The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-05-18

0A~' 20 ~ &C
Guiding the minority report on revision
We're then presented
REVISION REPORT.
The following is the full report of the
special committee on revision appointed
BY the Presbyterian General assembly
OF 1SO0 10 consider the question of a re-
vision of the Confession of Faith
After the patient consideration given
to this important subject, and after a
protracted. but harmonious discussion
OF the subject in all its bearings, and in
its possible issues. it was determined to
submit to the general assembly the fol-
viz:
J. That the returns indicate that the
church desires some change in its CredaI
tatement.
?. That the returns indicate that no
change IS desired which would in any
way impair the integrity of the system
OF doctrine contained in the Confession
of Faith.
g. These returns indicate that it is the
mind Of the church that the confession
shall be interpreted throughout in har-
mony with the teaching of scripture
that God is not willing that any one
should perish, nor is the decree Of God,
but the wickedness of their own hearts
which shuts some men out from the Sal
walton freely and lovingly offered in
Christ Jesus to al sinners.
4 These returns indicate that a plur-
atty OF the presbyteries desire that
changes should be made by some new
statement of present doctrines.
;. The returns also indicate a desire
on the part Of many presbyteries for
some revision of the present confession
especially in Chapter III; Chapter X
Section 3: Chapter XVI, Section 7;Chap-
ter XXI. Section 3; Chapter XIV, Sec
ton s; with additional statements con-
corning the love of God for all men,
missions and the Holy Spirit.
(a) In view of these facts we recon-
mend that committee as provided for
by the form Of government, Chapter
XIII, Section 3, be appointed by this
assembly
% We recommend that this commit
tee be instructed to prepare a brief sum-
mary of the Reformed Faith bearing
the same relation to the confession
which the shorter Catechism bears TO the
larger catechism, and formed on the
general model of the consensus creed
prepared for the assembly Of 1892. or the
Articles of Faith" of the Presbyterian
church Of England, both of which doc
uments are appended to the committees
report and submitted to the assembly.
to be referred to the committee that
may be appointed.
This summary is not to be a subs+i-
tute for the confession, and is not to af-
feet the terms of subscription, but ITO
vindicate and clear the doctrines OF the
church from all false aspersions and
misconceptions, to give better under
standing Of what is most surely believed
among US and is in no sense to impair,
but rather to manifest and maintain the
integrity of the Reformed Faith.
Co We further recommend that this
committee be instructed to prepare
amendments of chapter III, chapter *
section 3; chapter XVI section z; chap
ter XXI, section 3. and chapter XIV,
section 6, Of our confession Of faith,
either by notifications of the text or by
declaratOry statement, so as more clear
~ to express the mind of the church
with additional statements concerning
the love Of God for all men, missions and
that the revision shall in no way impair
the integrity of the system Of doctrine
set forth in our confession and taught
in the Holy Scripture
The members of the committee APP
pointed by the last assembly unanimous
ly agreed to all the findings and recon-
mendatiOns Of this report, with the ex-
ceptiOn that Rev. DR. William McHibbOn
and E w. c. Humphrey, Esq, could
not approve of the recommendation to
the assembly, to instruct the committee
that might be appointed TO prepare
summary of the reformed fa1th to De
submitted to the presbyteries, in con-
nection with such other amendments
and statements as might be prepared
These members gave notice that they
would submit to the assembly report
embOdying the findings and recommen-
dations of this report, emitting the rec
ommendation to instruct committee
that might be appointed to prepare
such a summary Of the reformed faith
In conclusion we feel justified in the
statement. and we think it fitting to
state. that our lamented member, Gen
era1 benjamin Harrison. gave clear ex-
preston to views before the committee
which assure Us that he would nave
Joined US in the findings and recomfnen-
dations Of this report
Loyal to our standards, believing that
a constitutional majority OF cur beloved
church favors some action and that our
recomme ndatfons. if executed. would
preserve intact our system Of doctrine
and promote the peace and prosperity
Of the church. we humbly and reverently
submit the results of our inquiries and
deliberations to this venerable assembly
Charles A Diclie. Herrick Johnson
Samuel j. NiccOlls- Daniel ". Fisher
George ID Stewart. Stephen w. Dana
Samuel p. Sprecher, Henry Van Dyke,
John NJ. Harlan, Daniel r NOyes. VIII
liam R. Crabble, John E Parsons Elisha
A. Fraser.
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