The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-04-28
BREAKS OUT AGAIN
ANNUAL ERUPTION OF LIBERAL
PRESBYTERIANISM.

Licensing of Candidates for the Minis
Union Theological Seminary Hen-Com-
mittee Reports Adversely to the Gen
eral Assembly Minutes, Which Are.
However, Sustained on a Vote.
New York, April 27-The meeting Of
the New York Presbytery today for
the purpose of voting on the report OF
the committee on the minutes of the
general assembly, proved to be the liv-
lest session that that body has held
in long time. a year ago the presby-
| terry asked the general assembly for adj
vice in the matter of receiving candi-
dates for the ministry. The general
| assembly replied as follows:
1--WE recommend that in accordance
with the provisions of the form of gov
eminent previously cited, the presby-
terry of New York be instructed and en-
joined not to receive under its care for
licensure, students who are pursuing,
or purpose 20 pursue, their studies in
theological seminaries respecting whose
teaching the general assembly disa-
vows sponsibility."
The committee on the minutes Of the
general assembly consisted of Rev.
DR.. John C. Bliss, DR.. w. Waterbury,
and George II. Hyde. These gentle
men presented their report last week.
The report stated:
Your committee reports that, having
examined the minutes OF the assembly,
we find the only subject requiring the
special attention of the presbytery to
that presented in the. answer of the as
sembly to the overture from this pres
bytery for instruction relative to its
duty towards students applying TO be
taken under its care who are pursuing,
or purpose TO pursue, their studies in
theological seminaries, regarding whose
teaching the general assembly disa-
VOWS responsibility.
'1n its answer, the general assembly
gives this presbytery certain instruc-
tons for which all due consideration
should be given by us as loyal Presby-
terians. But the assembly further pro-
ceeds to enjoin the presbytery as to
its action with reference to action with
reference to the lcensure of these stu
dents. In thus attempting to author
itatively control the presbytery in this
matter, it seems to US that the general
assembly exceeds it's constitutional
powers and infringes upon the inherent
rights of the presbytery, which are es-
pecially reserved to ii by our constftu-
ton, as to the exercise of its functions
in the reception and licensure of candi-
dates"
Tt was this second paragraph in the
report that caused the trouble and re-
suited in a three hours wrangle today.
Tt was understood that the general
assembly aimed at Union Theological
seminary, over which there has been so
much controversy for the past few
years, and today the members Of the
presbytery who sided with the general
assembly urged that the report of the
committee should not be adopted.
DR.. John Hall caused a sensation
when he said that his idea of what the
presbytery should do would be to say
in reply to the general assembly: THAT
the presbytery of New York desires TO
report respectively to the general as
sembly that it only receives ministers
from other presbyterieS or denomina-
tions on being satisfied of their accep-
lance of the standards of the church,
and that ii is the presbytery's intention
to apply the same principles in the
preservation of scriptural doctrines, to
all applicants for license; that the pres
bytery desires on the one side to hold
fast to the truth as embodied in our
standards and at the same time in the
interest of peace and mutual good will
does not exclude from applica ton for
license, students who give evident as
surance Of their loyalty to the stand
ards of our church"
DR.. c. S. Robinson said he would not
allow any majority of the presbytery
to speak for him, especially when the
presbytery sought to prevent the gen.
eral assembly from giving them instruc-
tion.
II loathe these discussions" said the
speaker, They have been going on four
or five years without any beneficial re-
suit"
The Rev Charles L. Thompson offer
ed a resolution that the statement of
DR.. Hall be adopted as a substitute for
the resolution of DR.. Alexander. DIR.
Alexander had moved that the language
in the report of the committee be con-
sidered as the expression of the opinion
of the presbytery. The motion to sub
NIT the statement read by DR.. Hall
for the report OF the committee caused
no end OF confusion, and considerable
acrimonious discussion.
DR.. Alexander seconded Mr.. Thomp-
sons motion for the substitute and fin
ally after a three hours discussion, the
substitute was adopted by a vote of 81
10 IL.
The Rev.Mr. Birch was heard again.
He said that il was the constitutional
privilege Of the general assembly to
give instruction 10 the presbytery. The
controversy concerned theological stu
dents of the Union seminery, against
whose errors in doctrine. and ilegality
If not immortality, in practice, the as
sembly had already borne testimony.
a second vote was taken on the amend
ment and it was again adopted by a
vote Of 81 TO A.
Many members refused to vote. Rev.
J. Ford Sutton was not satisfied and sta
ted that he would complain OF the pro-
ceedings to the synod.
1t would seem as If the statement
read by DR.. Hall expressed the opinion
Of d majority OF the presbytery. but at
the next meeting the report OF the COM
Inittee may be taken up again and some
other action taken.
Hoods SarSa parilla rests the brain.
1t gives nerve strength and body health.
CITY IN BRIEF.
Mr.. and Mrs. John Stearnes are IN the
city visiting friends.
Mrs. Albert Christman will leave to-
day for a visit 10 Kansas City.
The good natured. happy face ana
Tortly form OF Hardy Solomon Is 10 be