REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIRST GENERAL PRESBYTERIAN COUNCIL D CONVENED AT EDINBURGH, JULY 1877. WITH RELATIVE DOCUMENTS BEARING ON THE AFFAIRS OF THE COUNCIL, AND THE STATE OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. Printed by Direction of the Council. EDITED BY REV. J. THOMSON, A. M. EDINBURGH: THOMAS AND ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE, PRINTERS TO THE QUEEN, AND TO THE UNIVERSITY. 1877. PREFATORY NOTE. THE Council intrusted the preparation and issuing of this Record of its Proceedings to the Scotch Committee, which, under instructions of the London Conference, had made arrangements for the meeting in Edinburgh. The Committee at once issued circulars in all directions, inviting subscribers to send in their names; and the large number received showed how great an interest the Council has excited. They have made the best arrangements in their power for the early delivery of the Proceedings to the subscribers, and hope that these will prove satisfactory.1 The Committee have observed with regret that in the hurry of the meetings some topics did not receive the attention which they were entitled to, and hope that the same generous forbearance which was so conspicuous during the Council, will continue to be shown, where any omission or irregularity may be found. They think it right to add that, in the preparatory arrangements for the meeting of Council, much assistance was given by many friends in Edinburgh, not members of the Scotch Committee; especially by Mr. THOMAS NELSON, Publisher, Mr. JAMES MACDONALD, W.S., Dr. PRINGLE, Rutland Square, and Mr. J. T. MACLAGAN, C.A. The Committee earnestly hope that this volume, under the blessing of God, notwithstanding its unavoidable imperfections, may contribute to promote the objects of the Council, by binding the Churches in brotherly fellowship, and stimulating them to united effort to advance the cause of Christ throughout the world. 1 Additional copies (price six shillings) may be had on application to Rev. WILLIAM GILLIES, 13 South St. Andrew Street, Edinburgh, one of the Clerks of the Council, and Secretary of the Scotch Committee. |