“True, human nature is still compassed with infirmities even in the Church of Christ.  But the day of the world’s regeneration is approaching, and as it approaches nearer to us, doubtless the different branches of the Presbyterian family will approach still nearer to each other.  God hasten the time, and keep us also from doing anything to retard, but everything to help it forward, and to His name be the praise forever.  Amen.”

So strong was the feeling of the entire Amoy Mission, that in September, 1863, the following communication was sent to the Board of Foreign Missions: 

“Dear Brethren:  We received from you on the 22d ultimo the action taken by the General Synod at its recent session at Newburgh with regard to the proposed organization of a Classis at Amoy.  Did we view this step in the light in which Synod appears to have regarded it, we should need in this communication to do no more than signify our intention to carry out promptly the requirements of Synod; but we regret to say that such is not the case, and that Synod, in requiring this of us, has asked us to do that which we cannot perform.  We feel that Synod must have mistaken our position on this question.  It is not that we regard the proposed action as merely inexpedient and unwise; if this were all, we would gladly carry out the commands of Synod, transferring to it the responsibility which it offers to assume.  But the light in which we regard it admits of no transfer of responsibility.  It is not a matter of judgment only, but also of conscience.

“We conscientiously feel that in confirming such an organization we should be doing a positive injury and wrong to the churches of Christ established at Amoy, and that our duty to the Master and His people here forbids this.  Therefore, our answer to the action of General Synod must be and is that we cannot be made the instruments of carrying out the wishes of Synod in this report; and further, if Synod is determined that such an organization must be effected, we can see no other way than to recall us and send hither men who see clearly their way to do that which to us seems wrong.

“We regret the reasons which have led us to this conclusion.  We have thought it best that each member of the Mission should forward to you his individual views on this subject, rather than embody them in the present communication.

“We accordingly refer you to these separate statements which will be sent to you as soon as prepared.

“Commending you, dear brethren, to our common Lord, whose servants we all are, and praying that He will guide us into all truth, we are as ever,

  “Your brethren in Christ

    E. Doty,
    A. Ostrom,
    D. Rapalje,
    Leonard W. Kip,
    Aug.  Blauvelt.

  “Amoy, Sept. 16, 1863.”

The last action taken by the General Synod was in June, 1864, and reads as follows: