The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-03-14
THE PRESBYTERIAN ALLIANCE.

THE PRESBYTERIAN ALLIAGCE.
The Nsso York Evangelist of last week
brings under notice, and at considerable
length, various matters pertaining to the
meeting of the Presbyterian Alliance in Ed
inburgh next July. After giving the names
of most who are expected to 20 SIS delegates
from the United States and Canada, it pro-
nOunces it Aan admirable list" The Church
es of England, Scotland and ireland, being
nearer the place of meeting, viii be more
fully represented. cit Is worth all the pains
taken to get up the Alliance to sec it bring
together three such bodies as the National
Church of Scotland, the Free Church, and
the United Presbyterian" The Rev. Dr..
Blake, the Secretary Of the Edinburgh Gen
eral Committee, has resigned the editorship
of the Sunday Magazine, sbas he may devote
himself more fully to the work Of preparing
all things for the meeting. For this end he
has visited Belfast and Glasgow, aad expects
to visit London. he has also visited the
continent and conferred VITA brethren in
France and Switzerland, and vas everywhere
cordially received. The connection Of their
Churches with the State il difficulty in the
way of sending delegates officially, and as the
Alliance is to be composed of delegates from
Churches only, they canaOs be received as
members in any other capacity. The utmost
privilege would be TO receive as visitors such
persons as the Alliance might judge would be
for ediGsason. Representatives are expect
ed from Australia and the CAPE Of Good
Hope, places where the roots Of Pre2byte
rianism have struck vigorously.
The programme Of the proceedings is not
yet complete, but as the Alliance is dissinc-
lively Presbyterian. discussions belonging to
Presbyterian Church polisy-sach IS relate
to its work at home and abroad, its adVan-
tagas, hindranoes aud prospects are TO De ex-
pecsed.
It is mentioned in some Of the newspapers
that the General Assembly Of Australia de-
sires the advice Of the Alliance on the ques-
ton whether any ohanges are demanded in
the Confession of Faith, and if SO what are
the particular changes moss urgently need
ed" On o matter 50 fundamentally impOr
tant we feel bound at once 20 declare q de-
cided opposition to entertaining that ques
ton. When the Presbyterian Church in
this country was organized two or three
small changes were made in our doctrinal
standards; changes in the Confession rela
ting to the power of the civil magistrate,
and an erasare Of tho words "solsrstiag
false religion" which vas enumerated among
the sins forbidden in tie second command
ment, (Largar Catechisu.) 1; she General
Assembly Of Australia, or Of any other Pres
byterian organization, shall ju6ga proper to
make changes ia taoig staadsrds of dcctrinal
belief, they have liberty to do SO. And if
they are thought BY the Reformed Churches,
now agreeing to come together in conference
through their respective committees, to be
not inconsistent with the system Of doctrine
known as the Reformed, and which they
nave made the basis Of this Alliance, il need
not Interfere with their participation in these
deliberations. But that does not touch the
question here referred to. Tae principle |
which lies as tao bottom Of that question, and
which fos6id5 the Alliance 20 entertain If, We
conceive to be this: That these committees
come together upon the authority Of their !
respective Churches, and upon tie basis of
their existing standards. Their whole work,
therefore, is limited BY that basis. Upon all
subjects confassadly within It's scope they
may consult, busnos beyond The Alliance,
therefore, would have no right 10 entertain
that question, even should every member
personally think is desirable. Before this
assemblaga of committees or any one Of
them could enter upon tAst subject, it would |
have to bo specially committed to them by
the respective jgdios:orias appointing them;
and in orr own Church it may bs doubted
xv6ntber ovaD tA, o77+1,rit7v from Ire Geoeral |