THE EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE: ITS ORIGIN, OBJECTS, AND OPERATIONS. BY THE REV. JAMES DAVIS, SECRETARY OF THE BRITISH ORGANIZATION, LONDON. If the Evangelical Alliance were a new | hundred professing Christians, including institution, it would be none the less excellent, but in name only has it the stamp of novelty. The Church of God has never been otherwise than one. "One faith, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father of all," is applicable to all ages. It is equally true to say that this unity has always co-existed with diversities of administration. Israel, under the former dispensation, was one having a Divine revelation--the rule of life, the inspirer of consolation and peace, of joy and hope, to every member of that Church. But Israel was composed of twelve tribes, equally included in the same covenant, interested in the same promises, inheritors of the same heavenly rest, typified by an earthly one. They occupied different positions, and were called by different names, yet they were one Israel. At stated seasons separation and estrangement were forgotten at the clear call of God to assemble for sacred festival in Jerusalem. "Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sake, I will now say, Peace be within thee." So far as the true Israel were concerned, there was then an Evangelical Alliance. Noble pi many of the holiest, the most learned and distinguished, of various nations, assembled in Freemasons' Hall, London, to consolidate and complete efforts which had been made in previous years to associate Christians of all countries in a cordial, visible, and effective union. Recent circumstances, more especially connected with attacks made in different quarters against Evangelical Protestantism, had seriously impressed thoughtful minds with the necessity for more combination among those who held the same essential doctrines and were working for the same object. The warm aspiration after brotherly intercourse with those who, like the early Church, when most pure and triumphant, were of one accord, and of whom we read, "the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul," impelled others to see if there could not be found a way of bridging over the narrow gulfs that separated one section of the Christian Church from another, and unite followers of the same Lord in holy fellowship and active and world-wide service. oneers in this great cause, from the Old and New Worlds, had written and striven for this object, sometimes crossing oceans and continents, animated with strong faith and exalted hope, and pleading powerfully for the increase of brotherly love, by which all men should The Church has not lost, and never can lose know the true disciples of Christ. For twenits essential unity. Forms of worship may ty years the preparations were being quietvary, for on these things Holy Scripture is ly but surely made. In Liverpool ministers silent; modes of government may differ, for of different denominations had been annualthese are matters of doubtful interpretation, | ly called together for united prayer, and an and Protestants own no infallible authority address on these occasions published, exhortshort of the Word of God. There is one body. All true believers admit that they are one in Christ. He is the Head of the Church. The Lord Jesus Christ came "to gather in one all things in himself, both which are in heaven and which are in earth, even in him." Delightful fact, applicable to the great multitude which no man could number, of all nations, kindreds, and peoples, and tongues, whether standing before the throne of grace here or the throne of glory hereafter, redeemed and righteous through the efficacy of the atoning blood of the Lamb! And here again we meet the true type and model of the Evangelical Alliance. ing Christians to follow up and widely extend that fraternal intercourse. In other places, at home and abroad, holy and catholic-minded men were moving in the same direction, which culminated in a proposal for a union of Evangelical Protestants, for fraternal recognition, mutual aid, and the spread of the Gospel in all lands. At a conference of ministers of various Evangelical Churches, at the Wesleyan Centenary Hall, London, in February, 1845, sentiments were expressed in favor of the proposal, and at a great public meeting held in consequence in Exeter Hall, in June of the same year, such was the enthusiastic ardor of the asOn the 19th of August, 1846, some eight sembly that the friends of Christian union found that, instead of fighting a battle they | ble expression of their fraternal sympathy had to celebrate a victory, and make full as fellow-ambassadors for Christ. On the proof of the Psalmist's words, "How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Lord's Day, August 23, by mutual arrangement, an interchange of services in London took place, and more than eighty pulpits were occupied by members of the Conference, and the same glorious doctrines constituting our common Evangelical faith were preached in the English, French, German, and other languages, foreshadowing the time, not very far distant, it is hoped, when all national, as well as international, hinderances will be removed out of the way, and wise and godly men, apt to teach, and giving full proof of their ministry, will be welcomed in all pulpits to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. The Alliance thus auspiciously formed rapidly spread its fruit-bearing branches, which now exist not only in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, but also in the United States of America, and in the principal capitals throughout the world. These organizations, designed for Christians "to realize in themselves and to exhibit to others that a living and everlasting union binds all true believers together in the fellowship of the Church of Christ," express not only a great truth of vast importance in these days of strife and division, but a power which it is incumbent upon Christians so united to use prayerfully, zealously, and practically whenever occasion calls it forth. That these occasions have not been wanting, and that the Alliance has not failed to turn them to most useful account, its subsequent history very clearly shows. A meeting held in Edinburgh in the following July contributed an important step to the formation of the Evangelical Alliance. It was the bi-centenary of the Westminster Assembly, and gave occasion to the expression of sentiments truly catholic, and the advocacy, in powerful terms, of evangelical union. The arguments and earnest language of one of the speakers forcibly impressed a gentleman present (the late John Henderson, Esq., of Park, Glasgow), to whom the idea at once presented itself of a treatise on the subject.~ A volume of essays, to which some of the most eloquent and distinguished men of the day contributed, gave point and force to a proposal-emanating in the first instance, we believe, from the Rev. Dr. Patton, of America, in a letter to the late Rev. Angel James -that a great conference of delegates from Evangelical Churches in various parts of the world should be held on the subject, in the metropolis of Great Britain. From East and West, from North and South, the encouraging answer came-"Let it be carried into effect." Fathers and brethren, the wise and good of various localities in Great Britain, combined, with this object, in provisional committees formed in the provinces; and in due time their labors were crowned with success. The 19th of August, 1846, had been fixed for the assembly, and on that day Episcopalians, Methodists, Presbyterians, Independents, Baptists, Moravians, Lutherans, and others, met from different and distant countries to consider the great question about to be submitted to them—the formation of an Evangelical Alliance. It was a season of fervent prayer and praise, of hallowed intercourse, of anxious and animated discussion; and at the fourth session the following resolution was unanimously passed: "The members of this Conference are deeply convinced of the desirableness of forming a confederation on the basis of the great evangelical principles held in common by them, which may afford opportunity to members of the Church of Christ of cultivating brotherly love, enjoying Chris-sembling together to hear tidings of the tian intercourse, and promoting such other progress of the Gospel in different lands, objects as they may hereafter agree to pros- and in rendering effectual aid in cases callecute together. And they hereby proceed ing for special help. It would have been to form such a confederation under the name pleasant to refer to the various societies it of the Evangelical Alliance.” The proposal has originated for combining Christian efbecame a fact. The Alliance was formed; fort in new departments of Evangelical laand brethren who had assembled on this oc- bor-the Turkish Missions Aid Society, the casion dispersed to their respective provinces Continental Committee for Religious Liberand countries, to reflect on the good work in ty, the Christian Vernacular Education Sowhich they had been engaged, and to organ-ciety for India, the German Aid Society, the ize associations for extending its influence Christian Evidence Society-all still prosand benefits as widely as possible. But British and foreign ministers of the Gospel did not separate without giving some suita In presenting this necessarily brief historical sketch of the Alliance, and recording its transactions, with the results which, by the blessing of God, have followed, it would have been pleasant to speak of the correspondence which it has created, and the communications held with Evangelical Christians, of various communities, in different parts of the world, thus enabling them to express and manifest true sympathy in seasons both of joy and sorrow. It would have been pleasant to trace the operations of the Alliance in moderating controversy, in fostering cordial affection among true disciples of Christ, and supplying numerous occasions for their as ecuting their important home and foreign work, with unquestionable evidences of the Divine blessing. But we proceed to speak of the larger efforts made by this ecumen- upon Christendom at large was, therefore, ical society in prosecution of its design for the largest and most world-wide usefulness. The co-operation of Christians being the logical, sound, and suitable object springing out of their union, it is essential that they should periodically meet in various lands for mutual information, for wise counsel, and for strengthening the various brotherhoods of the universal household of God. expected to be greater in that city than in London. The results attained through the Divine blessing afforded satisfaction to all who took an interest in the cause of Christian union and the spread of the Gospel. Some one thousand two hundred persons from fifteen different nations were present at the Conference; and while the deepest interest was awakened in the various subLondon.-The first General Council of the jects brought under the consideration of Evangelical Alliance subsequent to its for- the assembly, the discussions which followmation was held in the British metropolis ed only elicited the brotherly feeling and in the autumn of 1851. It was the year of perfect harmony reigning in the hearts of all. the Great Exhibition of the Works of Indus- On two occasions the brethren cemented try of all Nations. The products of all coun- their fellowship with Christ and with each tries and the triumphs of art among all peo- other by meeting at his table, when the servples were made tributary to Christian coun- ice was conducted in various languages; sel; and the invitation to come in the inter- the elements were distributed by pastors of ests of national peace was supplemented by the different Churches represented in the one in the interests of Christian and catho- Conference; and the words of the Lord Jelic love. The list of ministers, professors, sus, in giving the bread and in giving the etc., who attended that Conference presents wine, were pronounced in six languagessixty from France, forty from Switzerland, French, English, German, Dutch, Italian, and eleven from Belgium, twenty-two from Hol- Swedish. But the varieties of human lanland, forty-seven from Germany, six from guage produced no discordance, and led to Sweden, and twenty-two from the United no confusion; they were the harmonious. States; besides individual names from Pied- utterances of the one faith, and the expresmont, Italy, Russia, Malta, Rhodes, the Cape sions of the same love which woke up in of Good Hope, the West and East Indies, Tu- every heart the fervor of holy joy and gratenis, China, etc. At these meetings original ful thanksgiving and praise. It is worthy papers, prepared with great ability and re- of notice that the subject of religious libersearch, were read; a great variety of authen- ty and the intolerance which at that time tic religious intelligence, both home and for- prevailed on the Continent, in Protestant as eign, was supplied, and seasons for Christian well as in Roman Catholic countries, as well intercourse and mutual edification were af- as the persecutions endured by many Chrisforded, which left the happiest and most en- tian brethren, were forcibly brought under during impressions on the minds of those the attention of the Paris Conference, with ·whose privilege it was to be present. What a view to some practical steps being taken nobler purpose, it might be asked, could the in reference to them. This led to the apEvangelical Alliance serve than that of pe-pointment of a united committee, composed riodically bringing together Christians of all nations, not simply to avow their union and exchange affectionate greetings, or by their united service of praise and prayer antedate the joys of heaven, but to survey the state and progress of the whole Church, and strengthen one another for greater zeal, devotion, and activity for the advancement of the great Christian commonwealth? of brethren from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Holland, Prussia, Sweden, Turkey, Great Britain, Ireland, and America, to whom the subject was confided for their joint counsel as to the practical measures which might be adopted in relation to those countries where intolerance principally prevailed. The Committee met and drew up their report, in which resolutions were framed, and which, on being presented to the Conference, obtained their unanimous concurrence. The resolutions were to the effect: Paris. The next General Conference was held in the capital of France, in the year 1855; our French brethren, like the British organization, turning to a happy use the 1. That it is the right of every man, in so Exposition of Arts and Industry held in far as his fellow-man is concerned, to wortheir metropolis that year. For an assem- ship God, as well publicly as in private, acassem-ship bly of Christians of all nations to be held cording to his conscience, and to propagate in Paris was regarded as an event of no or- the faith he holds by every means not condinary significance. If the capital of the trary to morals or good order, or to that British kingdom merits the distinction of obedience to government which is enjoined being the focus and centre of Protestant in the Word of God. influences, the capital of France is, of all 2. That the Conference, having had its atContinental cities, that which possesses the tention drawn to the persecutions endured greatest influence in the councils of Rome by many Christian brethren for conscience' and over the mind of Europe. The effect sake, takes occasion to express its sympalikely to be produced by such an assembly thy with them under their sufferings, and to commend them to the grace of the Lord | sionary bodies, as from the Synod of the MoJesus Christ. 3. That the Conference recommends that strenuous efforts be taken with a view to obtain in all countries where now intolerance prevails, the fullest religious liberty, not only for themselves as Protestants, but for others, irrespective of distinctions of belief; and that, in furtherance of this object, memorials be prepared and presented to the rulers of those nations among whom cases of persecution were occurring. Thus were laid the foundations of that great work in the cause of religious freedom which the Alliance has prosecuted with vigor in European and Eastern countries, and on which the Divine blessing has so signally and so largely rested. ravian Church, from the Church Missionary At The Conference opened with a devotional meeting held on the evening of September 9, 1857, in the Royal Garrison Church, used also for the subsequent sessions, by special permission of the King of Prussia; and for nine successive days there was gathered together in Berlin an assembly of Christian men such as-considering their nationalities and ecclesiastical diversities, the official and ministerial character which the greater part of them sustained, and, above all, the simple yet sublime object which had brought them together-no city perhaps in Christendom had ever before witnessed. It would be extending too largely this brief histor Berlin. The third in the series of Conferences of Evangelical Christians of various nations and churches, convened by the Evangelical Alliance, was held in the city of Berlin, in September, 1857. The desire to bring about a closer union among Protestants had long been cherished by the King of Prussia, and when his attention was drawn to the principles and proceedings of this society, his majesty immediately avowed himself its friend, and subsequently, on repeated occasions, rendered to it valuable service. The king, through the medium of private correspondence and a royal message sent to one of the annual meetings of the British organization, made known his wish that the next General Conference should take place in the capital of his kingdom. The royal communication was as encouraging as it was novel and unlooked-for, and naturally supplied a stimulus before which difficulties disappeared and exertions multiplied. Committees in Berlin and London actively co-ical sketch to enter into details of the prooperated in making the required preparations, and at an early period a preliminary meeting of brethren from various parts of Europe was held at Frankfort. Twice a deputation was sent to communicate with his majesty, and was honored with private audiences; the first deputation being composed of French and English members, the second of English and German. An extensive correspondence was opened with members of the Alliance in every quarter of the globe, and a wide-spread sympathy and many prayers were thus engaged on behalf of the Conference. The different branches of the Alliance in Sweden, Holland, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Turkey, Syria, the East Indies, and in the United States of America, expressed in various ways, and especially by published addresses to which numerous signatures were attached, their earnest concurrence. Where no branch of the Alliance had been formed, similar ad-comed them. The Conference, in its entiredresses spontaneously emanated from Chris-ness, having been presented to his majesty, tian brethren, as at the Cape of Good Hope, the Chairman of the German Branch of the and also from various ecclesiastical and mis- Alliance (the Rev. E. Kuntze) spoke as fol ceedings of this Conference, but one incident must not be passed over. The King of Prussia, who had shown throughout his deep interest in the gathering of Christians from so many nations in the metropolis of his kingdom, expressed his wish to receive the members of the Conference at his palace at Potsdam. On Friday, September 12th, three special trains conveyed about 1200 visitors to Potsdam, who, after partaking of an elegant repast, were received on the terrace, to which the front of the palace opens, by the king and the queen, who had arrived about six o'clock. It was intended that his majesty should have been received in respectful silence, but it was impossible to repress the enthusiasm of the assembly as his majesty, alighting from his carriage, passed among his guests, manifesting, by his look and speech, the cordiality with which he wel lows: "Sire,-Your majesty has seen many armies, but never before such a one as now meets your view-an army not arrayed in martial attire, but girt with spiritual weapons, and wielding only the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." The king replied, with evident emotion, "I have always felt the most earnest desire to promote such a union among Christians, and hitherto it has appeared to me impossible; but now I rejoice to see it. The first step is taken. The first days of the Conference are passed, with the joy and blessing of the Lord. I trust it will be the same with the rest. My wish and most fervent prayer is, that there may descend upon all the members of the Conference an effusion of the Spirit of God like that which fell on the first disciples at Pentecost." Afterward, as his majesty advanced through the different groups, formed according to their nationalities, some of the principal persons of each were successively presented, to all of whom short and appropriate observations were made. While the king was thus engaged, the queen had been supplied with the names of the ladies who had been most kindly included in the royal invitation, and was paying similarly gracious attentions to them. The presentations being finished, as their majesties were about to retire amidst the renewed cheers of the assembly, a voice struck the first notes of Luther's time-honored hymn, so hallowed in the minds of German Protestants "Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott;" and, at its close, a venerable clergyman stepped forward, and offered up a short but emphatic prayer, and pronounced the Benediction. The king and queen, evidently taken by surprise at this spontaneous and devout utterance of Christian loyalty, stopped the moment they heard the psalm begin, and reverently remained till the close of the prayer. At eight o'clock the special trains conveyed the visitors back to Berlin. Geneva. The fourth of the series of General Conferences was held in 1861, in the city of Geneva, a city with historic associations of the deepest interest to Evangelical Christians, and a land of unrivaled beauty throughout Europe. It recalled the memory of some of the noblest and greatest men that the Church has known since the days of the apostles. These combined to give a charm and an interest to the Conference being held there which attracted multitudes to the assembly gathered to consider the religious state of the world, and to consult for the good of the Church. The subjects on which admirable papers were presented furnished themes for the interchange of wise and solemn thought, as well as profitable discussion. The Observance of the Lord's Day; the Condition of the Working Classes; Modern Skepticism; Foreign Missions; Jewish Missions; Italy and the Gospel; Calvin and the Reformation; the Religious State of Eastern Europe and Western Asia; the Union of Doctrine and Life; Recent Revivals of Religion; Sunday-schools; Religious Liberty- these were among the subjects carefully considered, and in which the following, among other honored brethren, took a prominent part: Drs. Dorner, Krummacher, and Tholwall, from Germany; Professors Mazzarella, Revel, and Geymonat, from Italy; Professors Merle d'Aubigné, Godet, Naville, Malan, Gaussen, Bungener, Pastors Barde, Coulin, Brunier, Colonel Tronchin, from Switzerland; Professors Rosseeuw St. Hilaire and Cuvier, Pastors Monod, De Pressensé, Fisch, Grandpierre, Vallette, Casalis, Frossard, from France; Monsieurs Groen van Prinsterer, Dr. Cappadose, Pastor Chantepie de la Saussaye, from Holland; Dr. Kalkar, from Denmark; Pastors Rudin and Descoulayes, from Sweden; Barons Von Schwebs and Von Haaren, from Russia; Rev. Drs. Baird and Sawtell, from America; Rev. Prebendary Burgess, Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel, Revs. T. R. Birks, Dallas, W. Arthur, Bunting, Birrell, Herschell, the Earls of Roden and Cavan, the Hons. Arthur Kinnaird and Spencer Cowper, Sir Culling E. Eardley, Bart., from England; Rev. Drs. Guthrie, Thomson, and Cairns, from Scotland; Professor Gibson and Dr. Urwick, from Ireland. On the morning of September 2d, the Conference was opened in the Cathedral of St. Peter, in the midst of a large concourse of clergy and laymen and of a numerous audience. After singing the hymn Grand Dieu, nous te bénissons, the seventeenth chapter of the Gospel according to St. John was read, and a fervent prayer was offered by Pastor Coulin, of the National Church. M. Adrien Naville, President of the French-speaking Branch of the Alliance, then gave the inaugural discourse, and thus opened the business of the Conference, which throughout was distinguished by the harmonious and loving spirit pervading the assemblies. The celebration of the Lord's Supper appropriately closed the series of meetings, and, from its international as well as eucharistic character, was perhaps the most remarkable occasion in the history of the Alliance. During the time of holding the Conference a number of special meetings, some of them of considerable importance, were held, and numerous breakfasts and other gatherings, of a more or less private nature, took place; thus opportunities were afforded, in addition to the fraternal and friendly intercourse enjoyed among esteemed Christian brethren of various countries, for private conversation on religious questions of great international importance. Nor should we omit to mention a novel feature in the Conference, and, indeed, in Switzerland and European coun |