Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-01
FROM THE ASSEMBLY.
Pittsburg Clergymen Bring Impor-
tant Church News From N. Y.
THE NORTH WILL NOT INFRINGE
On Their Southern Brothers Domain, but
Cooperate on Foreign.
CHANGING THE CONFESSION OF FAITH

Rev. George Purves, D. D., pastor of the
First Presbyterian Church, of Pittsburg,
and Rev. L N. Hays, d. D., of the Central
Presbyterian Church, of Allegheny, who
were delegates to the General Assembly that
met in Dr. Crosby schurch, New York City,
returned last evening and had some inter-
estipg news.
DR.. Purves, when asked in reference to
what had been done by that body, said it
had been a most important, very busy
and very enthusiastic meeting. One of fthe
main subjects considered was whether the
Freedmen's Board, which has its headquar-
tiers in this city, should be continued, or be
amalgamated with the Home Mission Board.
This was debated very earnestly, as some of
the delegates, principally from Washington,
thought there was reason to doubt as to its
workings, but it was felt their doubts arose
because of taking views in perspective. The
Assembly decided that the work was so i'm
portant that it should still be carried on as
it had been; or pushed with greater energy.
The board has come out with flying colors,
and was heartily indorsed.
THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH.
Another important question was one that
has engaged the Assembly's attention for
several years-its relations to the Southern
work. A paper was adopted which is prac-
tically treaty between the two churches,
containing agreements to cooperate in for
eign missionary work, and the North not to
establish churches in the South on ground
covered by the Southern Assembly. The
Southern body agreeing to help in the work
among the freedmen. This was adopted en-
Enthusiastically, as it is believed to be step
toward organic union. On the temperance
question, the Assembly repeated its old de-
liverances in favor of entire suppression of
this evil, and finally came out in favor of
prohibition. They were, however, very care
ful to declare they did not mean to be led
into political discussion of the matter, or
to indorse third party, or any other party.
Some thought this was not going far enough;
in fact, the majority seemed to favor abso-
lutte prohibition. yet it was decided not to
send out any deliverance to that effect.
On the question of the education of the
ministry there was very earnest debate. 1t
had been proposed on account of the scarcity
of ministers-there not being nearly enough
in comparison to the work-to lower the
standard of the qualifications demanded of
applicants. A long report was brought in
by DR.. Morris, of. Cincinnati. The majority
thought it mistake to do this, as they felt
it would be backward step for the church
to take. Still there might be exceptions
made.
CHANGING THE CONFESSION.
Perhaps the most important question was
that of changing the Confession of Faith.
The Assembly decided not to declare itself,
but to leave it to the Presbyteries. An over
ture was therefore sent to them, asking if
revision were desired, and, if so, to what
extent. In this it is fully understood that
no doctrine shall be altered, only the
so that to some it may be
made palmer. The Presbyteries of En-
gland and Scotland are. now agitated on
this same question, but they are thoroughly
loyal to its principles. DIR. Purves did not
think any serious changes would be made,
but rather felt that they would still stand
by the old colors.
DR.. Hays had not made up his mind on
these questions, as he is SO full of the Con-
stitutional amendment in this State. He
thinks that it has made great gains in the
past two or three weeks, and that on the
18th day of June it will be passed by
good majority, or at least he says-'so mote
it be-"