p. 1 | Revision of the Presbyterian Confession

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 3, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 21.

Revision of the Presbyterian Confession

THERE is quite a sentiment among Presbyterians in favor of a revision of the Confession of Faith as proposed by the Presbytery of Nassau. Writing on the subject, a correspondent of the New York Evangelist says:—

“Man made the Westminster Confession, and man may alter it. There has been progress of doctrine all through the centuries, and that progress will continue. Is it anything more than reasonable to suppose that on vexed questions two centuries and a half of Christian thinking have put us into possession of better “forms of words” than even the Fathers employed? Must we hastily conclude, if one says this, that he is drifting away from that great doctrinal anchorage, the eternal purpose of God? Why not grapple with the revision problem, seeking, as the Fathers did, the divine guidance and blessing? If the Confession is perfect in all its parts, and needs no alteration, let us say so. But let us not commit ourselves to the feeble proposition, “It is inexpedient to take any action on the question.”

On the same subject the Presbyterian says:—

“It is evident that the church is not at all ready for the revision of its doctrinal standards, and that if there is any dissatisfaction or restiveness in regard to it, it is local and limited. When the Scotch and English Presbyterian Churches get through with their work of revision, the church in America may be ready to consider whether anything of value has been secured by their labors; but for the present there seems to be no reason for the agitation of the subject.”