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| Dr. Henry Van Dyke, Jr. |
Cortland Evening Standard, Friday, May 29, 1903.
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
Presbyterian General Assembly Adopts Revision.
HAS BEEN AGITATED 15 YEARS.
Eleven Overtures Presented by the Committee Appointed In 1901 Passed by Unanimous Vote—Colored Question Referred to a Committee to Report Next Year.
Los Angeles, Cal., May 29.—At the Presbyterian general assembly three questions that have caused much discussion in the church in past years, were on the calendar, namely: the report of committee on revision of the faith; the report of the committee on divorce and remarriage, and the Tennessee overture. This last is the overture decision upon which will close or leave open the doors of the Presbyterian church to the colored race. The sub-committee on the subject recommended that the entire matter be referred to a special committee to report to the next assembly. The recommendation was opposed by the colored commissioners on the floor.
A motion made by Dr. W. N. Page for the adoption of the report of the revision committee as a whole prevailed by unanimous vote.
The moderator later was authorized to appoint a committee to confer with the Cumberland Presbyterian committee on the question of uniting the two churches.
Dr. Henry Van Dyke, chairman of the committee on bills and overtures, to which the revision question was submitted, read the report, heretofore given to the stated clerk detailing the vote on the 11 overtures on revision. These overtures were passed on seriatim and adopted. One negative vote was heard against overtures numbers five, six and seven.
Declaratory Statement.
The following declaratory statement which preceded the reading of the text of the overtures was adopted:
"While the ordination vow of ministers, ruling elders and deacons, as set forth in the form of government, requires the reception or adoption of the confession of faith only as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures, nevertheless, seeing that the desire has been formally expressed for a disavowal by the church of certain inferences, drawn from statements in the confession of faith, and also for a declaration of certain aspects of revealed truth, which appear at the present time to call for more explicit statement, therefore, the Presbyterian church in the United States of America does authoritatively declare as follows: (Then follows the text of changes in the confession of faith.)
By the adoption of 11 overtures important additions, amplification and amendments are made to the articles of the confession of faith. Of these, one of the most vital is the erection into the church doctrine of the belief that all who die in infancy are saved.
"That concerning those who are saved in Christ, the doctrine of his love to all mankind, His gift of His son to be the propitiation for the sins of the whole world and His readiness to bestow His saving grace on all who seek it; that concerning those who perish, the doctrine of God's eternal decree is held in harmony with the doctrine that God desires not the death of any sinner, but has provided In Christ a salvation sufficient for all, adapted for all and freely offered in the gospel to all; that men are fully responsible for their treatment of God's gracious offer; that His decree hinders no man from accepting that offer and that no man is condemned, except on the ground of his sin.
"Also that it is not to be regarded as teaching that any who die in infancy are lost. We believe that all dying in infancy are included in the election of grace and are regenerated and saved by Christ, through the spirit, who works where and how he pleases."
For section 6, chapter XXV of the confession of faith the following is substituted:
"The Lord Jesus Christ is the only head of the church and the claim of any man to be the vicar of Christ and the head of the church is unscriptural, without warrant in fact and is an usurpation dishonoring to the Lord Jesus Christ."
After the reading and adoption of all the overtures, Chairman Van Dyke said he wished to make it clear, and especially did he wish to say "to the brethren of the press that this revision does not mean that the Presbyterian church has changed her base one inch, but it does mean that she had broadened and strengthened her foundations. Her divine sovereignty shall never be interpreted so as to mean fatalism."
The discussion was continued by Dr. H. C. Minton, Dr. C. A. Dickey, Dr. J. W. Peach, and others. After brief speeches by Rev. Dr. William Henry Roberts and Moderator Coyle a motion was made by Dr. W. N. Page for the adoption of the report of the revision committee as a whole. The motion prevailed by unanimous vote. Then Moderator Coyle offered a prayer of thankfulness that "this morning's work had marked the consummation of 15 years earnest effort in the Presbyterian church."
CENTRAL'S TERMINAL
To be a Wonder of a Station—Very Tall Tower.
New York, May 29.—A tower 750 feet high, about 200 feet higher than the Washington monument, is part of the plans for the terminal the New York Central railroad is to build on and around the site of the Grand Central station at 42nd-st. Those plans have not yet been adopted by the directors.
It is the plan of the New York Central to have a terminal station that will be an architectural wonder. The main building will cover a whole city block 700 feet long and about 200 feet wide. A clock with a dial 27 feet across is planned for the loft of the tower.
PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.
Growth of Rural Free Delivery.
Free rural delivery was started in 1897 with an appropriation of $40,000. It was then an experiment. In 1898 the sum of $50,000 was appropriated and in 1899 that was increased to $150,000. In 1901 the appropriation had reached $1,750,000; in 1902 it had risen to $3,993,740, with 8,466 routes. For the year beginning July 1 next the sum of $12,621,700 will be available, and the number of routes will be about 12,000. Carriers travel 275,000 miles daily and 7,000,000 people are served by rural delivery and collection.
That is a sudden and enormous development of a new system. It is characteristic of American energy, enterprise and, we may say, imprudence. That rural free delivery is a good thing for millions of our people, and that it has come to stay cannot be questioned; but it is well to traverse a new road with some caution lest one stumble into snares and pitfalls.
Extraordinary success bas attended the introduction of rural delivery, and considering the inexperience of the government with it, there has been a remarkable lack of scandals and blunders in carrying it out. But a reasonable amount of caution is desirable. The territory to be covered is so vast and the demands of congressmen and their constituents upon the department are so urgent that there is danger that the work will be overdone unless the brakes are set for awhile. The postoffice department, it is reported, is disposed to go a little slower for awhile in the matter of establishing new routes, until experience and definite knowledge of the operations of the system show where the dangers of it, if there are any, are to be found.
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| Cortland Traction Park. |
CORTLAND PARK
Formally Opened Tomorrow—Band Concert and Dance—Other Attractions.
The [Streetcar] Traction company has completed the repairs and cleaning at the park which is now ready for the season. Seven monkeys and a baboon arrived yesterday and were installed in their quarters. A large comfortable deer park has been built in the upper grove and the four handsome deer purchased last winter are happily living there.
The management bas made plans for some good attractions for the season which will be announced from time to time. The park will be run on the same high order as the past two seasons.
The formal opening will occur tomorrow. The Cortland City band will give an open air concert at 8 p. m. There will be dancing afternoon and evening with music by the Cortland orchestra which has been engaged for the season.
The regular Wednesday and Saturday evening dances will be held as usual this year.
On Sunday afternoon next Valentine Bros.' orchestra will play at the pavilion from 2 to 5:30 p. m. This orchestra is very popular with the public of Cortland and deservedly so, as its playing is of a very high order.
The Traction Co. has always endeavored to please the public by fair and courteous treatment and no doubt the coming season will be a successful one.
MISSIONARY MEETING
Of Baptist Churches of Cortland County at Memorial Church.
The annual basket meeting of the Woman's Baptist Home and Foreign Missionary society of Cortland county was held Thursday, May 28, 1903, in the Memorial Baptist church of Cortland. The day was fine and the attendance large. The morning session began at 10 o'clock, the vice-president, Mrs. F. D. Reese, reading the Scripture lesson, and Rev. G. A. Barnes of Blodgett Mills offering prayer. After the reports of secretary and treasurer had been read and adopted, the usual roll-call of Home mission circles occurred. Ten circles responded.
The home director, Mrs. O. W. Cooke, sent a report of the last year's work telling of greater interest in many circles. A verbal report was given by Miss Estelle Walker, junior home director, in which she urged the ladies to do some thinking, to agitate the subject and to form Home Mission circles among the juvenile members of their various places of residence.
Ladies Discuss Mormonism.
An interesting discussion of Mormonism followed consisting of a series of questions asked by the president, Mrs. Benjamin Starr, and answered by various numbers of circles. A remarkably fine paper upon "The Effect of Mormonism upon National Life" was given by Mrs. C. C. Darby of Cortland. A well written article upon "Woman's Work among the Mormons'" by Miss Louise Hobart of Homer was read by Mrs. Nixon. Mrs. Starr read extracts from a spicy letter concerning the Latter Day Saints from C. C. Wentzlee of Salt Lake City.
A committee on resolutions was appointed: Mrs. D. B. Grant, of Solon, Mrs. F. W. Huff of McGraw, and Mrs. T. W. Carter of McLean. Morning session closed with benediction by Rev. J. C. Auringer.
Afternoon Session.
The afternoon session began with prayer by Rev. D. B. Grant of Solon. The thank offering was $26.85 —$13.30 for home and $13.55 for foreign missions.
Twelve foreign mission circles answered to roll call.
Miss Lester, foreign director, read a report in many respects encouraging, one circle having been formed in the year past. The committee on resolutions submitted the following report:
Resolved, That we as a committee are thankful for the good attendance, showing that interest is not wavering for the refreshing rain, though like spiritual blessings, we hope it is only a few drops before a more copious shower.
We have great reason to rejoice for the financial increase, some paying more than their apportionment.
We rejoice that we have Mrs. Bishop with us, and hope and pray that her work with us will be a great blessing to all our circles. Thanks to the committee for securing her services.
While we greatly rejoice at the material growth of our country we regret that so great a menace to her spiritual prosperity is entrenched within her borders as the great incubus of Mormonism. May we as Christian workers, arouse a greater interest and encourage a broader knowledge of the evils which threaten us.
Resolved, That we extend heartfelt thanks to the ladies of Memorial church for their hospitality in entertaining the circles represented.
Officers Elected.
The nominating committee reported through their chairman, Mrs. Helen Slafter, the following officers who were duly elected:
President—Mrs. F. D. Reese, Cortland.
Vice-President—Mrs. C. W. Negus, Homer.
Home Director—Mrs. A. M. Cook, Blodgett Mills.
Junior Home Director—Miss Estelle Walker, Cortland.
Foreign Director—Miss Jennie P. Lester, Cortland.
Junior Foreign Director—Mrs. J. C. Auringer, Cortland,
Sec. and Treas.—Mrs. A. D. Ellsworth, Cortland.
Mrs. Bishop's Address.
A solo, "Tell It Again", was sung by Mrs. Auringer after which came the event of the session—an address upon "Helps for the Circles" by Mrs. M. L. Bishop of Worcester, Mass. This address was so full of practical suggestions that an attempt to report it would be useless. It will doubtless be published entire for the benefit of missionary circles everywhere.
Interesting reports of foreign mission current topics were given.
China—Mrs. C. C. Gleason, McLean.
Japan—Mrs. Matha Hough, Cortland.
Philippines—Mrs. J. L. Duesler, East Lansing.
Assam—Miss Barnes, Blodgett Mills.
Africa—Mrs. Hulbert, McGraw.
Europe—Mrs. Grant, Solon.
Burmah—Mrs. D. E. Smith, Cortland.
Mrs. Smith also gave a memorial service for Mrs. Marilla Ingalls. Mrs. Slafter and Mrs. Reese followed with s touching tribute to the memory of Mrs. Ella Brainard Whittaker.
Mrs. Bishop conducted the question box in a bright helpful way. Session closed with benediction by Rev. W. J. Howell.
Evening Session.
Evening session opened at 7:30 with prayer by Mrs. Northrup of Homer and Scripture by Mrs. B. Starr. An attractive exercise given by some little girls in costume and solos by Mrs. Miller and Miss Ellsworth added much to the interest. An excellent address followed by Mrs. Bishop.
Mr. Auringer dismissed the meeting with prayer. The next meeting will be held at Homer.
COLUMBIA GARDEN
To be Opened Saturday Afternoon and Evening.
The management of the Columbia garden, Court-st., Cortland, announces in another column of this paper that it is prepared to open the garden Saturday, May 30, although the grand opening will be on Monday night, June 1. The managers state that the garden is in no way connected with the [former Kremlin] hotel and that a first class performance will be placed before the people and one that will in no way jeopardize the character of the place. The attractions that are engaged for next week are first-class. The management has prepared the program with care and believes that the public will heartily approve of every act that has been booked. They will charge the small admission of 10 cents and as they have engaged the well known Valentine orchestra for the opening, they can assure every one of a pleasant time. They sincerely hope that their earnest efforts may be crowned with success.
BREVITIES.
—Rev. Dr. Keppel will address the veterans of the civil war at Blodgett Mills Saturday evening.
—Tomorrow is Memorial Day and a legal holiday. No paper will be issued from this office.
—Two new Rambler automobiles have just been received by the Cortland Automobile company.
—The meeting of the Cortland Science club scheduled for Saturday night, May 30, has been postponed one week.
—The new display advertisements today are—G. H. Wiltsie, Dry goods, page 6; Angell & Thomas, Oxfords, page 5; Haight & Freese Co., Stocks, bonds, etc., page 6; Grand Opening Columbia garden, page 6.
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