The times., 1899-03-14
PAN-PREsBYTERIAN COUNCIL.
Preliminary Work to the Convention
Next September.

The worldwide council, familiary known
by the above title. will convene in the
New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Of
this city. on Wednesday, September q. of
this year and is already attracting atten-
tion throughout the Presbyterian world
because of the dignity of its constituent
| elements and the Importance and Catho-
| licity OF IN aims. Its legal title reveals
MS purpose-''The Alliance of the Reformed
churches Throughout the World Holding
the Presbyterian System" II is an effort
10 bind together the scattered families of
fresbyterianism into closer relations of
fellowship and work, TO recognize and
help those that are weak and prosecuted
| TO express the substantial unity in faith
| discipline. and worship among the Pres
byterian churches of all lands, and to ad-
| vance. by council and cooperation their
/ visible unity. IL is said to be one OF the
most distinct and intelligent responses OF
| the times to the demand for church upitv
| Its mission is to move toward the obIitera-
| tion of old-time and local lines and the
| expression and organization OF one uni
| versal Presbyterianism- II has no power
| to interfere with existing creeds or con-
| stItutions Of the church. II is a sort OF
! universal Presbyterian Church congress
! 1t was a favorite idea of the leading re-
/ formers The modern movement took
place in London. in 1875, under the lead
ership of President McCosh. of Princeton
| College. and Rev. DR.. William C. Blaikie
OF Edinburgh. 1t embraces the Presby-
| terian and Reformed churches of the world
4 as follows: In Europe, "a different denomi-
! nations; in the United Kingdom. Il: in
| Asia. s; in Africa, IA; in North America.
| 10; in South America, 3; in West India
I Islands, 3; in Australasia. 10: in all. SO
denominations representing over q, ,000. 900
/ me a6h ha al
councils are made up OF representatives.
ministers and elders. appointed by the
! general assemblies synods Of the re-
| spective churches. Five councils have
already been held. in addition TO the pre-
! paratory London Council as follows: At
Philadelphia, in 1880; Belfast. in 1884:
| London. in 1855; Toronto in 1892. and
Glasgow, in 1895. These all have been Ie-
| markable for their distinguished person.
mel. for the learning and eloqueuce of the
papers and discussions, and the profound
| impression upon their communities IL
| has been only twenty-five years in exist
enee, and much preliminary work at great
disadvantage must be done Among dis
tinct results alseady accomplished are
| claimed
First. The unification of the foreign mis-
! sion work in Japan. Brazil, and other
! places, and closer relations between for
| eign mission workers in other lands.
second Inc adoption OF a plan Oh CO.
operation in home mission work between
| the majority of the Presbyterian and Pc
| formed churches in this country.
| Third. y direct influence of the churches
of the reformation upon various civil gov
ernments in the interests OF humaniIy and
| peace. e. g., the liquor traffic in the West
| Pacific Islands and the principle OF arbi-
| tration.
| Fourth. Practical. sympathetic and
helpful relations established with weak
and prosecuted churches, notably the Bo
hemian Church, the Reformed Church OF
Hungary, the union of Presbyterian
Churches and missions in South Africa, and
federation of the churches in Australia.
Five. The more distinct and powerful
assertion of the catholicity of the Presby
, terian Church, as it reveals but one other
communicable Roman Catholic-coyer-
ing as wide territory and speaking as many
tongues.
The pastor and session of the church in
which the council meets is empowered to
organize the different committees of ar
rangement. This work is about 10 be be-
gun and the results will be announced.