The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-05-24
Calvary Church Not Large Enough &c
Hold the Throng that Tried
to Gain Admittance.
ADDRESSES BY DRS. DICKEY
G. T. PURvEs AND G.. ID. BAKER In
OPPOSITION TO REVISION.
Enthusiasm Aroused by Drs. johnson
and NiccolIs, Who Spoke in
Favor OF Change.

PHILADELPHIA, May 23-With elo-
quence born of the solemn importance or
the question at issue. commissioners 10 the
Presbyterian General Assembly to-day be-
gan the debate on the revision OF the Con-
fession of Faith. Brilliant leaders OF the
church advanced their views in a calm. dis
passionate manner and the entire discus
sion was devoid Of acrimony. With fuu
realization of the great Importance of the
subject the assembly proceeded TO consider
and investigate thoroughly every detail OK
the proposed changes in the creed.
Calvary Church was not large enough TO
accommodate the throngs who clamored for
admission. Many of the spectators did not
leave the church during the noon recess.
Although frequently required TO avoid dem
onstrations the audience repeatedly ap-
plauded the speakers. Among the specta-
tors were many clergymen of other denom-
nations.
The great question came before the as
sembly with the reading OF the report Of
the committee on revision by Rev. DR..
Charles A. Dickey, chairman. This was fol-
lowed by the minority report, read by Rev.
DR.. William McKihben, OF Cincinnati. A
right 10 speak on their reports after they
have been received. but before Dr. Dickey
could secure recognition Rev. Or. Samuel
j. Niccolls moved the adoption Of the first
recommendation in both reports. Rev. Or.
James ID. Moffatt made substitute motion
to adopt the majority report and an amend
ment was offered substituting the minority
report
Rev. DR.. George d. Baker presented az
another amendment a resolution to the ef-
feet that, as the vote of the presbyteries
indicated a lack of unanimity. the entire
subject be dismissed. Dr. Dickey secured
the floor on this amendment and made a
stirring address. supporting the old
fessiOn. Rev. Dr. Herrick Johnson and Rev
DR.. Samuel j. Niccolls aroused the un-
bounded enthusiasm OF the audience by
their brilliant presentations OF the revision
factions reasons for desiring a change
Rev Dr. George L PurNes spoke agains
revision. did Rev. Or. George ID. Baker
DIR. McKibben favored a modified changs
There are 2J0 commissioners committed 1,
dismissal, but they have expressed them.
selves as open TO conviction.
DIR. BAKERS AMENDMENT.
Rev. DR.. Bakers amendment, alluded &
in the foregoing. follows:
Whereas, The vote OF the presbyterie
on creedal revision indicates an utter lacl
the matter: and.
Whereas. This lack of unanimity means
a protracted period OF controversy and un-
rest in case the movement for revision be
Whereas, The disturbance OF the Con.
fessOn OF Faith would be in the way Of
union or reunion with other churches now
| holding this symbol unimpaired. which
union is earnestly desired and prayed for:
Resolved. That this General Assembly
| deems II inexpedient 10 proceed further i'm
| thereby dismsses the whole matter"
The reading Of the resolution brought
| forth considerable applause. There were
| loud calls for DR. Dickey TO speak on the
resolution. Before he got started on his
subject, however. point OF order was
raised against discussion OF the resolution
matters DR.. Baker changed the wording OF
his resolution as originally written by sSrfx~
ing out the words indefinitely postpone"
and substitute the word ''dismisses" /"
This gave DR. Dickey his chance TO speak
| He presented brief history OF the work Of
the committee and said he would anticipate
jority report. He heard that there was un-
fairness shown on the part of some one
He denied the assertion and said ne had
never been imposed with more serious
uuty than that which the last assembly
placed upon him. In appointing the com
nittee he did what he thought wHs best
for the peace. prosperity and progress OF
the church. DIR. Dickey told how he pleaded
with several ministers TO become members
declnatiOn OF Or. John De Wit Of Prince
ton Seminary. the latter interjected. And
you pleaded most eloquently.' In speaking
on the question OF dismissal DR. Dickev
said. Now is the most accepted time TO
settle the matter" DR.. Dickey made an elo-
quent appeal 10 the assembly 10 settle the
question finally.
DR. MKIBBEN's ADDRESS.
Dr. Dickey was followed by DR. McKIb-
ben on behalf Of the minority report. lie
presbyteries favored a creedal change. but
in his opinion the church is determined that
no change shall be made which shall touch
single Fundamental doctrine. No new
creed is desired. he said. as only fourteen
presbyteries had voted for that proposition.
DR.. McKibben said the confession should
be made clear on the subjection Of elect
infants II should be demonstrated TO this
generation. he said. that Gods grace LAYS
hold in the act OF death. and giorihes the
infant into transformation when IL takes
the child from its mothers heart"
Or. Mckibben asked that the resolution
be voted down and made passionate ap-
peal against the adoption OF the rccOmmen-
dation OF the majority report. This rccom-
mendation calls for brief summary OF the
reformed faith. bearing the same relation
10 the Confession which the shorter cate
chism bears 10 the larger catechism. and
formed on the general model OF the con-
cessus creed. prepared for the assembly OF
1892, or the articles Of faith" OF the Pres
byterian Church OF England He strongly
urged Recommendation {. which asks for
the preparation OF amendments 10 several
chapters OF the Confession OF Faith either
by modification OF the text or by declara-
tory statement so TO more clearly ex-
press the mind OF the church. with addi-
ticnal statements concerning the love OF
God for all
Many OF the spectators remained IN the
church during the two hours recess in or
der 10 secure their seats for the afternoon
.-l.ss IL.