Love 1.75 Dismal Castle Brightened 1.15 Nannie and our Boys 1.50 Jim the Newsboy 1.50 Women of the Covenant 50 Elsie and Minnie 1.50 Rocky Hill and Rolling Prairie 1.50 Mother Anthony's Family 1.50 Maggie Manely 60 With eight hundred others of the best Sabbath School Books to be found on any catalogue published in the country. We have a committee of examination whose names are a guaran- tee that the books are equal to any in the market: Rev. J. H. Means, Rev. J. M. Manning, Drs. Quint, Cady, Alden, McKenzie, Savage, and Uerrick, and no book is published without tbeir approval. We send to any school a choice selection of Books, with the privilege of returning any not satisfactory. We are also arranging to have Books of other houses carefully examined, and to keep a list of the best books which can be safely purchased for any Sabbath School Library. We make the largest discount. MUSIC BOOKS. THE TRIBUTE OF PRA.ISE, by Eben Tonrjee. $1.00 prepaid. Send for a copy to examine. The cheapest book in the market. The Charm $0.30 Pure Gold 30 Sparkling Rubies 30 The Pearl 30 Silver Spray 30 Happy Voices 30 Echo to Happy Voices 30 Fresh Laurels 30 Blight Jewels 30 The Golden Chain 30 New Golden Shower , 30 Golden Censer 30 Chapel Melodies 40 Sabbath Songs 30 The Prize 35 Notes of Joy 30 Songs of Salvation 30 Clariona 50 The above, together with all the music books suitable for Sabbath Schools, supplied at the lowest rates, and sample sent free of postage, on receipt of price. TRACTS. We have already published eighty-five different tracts suit.able for all occasions and cir- cumstances, among which are: 'I'^vo Sevinoiis a Siib1i>.itli, by Dr. liankiii; Little Ones Gone ISefore, by Rev. J. R. Thurston; ^Vay to be Saveit, by a Pastor; One on Bivorce, Twelve on Infant Uapiisni, CUildliood Couversioii, by Chap- lain Trumbull, etc. We keep constantly en hand at the lowest pries, Bibles, Cards, Mottoes, Concert Exer- cises, Maps. Everything needed for Sabbath School use is to be found at MOSES H. SARGENT, Treas. KrES"W" H^S^IWIKT AND TTJNE SOOK, FOR CHURCH AND VESTRY USE. THE TRIBUTE OF PRAISE. Price, $1. 00. Sent hy Mail prepaid on receipt of price. This Book has been more than a yeai* in preparation, and the publishers believe that they furnish a book which will be generally acceptable and useful. They have called to the aid of the compilers the services and sug- gestions of eminent clergymen of the various denominations, and indulge the belief that the results will be found entirely satisfactory. The whole has been under the able supervision and direction of Dr. Eben Tourjee, to whose ardent and enthusiastic labors in the cause of church music, the great popular uprising in favor of congregational singing during the last two years is due. They desire particularly to state that Dr. Tourjee's con- nection with the work has been with him a labor of love undertaken solely in the interests of congregational psalmody, and without hope or expecta- tion of reward ; and they ai*e instructed to pay over any profits which may accrue to him from its sale to the treasurer of the Boston North End Mission, for the general purposes of that institution. The publication of the present work will, it is hoped and believed, greatly facilitate the adoption of a service of song in our churches and social meetings, in which all shall participate. In its preparation very extensive researches have been made in both European and American Psalmody. Dignified, striking melodies, easily learned and remembered, have been selected, and the contents enriched by fifty of the most popular and useful of the German and English Chorals. Dr. Tourjee, in his introduction, has given many suggestions, the result of his long experience, in regard to Choir and Congregational Singing, Praise Meetings, etc. ; also an " Order of Worship for Church service." The work has a full index of subjects ; an index of first lines ; a metrical and an index of tunes, and is the most complete work published. The tunes in the second part have been selected especially for use in social meetings. Many of them are already extensively known, and others have become very popular wherever introduced, and will, it is believed, be found generally useful. Especial care has been taken to adopt such hymns as are appropriate for singing, and it is believed that they are sufiicieutly varied and numerous to satisfy the wants of every phase of Christian experience. M. H. SARGENT, Treasurer, Congregational Publishing Society, 13 COKIlfHILL, - . . . B08T0X BOSTON LECTURES ON Christianity and Scepticism. In these volumes for 1370 and 1871, the most important subjects are treated by the ablest minds. They consist of a course of ten lectures, each delivered in Boston during the past two winters, on the leading questions of the age, by the Professors and Presidents of our different colleges. All the topics .'ire vitiilly connected with the thought and agitation of the times, and arc intended to meet living issues. The idea that runs through them all, like a central nerve, is Christianity able to complete what it has begun ? In them we find orthodoxy looking forward, — not backward; conserving the actual rather than the obsolete ; meeting real Instead of dead issues; preparing for the future instead of fighting over the past; giving up and changing formularies, modes of thought and statement, incidental and collateral details that were ephemeral, but not surrendering any vital truth or confessing any fundamental error. Orthodoxy enlightening itself and its friends upon every new and interesting issue, — proving itself master of the situation ; itself as a fresh living exponent of imperishable and blessed truths. The mental clearness, the profound learning, the chaste language, the quiet enthusiasm and libeial spirit of these lectures will render them instructive and captivating to all classes of rea'lers, and it is to be hoped thai all who are awake to the theological and pbilosoi>hical discussions of the times, may avail themselves ot the light and the logic these pages afl'ord. WOR S^LE^BY THE Congregational Publishing Society, 13 Cornhill, Boston, And BOOKSEl.L,ERS GENERAIiL.Y. Our Weekly Children's Papsr, ts finely illust7'ated 7Hi?i netp cutSy and taiyety origi- nal matte?', ^rice, 60 cents per copy, or 72 cents, postage prepaid. 2Jie o?zty weeMy religious paper for children publis/ied i?t t/ie count?y. MOSES H. SARQENT, Treas., Congregational Publisliing Society, 13 COmXHILL, BOSTOIV. By the Congregational Publishing Society, 13 CORNHILL, BOSTON. Hepulblication of the GJ-ospel in Bible Land. s. HISTORY OF THE MISSIONS American Board to the Oriental Churches. "By Rev. Dr. Anderson, late Foreign Secretary of the Board. In two volumes, 12ino. Vol. I. now in the press; vol. II. after some months. Each of more than 400 pages. Pi ice, Treating of Missions to Palestine, Syria, Greece and the Greeks, Armenians, Nestcrlans Assyrians, Bulgarians, Jews and Mohammedans. A mmMmmmm m^mm ivAiceiHiiD, HISTORY OF THE MISSIONS OF THE American Board to the Sandwich Islands. Bt Dr. ANDERSON. Third edition. In one volume, 12mo., of 432 pages. Price, $1.50 ; or, where six or more copies are purchased for circulation, $1.00. ''Under the apt sub title of ' A Heathen Nation Evangelized,' the volume gives the most important facts in the religions pro^res.s of the Sandwich Islands. As a history of one of the i^randest and most successful movement.-* of the nineteenth century, it is ample, trust- worthy, and exceedingly interesting." — T he Congrefjationalint. "The venerable author tflls a plain, unvarni.shed story of what has been achieved, and the result is marvullous indeed." — New York Kvungelist. " The volume is well written and full of interest, and we would commend it to all who would see what devotion and faith can accomplish. — The Nation, Boston. " It is a brief, compr( hent^ive, and yet complete hL-itory of tlie triumphs of Christianity over llie cruel, degraded, revolting heathenism of the inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands." — JSo.iion Evening Tnivellcr. " The work is a very readable and connected story of what is a real missionary success." — The Independent. '• The book is full of information in regard to the Islands, and of wise suggestions in regai d to the work of missions generally." — New York Observer. " A noble theme, and a competent writer! The hall-century work of the American Board of Foreign iMissions in the Sandwich Islands is the grandest modern monument of the mis- sionary cause, and the author has admirably executed the work allotted to him." — The Ad- vance. " This book is among the most important and attractive that has been written for many a year." — Portland Christian Mirror. The Relations and Claims of Foreign Missions. By Dr. ANDERSOK. One volume, 12mo, of 426 pages. Third edition. Price, $1.50 ; for tliat sum sent free by mail. $1.00 to Clergymen and Theo- logical Students; sent to them free by mail for $1.20. "We wish every church-member could read it." — CongregationnUst. " It is allos-'eiher the hest volume ever written on the subject of Missions." — President of a New Kngliui'l CuUef/e. "No sneli book as this has been written on Foreign Missions. It is one of the best books ever written on the suhjecU'—Presbf/terian Foreign Missionary. " We would be glad if a copy of this work were in every Christian family in the land." — Evangelical Repository. UNIFORM LESSONS FOR SABBATH SCHOOLS. 1872. The above list of topics was agreed upon at at a confereuce of leading Sunday School ■workers and Publishers, in New York, a few weeks since. The advantages of a uniform lesson for the classes of a given school, as well as for the schools of a denomination gener- ally, are too obvious to need argument here. In view of the fact that this series of topics is likely to be very widely adopted, and in acordance with what is believed to be an urgent demand, the Congregational Publishing Society have made arrangements to issue " Lesson Papers." containing notes and comments upon each topic, for use in schools where the above list may be adopted. The papers will be prepared by Rev. Edward Abbott, of the Congregationalist, aided by a committee of the Society, consisting of J. II. Manning, D. D., and Rev. Alexander McKenzie, and will be known as THE PILaRIM SERIES. The plan of these lesson papers will be — First. To give the text of the lesson in full. Second. To explain it as clearly as possible in a brief space. Third. To suggest such practical lessons as the subject furnishes ; and Fourth. To supply questions enough to guide both teacher and scholar. It is intended that the treatment of each lesson shall provide all necessary matei-ial for the answering of each question. And the aim will be to avoid technicalities, formalities, and lesson-machinery generally. The treatment of topics will not be uniform, as one subject is better treated in one way, and another in another. Flexibility and simplicity will be studied. It is expected that the Paper will helpihe teacher and the scholar to prepare the lesson ; not relieve them from doing it. It is not the design to furnish an elaborate commentary on each Scripture passage ; nor to map out the teacher's work in such detail that he can originate no questions, nor suggestions, nor expl.anations, nor applications himself. In view of these considerations, and of other features of the Papers, which will become apparent on examina- tion, it is hoped that they will prove less cumbersome than, and at least as plain and helpful as, any of the Lesson Papers with which the schools of the country have yet become familiar. The Lesson Papers will be PUBLISHED MONTHLY AT 75 CENTS PER HUNDRED. Schools wishing to subscribe for the year, or desiring samples, are requested to forward names at once to MOSES H. SARGENT, Treasurer, 13 CORNHILL, BOSTON HJKIVI^Y^ HOYT, Fiil>lislier. 9 CORNHILL. Choice Issues for the Sunday School or Family. HIGHER CHRISTIAN" LIFE. (Rev. Ed.) By Rev. W. E. Boardraan. $1.50. HE THAT OVERCOMETH; or, A Con. quering Gospel. Rev. W. E. Boardman. $1.75. MILLEN^NIAL EXPERIENCE; or, God's Will Known and Done. $1.50. UNDER THE CROSS, and its Divine Pow- er. $1.50 CARMIISrA CCELI; or, Bongs on Heaven. $1.50. THE BLOOD OF JESUS. 45 cents. THE GIFT OF JESUS. 40 cents, LOOK TO JESUS. 40 cents. HOPE IIST JESUS. 40 cents. WHITER THAN SNOW. 55 cents. A VOYAGE AROUND THE WORLD. By Rev. N. Adams. $1;25. NAILS DRIVEN HOME. $1.25. NO CROSS, NO CROWN. 80 cents. FOLLOWING FULLY. By Anna Ship- ton. $1.25. COTTAGE ON THE ROCK. By Anna Shippen. $1.25. THE CHRISTIAN HERO; or, Robert An- nan. $1.00. LIFTED UP; or, Walter Douglas. $1.00. JAMES KEYWORTH, the Christian Wit- ness. $1.00. THE HEART AND ITS INMATES. (Eight Illustrations.) $1.25. HARVEST WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. $1.25. THE FAITHFUL PROMISER. (Large type.l 75 cents. THE BETTER LIFE. 75 cents. COURT AND CAMP OF DAVID. $1.50. FAITH WHITE'S LETTER BOOK. $1.50. THE OLD RED HOUSE. $1.50. THE MAN WITH THE BOOK; or, how shall the Bible reach the masses. Stran- ger than fiction, full of fact. $1..50. ANSWER TO PRATER; or, Dorothea Triidel. An account of the wonderful healing of many sick persons in answer to special prayer at Mannedorf, Switzer- land. $1.25. BOTH SIDES THE STREET. $600 prize volume. $1.60. MOTH AND RUST. $300 prize volume. $1.60. ORIENT BOYS. $1.50. LYLE MacDONALD. $1.50. GUY'S LIFE LESSON. $1.50. ESTER REID. $L50. QUEEN RHODA. $1.50. TIP LEWIS. $1.50. CULM ROCK. Prize volume. $1.50. GRANNY B RIGHT'S BLANKET. $1.50. OUR DISTANT COUSINS. $1.50. LOSSES AND GAINS. $1.50. DOWN IN A SALOON. $1.50. ARTHUR LEE. $1.25. FOLLOWING ON TO KNOW. $1.25. THE NEWELL BOYS. $1.25. CARRIE WILLIAMS. $1.25. ELDER PARK. 90 cents. LITTLE BESSIE. 90 cents. CHARLIE SMEATON. 90 cents. JOHN AND THE DEMIJOHN. $1.50. CHANTRY'S BOY. $1.50. FRED'S FRESH START. 90 cents. ALONE IN LONDON. 90 cents. JESSICA'S FIRST PRAYER. 75 cents. JESSICA'S MOTHER. 75 cents. LITTLE PEOPLE'S LIBRARY. 12 vols. 147 Illustrations. $4.80. FAMILY, PULPIT AND PRESENTATION BIBLES. ENGLISH AND AMERICAN AJLt, STYtiES - ALI. PKICES. The Publications of Mr. HOTT are gotten up in subst.intial elegance, and beautifully illustrated. Free from all sectarianism; evangelical in character and spirit, no safer works are known to the Christian public. Please send for full descriptive catalogue, of which the above are but a small number. Any book mailed, prepaid, on receipt of its retail price. HENRY HOYT, 9 Cornhill, Boston, Mass. merttan NEW ENGLAND BRANCH. Rev. L. B. EOCKWOOD Sec. H. B. SIMMONS, Treas. 116 WASHINGTON ST., BOSTON. We invite attention to the large number of publications of this Society, ELEGANTL Y ILL US TRA TED, AND WITH Mmm% ®i ®©^€im^ H^ii©^^ SUITED FOR THE Family and Sunday School Librae\y, AT \^iKY LOW PR(l@iS. |f I Iq addition to other periodicals, we issue An elegant 12page paper, with, finest Illustrations, and containing articles from the best writers, editorials, helps for the teacher on the uniform lesson series, a page for the children, all suited for family and Sunday reading. This will make a full quarto book of over 600 pages , with 400 illustrations each year. Price, $2 00 per year. To Clergymen, $1.50 per year. Importing our own goods, we have special styles in FAMILY BIBLES, and all kinds of Bibles for hand use, in finest bindings, PULPIT BIBLES in variety of sizes and bindings. S. BAGSTER & SONS, LONDON. "We have a full assortment of the elegant Bibles and other publications of this celebrated house, imported by ourselves. Any goods ordered, not on hand, will be imported to order. Catalogues of our publications, and samples of periodicals free by addressing H. E. SIMMONS, Treasurer, %m WASHl!ll5«aT@N! STRiiTj = = = = BO§T@M.