The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-05-22
Received BIS Votes the First Hal
81 for Editor Elonfort.
REV. DIR. BOOTHS SERMON
DIR. MALLARD CHOSEN MODERATOR
M SOUTHERN PREsBYTERIANs.
General Assembly Of the CumberIanA
Presbyterians Also I'm Session
baptist Anniversaries.

days session CT the e-hundred-and-eiehth
General Assembly Of the Northern Presby-
terian Church brought with IL two surprises
The proposal In the moderator's sermon for
a conference TO arrange and pacify the DIFF
ferences which have troubled the dcnomina-
ton during recent years was the first. The
second was the election on the FIRST ballot
by a handsome majority Of the man who
has been regarded as the candidate OF the
liberal party OF the church. Dr. Withrow.
This View OF the new moderator's fenden-
ces was stoutly denied, but at all events.
his first act was accepted as showing de-
termination TO be independent Of control and
dsctation.
Tho General Assembly was opened tbs
morning at IL O'Clock, IN the First
Presbyterian Church. where 50 many pre-
vious assemblies hsve met. Prayer was Of
fered by DIR. William Durant. pastor of the
church. The psalm was read by the Rev.
VIM. Z. Carr, Of Danville. Va, q colored
commissioner. and the scripture lessons by
the Rev. VIM. s. Marquis. Of Rock Island
Prayer was offered bs the Rev. Joseph ~
Cohen. OF Kolhapur. India.
The opening sermon was DELIVERED by Rev.
DIR. Robert Russell Booth. OF New York. the
retiring moderator, on the subject OF Chris
The text was taken from the Gospel Of 81.
John. xvii, 20 and p. 1t was contended thar
the text considered and je1ned only the
union OF believers, and That 1t had 70 DO
only with established harmony OF purpose
and Affections oneness Of sympathetic and
accordant brotherhood. Tae text also stated
the reason why unity was desired by Christ
II was also held that Christian union does
not lie In the line OF UNCONVENTIONAL agree
ment or In the surrender OF matured con-
victions on the part OF one branch Of the
church to another. In closing, Dr. Booth
spoke of the misunderstanding and conflicts
which have divided the church and hfnde-ed
its work. He deprecated any work or act
which might aggravate present troubles He
said: ''On one hand these charges OF undue
severity in the administration Of discipline.
coupled with plea for liberty wffnsn GER
tain limits which up TO this time have not
been defined On the other hand. there is
fear or conviction that essential truths are
at stake. and belief that the church IL con-
tending for honor and life in the stand
which she has recently taken for her dis
cipline and de'ivera nces- To nlaay az "
this controversy has heen inexpreesibIy
painful, and It there % can se & no doubt that t,it e
prosperity. II adds 10 the painfulntss Of the
present condition that no real enorr has
III 0een D1 loin e
conferences and arbitration OF differences,
II may be dream, IL may be a delusson."
for the last time In such place Of public
authority, I appeal TO the sound Cnrisuan
sense sense eth Of this venerable assembly 70 take
is that divides US. and what Is required for
the abatement Of strife and reconciliation OF
parties at variance"
The first important business transacted
orator. Mr. Francis G. Monfort. Of cincin-
was nominated by Dr. Thomas II. c:eliand
of Duluth. and was seconded by Col. Alex
ander Ketchsm, of New York: The name OF
sen sented by BY Rev. Re william II. HUBBARD. OF An-
burn, y. Y. and seconded by Hon: J.. r.
NeM Sf st a Iu p John pavss n ss
interest Of DR.. john. L. Withrow, OF Chi
cago. and was seconded by Dr. William p
Reed Of PhiIadeipSia. The M result Of tas ri
Sonfors. 81 The election was then n made
The newly-elected moderator was con-
Quoted TO the Platform and inductsd into Of
hce by the retiring moderator. Dr. Booth.
DR.. Withrow expressed a high appreciation
of the honor conferred upon him and .sx-
pressed his determination to use his best en-
William Durant, chairman Of The cofnniitee
a gavel which had been provided by the local
tion. II IL of wood which grew on the field
where Burgoyne surrendered. and was made
by a coxswain Of Admiral Farragufs hag-
ship.
After a resolution. which fixed the hours
of the daily sessions from O'Clock until
1890. and from 2:3o until 5. the assembly
adjourned until evening, when the eacra-
ment OF the Lords supper was celebrated.
DR.. Booth presided. and was assisted BY Drs
Breed and Cleiland and By elders selected
from the various synods
| DR.. Withrow. the new moderator. insti-
| tuted a new departure at once one of the
most arduous duties OF a newly-elected mod
orator is IN the appointment Of numerous
committees. upon one OF which every COM
missioner finds place II has been Gus
| tomary 10 ask the advice OF the clerks and
| of few prominent commissioners. At the
| close of the afternoon session DIR. Withrow
| called a meeting of two representatives
| from each presbyfery. with whom he might
| advise in the matter. and the result OF the
| experiment Is awaited with interest.
Some interest was aroused by the pubIica-
| ton 5f dispatch from Mr. Kingsley. treas
urer of Union Seminary. stating that Prof.
Henry p. Smith, who was suspended by the
| General Assembly of 1894. Is 70 deliver q
| course Of lectures at the seminary during
| the next year. false report also was
| spread that he was engaged 20 take the
| place OF DR.. Briggs I'm the seminary during
the years leave OF absence recently granted