New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-05-26
RELIGIOUS CONVENTIONS.

PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
MILEAGE QUESTION DISCUssED-THE SUBJECT OF
HIGHER NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. GREETINGS.
IFRoM SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE.l
SARATOGA, n. Y, May Let us be honest,
my brethren" said the Rev. DR. Howard Crosby TINS
morning. If the rules governing the appointment OF
delegates and the mileage question are not WhaI Iney
should be let us change them for next year. but
to-day must act according to the rules
in force" This remark was made in the course OF
an excited debate the question as to whether me
Commissioners from the Presbytegies west OF Kansas,
including the from Alaska, should be paid their en-
tire expenses. Commissioner from the Presbytery OF
NewYOrk who requested that he be known only as An
Elder from New York." announced through the Modera-
that he would pay the deficiency that the delegates
might receive the full amount that they expected Inc
deficiency will not be far from $1,000.
The Rev. DR.. Howard Crosby. chairman OF the COM
mee appointed to report the Overures sent 10 the
Assembly regarding the subject of higher criticism, READ
this morning the report. 1t was as follows:
The Oyerures from tho Presbyeres of Ebenezer Jer-
sey city, Louisville, Morris and Orange and St Louis
requesting the Assembly TO make "a delyerance Dy
which pastors and teachers should be cautioned against
the false teaching, which is commonly known by the
OF the Higher Criticism having been committed
10 a specla committee that committee do hereby re-
specially report the following such delverance: .
This General Assembly lccs constrained to express IT.
sell cic lry and decidedly the matter OF the rational
lsfic treatment of the Hoy SCRIPTURES by PrOtestan
teachers 10 Europe. whose works are miro
duced into our country, and whose eyll lnnnence
Is felt In our Church our Confession OF f1th,
chapter lsi section 3D. after giving the names OF the
books Of the Old and New Testanents, adds: All
which are gwen by Inspiration of God be the rule of
faith and life" The denial of the authenticity or truth
fuueas OF the Holy scriptures denial OF their nspra
ton and anV teaching ai sgsts such dc NAL should
he not only carefully avoided but studOusly repelled
The Assembly would not discourage the ful use OF all
light m critical study nor does il assume that any
neOus teaching is welcomed offered within the bounds
OF the Church. but 1t would warn all pastors and teach
crs OF the danger TO young and inexperienced mnd5 III
the Tree OF theories anu improved
on the part OF religious instructors and would remind
them OF the paramount importance OF sustaining TIE
positive doctrine the authenticity, integrity TRUTHFUL
and inspiration Of the Holy Scriptures against the
unsaLctited learning by when an unbcneVng wOIu,
through nOmiDally Christian channels, assaults the
Church Of God. The Assembly would also remind the
Presbyteres VI their special responsibility as guardians
or the tatn and that IN view vi tue appreneu-OnS cA
htbited throughout the Church by the ratlonaiisuc
handing OF The Word Of God, Is Incumbent upon theh
to ~ IL that the appropriate constitutional acton DC
taken If at any lime 1t should become manifest that any
minister Of our Church was promulgatpg theories OF
dangerous tendency cOntracOnessOna doctrine con-
corning the Holy scriptures.
The report of special committee then adopted,
with only one dissenting vote
DIR. Crosby from the special committee, reported as
follows: The committee to whom was committed
resolution relative to hearing the deyeraDce OF last
years Assembly behalf of fraternal relations with the
Southern Church. respectfully report that fraternal re-
latlOns Deen happily established between the two
Assemblies on the basis OF withdrawal OF all lmputa-
TONS when may nave been mace Omclty from either
side against the Christian character OF the Other anu no
further action IS necessary" The report was adopted
aud telegrapneu 10 the sou heru Assembly.
The report the Board OF Church Extension read
by the Rev Dr. Ewing. The receipts from all sources
during The year 100000. There applications
for ard from BOG churches asking for S2044OO aid ex
tended to 2l5 churches. in aggregate SlO4,600 The
Board asks for 100000 the coming year. there are
500 churches without houses Of worship.
The Rev. DR.. william Brown left Saratoga light.
lie badc the Moderator and commissioners an affection
farewell after paying high tribute to Dr. Hatfield
lie said that would eudeayOr to have him preside
the southern Assembly mex year He spoke OF the
report read b. pr. Crosby tins morning touching
frateIna relations be the TWO bodies and said
- gives great pleasure IN taking my leave OF you
10 bear the UNANIMOUS action OF your body 20 my As
scmOy Inc matter IL made 80 satisfactory now that
don't dunk any ~ our brethren eau object 10 IT, Nothing
tina could have been done To make inc ice at home has
been neglected, and trust it been the same with
your de- gates 20 Oul Assembly bid you al alice
Tomato farewell" ID. Hatfield expressed The hope that
TIE day would soon come wien they could all shake
hands across tho line. " In the oil the General
Aascmby,' De said, bid You, my brother. an affection
ate farewell The entire audience rose and sang
Beet be tho tic thu, DnGs our Aearls IN Christian
love"
The report affecting relations between the Board Of
Home Missions and Presby tcrc' wts gam taken up tins
evening and passed Iltc discussion. TIE Rev. Dr.
vs. e. kODcrl5 sal ai rwarl thai the report, after al
the discuss ami ab Oi the committee for t|0 years.
ct the relation between the Board aud Pre5Jy terles
practically Just where 10 was before.