Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-05-24
HOPES OF A REVISION.
the GENERAL ASSEMBLY INTRODUCES
DEFINITE MEASURES.

The Presbyterian Ministers Have Anotbei
Interesting Discussion on Constitution
and Confession of Fniih-The Resolutions
Pointed Remarks by Dele sates-Rou-
tine Business.
SARATOGA, May 23.-After devotional
exercises this morning, the Presbyterian
General Assembly was addressed by Rev.
DR.. Hammer, who spoke OF the work of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was fol-
lowed by Rev. DR.. Cole and Rev. DR.. Cham
berlain, OF Brazil, and after these gentlemen
had finished speaking the all-absorbiDg
topic of the Assembly was again reached,
namely, the consideration of providing a
committee On revising the constitution and
Confession OF Faith. DR.. Patton, who had
been regarded as the leader of the anti
revisionists, said:
This is the most serious moment in the life
OF this Assembly. We Represent differences Of
opinion. 1t is too late to raise the question as
to the wisdom of the last Assembly in submit
ting the overtures upon which we are about to
act, but 1t is my opinion that It was very un-
wise act
SUBMITTING TO THE INEVITABLE.
I will oppose from the very bottom Of my
heart the submission of DR.. McCrackenis reso-
byteries of this Assembly only eight ask for an
absolutely nav creed. 1 do not see the neces-
slty Tor any alteration in the Confession of
FAITH but l34 presbyteries have expressed
themselves in favor of it, and / bow to the
opinion of the majority thus expressed. [Great
applause.l
Now, then. how shall we go at itH 1t seems
70 De the general opinion that the best way is
TO appoint committee to consider the matter
and report to the next Assembly. / don't care
how you appoint the committee, but DR.. Nc
Cracken's resolution reads as though he was
living in the Middle Ages and was assisting
we could do IL in much shorter
way We shold appoint this COMMITTEE be-
cause II Is right thing TO do. The church has
pgb 70 reyse sf Sfe9d and mai Wa b defend
mittee going to dor What are they fort |
hopo we shall not give this committee rowing
commission. ] wish them TO understand that
no change shall be made that will iu any way
impair the integrity Of tho Calyinissic system.
Our confession Of faith has boen traduced,
and | want this Assembly 10 roaffirm tho stand.
ards Of belief In the very terms IN which this
is appointed. don't want To be
party 20 the mischief OF letting it 90 unro-
Jricted.
UNANIMoUsLY DESIRED.
want IL instructed, and In such terms that
when IL IL appointed II will not bs with simple
but In q way that the church will feel
that tho whole Assembly ~ In favor of IT, Lot
~ have peace. would go u little further than
that. j want them instructed that they shall
ponino their labors TO such construction VI
phraaoOlogy ~ may DO necessary 10 remove
popular Misunderstanding. 1 will never con-
foss that total revision OF faith IL necessary.
wish ] had yoice that would reach around
tho world 10 reaiiirm that thero never was and
never can bo o Just foundation tor the charge
that wo Presbyterlans have ever believed In
infant ia dannatlo1y ,na or that che doctrine Is
plause. / offer this amendment 10 Dr. No
Cracken's resolution.
Resolved, That committee OF ministers and
elders. In number not less than 10 be appointed
teries, and report To the next Assembly; and
whereas, o minority of tho Presbyteres have
desired that no change be made, therefore
Resolved That the committee shall not pro-
pose amendments that will impair In any way
.he Calylnist System. and that they shall con-
ine their labors to such changes In phraseology
NJ shall remove popular misunderstanding.
GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS.
DR.. Herrick johnson moved that the as
sembly begin debate on the appointment of
! committee on revision, and that it con-
.inue until final vote is reached. Adopted
with applause.
Elder Day said DR.. Patton's speech was a |
great surprise to everybody. SIT would |
surprise the entire country, brethren" he |
'aid, "the thing is done; revision is accom-
Dlished."
DR.. Vandike, of Brooklyn, said: "Yes-
erday I trembled in the belief that the |
Presbyterian Church was on the verge of |
,reat catastrophe, but my trembling has |
,reatly decreased since DR.. Patton's speech. |
The great transcoItinental train of revision |
tarts from Saratoga to-day. The first |
top will be at Princeton juno
ion. Laughter and applause.] Get
board, everybody, the train won't |
top long. 1t has started, and. there's not
and enough in New Jersey, nor pig iron
nough in Pennsylvania, pines in Michi-
an, nor mountains in the West, to stop its
rogress to the Golden Gate 1 will not con-
ent to any restrictions on the Revision
committee. do not agree with DR.. Patton
hat it was unwise for the last Assembly to
end out the overture to the Presbyteries.
81 want the shadow of infant damnation
ooted out of the confession. DIR. Patton's
onfession would leave the question am
iguous. 1 don't want any ambiguity put
D Gods solemn declaration that none shall
erish. Why restrict the committee be-
ond the general declaration? We will err
realty if we do"
The afternoon session was wholly occu-
led in discussing the methods of appoint
lg the Committee on Revision. Rev,
.obert NJ. Patterson, D. D., of the Chester
resbytery, addressed the Assembly at
'ngth. He was opposed to any revision,
nd added in conclusion: 81 am satisfied
18th the Confession of Faith as it is. 1 am
srongly inclined to vote for the consensus
reed of the Reformed Churches.
DR.. Agnew, of Philadelphia, alluded to
'r. Van Dykes pleasantly about the con-
;itutional revision. TRAINS stopping at
'rinceton junction long enough to take on
resident Patton as conductor-well, as it
oes west through solid old Pennsylvania,
nat contains one-ffth of all the Presby-
,rians in the world, there will be
n abundant supply of trainmen available.
a.S Trts. -