Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1890-04-11
DEFEATED.
TIE WASHINGTON PRRSBYTERT DECIDES THAT
IT DOESN'T WANT
Auy Change il the Confession Of Faith, and
Aasr Warn Debate Votes 0ysrwhelm-
ingly Against t.

The result Of the vote Of the Wash
ngtou Presbytery on the QueS-
ton Of the Revision of the Confession
Of Faith was as anticipated, and the
Presbytery loses none Of its reputation
as decidedly conservative body.
When the report of the Committee
was presented TO the body on WedneS-
day and the motion was made TO adopt
the majority report which was against
the revision, there was decided dispo-
sition TO take an immediate vote on the
question and it was only by moving TO
substitute the minority report that
those members of the Committee in fay-
or Of a revision were given a chance TO
air their views. Dr. w. Ii.
Cooke. as chairman. took up
the report and proceeded TO explain
iu a clear and forcible manner just what
change the minority of the committee
wanted 10 make. He showed that the
changes proposed by their report really
made no radical changes i'm the Comics
sion of Faith. but they did Obliterate
several of the unnecessary causes OF uu-
merited criticism and constant eNplana-
tiou of the meaning of certain terms IN
the document. which he explained
thoroughly. and with view of combat
ing any argument TO the contrary.
About the only reason that the revision
did not carry was because the extreme
conservatism of the Washington
PreSbytery would have been de
strovcd. and as the statement
was made. the fear was that II the camel
once got his nose inside the tent ne
might get his whole body i'm. In other
words the majority of the PrcSbytery
thought what was good enough for their
forfatherS was good enough for them.
and they didn't propose to vote for any
change whatever for fear that more
radical changes might be- desired and
the chief characteristic of the faith
oblitcrated 10 was thought that vote
would not be- reached ON the question
until Yesterday. but at the night session.
after DR.. ID. A. Cunningham and Rev.
l.. W. Barr. of this city, had made
speeches against revision a vote was
taken about eleven o'clock, and the
supporters OF revision were surprised at
the result. although they were badly
defeated. not hoping anything else.
They had anticipated, however, re-
ceiving more aid from ministers, but i'm
stead they got the greatest assistance
from elders. The vote stood;
For Observation-Disclosures :, Elders TO-
AgainSt-Minister -. Elders 20.
The Presbytery licensed five young
men 20 preach the Gospel. among whom
was Mr.. John a. Crawford, Of this city.
Rev. smith f. Green. of New Cumocr-
land. and Rev. \. r. Alexander, of
Florence. were elected as Commissioners
Co the General Assembly which Will be
held al Saratoga Springs on the third
Thursday in May. DIR. William Speer,
of Washington, and DR.. w. II. Cooke,
of this city, were made altenateS.
Yesterday morning session was occu-
pied I'M the disposal of routine business,
and the PrcSbytcry adjourned To meet
at Cross Creek Village i'm September.
This meeting of the Washington Pres
bvtcry was an important one. and one
that will Dee long remembered. rs IL was
the first for years i'm which debate on
any question occupied such an impOr-
tant part of the meeting, aud IL Is likely
to Doe many years more before
such another debate will oc-
eur. unless the matter Is
brought zap again. If the majority Of
the PrcShytericS report in favor of re-
vision 10 the General Assembly. as will
very likely bee the case. IL will be- neccS-
Sary TO appoint a committee TO ascertain
lust how far TO is desired 10 90 i'm the
matter and then report to the next As
sembly, which i'm turn will refer the
matter back TO the PreSbytcrieS. and in
this way IL may take some four or i've
years 70 finally secure the change.