The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-05-25
WARNS UP.

practically new creed and should nor
be concurred IN as the Presbyteries did
not desire a new confession
DEBATE WARNS UP.
Dr. Kennedy followed with forceful
argument against a revision. The way
to break down the confession, finally he
said, is to go on making holes in it,
We stand united on the confession, >"
continued DR.. Kennedy 1T is construct
ed from beginning to end to be used for
scientific purposes 1t is the constitu-
ton of our church organization. We
are not considering a popular creed, but
the fundamental principle of our organi-
zation. The confession has been charg-
ed with failing to truthfully present the
belief of the church. No one forced US
to sign that confession. We did not
Sign it in ignorance and I am sure not
one of US signed it dishonesty.
Il repudiate the sta, ement that the
confession does not set forth the man
side and personality of the Holy SJlr-
it,"
This brought Rev. Dr. Herrlck John
son to his feet. Il beg your pardon" he
said, but if you refer to me, 1 did not
say that"
DR.. Kennedy replied that while he
might have misunderstood Dr. Johnson's
words, he had received that impression.
In conclusion Dr. Kennedy said:
Our plea is that now is not the time
for changes while the church is under
fire. We are not living in constitution
making age. After a fair, deliberate
and free discussion we find ourselves all
divided up. Let US wait until God in his
providence brings US to the time when
we can agree on the questions at is
sue"
Rev. DR.. ]. E. Moffatt, of Cumberland,
Md. become eloquent in his appeal to
the assembly for a change in the con-
fession that would give more even bal
ance of truth.
THE confession" he said, lis a man
made constitution, but is not the word of
God. And we are not discussing the
word of God If this question is voted
down by this assembly it will come to
the front again until we give the church
what it demands. l want t. see side
by side two great truths: First, the SOW
ereignty of God and above all his cleo
ton of men, and, secondly, the freedom
Of man to Christ. l believe that God
has elected all infants to salvation"
AFTERNOON SESSION.
When the afternoon session was called
to order Rev. DIR. John ". Dinsmore,
of California, moved that the vote OH
LIT. BAKER amendment UlSnlSSinB the
whole subject be taken at 80 o'clock and
that speeches be limited to ten minutes.
Objection was made by some of the com
missioncrs, especially DR.. Dewitt, VINO
had accepted tie time OF Rev. Robert NJ.
Patterson, of Pennsylvania, in the morn
ing Dr. Dewitt said there were many
commissioners Xious to he heard and
he considered it unfair to shut off debate
Gen Louis Wagner of this city, spoke
against revision. He thought it unwise
to occupy the time and disturb the peace
of the church by matters which did not
affect the vitality of the faith.
Dr. Dickey then closed the debate with
a convincing argument and during the
course of his address his eloquent APP
peal for a clearer definition of the clause
relating to elect infants elected a spon-
taneous burst of enthusiasm from the
commissioners.
Al the conclusion of DIR. Dckey's ad-
dress Dr. Dewitt called for a yea and
nay vote, but Moderator NInton ruled
that a rising vote would suffice.
The question. was then laid before the
assembly and the amendment dismissing
the subject was lost by an overwhelming
majority. The assembly adjourned I'M
til tomorrow.