New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-05-20
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lectionaDe expressions have entirely DISAPPEARED.
II was thought that further alterations In the same
direction would In the opinion Of some. impair the
validity of our Reformed or Calvinistic system.
Finding that the latter part of Section Of
Chapter IV was not true to fact. or in keeping
with the teachings of Gods word slight but i'm
portant change has been proposed. The frequent
ly misunderstood Section OF Chapter vi in re-
gard to the ability Of man TO perform any deeds
acceptable to God. Is so amended as tc confne his
inability 70 spiritual good. The means through
which the Lord offers unto sinners. life and sal
walton. is added 10 Section Of Chapter Nv. and
the whole of Section 4 is stricken out on the
ground of its not being supported by facts Of
Scripture In Section s. Chapter vii 1viIe e
Father" because this attribute is commoa TO the
three persons of the Godhead.
Section 3 OF Chapter TX is so altered as 70
leave no doubt in regard TO the responsibility OF
man as a free moral agent.
In order TO discriminate between the two opey-
ations included in efectual calling. Section ,,
Chapter X the psssivitv of the subject is confined
In the amendment to the % act Of regeneration"
The frequently discussed and openly denounced
sections concerning the condition of infants
away forever. IL Is hoped. the rock of Of
fence The section on the works done BY
unregenerate men, in Chapter XVI, is so amended
as to express the fact in the light of Gods word
Owing to the impossibility of knowing who have
sinned tie sin unto death, the committee
has so changed Section of Chapter XXI that it
reads, the forgiveness Of all sins, except the sin
unto death" The word popish" is stricken out
Of Section q, Chapter XXI, on the ground of its
being an epithet. and therefore weakening in its
effect and the expression nursing fathers in
Section g. Chapter XXIII, is dropped because
civil magistrates in this country cannot be said
to hold that relation to the Church. Without
passing Judgment on the question whether or not
',paplsts" are idolators, the committee was Of
the, opinion that our Church members might
without falling under Scripture condemnation
enter into marriage relations with some members
OF the Romsh Church. and therefore propose, as
Stio SUBSTITUTE for pa?Sts or other idoators' in
Oh ha
mittee has no disposition 10 tone down in the
slightest degree the Objectionable features of
8 of Chapter XIV so as to make it agree with
accepted facts. Instead of reading. Section O.
Chapter xHIA - the popish sacrifice Of the Mass
Roman Catholic doctrine of the sacrifice Of the
Mass. The unqualified statement in Section
2, of Chapter XXX, that the officers of the Church
sins is so modified TO read that the power
thus given them is ministerial and declarative"
few changes of important words also have been
made, but but the reason for the same is so clear
as to need no explanation in this connection.
WHY THE REPORT WAS DELAYED.
Communications from various sources were re-
ceived by your committee asking for the publica-
tion of this report before the spring meetings
Of the presbyteries, in order that it might be
considered at that time, and commissioners to
the Assembly be elected who would fairly repre-.
sent the views of the majority Of the members
on the proposed changes. 1t impracticable
TO accede to this reasonable request. But, to meet
the case in fact, If not in form, the committee
would recommend that the General Assembly send
this report down to the presbyteries for consd-
Grafton. criticism, or amenda.ents, with the re-
quest that they forward their criticisms and amend
ments in print or typewriter form by December
l. 1891, 70 the secretary Of the Revision Com
mttee, and that said committee be instructed to
consider these communications and prepare its
final report for adoption, modification, or re ecion
by the General Assembly of I6J2. Such pro-
cedurc vii hav1 the happy effect of securing the
a Of a he hyf farlQ IN xyork
that is felt by all to be most difficult far-reaching
and important, and Of affording your COMMITTEES
light the changes which they have made.
THE CHANGES RECOMMENDED.
The alterations, amendments and additions
which the Revision Committee is prepared to
recommend to the General Assembly are the fell
lowing
CHAPTER l..
OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURE.
v. We may be moved and induced by the testh
Of the Church to high and reverent esteem for
the Holy Sculpture. And :" the truthiulness OF the
history, the faithful witness OF prophecy and miracle"
the heavenness Of the matter the efficacy OF the
doctrine the majesty Of the style, the consent Of all
the parts, the scope OF the whole (Which is to give all
glory TO God, the full discovery it makes OF the only
way Of mans salvation, the many other incompatible
excelencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are
arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself
to be the word Of God; yet notwithstanding, full
persuasion and assurance of the inallibe TRUTH aud
divine authority thereof is from the inward work Of
tho Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the word
in our hearts
V. We may be moved and induced by tie testimony
Of tho Church TO AN high and rcverent esteem for the
Holy Scripture. And the etvenlincss OF the matter,
the efficacy OF the doctrine, The majesty OF the style,
the consent Of all the parts, the scope Of the whole
(which Is TO give all glory TO God), the full discovery
1t makS OF tile only way Of mans salvation, the many
other Incompatible eXccencies and the entire
ton thereof, arguments whereby 1t d0tn abundanly
evidence itself to be the word OF God; yet, notwth.
standing our full persuasion and assurance OF the In
fAllblo ruth, and divine authority thereof is from
he Inward work of Holy spirit, bearing witness by
and with the word In our hearts.