Nebraska Newspapers

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GENERAL ASSE1BI4i AT'ORK \ \
United Presbyterians Put in a Buzy Day
Attendiii to Church Mattera.
? ( DR. ERGJSON % CHOSENTO BE MODERATOR
Dt'kgnt ( t Itiglit InTt , In fl1MI1SCUI
) r
. anti ( * Ickly et thr % lnc1.Iier
r
of tbp ( ItIeI * IH liio
% vtIs Iu1 lust.
L was fitting that the United Prebyterlafl
u'fleraI nscmbIy holi get right down to
the isard bu3lncss of 118 fortIeth annual con
vintlun on the two bunlred arn fiftieth anni.
. crsary on the 2Gth ot Mar-the day recered
-
by every Prebytcrlan , because on that date
the Westmlnter standards of faith were de
I' dared In fngland. It vas welt attended at
the Central church.
. I'rornIJtIy at I ? a. m. Moderator Ilauna
alltd the asaesnbI ) to order. After a prayer
by Dr. F. M , Spencer of Cooper college ,
the roll % s as calkd by the principal clerk.
hr. Iteeti , Thire were quite a number ab-
rent , howtver , and the s-oil was somewhat
modIfied by substitutIng the names Of SOY-
- - . .eral alternates. The next thing was the
redIsig of the minutes and then the new
moderator was chosen.
Dr. Spencer aroce and saId that two years
ago lCnnsg City had given the assembly a
moderator and a ) eir ago Monniouth , 111. .
bad done like service. Now he ou1d laaYe
ths assembly go furthereast for a presldlng
olUcer. Aa a western man be had not forgotten -
gotten his alma mater. lie therefore Pro
pod the name of Dr. it. U. Ferguson , pros-
dent of Westminster coUege. at ew WIl-
mlngton , Pa. Dr. Ferguson had been for
_ _ thirtecis 'eai z a leader , he said.
v
' of her Ca ml l,1neM l'rcspnMcd
- - T1e name of Dr J. W. Witherspoon , coT-
responding secretary of the Freedmen's MIS-
jilon board , was net presented by Rev. W.
.1. MartIn of Mansfield. 0. Then Dr. John
T. Browulco of Chartlers arose and pacet
In nominatlorf the venerable , but vigorous ,
- - pslnclpal cleric , Dr. William .1. Iteid. as a
cndtdate for moderator. Dr. I3rownlee observed -
served that two years ago the Presbyterian
assembly at Saratoga Springs chose Its principal -
cipal clerk , Dr. Roberts , for that position ,
wlth the result that the business of the
gathering went through with a dispatch that
.
% ns marvelous. lie biIevod the selection
! Dr. Reid 'aould be a parallel success ,
9
The last nomination made was by Dr. 11.
II. I3li of Monmouth , Ill. , one of the
evangelists of the denomination. He of-
fcrd the name of Elder Robert Rutledge of
St. Louis , a lay delegate , as "a worthy
representative of worthy elders. "
On the motion of Dr. It. D. Williamson
of Troy : c. 'v. , nominations were closed and
the tellers , Drs. " .V. 13. Barr , J. T. Meloy ,
- .1. 11. Llttell and H. G. McVey , distributed
the ballots.VhIle this was being done Dr.
Iteid told the delegates that he thought he
could better servo the assembly as clerk
than moderator. "You will not go wrong , "
he remarked , "if you vote for Dr. Ferguson. "
The result of the balloting showed Dr.
Ferguson easily elected by the following
vote : Dr. Ferguson , 122 ; Dr. Witherspoon ,
51 ; Dr. Reid , 17 ; Elder Rutledge , 21.
Dr. Spencer was chosen to escort the
moderator-elect , Dr. Ferguson , to the
altar. Ho was welcomed by Dr. Ilanna with
a few tting words of appreciation and introduced -
troduced him to the assemb'y. Dr. Ferguson -
son said :
Fathers and Brethren : Your action and
the exceedingly kind words of the retiring
moderator almost overwhelm me. All I can
say is I thank you. but there are so many
. others ho are stronger , wiser and better
-l. fitted than myself that 1 question the Judg.
Ineni. of your selection , The Lord has
PtOflhISetl that whenever two or three are
gathered together in his name lie will
be In the midst of them. I linpe he will
be in our midst and direct us in our
work.
iLe5.urtH Offered.
Printed reports from six of the eight
boards were submitted and distributed in
the assembly. These were from the boards
of Foreign missions. Home missions , Freed-
- anen's nsissions , Church extension , Women's
General Missionary society , Publication.
Those from the hoards of education and
Ministerial relIef came in later.
Dr. Alexander Gilchrist , chairman of the
committee on program. took the opportunity
nfforded by the lull in the proceedings oc-
casloned by distributing the reports to announce -
nounce the program for the assembly. He
announced the sublect for Dr.V. . J. Robin-
L
_ _ address for theerening , "Calvinism , as
Iinbodled in the Westminster ConfessIon of
FaIth , " and also those of the addresses for
Monday evening , to be given by Dr. Samuel
Martin of Sialkot , India , on "Foreign Mis-
lon Work of Today , " and 11ev. 0. E. Ilawes
af Portland , Ore. . on "home Mission Work
Df Today. " The program also covered the
sours of convening and recess ,
The assembly alter this got down to
hard and -rai'lc ivbrk , A batch of prayers
- ' nd memorials and resolutions from various
presbytcries were read by Clerk Reid and
ycferred td the proper committees. Among
them were the following :
Allegheny-AskIng for declaration on temporary -
porary and permanent licenses to students ,
Conetnaugh--For repeal of the act of the
sseinbly of 1S5 granting temporary lIcense.
Ssini1 of Use Nile.
lgypt ( Africa--For ) divisIon into four
PresbYtCriCs and organization of these into
a "Synod of the Nile. "
Syitoil of Pittaburg--'s.king that congregations -
gations in the localIty be allowed to con-
fltCt vitls the KlskUninetas , and several
other memorials from Freeport , Allegheny.
\'orthington and other places asking to be
transferred to the vresbyter of Kiskim-
betas ; aiso one from this i'resbytery ask.
lug for an extension of its liue&
Allegheny--For a cenipictu revision of the
tliurch PsaltCr.
Itock Islitod--For a psalter suitable for
evangelical work ,
Des MOines--For modification of regulations -
tions of hoard of Edu'ation so as to have
aid given to students only In the shape of
6 per edit loans.
Directors of Mleglteny Theological Semi-
vary-F'or more elasticity in the curiculum.
Chicago-For prohibition of the usc of
Ilonie Mission employes.
Synod of Iowa-For publIcation of the
salaries of the omeers of the assembly and
boardo in the assembly minutes ,
Dr.'liliam 5 , Owens. correisoniilng Eec-
rotor > ' 0 ! the floard of home Missions , and
re'raI presbyteries-For reduction of salary -
ary of the corresponding secretar' of the
soi1Ie zuisslons board , by one-fifth (5OO. ( )
AiIeghen-For declaration onmarrlage of
divorced persons.
Rock Island-For change in the Book of
Government on admission of church mun-
l'ess , distinguishing as to whether baptized
3ito tIn' church or not.
Dr. Owens' memorial for a reduction of
isis own salary-supposing him to be con-
tinned In his position-was a graceful yield-
: log to financial pressure.
The petition from Egypt set forth that the
territory of the presbytery there extended
700 miles from the delta through the valley
. .
' - , Dr the Nile. It Is a lot of ground to cover.
The lobacco memorial from Chicago was
; 'cferred to a special committee on a motion
by Elder 3 , 1' . Tracy , But there was a
very great division of sentiment manifested
'when the vote was taken as to whether
II should go to a special or one of the regu-
br committees , and one of the delegates
t facetiously suggested that it O to the cota-
: iuittc'e on transportation , to which another
1- retorted that it might go to a committee on
"good manners. "
% ! .stt Sit Cut Out .td'ertiscmcnis ,
Before the noon recess several other To-
form znexnortals were read , A Christian En-
leaver society of I'Ittsburg. Pa. , asked that
the assembly adYise tls discontinuance of
-
' -
' .
advertisements in the Christian talon Iter-
aId and other Sunday school publications.
Another was a memorial signed by twentr- t
four ministers and fifty-one elders asked for
consistent conduct in the church on the
licensing of the liquor tratflc and signing the
bonds of saloon keepers. It rather insinuated -
ated that the church had come short In this
reareet , It went to the judiciary committee
instead df that on reform. This was subse-
quentiy reversed on reconsideration.
An invitation from the American Anti-
Saloon league. the annual convention of
which will be in Cleveland , 0. , In December ,
followed , requesting that the United Pres-
byterign esscmbly be represented by ten delegates -
egates , It was referred to the committee on
nominations with instructions to name the
ten delegates.
Dr. Vlttierspoon rellerod the new modern-
tor for a while during the morning session.
Stnusl I ag Consist Itlurs Nzissitsl ,
As soon as the assembly rcconvened.for
the afternoon Moderator Ferguson named
he following committees , which were np-
proved tthout change :
Ilills and Overtures-Revs. 3. 'V. ' , Wither-
spoon , , D.D.V , 0. Waddle , liD. , H. 0. Mc-
\o , , and Itt. E. Melinda and Elders Josiah
Work , 'F. C. MeClinton and William Meloy ,
Judiciary-fleva. I. . . D. Williamson , J. C.
floyd , D.D. , John 'r , l3rownke , D.D. , W. 3.
Cooper and Elders W. 3. MaglU , W , Ii.
Moore and James Reynolds
On I3oard of Foreign Missions-Revs. John
Williamson. D.D. , John S. Spoor , D.D. and
A. It. Munford and Elders It. 13. Cummins ,
D.D.S. and M. S. Claybaugh.
On Hoard of Ilonie Missions-Revs. F. M.
Spencer , D.D. , H. IL Bell and IL A. Jatnison
anti Elders P. C. Strangeway and John Gray.
On Board of Freedmen's Missions-Revs.
\v. T. Campbell , D.D. , S. Martin , D.D. and
It. Ii. Patton and Elders \V. C. Chamberlin
and Joseph Morrison.
On Church Extension Board-Revs. C. E.
Ilawes , J. It. Logan and T. C. Anderson and
Elders 3. II. Scot and \V. .1. WIlliamson.
OnVomens Board-Revs. T. 13 , Turnbull ,
D.D. , J , C , Scouller and 3. 11. Littell and
Elders Hugh A. hart and T. G. Donaldson.
Education-Rove. J. Q , A. McDowell. W.
E. McCulloch and \V. 3. Golden and Elders
S. M. Kelso and Thomas E. McDowell.
M Inisterlal Relief-Revs. McFarland , D.D. ,
A. H. Dufr and .1. C. Roe and Elder. . 3. T.
Patterson and George Love.
Publication-Revs. Samuel Collins , D.D. ,
M. M. Marling and S. 0. Huey and Elders
A. G. McCracken and T. C. Johnston.
Sabbath Schools-Revs. . A. Spalding ,
.7. T. Adams , S. P. I3arnckman and Elders
John Stinson and John P. Francis.
Finance-Elders Robert Rutledge , Georg.
M. l'aden and U. II. Struhle and Revs. U.
M. .McCielan , D.D. and W. Ii. Barr.
Statistics-Rays. I' . W. F'ree , D.D. , R. H.
Park and 3. II. Sibock and Elders 3. P.
Tracy and \V. J. Johnson.
Correspondence-Revs. David Anderson , S.
M. Hood and Daniel Harris and Elders John
Bell and Hugh Nelson.
Devotional Exercises-Revs. 3. II. Webster -
stor , J. H. Martin and \V. McCormick and
Elders J. E. McGeary and \V. T. Baird.
Revision-Revs. Andrew Henny , It. H.
Hood and \V. Il. MeMaster and Elders E. E.
Elliott and H. M. Robertson.
Nominations-Revs. John A. Wilson , D. . ,
J. J. Ileston and A. H. Orr and Elders D. J.
McLay and J. A. Wallace.
Theological Seminaries-Revs. S.V. . Gil-
key , D.D. . S. It. Lyons. D.D. and Robert
Stewart , D.D. , and Elders John Gray and
U. P. Monteith.
Appropriations-Revs. W. H. McFarland.
D.D. , John Williamson , D.D. . T. 13. Turn-
bull. DD. , 0. E. Hawes , S. Collins , D.D. ,
and 3. Q. A. McDowell , Elder Robert Rut-
ledge and \V. T. Campbell , D.D.
! .tter. , Before * 1.tM..etsIlsly. .
Among the matters which came before the
assembly and were referred to committees
were the appeal of C. P. Meredith of Boy-
den , Ta. , from the action of the synod of
Iowa refusing to certify , in his letter of dismissal -
missal , that he was an elder ; a memorial
from the same synod for an expression of
opinion by the assembly on the propriety of
the action of the synod of Illinois in inviting
presbyterles of another synod-that of Iowa
-to take such action as would nullify the
position of their own synod. The Iowa
synod had previously withdrawn from the
support of Moninouth college and the Dli-
nois synod subsequently proposed to admit
the presbyteries of Cedar Rapids , Des
Moines , Keokuk and Le ClaIre to participation -
tion in the maintenance of it.
From the sabbath school department of
the Woman's Christian Temperance union
came a request askIng the assembly to join
in a movement of the Woman's Christian
Temperance union , after the idan of the
London ( Eng. ) Sabbath School unIon. to
make the fourth Sunday in November "Tern-
perance day. "
The specIal committee on reform se'ected
by the moderator was : Revs. W. A. flobb ,
D. D. , A. S. Alken and Il. E. Lackey. That
on tobacco-using among Home MIssion em-
ployes was : Revs , W. I. Wishart , l'resaly
Thompsonnnd Fl McKee ,
The subject of arbitration between the
United States and Great Britain was urged
in a communication from ' the National
Council of the Evangelical Churches of Eng-
land. It announced an Intended visit to this
country In behalf of arbitration of Rev.
Charles Albert Berry , D. D. The matter
was sent. to the correspondence committee. .
To the same committee 'as referred an in-
vitatlon to send delegates to the Holland
Christian Reformed synod June 15. The
credentials of Rev. William P. Bruce of New
Jersey as a delegate from the general synod
of the Reformed church was also referred to
this committee. A union with the United
I'resbyterian church seems to be wished for
by many members of the Reformed church
and a letter from the clerk of the Christian
Reformed church expressed this hope ,
llet etIi I'sit rlutlsui nut ! ltt.l Iginu.
During the afternoon proceedings there developed -
veloped a conflict of opinion over patriotIsm
and supposed assembly duty. It produced an
occasion ( or some Impassioned oratory , and
hoary-headed divines became very much ant-
nuitedbut the speeches were brief as well
as Pointed.
It all came about over a proposition to
change the memorial services from this even-
big to this morning's session , and to devote
the evening to prayers for the success of
the American army and navy in the present
war with Spain.
Dr. W. T. Meloy of Chicago made a motion
to this etTect , saying the occasion was an
urgent one , as at any time now a great bat.
tie might be fought ,
Dc , John A. Wilson of Mansfteid , 0. ,
offered an amendment to substitute a eon-
reference on Sabbath schools and young peo-
pie Instead of the patriotic services desired
by Dr. Itleloy. lie said be felt some ember-
rassrneot.in proposing this amendment. stir-
rounded as ho was by so many American
flags ( all the wails of the church Interior
are profusely decorated with them ) , but he
believed there Is no lack of patriotism in the
country and It Is more important that the
assembly confine itself to the discussion of
matters of church work. lie observed also
that there is a great deal of "gush" indulged
in , anyhow , over the flag and the country ,
and that such is not genuine patriotism ,
Eider Josiah Work of the Brookviile presbytery -
bytery asked : "Will we not sPend one
evening in spiritualizIng patriotism ? "
. Dr. Meioy came to the defense of hIs
original motion. lie said : "It Is not a
mere matter of patriotism that we could
give expression to at any time , but we are
confronted with the stupendous fact that
today the army and navy of the United
States , with a force of 200,000 men. are engaged -
gaged In a contest with Spain , a nation
that for iOO years has oppressed the poor ,
and momentarily we may expect to bear of
a tremendous battle. My conaclenco has
condemned me for not attending to this responsibility -
sponsibility sooner. The president has
called for an additional force of 75,000 men.
I feel that our country and our country's
arms need our prayers and ought not to
put oft this duty. "
'rLeir Klnkbip I. Cic.
An able lieutenant In the contest offered
himself in the person of Dc , W. H , ? dcFar-
lane of MuskIgum. Said Dr. McFarlaae :
"OUr flag was as much outraged by the de
atruetion of the Maine as when Fort Sum-
tee was tired upon. This religion of Jesus
Christ and patriotism are closely akin
Boy. SV. 3. Golden of the North Platte
presbytery suggested dividing the evening
between the two subjects , but , Dr. Collins
at Allegheny and Dr. Meloy both opposed
any cutting up of the evening-an hour and
a halt were not too much time to devote to
prayers to the God of battles for American
triumph.
"Our nation , our army , our nat'y arc all
for God , This Is a new era we have begun
and it Is for Christianity. Let us discuss
this. " remarked Dr. Collins.
Dr. David Anderson of New York hoped
the young people mould not be overlooked.
lIe thought there would be time enough for
both , He deplored that any one bad used
the word "gusts" In connection wIth the
American flag.
Dr. Wilson again arose and asked : "Who
of us has not heard infinite gush about the
religion of Jesus Christ ? The word needs no
apology made for it , and I offer none. "
Dr. Meloy recalled the historic inbident
when a company of Covenantera went to
President Lincoln during the civIl war and
assured him of the prayers offered in their
homes for the union cause. The manner in
which this affected Lincoln was eloquently
portrayed.
But 11ev. John Lackey of Keokuk took up
the Incident just where Dr. Meioy left elf.
lie repeated the words of- Lincoln on bli
hearing of the favorable action of various
ecclesiastical bodies : ' 1 can now go for.
ward with the discharge of my duty with
confidence for I know that the relIgious sentiment -
timent of the nation is with me. " Mr.
Lackey continued : "It is not merely the
flag-though that is the emblem- Is our
God who Is over our nation. "
l'atriotism had won. The motion to divide
the evening between appeals to heaven for
the American forces and a consideration of
Sabbath school matters was Itut and found
but few supporters. Dr. Wilson's amendment
to Dr. Meloy's motion had even less when
the vote on It was taken and finally Dr.
Meloy's motion was almost unanimously
carried. Loud applause-an unusual thing
in Presbyterian assemblies-followed the
vote.
Mesisorlal Service , , 'VDSIItT.
The program on memorial services this
morning provided for Dr.V. . G. Waddle to
preside and announced U. T. B. Turnbull
for an address on "Our Departed Brothers-
A Faithful Ministry" and Rev. Thomas
Park for one on "The Minister's Special En-
couragements. "
The mInisters deceaaed during the year
have been Revs. George \V. Brden of Des
Moines , : Samuel Drown of flrookvllie ,
James L. Paisley of central Illinois ; Henry
Gordon and W'illiam B. Henning of Argyle ,
N. Y. and Joseph Brian of Monongahela.
A resolution was then presented by Dra.
.1. C. Boyd of Monongahala , Pa. , and W. 'I' .
Mcloy of Chicago. asking the Board of DIrectors -
rectors of the Tranamississippl Exposition
to reconsider Its resolution by which it
decided to open the exposition on Sundayc.
Various reasons were given , among them
the need of working people for Sabbath rest.
Rev. John T. Brownlce of Chartiers , Pa. ,
moved the adoption of the resolution by a
iisin vote. Such a vote was taken withou'
discussion and the anti- Sunday opening rcs
olutlon was' adopted unanimously.
( 'AL'INIS3i .tND TlIlCONI'IiSSION.
It i' ' , I ) r Itolti IIM ( fl 0 I Al I cgliess'
I's'encte , . I I.e Aiiii ive'rstry Sensual. .
The evening meeting ken up almost -
most wholly with Dr. W J. Robinson's
address on "Calvinism as Embodied in the
Westminster Confession of Faith , " It was
presided over by Rev. S. E. Martin of the
College Springs ( Is. ) presbytery. Just before -
fore the address the reports were received
from the seminaries at Allegheny , Pa. ;
Xenia , 0. , and Pdwnco City. Nob.
After the usual services of singing of
appropriate psalms and prayer Dr. Robin-
con spoke. During the course of his address -
dress he said :
The 250th anniversary of the completion
of the Westminster Confession of Faith and
Catechisnis has been duly celebrated by the
churches adhering to those historic symbols.
both contincntu have united In the anthem
0' praise that has acended to the KIng and
Head of the church for this mighty citadel
renred for the faith once delivered to the
sollits , Seldom has ny event in histor' re-
iel'ed a larger and more appreciative recog-
nitien than that of the Westminster assembly -
sembly and Its work.
: tllelit , ' Fuelers its llIslor' .
The Westminster Confession of Faith. the
Catechisms , larger and snorter , have been
among the mightiest factors in that tre-
menlouIs struggle throuhh which Christian
civilization has emerned from the bondage
of centuries and become the smonym far
clvii and rIigIous liberty. And never has
this fact stood out more clearly before the
mind of the evangelical church thcn today.
The churches holdIng to these symbols of
faith could not hove done a greater service
to themselves , their children. the church at
large and the world itself than to improve
this anniversary occasion to direct the mind
to thnt glorious assembly and the splcanid
system 01 doctrine formulated by It. And it
seems to tue that this occasion comes very
providentially In the waae of that stupendous -
deus failure which our larger sister of the
I'resbyterian faith has so recently achieved
in the effort to amend these standards and
to bring them into harmony with present attainments -
tainments of Christian thought. Their attempt -
tempt was aimed at the wrong document.
Had they buceecded In their revision th old
I'Ible itself would have remained a trouble-
come Look. Many an unpleasant statement
eliminated from the Confession would have
stared at tlenl out of the pages of the inspired -
spired volume. It is to be hoped that the
studies of this anniversary year have postponed -
poned all eflort.z at revision of the Confession -
sion , at least until the millennium.s : ' has
tien vell said by another. "The West.
minster standards have attained the high
water mark in the statement of the elements
of evangelicni religion. " , tfter 250 years of
ccnf.ict , growth , advance and victory the
churches which have been moulded accord-
log to its pattern and guided by its teach-
in , are constraIned to recognize it as the
final word In theological statement. All
honor to that illustrious assembly of consecrated -
crated men.
Wn Not ICons at Weslnuinp.ter ,
' : 'neeoctrlnaicontent.s ox this immortal work
ulIti not r"ceie their first formal statement
from the Wtctmiitster , assembly , That body
was not called together to formulate a creed
for the church. The church already had a
creed , clearly enunciated , almost universally
ccceptcd-a creed that had teen carefully ,
learnedly and exhaustively wrought out and
formulated nvarly a century befere its sit-
tings. John Calvin antedates that essembly
by 100 years. , nul that system of doctrine
was first drawn from the pages of Gtd'a
word. it had already become the creed of
the great Reformed church in nearly all its
branches. It was not the necessity for a new
cr.'ed that called the Westminster asensbiy
together , The language of its commission
read ! : "For the vindlra' log and clearing of
the doctrine ofthe church from all asper-
slons. " Ts this purpose the assembly faithfully -
fully adhered. Its members were to a man
Caivinists. If there was a single member
who held Arminian views he bad not the
courage of his convictions. So far as history -
tory records not a word was uttered not in
harmony ith Caivinistic teaching. Indeed
it is an historic fact that the Church of Bog-
iand through all its noble struggle for clvii
and relgious liberty was in its best elcuients
as intensely Caiviniatic as the Church of
Evoliaiud or that of Holland , , All the great
inglish reformers , Anselm , Bradwardlne ,
Tyndal , Wickliffe , Ussher , V'httgift and
others were Calvinists. Men may play with
/trrninianism In times of peace , but in the
great crises of spiritual conflict there is
nothing but the solid bedrock of the eternal
sovereignty of God on abich the foot can
rest with any sense of security.
Oilier flocunients thnt Helped.
Of course I am not ignorant of the fact.
neither do I ignore it , that the thirty-nine
articles of the Church of England , The de.
liverances of the synod of Don. the Larnbetb
articles and especlaliy the Irish articles ,
bearing almost in every sentence the Ito.
press of the great mind of Archbishop Us-
alter , contributed to the material and form
of the work of the assembly But these
documents tmsev , are In turn to be
traced back direct1J.jhe splendid work of
the Genevan retorqic' ; Neither do I forget
the fact that CaIYlsIsii Itself is to be tracd
back , too , by direct lg through Anselm to
Augustine , and thbu Augustine to l'aul ,
and through Paul to 'tl Spirit of Truth Him.
self. In the hands 'i : the assembly it took
a new form and por. The ass..mbly went
to the original source. It traced Calvinism
back to the inspired' 'rolume.
Dr. Robinson diiatel somewhat upon the
distinctness and c1arness of the statements
of the confession anti its freedom from
sacerdotalism end ritualism , and commented :
And yet another iteuch was given to Cal.
'elitism by the WstniInzter divine. John
Calvin was a schoiar5.a profound thinker-
I had almost saiti a a r-and his mind bad
a speculative bent. Ilpnce the Calvinism of
Calvin has just at hOle preponderance of
abstractness , of stlffu , of Inelasticity as a
working system for thb life of men.
( tuuul' , . Gren t t'ticliuittgi'tlile Plait ,
He quoted from Dr. Wharfield quite copiously -
ously to demonstrate the value of the standards -
ards as the simple but clear declarations of
faith. "it is a torking cresd for a living
church. " lie observed , and numerous in.
stances of the power of the contession upon
the minds of converts and novitiates lie gave
to show its eftectiveness. lie spoke also of
the Popular sniscOflCePtiOtl of CalvinIsm as a
"dark and gloomy system , " as a kind of
"valley of the shadow of death. " Froude's
lame explanation in defense of it was not
overlooked. Titia was that it was a stern
hand laId upon an evil generation. Its apparent -
parent hardness. ir. Robinson did not deny ,
I but he defined It as follows :
It holds out with great iurominenr the
truth that God is suprenie , that Iiedid not
consult the creature in the matter of his
creation , and does not consult him in the
matter of his govt'rflm'nt. It asserts that
God acts Intelligently in accordance with a
fixed and definite plan. It. insists that this
plan originated In Ills unchanged counsel-it
dates from eternity-fl plait all eonpreh.'u-
sive embracing the acts and determining
the destinies of Ills intelligent. creatur.'s ,
and even covering the fall of the race and
all its consequent train of evils. Calvinism
does not.nttempt to fathom the mystery of
a scheme of faith that apporently makes
man a mere machIne and God the author or
sin , but finding the truth so written in the
word It takes the risks and writes it down
reverently but positively. It admits that
there ore things in its system that arc hard
to understand , but k finds severity in the
everywhere adtoittcd facts of tha divine pro-
cedure. The providence of God has a stern
aspect to sinful man. history is as grimly
Calvinistic as the most hyper Calvinism.
God , not man , is the enter of the system.
The seeming paradox of God's absolt
ao\'ereignty , man's fall. the process of r -
demption by vicarious atonement received
careful attention. Then he concluded :
Calvinism looks at things as they are. It
has little to suggest as to what ought to be.
It does not quarrel with revealed facts. It
accepts the truth as written in the word
without question.
But it is the inspiration and helper of
everything that is good in human life and
human history. It has given to the world
civil and religious liberty.
Dr. Robinson is the pastor of the First
church of Allegheny. Pa.
AS SlO'u'N H'Y TIlE RDPOITS.
Condition of Cluttrlu Affsslrt , Indlenteil
1' lti'flhtnlN.
The annual report c'the Board of Foreign
Missions showed that the estimates frotli
Egypt had been redureti trorn 'e ' tO
$ stxo and those of India ( ron : G9OOO to
$5S,000-reductionS that had been made
necessary to avoid running Into debt , the
church having failed in adequate financial .
provision. 3 I
In referring to the war with Spain it con- I
tamed the comment : e'Oft-tlmes God answers - .
swers prayer evenbY : ( earful works. "
The report of TreasUrer Robert L. Lati-
mer of thts board showed receipts and expenditures -
penditures almost Abalaucing little over
$ li3,000 for the yefir tt rocomnended ap-
piopriattons for the'ehsuiflg year amounting
to * 141,631 , which' "Iieludes the 23OOO
pledged by the Women's board.
At the close of the' ' last year there were
fifteen missionaries and forty-three organized -
ized congregations , thirty-three of which
were ministered to by native pastors ; 201
churches and stattons , anti a native l'rotes-
tant community numberIng 20,000 In the
Egyptian field. The plague interfered very
much with the work in India. The total
Christian community there , notwithstanding ,
is given as 10,067 , and the staff consIsts of
fifteen ordained American missionaries ,
with 160 other workers. India has three
presbyteries.
Th expenditures by the Board of Home
Missions during the year footed up $77,192 ,
hut the sum raised b ) ' the board did not go
over $67,207 The total aid granted was
S,6S4. The number of presbyterles was
fifty-six , stations 204 , members , 15,2S9 , Sab.
bath school teachers 1,696 , with a scholarship -
ship of 19,469. TIme requests for aid amount
to $ S.403 for thc coming year.
A general increase of fruitfulness in the
mission field is reported.
The typewritten report of the committee
on narrative and state of religion t'as read
by the chairman , Itev. Vu' . IC. Patterson of
Des Moines , in. it was a very lengthy one
and contained many interesting comparisons
and conclusions. The synod of the Columbia -
bia was given time credit for the highest
increase for the year. 7.4 per cent. Next
came the synod of Nebraska with 7.3 per
cent , and Illinois followed with 7.2 per
cent. Tue northwestern field , Washington
and Oregon , seemed to just now require
especial attention. In Egypt the work had
been phenomenalEgYPt with its 10,000.000
of population with which a Christian
strength of 20.000 has to struggle.
This report touched upon the church songs
and music , among other things. The United
Presbyterians use the metrical version of
the psalms only. Some other denomnina.
tions , it was said , appear to be following
the United Presbyterians in this respect , to
the exclusion of hymns and songs not considered -
sidered inspired. There was no relaxation
in the attitude toward secret organizations.
% 'itlt regard to the young people's so-
cleties the report believed they might eon-
Stituto a "formidable and dangerous ele-
mont" as at present constituted , Instead Of
a valuable aid. The objection was aimed
at their supposed lack of religious rigor.
On the whole the document was optimistic.
It contained also a great deal of Inter-
eating statistics. The total contribution of
the church for the year had been $1,47.930.
There was a total membership of 120,319 ,
and a Sabbath school scholarship of 1117 ,
These Sabbath schools had contributed
90t93. The total membership of the young
PCOIle's societies was 4lCTS , stud there were
1,017 of them. The church membership in
foreign fields was 12.052. Altogether there
are sixty-six presbyteries In the world sub.
ject to twelve synoda. The congregations
number 951 and the ministers 913 , but 202
congregations are not supplied.
The Board of Church Ettnslon has
charge of the erection of mission churches
and parsonages. Re' ' . A. G. Wallace of
l'ittsburg , l's. , who is the statistical clerk
of the assembly , assisting Dr. Reid , has
been corresponding secretary of the Church
Extension board for the last twenty-eight
years. lie Is Dr , Reid's associate on the
United PresbyterIan editortal staff. The
hoard's financial statement was very corn-
plete. Receipts for the year had been $ S0-
21L16 and expenditures $66t02.49 , leaving a
balance of $19,2Sf,27 , of which , however ,
$17,390.40 has niready been approprinted.
The total appropriations had been $31GST.00 ,
but the Woman's Missionary board had
added to this $11,200 for parsonage.
Notes s.f Slat' , tsernll , y ,
An invitation as received by the as-
semhiy urging it to take advantage of the
hospltaiity of the Young Men's Christian
association of this city.
A meeting of the alumni of Monmouth college -
loge was held during the evening recess.
Mr. C. C. Wallace and Judge J. H. McCul-
loch of this city and Dr. W , A. Spaiding of
Spokane , \\'ash. , nere chosen a committee
to arrange for a banquet for the alumni and
previous students.
College vresidents. some with hair
whitened by years , are thick in the as-
sembly. Among them are : Dr. Il. G. Per-
guson \\'estminster college , New Wilmington -
mington , Pa. ; Dr. S. Ii. Lyons ( recently
. . 'ctetI ) of the Monmnouth , Ill. , Institution ;
Dr. P. M , Spencer of Cooper Memorial instt-
tute , Sterling , Kan. ; Dr. Jesse Johnson of
Muskinguni college , New Concord , 0. . and
Dr. J. A. Thompson of the Tarkio , Mo. , col-
lege.
GAMBLERS OF SOUTH OMAHA
Cusnr juilie llnxler lIenr' Ttl-
nitsity ttznlnMt 'l'tV ( ) Uure of the
1)L'feuulnaulM I'uuulpr .trreMt.
Before County Judge Baxter another of
the South Omaha gambling cases is on trial.
The defendants , Frank Swanson and August
Paper. are charged in an information con-
taming two counts. One count charges
them with keeping gambling rooms , while
the second charges theta with setting up
and keeping gambling devices. The men
were caught in the raid made by the sheriff
during the night of April IS , at which time
he found the defendants and a number of
parties In the rooms , some of them playing
at the tables. This is the second South
Omaha gambling case that has been tried
in the county court. In the other case the
defendants were held under bonds to appear
at the district court.
LOCAL BREVITIES
Scaffolding was put.inthe city hall yesterday -
day morning to enable the painters to dee-
orate the ceiling over the rotunda.
Postmaster Martin will today appoint
two clerks and a special delivery boy. The
appointments will be made public at 4
o'clock.
Thomas Prathmtmn. who lives at 17 South
Nineteenth street , had a horse stolen from
his barn last night.
The Irish-American Exposition club will
meet in the Arlington block this evening.
New business of importance will be consid-
ered.
ered.Mrs.
Mrs. Tiedeman , matron at the police station -
tion , has in her charge a brown-eyed boy
baby 0 months old for whIch she wishes to
find a home.
United States court , according to Judge
Munger , is expected to reconvene on Thursday -
day of next week. Lack of funds is re-
smonsthie for the present idleness.
The central committee has fixed the place
for holding the republican primaries in the
Eighth ward. The voters will meet at Satin-
ders' bali. Twenty-fourth and Cuming
streets.
An entertainment under time auspices of
the Silent Cosmos club will be given at time
Lowe Avenue Presbyterian church on Friday
evening , May 27. An interesting progra.i
has been arranged for the occasion.
Company G of a New York corps of engineers -
gineers passed through the city yesterday
miner ihe'Union Pacific bound for the I'acttic
coast. The company was composed of sixty
inca under command of Captain Langtry.
A somali fire occurred yesterday at the
home of Thomas J. Saunders , 1324 North
Twenty-sixth street. Some gasoline was accidentally -
cidentally ignited and the blare was extinguished -
guished without damage before the depart-
meat arrived ,
All members of the Veteraji Firemen's as-
ociation will appear in full uniform at 622
South Nineteenth street Friday morning ,
May 27. by 9:30 : o'clock to attend the funeral -
neral of their late comrade. P. J. Karbach.
By order of president.
Tite Indieg thnt are looliimg for a bley-
do boot 'liL Gut ! a li1ot dt'drallO and
immoderate prleeul 0110 in tIme new boot 7
I
just reec'ivetl l ) , ' ii-tlml boot hits the
brown cloth tojm niitl tail kid vamp and
\Ve'S'e irleeul It nt only 2,5O-You will
fluti in tliht shoe till time style of the
mueh hi.ihmer itticed ones-w'hmhle time fit
and finish , cilfl't be lwat by any shot''I ,
this is one of the uobiest bit'ycle loots 5 ,
wt"t'e ever beeti aisle to show 811(11. ( tIme
lrice ) is so llttle-4iuly . 2.30.
.
S .1.
Drexel Shoe Co. ,
Omalmn'i Vi"to1ntC Shoe IIouic.
1419 FRNAM sTREE'r.
, .J -
t.
m
5. , ii
I
Time w'oiy arnl : imeoim'enienee of an
uusat1fttctory wiutiuw' hmade offsetg time
ftv ? jeuhIit that might he t'utyetl in buy-
lug an nnrellnbl&nrtlele-the 8lmades we . .c e ½
sell mire warrant&V anti mounted upon
sprln' . roIler ot tesU'il merit-We show 1
a large toek of all littdn of imades in
nih time loIular ooIor-Wu show the I I 4' S
genuine ieotc'im.lIohiautI lmade at tOO T
cents-In a splendid variety of colorings
-We make shades o fit ammy wiudow-
fact Is everything we do Is done so that
you're satisfied wflh our work and
.
'
t I
OniahaCarpetCo 1L
Oualia's ExcJuIve Carpet flouse ,
1515 Dodge St ,
- - - - - - - - -
--z- =
, - I
" ; : '
'ITo a man up treett it 'ooks ' as
though Nicoll the ' 1'niloi'1 was donig
all the IfllO'l'pl , of Omaha. But wc'ro
iiot. i1af a Ilulidred orders yesterlay
-aiid as lflii1l the day before-is but
a faim1 hint of what our 1)riflg Ii'acle
is likely to lie ,
We're ready for a big ti'ade-wc've
made 1)rcparatio1I for a record 6raL'I
i7)'ear-greatt'r stock StO'O-
) , larger ] -
better faeflities , additional a1emeu- t
illcrease(1 etittilig force. ]
This year we're going to 1)ut ) iii our
best licks OIl the fellow \\'llo liftS been
faiZCP ci'cdzl , ' . We're
pay1lg ) J''iccs. go-
ilIg to try to COI1ViIICI3 him tilat it pays ' "
to trade Witil Nicoll. WTe'i'e going to
CO11\'illcc 111111 of the iflvillg by dealing with Zt cash house' . If
lie' Opeli to coin'ielioii the tfIik is easy.
MI 63rmi3 1I1 iI Oin'1-y Onii T.iIr.s ,
TROUSERS , 4 to l2. SUITS , i15 to ¶ 50
SP11NG OV1RCOATS , ¶ 15 to ¶ 40.
'
209 and 211 S. 15th St - - Karbacti Block
CELEBRATE A ChURCh D Y
Anniversary of Adoption of Wertm'iuster
Confeasion of Taith.
PRESBYTERIANS PUT ASIDE ROUTINE
Hx.usernor hi'ns'er ttstkeM an Dar-
imrmt .tlilrepus4 niuui at It , , ' Couielusiomu
time . % gt'd 'elerstiu I"iilmttt'
frouui II is liat'rtIuui.
WINONA LAKE , 1d. , May 26.-Routine
business was laid aside by the I'resbyterinu
general asesmbly today , and the time was
given to a celebration of the 250th anmulver- ,
sary of the adoption of \Vestnminster confession -
fession of faith.
Today the general assembly laid
aside the McGiffert case , which was
of intense Interest to the whole
church. in order to celebrate the two
hundred and fiftIeth nmmniversary of the I
adoption of the W'cstuilnster confession of
faith and catechisms. A large attendance
had been advertised , but it had failed to inn-
terialize when the exercises 'began. though
lunch baskets were in evidence. The corn-
missioners to the assembly were late in being -
ing seated , many being accustomed to omit
the preliminary devotIonal exercises. The
addresses of the day had the Westminster
standards as their objective point. Two interesting -
teresting incidents occurred at time opening.
An oaken gavel and granite block from
W'estmlnster abbey were presented for the
use of the assembly. Later Dr. 'William C.
Gray presented an oil portrait of Alexander
Henderson , the leader of the Scotch cotomnis-
simmers to Westminster assembly and nuthor
of the famous "olenmn League and Cove-
font" of Scotland.
Time exercises were devoted to four nil-
dresses , time first being that of Dr. W. U.
Roberts of Philadelphia , the stated clerk
of time assembly , who described the "Work
and Character of Alexander Henderson , "
whose portrait stood at the speaker's right
hand. Dr. Samuel J. Niccolls of St. Louis
described "The Civil and Religious Conditions -
tions of the Times of the Westminster As-
scmbly , " and Dr. George Norcross of Carlisle -
lisle , Pa. , rehearsed the history of the assemn-
bly in the nmiddle of the seventeenth cen-
tury. The final address was delivered by Dr.
J. U. Moiiatt of Washington , Pa. , on the
"Fundamental Doctrines of the Westminster
Confessional and Catechism. "
The last speaker on time afternoon program
was former governor , James A. Beaver of
Pennsylvania. In closing he remarked feel-
ingly. poInting to the national emblem , that
be had lately seen federal and former confederate -
federate generals marching under the same
banner. General Beaver grew pale , and
almost fell to the platform , but grasping
time pulpit , he exclaimed : "God speed the
day 'when the northern and routhern I'res-
terian churches shall unite to carry forward
time gospel of the Son of God , ns our national
forces have united , north and nouth , to carry
freedom to the ends of the earth. "
The effort proved too much for the Pennsylvania -
sylvania veteran. and he sat back fainting
Into a chair. The scene caused considerable
excitement , and order was only restored by
the announcement that General Beaver had
recovered ,
The Westminster standard was the subject -
ject of addresses by William H. Roberts ,
- = = z -
stated clerk of the assemmmbiyl ir. Samuel .1.
Nic'olls of St. Louis ; Dr. George Noecross
sit Carlisle , Pa. ; Dr. U4 B. Mot'fntt ofVnib -
ingtomm , Pa. , atmd others.
iIscus Cliurt'li ioetrine ,
At the afternoon session the first address
was made by Robert F. Coyle of Oakland ,
Cal. , ott "tVestmninster I'oiity and \Vorship. "
Dr. Coyle spoke of the loyalty of the nasein.
biy to the word of God , and of the prom-
incnce given to the kingship of Christ. The
present nccd of the church , he said , was
an exalted Christ. If defeat was to be
avoided.
Dr. N. U. hulls of Chicago described the
source of the influence of timi' I'resbyterlan
church , through its enmphaeis on childhood
and louth.
Ir. Ilcmmjamin L. Agnew of Philadelphia
took for his subject the American l'resby.
terian Church and the adoption of time nets ot
I 1727 and 1759 , by which it made the \\'est-
I nminster stztnilard its own.
General heaver closed time afternoon ses-
sion. His address amouseil much interest ,
anti before he fainted In the middle of his
closing sentence the nssemnbly was wrought
tilt to n high pitch of excitement. General
Beaver quickly recovered , however , nail or-
der wits quickly restored.
At the evening session , General John
Eaton of W'ashington spoke on "Presby-
terlan Chureimes antI Educatipa. " lie wrs
followed by Moderator Dr.Vnllncc' ltndcliie ,
who spoke of the men of the W'entnInster
assembly ,
Tto missionary speeches closed the ex r-
cises. Time firetwas by Dr. Gcorge L. Spin-
log , vhoe subject was "The Iteiatton of
time Presbyterian Church to Home Mitsions. "
The second was by Robert B. Speer , eccee-
tary of the Board of Foreign Misslons. lilt
tail : related to the work of foreign mis-
slons as prosecuted by time l'resbytermau
church.
Todays' sessions were attended by the
largest crowds of the present assembiy.
The human maci"nr ttarts nut once and
stops but once. You can keep it going
1 longest and most regularly by using
DcWitts Little Early Risers. time famous
little pills for constipation and nil stomach
and liver troubles.
STOCK YARDS WILL BE OPEN
Opeztin tns ' 'iii lii , No liollitny foe
lilt. I.ivsSlack Etelionge
Meiiibersu.
Some days ago a petition was passed anti
signed by all the commii'sion firms asking
time Stork Yards company that time yards be
closed on Wednesday , June 1 , the opening
day of the Transrnlssisslppi Exposition. On
more mature consideration some opposition
to the closing of the yards was developed
and a pecinl meeting of the Live Stock cx-
change was held yesterday afternoon to reconsider -
consider the matter. it was pointed out
I that a good many shippers would come In
I to visit the exposition and bclng stock with
I them. expecting it. to be sold , Attention
was also called to the fact that the Riding
club had been given the post of honor Ia
the Parade , being appointed to act as escort -
cert to the Board of Governors. After fits-
cussing the matter in nil its bearings It
was voted to keep the yards open anti do
business as usual ,
B. S. Parker , Eftaron , Wis. , writes : "I
have tried IJe Witt's Witch Hazel Salyo
for itching imiles and it always Btops theto
in two mimmutes. I consider Do Wltt'e
Witch Hazel Salvo the greatest piie cure
on the market. "
- = ;
_ _ . _ _ _ - - _ -
it'm ; mo tmc' to talk about buying it
Iinmla1I 1)111110 unless you come to hmeati-
quarters-amid time hmelmiqmmarlers : for all
Nebrmtm4kmt Is ut . 't. IIOipe't-We uppiy
mill Nelmrammln uii'alers s'3tlm these falnoun -
IltnoS-ss'e ) : ml i'e 'ihmo'mmg ml $ P'CItti before
t'xpositioim dImplay Of solimi' of tlst' hand.
mmonu'st 1)111110's e''r lro.luc'u'tl . by any
1)111110 ) immakei'-ali the imntnr.ti voodk I .i' , '
rvpreseimteui us time UOWemt C8Se-W' ( ' calm Ptl 4 L
Iflak ( ' you a lirice tlmat vIhl be as gatis.
factory its our ti'rmims arts etmy-Comne
yomiieIf-brhmmg your frlt'mmmls vith you-
vlstors imlwnym welcome ,
A. HOSPE ,
ttL1sic ailti MI 1513 Douglos
- - .
Yotm can tree through glasFes It you get
timeimI here nfier yoimi' eyes have bet'ii , , _
testt'dAil the eyegltsnes or sjmeetaeli'a
bought at tlmiti htore after they Immtwtm , j
1)Qt'I1 ' ' ' . : .
) 1)t'OimerlY udjustt'd tve ss'Ihl gliaran. - ;
ttN , t1tt * yU See flS ti'hl s'it1i as -
It your t'yeiglmt s'at Imel'ect-We charge .
. '
nothittig to examine time eyes aimd our
experieiiee imims Iroveii us to be exjert ' ,
optielans-Ocuhists' lmlerI1sthls are ' ' 5"
filled with IrecIiozi by us , - . . ' -c : : : , ' - -
TheAloe &PenfoldCo
t.eudlsig Selentiflo Opticlgsjme , L.5. , - I p"
241I8 ) 'as-n m ireet OMAHA _ . _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
OwneR. Pa i ,