INTRODUCTION. By REV. FRANCIS R. BEATTIE, B. D., PH. D., D. D., PROFESSOR IN LOUISVILLE PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. A SHORT chapter containing some account of the origin and purport of this volume may be of some interest to its readers. A brief recital of the action of the General Assembly which led up to the celebration at which these addresses were given will inform the reader in regard to the circumstances out of which this. volume sprang. An outline of the history of the stirring and heroic period of which the Westminster Assembly formed at once the culmination of much that lay in the century before it, and the foundation of a great deal that rose in the century that followed its meeting, may help the reader to a simple and intelligent view of the historical setting of each address. In connection with this mere outline of the history of the period, the ordinance of Parliament convening the Assembly and the names of its members are both given. Some readers may have more than a passing interest in these matters. A partial Bibliography of the literature which has gathered round the Westminster Assembly and the memorable Symbols which it produced is included for the advantage of those who desire to pursue their study of these inviting topics at greater length. In four brief sections this introductory chapter will deal with these separate topics. I. THE ACTION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. The proposal to celebrate in some suitable manner the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the meeting and work of the Westminster Assembly of Divines was brought before the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States,' which met at Memphis, Tenn., in May, 1896. This proposal came formally before the Assembly by an overture and a resolution, in the following terms, respectively: "AN OVERTURE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGARDING THE TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY.2 To the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, in session at Memphis, Tenn., 1896: "The undersigned desires respectfully to call the attention of the Assembly to the fact that it is now just about two centuries and a half since the Westminster Assembly, which framed our Catechisms and Confession of Faith, was in session. "He also brings to the attention of the Assembly the fact that several branches of the Presbyterian family are already proposing to celebrate, in various ways, the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of that great event during the coming year. "He further expresses the conviction that at the present day it is important to give prominence to the history and contents of the great doctrinal symbols which the Westminster Assembly gave to the world. We live in an age of unrest and criticism, if not of transition, in regard to many things pertaining to the Christian faith. An intelligent acquaintance with the history of the Westminster Assembly, and a clear grasp of the doctrinal system which it formulated, may be of great value in these circumstances. 1 This is the proper official title of that branch of the Presbyterian Church which is often popularly termed the Southern Presbyterian Church, or the Presbyterian Church in the Southern States. 2 Minutes of the General Assembly for 1896, page 585. "The undersigned, therefore, respectfully overtures the General Assembly to take steps to observe this anniversary in some suitable way—say, in connection with the Assembly of 1897. "FRANCIS R. BEATTIE. "Louisville Seminary, May 18, 1896." At the same time the following resolution was presented to the Assembly at Memphis by one of its members:1 "Whereas the twenty-ninth day of April, 1897, will be the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the completed report to the British Parliament of those formularies of faith known as the Westminster Standards, and whereas this Assembly would record its sense of the inestimable blessings which have resulted from the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, not only to the churches holding these Standards, but to the cause of Christianity, therefore, "Resolved, That this Assembly hereby recommends to the Synods and Presbyteries within its bounds the propriety . . . . of commemorating this event in such manner as they deem best. W. D. MORTON." These papers were both sent to the Committee of Bills and Overtures of the Assembly, and it presented the following report, which was adopted by the Assembly': "Your committee recommends that the General Assembly commend to the Presbyteries and Synods the propriety of observing the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the formulation of the Westminster symbols of doctrine, and that order be taken by this Assembly to celebrate this event in connection with the sessions of the General Assembly of 1897. To carry this order into effect, it is recommended that the Assembly appoint an ad interim committee to prepare a programme of commemorative exercises, and to select speakers for the occasion. "CHARLES R. HEMPHILL, Chairman." 1 Minutes of the General Assembly for 1896, pages 585, 586. › Ibid., page 586. Later on in the sessions of the Assembly of 1896 the Moderator, Dr. Mallard, announced the following committee to arrange for the celebration, during the next Assembly, of the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the origin of the Westminster Standards: J. Henry Smith, D. D., Chairman; F. R. Beattie, D. D., W. M. McPheeters, D. D., T. C. Johnston, D. D., W. A. Alexander, D. D., John A. Preston, D. D.' This committee thus appointed proceeded in due time to discharge the duty laid upon it by the Assembly. Under the efficient leadership of its chairman, and by correspondence between the members of the committee, an elaborate series of subjects and a carefully-selected list of speakers were made ready. The result of their labors was the presentation of the following report to the Assembly of 1897, which convened at Charlotte, N. C.: " 2 "REPORT TO THE ASSEMBLY AT CHARLOTTE, N. C., oF THE AD INTERIM COMMITTEE OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY. "The last General Assembly appointed an ad interim committee to prepare a programme of commemorative exercises, and to select speakers for the celebration during the present Assembly in Charlotte, N. C., of the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the formation of the Westminster symbols of doctrine. This committee consisted of the Rev. J. Henry Smith, D. D., chairman; F. R. Beattie, D. D., W. M. McPheeters, D. D., T. C. Johnston, D. D., W. A. Alexander, D. D., and John A. Preston, D. D. Alas! within a little over three months after this appointment (September 13th) the whole church was called to mourn the death of the last-named member of this committee-a death and a loss that has shrouded in deep and personal sorrow all who knew Brother Preston, especially 1 Minutes of the General Assembly for 1896, page 618. |