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siastical progress. His record is so interwoven with the history of the Church during the past fifteen years, that one can trace it in all the chapters of that history.

Our space in this book is already more than full, and our regret that the sketches we have attempted are so meagre, is scarcely less than our regret that we have no room for extended reference to some of the honored laymen who have contributed in no slight degree to the growth and prosperity of the Church which has now so gladly dropped its New School title. Such men as FREDERICK STARR, Esq., and Judge WM. JESSUP, have accomplished what no clergyman could effect. The names of these two, at least, shall stand in this chapter to remind the reader of virtues and services which a volume only could fitly commemorate.

CHAPTER FIFTH.

THE REUNION.

BY THE REV. WILLIAM ADAMS, D.D., LL.D.

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Prognostics of Reunion.-Practical Co-operation of both branches in benevolent work. Causes of Separation removed.— Interchange of Delegates between the two Assemblies.- Informal Convention at Newark, 1864.Dr. H. B. Smith's Sermon at Dayton. - The Two Assemblies at St. Louis, 1866. — Reunion Committee of Thirty.- Drs. Brainerd and Krebs. — Meetings and Progress of the Committee. The Report presented to the two Assemblies. Haste avoided and time given for deliberation. Terms of Reunion.- Presbyterian National Union Convention.- Important addition to the terms of Subscription.— Other Conventions.—Meeting of the Joint Committee in Philadelphia.- The Gurley Amendment.- Solemn and Affecting Interview.—The Amendment unanimously adopted in Committee. Report of the Committee on Reunion, 1868.- Its Adoption in the Old School Assembly.-Protest and Answer. Adoption of the Report in the New School Assembly. The way prepared for final action. The Standards pure and simple.— Assemblies in New York, 1869.- Committee of Conference. Its Report adopted and sent to the Presbyteries. Providence manifested in the entire history of the Reunion.

God's

THE greatest events are generally foreshadowed by many signs and tokens. Spring and summer have many harbingers. Changes of opinion in Church and State are brought about by insensible degrees. The large blocks of ice detached from polar masses, are gradually dissolved in the warmer currents by which they are borne to the south.

To attentive observers, it was very evident for several years before formal negotiations were inaugurated, that the Reunion of the two branches of the Presbyterian Church was merely a question of time and mode. The grounds of this expectation were obvious.

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Many of those who were leaders on both sides at the time of the disruption had either passed from this life, or had entered into other ecclesiastical relations. Personal prejudices, those most powerful of all agencies in producing the separation, were thus to a large degree eliminated from the question. A new generation had risen in the ministry and membership of the Church, having but little information, and less interest as to the separation itself. Social and ecclesiastical intercourse, except when vain attempts were made by a few to keep alive old distinctions, had done much to obliterate former lines. Ministers on both sides were accustomed to exchange pulpit services. Members of churches passed from one side to the other, dismissed and received on the ordinary certificate. This practical union had been largely promoted by co-operation in good causes in cities and towns. When it pleased God to pour out his Spirit and excite an unwonted prayerfulness over the country, the hearts of Christian people were drawn together in visible unity. For its general extent and influence, it was like the breath of Spring. There seemed to be floating in the very air a sentiment of Christian confidence and love. Indifferent to things of minor importance, the hearts of men were made to converge on those things supreme and ultimate relating to the kingdom of Christ. In such an atmosphere and current of events, all projects for union among Christians seemed to meet with a ready response.

Then came the memorable struggle for national integrity and life. Before the mighty enthusiasm and inflexible purpose of the nation to save itself from dismem berment and to preserve its Constitution, all subordin

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