JOINT COMMITTEE.
The Joint Committee appointed by the American Home Missionary Society and the American Missionary Association for the consideration of the relation between the two societies, met by adjournment at Springfield, Mass., Dec. 11. The committee on the part of the A. H. M. S. consisted of Rev. J. E. Twitchell, D.D., Rev. Lyman Abbott, D.D., Rev. Geo. L. Walker, D.D., Rev. C. L. Goodell, D.D., and A. S. Barnes, Esq. The Committee on the part of the A. M. A. consisted of Rev. J. L. Withrow, D.D., Rev. Washington Gladden, D.D., Rev. D. O. Mears, D.D., Prest. S. C. Bartlett, and Rev. W. H. Ward, D.D. All were present except Dr. Goodell, and his place was filled by Mr. S. B. Capen. A letter from Dr. Goodell was read. Dr. Barrows, representing the Home Missionary Society, and Dr. Strieby, representing the American Missionary Association, were also present by invitation.
It was manifest that the members of the Committee were equally friends of both societies and sought only their greatest efficiency. No partisan feeling found utterance. The members of the Committee are men of independent views and judgment, and examined the subject before them from different standpoints, and yet reached in the paper presented below a remarkable degree of unanimity—every item receiving a unanimous vote. The result will command and deserves the attention of the churches. The following is
THE ACTION OF THE COMMITTEE.
Consulting the principle of comity between the two societies—the A. H. M. S. and the A. M. A.—and that traditional policy of Congregationalists which ignores caste and color lines, and also in view of the present relative position and strength of the two societies, we, the Joint Committee, give as our judgment:
1. That, as heretofore, the principal work of the American Home Missionary Society should be in the West, and the principal work of the American Missionary Association should be in the South.
2. Whatever new work may be called for in any locality should be under the charge of the society already occupying the ground. No exception to this rule should be allowed unless it be by agreement between the two societies.
3. Concerning work already established by either society, we would recommend that if either comity, economy or efficiency will be advanced by it, such a transfer of the work should be made as shall bring the work of the societies into harmony with the preceding recommendations.
4. We would recommend to the two societies to consider the practicability of using a common superintendent in those portions of the field where an economical and efficient administration will be secured by it.