The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-06-23

well be inserted in the hymn book. Dc
they know how large it will make the book
and how expensive when you put so much
more matter into the Confession. 1t will
then be matter of doubt whether you are
adding the Confession to the Hymn book or
the Hymn book to the Confession.
Mr.. Richardson.-Can you not use the
present edition in the Hymn book, and issue
another edition with the proof texts in full.
DR.. Baird.-We desire to put out another
edition of the "Confession of Faith" as soon
as the funds are at hand. We thought it
was a grand thing, however, to get up an
edition small enough to warrant us in bind
ing up the Confession as well as the Form
of Government in the Hymn book.
Rev. j. r. Bowman-I will explain that
the resolution does not instruct the Execu-
tive Committee to publish " Confession of
Faith, but that whenever they do publish
it they must put in the exits in full.
We felt that the o. S2ut the
proof texts, is the. the
part of Hamlet LEN 9on the
sand. No one ever ne ces. They
do not like the trouble of tSfAhg to another
book. Our Confession of Faith, " is book
of strong meat, and we must show our bibli-
cal authority for it.
We have not urged the committee to bind
up the Confession in the Hymn Book, but
if it be thus bound up, in that edition above
all, we would prefer to have the proof texts.
For it is the book which people look over in
the unoccupied moments before service.
Rev. Mr.. MOuison-We were unanimous
as committee in this recommendation
But we thought it essential that the strong
doctrines be fortified by the word of God.
When j have handed it to men who were not
Presbyterians, they have stumbled upon these
doctrines until they saw that their quarrel
was not with Presbyterians, but with the
word Of God. And men will not use refer
ences in small print, or any sort of print.
With regard to the matter, suggest that if
this Book of Church Order be adopted, a
part of these stereotype plates will be USE
less on that account. If | were to be en-
gagged in pioneer work, should even prefer
to 90 to Philadelphia for the book, rather
than use book without the proof texts.
DR.. Handy hoped that this matter might
be referred to a committee, with the hope
that. hymn book might be issued with music
in additional pages at the close.
DR.. Bright-I would rather arrest the
publication of the Confession until we have
funds,to insert the proof texts. The oppo-
sition of the human heart to these doctrines
is such that it will not do to let them 60
forth without the proof texts. On the other
hand l fully appreciate the efforts of the
Rev. Ii. H. Paine. | do not think it is
courteous or advisable to forbid the publica,
tion of the Confession after the committee
have prepared it with such care.
Dr.. Baird-It would meet the views of
the Executive Committee if the Assembly
should order the Committee to issue another
edition as soon as they have the means, but
at the same time not forbid the publication
of this edition.
DR.. Handy-We should do nothing to
interrupt the publication of this-but rather
carry out the suggestion last made in the
future editions.
DR.. Bright-Would it not look awkward
to 90 on with this edition now, and then, in
twelve months, issue another edition? Is it
not better to 60 on with what We have, and
make no changes until the Book Of Order is
decided upon.
ReU. G. a. CaldweU thought as the book
before us was already stereotyped, and con-
tanned references in figures, that it would
be well for the Committee to issue as. many
as might be desired, and then when the book
of Church Order is ready, issue new book
with full references?
Rev. Mr.. HObson-This book is stereo.
typed; will you issue new stereotype edi
tion, and then, after decision of the Book
of Church Order, issue third edition.
prefer to wait two years before moving in
the matter.
Reu. II. II. Paine moved to amend the
report by striking out the third resolution
and substituting the following:
"That the General Assembly instruct the
Committee of Publication, in addition to tht
present edition of the Confession of Faith
with the proof references, to publish an edi
ton as soon as practicable containing the
proof texts in full"
DR.. Bright-Remember Moderator that
a book lasts long time. Families who
purchase now will probably not purchase g
new one for years, and this unsatisfactory
book will long remain in our families.
Rev. Mr.. Morrison-Does not the uncer
tainty as to the new Book of Order make i
improbable that there will be any large sale
of the present edition p? Will men buy freely
when anticipating a change?
The amendment of Mr.. Paine was nearly
unanimously carried
BOOK OF CHURCH ORDER.
DR.. Girardeau presented the following
resolutions, which were carried:
Re8Olved, That this Assembly having re
ceived the report of th. ,ial Committee
to whom was referred thasBook of Churcl
Order" for revision and amendment, hereby
orders the said Book in the amended form
reported by the committee to be sent dowr
to the Presbyteries, so that they may take
such action as is specified in the memoria
and in the report Of the committee on the
subject, which was adopted by this Assem-
bly,, to wit: That they express their assen
to such portions thereof as may meet theil
approval; and send up also to the next AS
sembly objections to any portions they ma.
disapprove of; and with a request that thu
portions disapproved of be revised by tina
Assembly, and sent down for the action o
the Presbyteries, with a view to final actor
by the Assembly of 1871.
Resolved, That the Committee of Publica
ton is hereby directed, under the supervi
sion of Rev. E. 7. Baird, D. D., and Rev
VIM. Brown, D. D., to print the book a
amended by the committee for the use o
Presbyteries, and that they send one cop.
70 ooob ,,,;o;,+or ond tha eo,,;o, &C IN oh uo