The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-05-22
TIE PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

BALTIMORE, Md, May q, 1873.
To-day is the sixth OF the General Assembly OF the
Presbyterian Church. The session was opened
with prayer by Judge Dlrrickson, of Erie. The
Assembly accepted an invitation to visit the Ine-
briate Asylum on Saturday afternoon.
Dr. Herrick Johnson rose with some hesitation
to question OF privilege in reference to the action
Of the Assembly in regard to the report on the
Centennial Celebration. The Assembly had refused
to reconsider its action. He now proposed to offer
substitute for the 1rst resolution Of the commit
tee to which there had been 80 much objection,
which he thought would express the sympa-
tiny and the appreciation Of the Church in
celebrating the Centennial anniversary and
obviate the objections to the first resolution.
Assembly for the introduction OF his substitute.
There beng no objection, DR.. Johnson's substitute
was read anc unanimously adopted It is merely
and expedient that the Church should aimprove''
the occasion OF the celebration Ito set forth the
make grateful record OF the goodness Of God to
us as people," the words quoted being in addi-
ton to the first resolution.
Dr. Niccolls Chairman OF the Committee on Bills
and Overtures, submitted report on the over
lures IN regard to the consultation OF the Boards
cbnery, the Committee say they have considered
the overtures on the subject from the presby-
vile, Long Island and Baltimore and rec
commend that special committee OF seven be
report to the next Assembly whether a consoda
ton would tend to economy and increased efici-
ency. and in such case to submit plan embodying
the consolidation Of the Boards The question OF
consolidation was discussed at some length by
number OF gentlemen, and the report Of the COM
mittee was finally adopted.
The Committee on Consolidation to report to the
next General Assembly; was named by the Moder-
acr as o q New ~
cago; Q. II. Foote, OF st. Lous Elder Louis Chaplin,
q SoES ass verma New
DR.. CURTIS announced that Elder J. H. Rogers, OF
Warren, delegate from the Presbytery Of Free
i'll in this city, and asked that the Moderator lead
the assembly in prayer for the restoration OF
Brother Rogers which was done.
DR.. NlCCeLLS next reported on the Overtures
from the different presbyteres on various subjects,
among which was an overture from the presbytery
doctrine OF the Church as to civil magistrates and
the relation OF Church and State, and an overture
some action designed to conciliate the Southern
church. and, II possible, to prepare way to re-
considered together, and the committee recon-
mend me adoption Of solemn declaration in sub
stance as follOws:-
branches OF the Presbyterian church in the North,
neither OF which was responsible for the conduct
OF the other all action before the reunion touching
the Southern Assembly or the Old School Synod OF
Missouri Is now null and void.
the sonndness of the dnctrina and CSristtan c6or.
acter or these brethren, and hopes that more init
mate communion VIII tend to remove the barriers
that time has established between us and them.
Third.-With regard to civil magistrates and re-
lat0n OF the church and State the committee set
forth the declarations contained in the Confession
OF Faith and form OF government OF the church.
FOuTth.-They recommend the appointment OF
two committees to confer with similar committees
from the General Assembly Of the church South and
the Old School Synod OF Missouri. The report and
recommendations were unanimously adopted.
Reports were made on Overtures from other
presbyteries relating principally to matters OF local
interest.
The thirty-sixth annual report OF the Board OF
Foreign Missions was then read reporting general
prosperity during the past year in all the various
missionary fields Although the returns Of access
slOns OF membership have not been made from all
the missions, an increase Is shown of twelve per
cent. in the number OF communicates over the
previous year. Greatly increased aid has been re-
ceived from various women's societies throughout
the Church.
The receipts Of the Board from various sources
during the past year have been $454 1886 49, the ex
penditures 1862 IT'S 81, which, with the previous
debt OF $780, 757 TO- leaves balance of $128 695 SO
against the treasury. This heavy Indebtedness Of
the Board is owing to the steady and heathful
growth Of the mission work. The report says
"The financial condition thus shown is such as to
call for wise councils in the assembly, and gen.
erous spirit Of prayer throughout the Church. REV.
DIR. Lowrie, Secretary OF the Board, addressed
the assembly on the report and Rev. Samuel Jessup
on the subject OF the missions In Syria.