The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-05-19

what extent you would nave reFisioh The revision reported 10 the Assembly in 1892 might here ne helpful as a basis for judgment.
 If your preference Is for an expia- natery statement. indicate what specific points in the confession the ex- should cover.
 "The committe considers 1t as qulte evidence that due regard to the aooVe questions and suggestions may pc or great service in contributing to better of the mind of a church on this important matter.
 "The committee also would respect fully request the Presbyteries in re- porting their action to state the vote in the affirmative and in the negative.
 To the questions contained in -the foregoing communication answers were made by 190 Presbyteries, prior to De- cember 1. 1900. which were put In printed form and submitted to the committee at its meeting in Washing ton, D. C., December 4 to 8. At this meeting all the members of the com- mittee were present and an examina- tion was made of the returns from the Presbyteries. A tentative report was agreed upon at this meeting, but final action was postponed to another time.
 A third meeting was held at Wash- ington. D. C., February 1s and 1A. 1901. at which additional answers from the Presbyteries were presented. and the subject was further considered.
 Several members of the committe found it impossible to attend this Feb- ruary meeting, and others were com pelled to leave before definite action could be agred upon. While a ma jority of the committee found it feasi- ble to agree upon a definite recommen- dation. a considerable minority ex- pressed a desire for further considera- ton. The chairman being authorized to convene the committee at the con- venience of the majority, called. there- fore, 8 meeting at Pittsburg, April 25. 1901, ten members of the comnitrA' were present. One member of the committee, Hon. Daniel R. Moves, was absent from the country; four members. viz. Rev. Samuel J. Niccolls. D. D., and John E. Parsons, Esq. Justice John M. Harlan and Dr. William R. Crabbe regretted their in. ability to attend the meeting, but in view of previous action expressed theil willingness to unite with a majority in any final action that might be de- termined. The deliberations of this meeting were shadowed by the lament ed loss of our distinguished member. General Benjamin Harrison, Express sions Of esteem and regret were re- corded upon our minutes. and com mittee. consisting of the Chairman. Rev. Samuel J. Niccolls, D. D., and Justice John M. Harlan. was appointed to submit minute to the Assembly.
 At the Pittsburg meeting the final kax af hn nf v- teries upon the questions submitted by the Committee was presented. and was as follows:
 Votes of the presbyteries upon the questions submitted by the Committee:
 First-For revision of the Confession (question 1.) T.
 second-For an explanatory state ment (question 2D Il.
 Third-For revision of the Confess sion and an explanatory statement Questions 1 and 2,) 1.
 Fourth--For a supplemental state ment of doctrine (question 3, 52.
 Fifth-For revision and supple mental statement of doctrine (Ques- tions 1 and 3. 15.
 / Sixth-For an explanatory statement tions and 3, 1.
 SeVanth-For a substitute creed, IA.
 Eighth-For an alternative creed, l.
 Ninth--For some change, 6.
 Tenth-Negative vote on all four questions, 4.
 Eleventh-Indecisive vote. 1.
 Twelfth-For a dismissal of the whole subject, 50.
 Thirteenth-Presbyter in the Uni ted States not reporting. 15.
 Fourteenth-P in foreign lands not reporting, Is. -
 The votes show that 63 preSbyterles favor (see items Nos. 1. and aboVe) some revision of the Confession of Faith and 6S presbyteries favor (see items Nos 4. $ and 6 aboye) some form of a supplemental statement of the doctrines most surely believed among us.
 After the patient consideration given to fhis important subject. thus record ed, and after a protracted, put mar monious. discussion of the subject i'll all it's bearings, and in its possible is- sues. it was determined to submit to the General Assembly to convene in Phila adelphia, May 10, 1901, the follow ing findings and recommendations, viz:
 First-That the returns indicate that the church desires some change III US credal statement.
 Second-That the returns Indicate that no change is desired which would In any way impair the integrity of the system of doctrine contained III the confession of faith.
 Third-These returns indicate that IL q the mind of the Church that the ,or fe ssion shall be interpreted through mi in harmony with the teaching or scrinturs that God is not willing that ,nv one should perish, nor IS 1t the ,ecree of God, but the wtckedness or ', cir own hearts which shuts some men ,ut from salvation freely and loVlngly ,frared in Christ Jesus to all sinners.
 Fourth-These returns indicate that
 plurs lity Of the Presbyteries desire hat changes should be made by some lew statement of present doctrines.
 Fifth-The returns also indicate lesire on the part of many Presbyte- les for some revision of the present Jonfession, especially in Chapter i'll; thapter X, Section 3: Chapter xvi. Sec ion '; Chapter xxi, Section 8; Chap CT XIV. Section 6: with additional state nents concerning the love of God for III men, missions and the Holy Spirit.
 A. In view of these facts we recom- mend that committee is provided for " the form of government, Chapter ,xiii, Section 3, be appointed by this 
 R. We recommend that this com nittee be instructed to prepare brief ,ummary of the Reformed Faith bear ng the same relation to the Confess
 AH