New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-02-04
FOR REVISING THE CONFESSION.


THE CHICAGO PREsBYTERY ALMOST UNANI,
MoUsLY ANSWERS YES" TO THE FIRST
QUESTION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Chicago, Feb. (speciaD.-The Chicago Presbytery
met to-day 10 consider the report OF the special
mtee appointed to prepare reply to the overtures
of the General Assembly touching a revision Of the
Confession Of Faith
The report of the committee was as follows:
The Presbyery of Chicago recognizes that its mem
bers are profoundly sincere in their adoption Of the
Confession of this Church as containing tile system
doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures
The Presbytery recognizes only the fact that since
the Confession Of Faith composed. and especially
since the religious awakening Of the eighteenth
ury, the attitude Of the Church toward systems Of
doctrines toward differences with systems toward the
h OF the race and toward phsnth1opic
with inhdelity, sgnosticism and paganism. and
t nr9r cnCrch "a, accordingly now gives greater
prominence 10 the doctrine Of Gods love, His readi
sovereignty.
The Presbytery therefore desires that the new posi-
tons which the Church has taken shall find some form
of confessional expression.
The Presbytery also admits that there are forms
Of statement in Confession of Faith which are
liable TO misunderstanding, and expose our system Of
doctrine TO unmorted criticism and which present
stumbling block to many whom the Church desires for
once-beareTs and believe that the Confession can be
so amended as 10 set forth the doctrines in
exact accord with the teaching of Scripture.
But whether the object thus set forth shall be
attained by revision OF the present Confession Of
Faith or by some form of decaratorv statement &C.
cOmpanyne the same or by the addition 10 our
standards Of some short and simple creed the Pres
bytery Is Wiling TO leave to the General Assembly or
such large and representative committee may ap
point.
Messrs Roberts and Currier presented minority re-
ports agreeing to the foregoing except that the change
we desire Is revision" DR.. John De Witt reported
that he could not vote to recommend an amendment
of any of the docrinal armations of Confession
After the reading of the report Dr. Worcester spoke
In favor OF its adoption. Dr. Smith spoke against the
report 1t was weak, hestating unworthy Of the
Presbytery. 1t would give the world the idea that
the Chicago Presbytery was afraid or unable TO ex-
press an opinion TO the necessity of revision II
was not reply to the request Of the General Assembly
lie thought some definite action should be taken.
Therefore he moved, as a substitute for the report
that the Presbytery proceed to the two ques
tons propounded by the General Assembly. DR..
Roberts also opposed the report. DR.. Johnson
against the report. 1t put the cart before the horse
and then upset the cart The first paragraph said
the members of the Presbytery profound in their
belief in the doctrine of the Church. Dr. Johnson did
not know whether this assertion Of loyalty 10 the
Church was the voice of Jacob the hands Of Esau
The report put the love of God against His
eighty Gods love is itself sovereign lie did not
believe that the Church at large desired any change
that would affect in any way the Calvnisc doctrine
DR.. Stryker moved, partial substitute for the
report that the Presbytery answer Yes" to the Ques
ton Of the General Assembly, "Do you desire
question Of Dr. De Witt, who said there ought to be full
opportunity for discussion. Dr. Styker had said that
he used the word "revisiOn" in its large sense Dr.
De Witt said what revision" meant not clear in the
overture of the General Assembly. lie objected TO
that part of the report that said of the state
ments in the Confession subject TO unmerlted
criticism" To adopt tins would be to pledge the
Church to offer Confession that was not subject to
criticism. You can't state the doctrines OF Cal
vansm so that il will not be objected to- he said
IAN types of Calvinism should have equal rights,
but one type should not be excluded III order to make
another type dominant"
Dr. stryker renewed his motion that the Presbytery
answer yes" 10 the first question of the Assembly.
After long discussion this motion was defeated The
motion to adopt the report OF the committee was
voted and lost DR.. Sryker's motion that the first
question of the General Assembly. lie answered in
the affirmative was cared with but small opposition
DR.. johnson offered a reply TO the second
question the following:
1t is the judgment of the Presbyery that some favor
limited revision to the extent OF new creed, but
that can be safely left to committees appointed by
the Presbytery, to decide the following First
The full integrity of the system of doctrines as con
tanned in our Confession Of Faith be kept involate.
second-Tthat those forms Of statements, especially in
the third and tenth chapters, which convey or
convey, erroneous impressions, and which are
the occasion of stumbings, be mOdned or eliminated
Thrd-That Gods love for the world, and His com
mission to preach the gospel to every creature be
given fuller and more definite expression.