The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-03-21


TO the spirit OF the entire paper, but the article
Is dangerously general in its provisions. Article
does not seem to sufficiently limit the power of
the Council IN its relation to the several
churches III their various departments of benefi-
cent work, such home missions, publication.
education and the other causes of the church.
Inc boundary line between the authority of the
constituent churches and that of the Council is
not sufficiently defined. The amendment offer
ed by DR.. Cannon bears directly upon this arti
Gle. Other points of interest and Importance
will appear to the judicious reader, and appeal
to his discriminating judgment The work of
the Conference was carefully and faithfully
done by body of able and earnest men, Their
work will be before the church for consideration
and discussion until the meeting of our Assem-
bly, in May. 1t will no doubt receive thorough,
conscientious consideration such as its vast i'm
portance demands. These are the Articles of
Agreement as published in the Charlotte Oh
SerUer, and amended.
1. For the prosecution of work that can be better
done unitedly than separately Ecclesiastical
Council is hereby established, which shall be known
by the name and style of "The Council of the Re-
formed Churches in America holding the Presbyter-
ian System"
2. The Council shall consist of at least four rep
resentatives, ministers elders, from each of the
constituent Churches, for each one hundred thous-
and communicates fraction thereof up to three
hundred thousand and where a church has more
than three hundred thousand communicates, then
four representatives ministers or elders for each
additional two hundred thousand communicates or
fraction thereof. These persons shall be chosen
with their alternates under the direction of their
respective supreme judicatories in such manner as
those judicatories shall respectively determine.
3. Every Church entering into this Council re-
tains it's distinct Individuality it's own creed, gov
eminent and worship, we'll as every power jur-
isdiction and right which is not by these Articles
expressly and exclusively delegated to the body
hereby constituted.
4. The Council shall exercise only such powers
as are conferred upon it by these Articles such
as may hereafter be conferred upon it by the Con-
sttuent Churches. 1t shall not interfere with the
creed, worship or government of the churches, and
in particlar, all matters of discipline left to
the exclusive and final judgment of the eccesastf-
cal authorities of the churches concerned. The
representatives in the Council of Churches which
are parties to questions at issue shall be excluded
from voting upon such questions
D. The Council shall promote the operation
of the Constituent Churches in their foreign mis-
sionary work and also in their general work in
the United States of America, in connection with
home missions, work among the colored people,
church erection, Sabbath schools publication and
education; and may initiate movements having this
cooperation in view subject to the approval the
churches concerned. The Council may also adj
wise and recommend in other matters pertaining to
the general welfare of the Kingdom of Christ
6. The Council shall have power to deal with
questions which may arise between the Constituent
churches, in regard to matters within the jurisdic-
ton of the Council which the constituted agencies
of the churches concerned have been unable to set
tie, and which may be brought to the attention Of
the Council by the supreme judcatories Of the par
ties thereto; and such questions shall thereupon
be determined by the Council by such agencies
it may appoint. If determined by agency.
such a committee commission, there shall be