the agents sin, may, since it was foreseen that those agents will sin, be made to perfect the resultant universe. Nevertheless, just as a diamond, instead of the mole, might raise the body to a higher character of perfection, so that one sinning sphere, as the archbishop denies not, freely choosing to be holy, might have raised the universe to a different grade and character of perfection. Our opponent will find few, if any, Arminian -authors, we think, affirming that sin is aboriginally necessary to the existence of an absolutely optimistic universe. We now trust that we have afforded our respected opponent's candor another occasion for exercise. A Dorian was expected to understand Doric, Δωρίσδεν δ ̓ ἔξεστι, δοκῶ, τοῖς Δωριέεσσι, and a Wesleyan is perhaps very likely to have some correct notions of Wesley's theology. The issue between the consistent fatalism of Edwards and the uniform freedomism of Wesley will, we trust, be discussed in a future number. ART. VIII.-FOREIGN RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. THE EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE. WE place at the head of our "Religious Intelligence" department an account of the Fourth General Assembly of the Evangelical Alliance, as its grand results belong more to the Church history of Protestantism in general than to that of little Switzerland, within whose borders the meeting was held. FOURTH GENERAL MEETING OF THE EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.-The Fourth General Assembly of the Evangelical Alliance at Geneva seems to have been a great success. Such is the testimony of all who took part in it, and of the entire religious press of Europe. The large attendance, the interesting proceedings, the important resolutions, and the cordial reception of both by the Churches, show that the actual alliance of the Protestant Churches has now become a fact. The High Church Episcopalians of England, the High Lutherans of Germany, and the Rationalists of all countries still continue in their opposi tion; but their very isolated attacks only help to present the spiritual unity of the majority of Christian Churches in a stronger light. We select from the full account of the proceedings of the meeting at Geneva a few points which, in our opinion, are best calculated to show that the reunions of the Alliance have a fair title to being regarded as the most important religious meetings in the Protestant world, that they are already fulfilling a great mission, and that a still greater sphere of usefulness awaits them. ECUMENICAL CHARACTER OF THE MEETING.-LARGE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES REPRESENTED.-NAMES OF DISTINGUISHED ATTENDANTS.3.-A distinguished Church historian of Germany, Professor Jacoby of Halle, has appropriately called the meetings of the Evangelical Alliance the cecumenical councils of Protestant ism. The meeting at Geneva bore this œcumenical character as fully as its predecessors. Each of the great Protestant nations, and nearly each of the many communions into which Evangelical Christendom is now denominationally divided, was represented, and the utmost harmony characterized the proceedings from beginning to end. England had sent the president of the British branch of the alliance, Sir Culling Eardley, who took a prominent part in the proceedings. The British nobility was represented by the Earls of Roden and Cavan; the House of Commons by Hon. A. Kinnaird and E. Baines, Esq.; the Church of England by Prebendary Burgess; the English dissenting clergy by the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel and W. Arthur; the clergy of Scotland by Dr. Guthrie and Dr. Cairns; that of Ireland by Dr. Gibson. Among the many distinguished laymen were John Henderson, Esq., and Sheriff Jameson, the liberal benefactors of the Protestant congregations in Italy. Among the French deputies we notice the names of E. de Pressensé, editor of the Revue Chrétienne, the able monthly of the French Independents; Pastor Fisch, whose recent visit to the United States will be still in the remembrance of our readers; J. Bost, the great philanthropist, whose works received last year so brilliant an acknowledgment from the French Academy; Professor Rosseew de St. Hilaire, the illustrious convert from the Roman Church, who uses his great literary reputation so zealously for the spreading of evangelical Christianity; Dr. Matter, the able Church historian; Pastor Puaux, the historian of the French Reformation. Frederic Monod and Count Gasparin were prevented by sickness from attending. Germany was represented by Mr. von Bethman Hollweg, the minister of public worship in Prussia, and for many years president of the German Church Diets; by Professors Tholuck of Halle, Dorner of Goettingen, Herzog of Erlangen; by Dr. Krummacher of Potsdam; by Dr. Gelzer, Professor of History in the University of Berlin, and editor of one of the best German monthlies, the Protestantische Monatsblaetter; by Dr. Schenker of Vienna; Dr. Teutsch of Transylvania. Among the deputies of Holland were Groen von Prinsterer, the ex-prime minister, and leader of the Free Re formed Church; two members of the legislature; Pastor Chantepie de la Saussaye, the leader of the evangelical party in the State Church; Dr. Capadose; Mr. Koenen, Secretary of the Academy of Sciences. The few Churches of Belgium had sent, besides a number of their pastors, General de Lassaraz. Scandinavia was represented by Dr. Kalkar, one of the most distinguished pastors of Denmark, who several times addressed the assembly in German, and by a member of the Swedish Parliament. Russia had shown her interest by sending a large number of clergymen, noblemen, and state officers. The representation from Italy embraced a number of the leading Waldensian ministers, as Revel, Geymonat, Malan; many influential members of the Italian Evangelical Church, as Professor Mazzarella of Bologna, and some of the English missionaries, as Gordon of Florence, and Dr. Stewart of Leghorn. From America were present Dr. Baird of New York; Dr. Squire of Geneva, N. Y.; Dr. Kerr of Illinois; Dr. Sawtell; Revs. W. Fock, W. Morrison, J. A. Prest, G. C. Robinson. Among the large number of Swiss members were Mr. Adrien Naville, the President of the Evangelical Alliance in countries speaking the French language; the distinguished Genevese writers, Dr. Malan, Dr. Gaussen, and Dr. Bungener; Professor Riggenbach of Basel. THE ADDRESSES.-A considerable portion of the time of the assembly was taken up by addresses, most of which are of high value. They will be published in England in full, together with the other proceedings, under the auspices of the British branch of the Evangelical Alliance, and, thus united, will form one of the best and most reliable sources of information on the present religious condition of the Protestant world. They comprise an address of Mr. Rosseew de St. Hilaire, of Paris, upon the state of the working classes in France, a masterly picture of the state of French society; the great speech of Merle d'Aubigné on Calvin's character and mission, followed by remarks of Professor Herzog, of Erlangen, on Calvin as an Interpreter of the Scriptures; and by Dr. Bungener, of Geneva, on the works of Calvin in general; the speech of Mr. Cook, Wesleyan missionary at Calais, on Sunday-schools; the glowing advocacy of the Principle of Religious Liberty, by Mr. E. de Pressense, the learned and eloquent Independent minister of Paris; several interesting addresses on the Future of the Colonies of the Anglo-Saxon Race, in view of the dissemination of Evangelical Christianity in the entire world; an address on the Religious State of the Slavic and Magyar Churches by Mr. Rougemont of Neufchatel, the editor of one of the best religious papers in the French language; a learned speech by Professor Dorner of Goettingen, (the author of the great work on the History of the Doctrine of Christ,) on Individualism, its Rights and its Limitations in Evangelical Theology; an address on Rationalism in German Switzerland, by Professor Riggenbach of Basel, and many others. RESOLUTIONS ON THE EXTENSION OF THE ALLIANCE. The resolutions passed by the meeting were likewise of great importance. All of them were passed unanimously, a fact which shows that there is, on the whole, a greater spiritual unity between the Evangelical denominations than the Roman Catholic Church, with all her boasted external uniformity, has ever enjoyed. Neither the councils of the ancient Church, nor much less the assemblies of the Roman Catholic Church in later ages, have exhibited such a spirit of fraternal love and harmony as characterized the meeting of the Alliance at Geneva. The first resolution referred to the extension of the Alliance. The ministers of every country and of all denominations, who were present at the Alliance, were invited, after their return, to preach sermons explanatory of the Alliance and the objects at which it aims, and to originate meetings, composed of members of different Churches, for the purpose of developing and strengthening the sentiment of brotherly love. The branches of the Alliance were requested to employ suitable agents in order to propagate its principles, and to employ the press for the purpose of making the Alliance universally known. WHAT THE ALLIANCE HAS DONE FOR THE PRINCIPLE OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.A number of resolutions had reference to the principle of religious liberty. On this field the Alliance has won glorious triumphs. It has raised its voice in favor of religious liberty at each of its former General Assemblies, and it is certainly a remarkable fact, that never within the same space of time has religious liberty made greater progress. Only a few years ago the Alliance interceded in behalf of the Madiais imprisoned at Florence, and now the very city of Florence was represented by two native Italian ministers, who are in undisturbed exercise of their ministerial functions at the Italian Athens. The Alliance, some years ago, protested against the intolerant laws of Protestant Sweden, and this year it was permitted to "express its gratitude to God and its great satisfaction at the measures which have been taken by the government of Sweden in favor of religious liberty." It was resolved to continue these efforts in behalf of religious liberty. In one resolution the Alliance expressed a desire, that where in Protestant countries restrictions upon religious liberty are still maintained, these restrictions may be abolished, and that the Protestant ministers may take part in the effort for their abolition. With regard to Sweden, in particular, the hope was expressed that religious liberty would continue to progress in that country. It was further resolved to make earnest efforts for obtaining the liberty of the imprisoned Protestants of Spain. The various committees of the Evangelical Alliance will come to an understanding as to what measures should be adopted. RESOLUTION ON A SPECIAL WEEK OF PRAYER.-The setting apart of a special week of prayer in January, 1862, was recommended to all the Christian Churches in the following resolution: The fourth General Conference of the Evangelical Alliance, assembled at Geneva, having received the appeal for a week of prayer, from Sunday, January 5, to Sunday, January 12, 1862, begs earnestly to recommend the proposal to evangelical Christians of every tongue and every land. It believes that these concerts for prayer are one of the most remarkable signs of our time. We are arrived at a blessed period, when the Universal Church appears more and more in her power and beauty; the concerts for prayer are the breath and outbursts of adoration which, from all points of the earth, rise to heaven. Nothing glorifies our Lord more; nothing inspires the Church more with the sentiment of her unity. These concerts for prayer have been coincident with those abundant outpourings of the Spirit which have marked these last years, and we do not doubt but that still more abundant blessings will be the result of them. If all evangelical Christendom will but meet in prayer, in a spirit of humility and supplication, there is nothing which she may not be able to obtain. THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH AND AMERICAN SLAVERY.-The war in America enlisted the deep sympathy of the entire assembly. America has come to be looked upon in every European country as one of the leading standard-bearers of Protestant Christianity, and the European Churches therefore fully realize the words of the Scripture: "If one member suffer, all the members suffer with it." It was thought by the assembly that there is in this civil war a great Christian principle at stake, and a resolution was therefore adopted which contains three important declarations: (1.) That in the opinion of the assembly this war is to be traced to slavery; (2.) that the system of slavery is alike opposed to the spirit of the Gospel and to the peace, prosperity, and progress of the American people; and, (3.) that God's people in this country should use the means dictated by wisdom and Christian principle for the speedy and complete suppression of slavery. GREAT BRITAIN. THE PROTESTANT CHURCHES.-The prospects of the "essayists" and their rationalistic friends in the Church of England are by no means bright. Few among the clergy have dared to declare themselves in their favor, and some of the bishops are adopting energetic steps for suppressing rationalism, at least within their dioceses. The Court of Arches, on November 2, found one rationalistic clergyman, Rev. Dunbar Isidore Heath, Vicar of Brading, in the Isle of Wight, guilty of publishing that which is contrary to the Articles of Religion, and in depravation of the Book of Common Prayer. A similar judgment was soon expected against one of the essayists. A fund has been collected by some of the sympathizers with the essayists, in order to enable them to carry on the suits which either have already been or may be in future brought against them by the bishops; but even an influential organ of the Unitarians expresses the opinion that the members of that denomination ought not to contribute to the fund, because the essayists were not, like the Unitarians, honest advocates of a liberal theology. The dioceses of the Church of England in the colonies and in countries outside of the British dominions are rapidly increasing in number. One new diocese will be established in New South Wales, another in the West Indies. Bishops for territories outside of the British dominions have already been consecrated for the islands of Polynesia, and for Western Africa. Another was recently to have been consecrated as Bishop of Honolulu, but shortly before the day appointed for the consecration legal ob The resolution was passed without a dissenting vote, and those who know anything of the European Churches need not be told, that none of the resolutions of the Alliance will meet throughout Europe with a more cordial indorsement. The religious journals of every country are a unit on that question; and if it were to be discussed in every Protestant pulpit of Europe, and be voted upon in every ecclesiastical assembly, we doubt if a single dissenting voice would be heard. Even those that are opposed to evangelical Christianity-the Roman Catholics, the High Churchmen, and the Rationalists, would in this ques-jections were raised and the consecration vie with evangelical Protestants as to which of them would denounce the spirit of American slavery, and especially the horrid doctrine of its being a divine institution, in the strongest terms. The Evangelical Alliance, by her resolution, has announced to the American Churches that she is ready to lend them the whole moral weight which she al tion postponed. The High Churchmen are in high glee at this increase of episcopal sees and the progress of a hierarchical organization; and their hope that a union between the Church of England and the Episcopalian Churches of the East may be effected is stronger than ever before. In order to perfect the ecclesiastical organization at home, the Irish prelates have addressed a memorial to the Home Secretary, praying that the Churches of England and Ireland, as now by law established, may be united into one Protestant Episcopal Church, to be called the United Church of England and Ireland, and that the same doctrine, worship, discipline, and government be common to both. The Scotch Episcopal Church will memorialize Parliament for a repeal of what still remains of the penal laws, and for placing the clergy of Scotch ordination on a similar footing with those of English ordination. So sanguine are the hopes of the High Church Episcopalians, that one of their bishops, the Bishop of Salisbury, in his charge to the clergy of his diocese, expressed the hope that even the Bishop of Rome would be gained over to this union. The foreign missionary societies of England are active in the cultivation of the important fields occupied by British missionaries. A distinguished missionary, Dr. Lockhard, intends to establish himself at the capital of China, and to open there the first Protestant mission. Another missionary of worldwide reputation, Dr. Ellis, will soon return to the important Island of Madagascar, whose new king has not only promised the greatest liberty to the Protestant and Roman Catholic missionaries, but, according to one account, has even avowed himself a Protestant Christian. Dr. Krapf, the celebrated traveler and missionary of Eastern Africa, has arrived as a missionary of the United Methodist Free Churches in Abyssinia, where the good intentions of the king promise the evangelization of an entire country. A remarkable feature in the meetings of the Wesleyan Conference this year was a report by Dr. Jobson on the state of the Churches in the Australian Colonies, to whose virgin soil Methodism has shown itself well adapted by the rapidity with which it has spread out its root in all directions-Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, the Gold Fields, and even the thinly populated districts of the large sheep-farms. The different Presbyterian denominations of England have taken the initiatory steps for effecting a union. The meeting of the Congregational Union at Birmingham proved one of the most important and interesting which has yet been held. It made some prep arations for celebrating next year the bicentenary of the ejection of two thousand ministers from the Church of England under the provisions of the Act of Uniformity. GERMANY. - The THE PROTESTANT CHURCHES. Gustavus Adolphus Society held this year its eighteenth General Assembly at Hanover, the capital of the kingdom of the same name. This kingdom had been hitherto the most lukewarm among the German States in contributing to the funds of the society, for a large number of the clergy are extreme High Churchmen, who decline to co-operate with any society which embraces others than Lutherans. The invitation extended by the King of Hanover to the society to meet this year in his capital was therefore gladly accepted. The participation of the clergy and people was better than had been anticipated, and from the favorable impression made on them by the proceedings. it was inferred that many new branch associations would soon be formed throughout the kingdom. The society still increases in prosperity, and its receipts this year amounted to 151,628 thalers, from which five hundred and twenty-nine poor congregations have been supplied. An event of particular importance in this year's assembly was the reception of the first branch associations established in Austria. A little more than a year ago the Austrian Protestants received from their government the permission to unite themselves with the Gustavus Adolphus Association of the other German States, and, eagerly availing themselves of this permission, they have since organized one central society in Vienna for the German and Sclavonian Provinces, and another at Hermanstadt for Transylvania, both of which sent their deputies to the General Assembly at Hanover, and were there received into the union. The Hungarians, from obvious reasons, have preferred to establish an independent organization, which, however, will work together in fraternal harmony with the German Societies, as is already the case with similar organizations in Switzerland and Holland. The cause of religious liberty in Austria is making rapid progress. An immense majority of the people are, on |