Evangelical Alliance. British Organization—Intermediate Conference.

In our first number we gave an account of the origin and proceedings of this Association as far as the termination of the Liverpool Conference in 1845. We intended to continue the account in subsequent numbers, but were prevented by various circumstances : suffice it at present to say, that an aggregate meeting of about a thousand Delegates—Ministers, and Laymen from all parts of Great Britain, Ireland, America, and the Continent of Europe, was held in London in 1846. A basis of union was agreed upon, local organizations were formed, and various plans for promoting the objects of the Alliance were proposed, discussed, and agreed upon.

The principle of the Alliance is that contained in the maxim of an eminent ancient Father. “In necessary things unity, in doubtful things liberty, and in all things charity.” The objects contemplated by the Alliance are, a greater amount of mutual love,— a fuller display of manifested unity—and a greater amount of mutual co-operation in opposing evil and in advancing the Redeemer's kingdom upon earth. The evils which the Alliance have had principally before them are, Popery, Infidelity, and Sabbath profanation.

An Aggregate Meeting of the Alliance is not proposed more than once in seven years; but meetings of the various Local Organizations are held from time to time. An intermediate Conference of the British Organization was held in London, at Free-page 279mason's Hall, in October last. A number of leading ministers and laymen were present. Sir C. E. Eardly, Bart., presided over the business meetings of the Conference. The state of Europe, with respect to its bearings on the Gospel, and the prospective endowment of Popery in Ireland, were the subjects that most fully occupied their attention, and a strong resolution against this proposed government measure was passed unanimously at the last session of the Conference. A truly Catholic spirit pervaded all their meetings.

The Rev. Dr. Liefchild, who presided over the devotional services of the first day, said—

I am highly gratified to see so many ladies and christian ministers present this morning. Unhappily we have found the christian world not in so ripe a condition for union as we had anticipated. Still our opinion remains unchanged as to the propriety of this movement, and its accepta-bleness to God. For myself I can say that this association has made me acquainted with most estimable individuals in other denominations than my own, and has rendered them the objects of my esteem and affection; and as this increases and flows re-reciprocally from the large body of christians, it will reduce our differences very materially. They still remain, and probably will remain; but by thus associating together we view them with less jealousy, and look at them with more calmness, and can reason upon them with more evenness of mind, and we have felt that there are no impediments to real reciprocal affection, and sometimes our differences have-been lost sight of altogether, so that you never could tell from our devotional exercises to what sect or denomination we belong. And in proportion as this conviction increases, we shall find our lesser differences lessened in our own estimation. They will be like the stones in a summer brook which when the water is low impede its current; but when the water rises, and flows over them all in one grand stream, they vanish and dis-appear. The devotional services of the Alliance have been marked by an unusual degree of the influence of the spirit of God. Prayer unites hearts, and united prayer brings down blessings from above.

The Rev. E. Bickersteth, who presided over the devotional exercises of the second day, said—

The manifestation of union among all the churches of Christ, was a most glorious fact, and could not be questioned; it had been realized in the fact that members of fifty denominations, from all parts of the world, united in the Alliance. He had not met with a single individual who did not give his entire approbation to the object of the Alliance, and affirm his belief in its excellence. Much good had already been accomplished. There had been a very great increase of brotherly love, an enlarged sympathy towards ehristians all over the earth, which page 280 had combined them and increased their usefulness. But while there was much to be thankful for, he could not conceal the fact that there had been difficulties and discouragements. Some had left the Alliance, and perhaps others would leave; but he thought it would only cause the Alliance to be increased in strength and efficiency. Like the cutting of the shrub which strengthened its stem and extended its branches, so that it was better able to bear the storm. Let us take courage then; the Alliance would in time demonstrate its true value; times of trouble were approaching when the Alliance would be a rallying point for all true christians.