New-York tribune., 1900-05-23

publish not later than March I. 1901 the re
suits Of its labors, and that Presbyteries and
this committee any suggestions which they deem
valuable not later than November ! of this
rent year.
The revision discussion precipitated by
report from the Committee on Bills and Over
lures, which reported through its sub-commit-
tee, Dr. Rerrick Johnson. Of the Mccormick
Theological Seminary, being its chairman. DR..
Johnson said that the committee had considered
thirty-seven overtures on the general subject Of
a change Of statement Of creed OF these one
| asked for revision without the impairment Of
| the reformed system in the Westminster Con-
| fesson.
One asked for revision and a brief summary
Of faith; six asked for a revision shorter
creed; one asks for a declaratory statement
short creed: nineteen dssire shorter creed.
| These nineteen. however, did not agree in their
! demands. One wishes a creed alter
native; three desire It as supplementary, while
| seven ask Il summary Of Presbyterian doc
trines, but did not indicate its relation to the
! present Confession, while eight Of the nineteen
! desire the creed a basis Of subscription
or a substitute for the present Confession; nine
! remaining presbyteries overture the Assembly
TO appoint a committee 20 consider and report
to the next Assembly what further action II
any, should be taken.
The report concluded with this statement:
Your committee deems these overtures of such
nature and number to justify action
the part Of the Assembly. But the overtures
are Of such variety and suggest so many paths
! Of process that they hardly furnish sufficient
data 10 justify distinct trial Of any one of the
! plans proposed
! To enter at once either upon the revision of
/ our present creed upon the construction of
/ new creed, upon the preparation of a supple
! mental creed or Of an explanatory statement
! would be TO commit ourselves to undertaking
/ some of the proposed methods of Credal
/ change without sufficient knowledge of the mind
/ Of the Church 10 warrant reasonable expectation
/ on the other hand TO decline all action would
| be to ignore a condition that seems TO demand
attention. and which involves wide misrepre-
sentation, and therefore rtsapprehension Of our
/ docurinal position.
We therefore recommend:
First-That committee Of fifteen, eight min
listers and seven elders, be now appointed by
( the Moderator TO consider the whole matter OF
restatement Of the doctrines most surely be-
lieved among US, and which are substantially
embodied in Confession of Faith
Second-That this committee be en1oined dill
gently TO pursue their inquiries, seeking light
and knowledge from every available source and
10 report to the next Assembly what specific
action, IL any. should be taken by the Church.
Thrd-That TO further the work of the COM
mittee the Presbyteries be and are hereby re-
quested by the Assembly 70 take action on this
subject at their approaching fall meetings and
through the Assembly's stated clerk to report
said action TO the committee, whether suggest,
ing revisonal, supplemental or substtutional
! changes, or no change at all
DEBATE BEGUN.
Dr. Robert r. Sample Of New-York. was the
first speaker in behalf Of the report presented by
Dr. Johnson. He favored the appointment OF
a committee to consider the question and report
nex+ year hut as a member OF the Presbytery
of New-York he expressed his regret that an
other period Of discussion should be begun
The troublous times in the past in that body
he hoped never would be repeated. There IS
better day dawning in that Presbytery," he said.
The pencilling of light has appeared on the
clouds, telling OF its advent. AT the same time,
satisfied that there is demand for some
new form Of modification of the creed state
n,ent. Let those who want a new creed for con-
gregatonal uses trust say SO An earnest
word in behalf Of the Third and Tenth chap
ters Of the Confession Of Faith, relating TO
the DEGREES Of God and the salvation Of elect in
fants was then given, and DR. Sample took his
seat declaring: IF the Confession of Faith
should be materially changed by the proposed
action you VIII never see It's like again"
The Rev. DR. Reser, of St Charles. Mo,
sained +he Aoor 10 ask the Moderator if the
merits of revision were 70 be entered into in the
discussions which should follow, and DR.. Hickey
replied that he would hold the Assembly to the
question Of reference alone, and prevent the
discussion of the merits of revision.
DR.. J. NJ. Worrall. another strict conservative,
spoke as a member or the Committee on bills
and Overtures, in favor Of the Revision Com
n1ittee. He said that ITS purpose was 10 hear
what the Church had TO say. 1t was TO listen IN
the spirit Of fraternaI regard 10 the voice Of the
Presbytery. II was not committee TO prepare
an overture, but simply to gather information
The Rev. Dr. henry u cameron. OF Princeton
\. J. was the third speaker in favor Of the com
mittee He said that he would Ike to have the
third chapter Of the Confession revised Bang
went the gavel, and the speaker turned around
10 see II any accident had happened TO the Mod
orator In regard TO elect infants" began DR.
Cameron. but two sharp gavel strokes pre-
vented any further references 10 them, the Mod
orator in the mean time expressing the hope
that all members would keep off the merits Of
the question and adhere to the question OF ref
ereuce DR. Cameron made a third effort:
There are two great systems of theology, the
Arminian and the Calvanistic" This was too
much for DR.. Dickey, and he said My brother,
your statement is broader than the offer of sal
walton" Introduce the brother" shouted a
commissioner Tell who he is" DR. Drkey
replied This is Professor Cameron, Of Prince
ton University: not 10 know him is TO argue
Yourself unknown" In the laugh which fol-
lowed DR. Cameron took away his third chap
ter his elect infants and his two systems OF
theology.
AT this point the Assembly was ready 10 take
a vote and appoint a committee desired with
out further discussion
DR. PENTECOST CALLS A HALT.
''Afr Moderator" and all eyes we're turned
toward the burIy form OF DR.. George r. Pente-