Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 June 1896 — PRESBYTERIANS MEET. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

PRESBYTERIANS MEET.

One Hundred and Eighth General Ar aembly Held at Saratoga. The one hundred and eighth general assembly of the Northern Presbyterian Church opened at Saratoga, N. Y., In the First Presbyterian CKnrch, where so many previous assemblies have met. The opening sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr. Robert Russell Booth, of New York, the retiring moderator, on the subject of “Christian Union and Denominational Loyalty.” The text was taken from the gospel of St. John xvil., 20 and 21. Id closing, Dr. Booth spoke of the misunderstandings and conflicts which have di vided the chureh and hindered its work. He deprecated any Work or act which might aggravate present troubles, and said: *‘lt may be a dream; it may be a delusion; but, speaking, as it were, for tine last time in such a place of public authority, I appeal to the sound Christian sense of the venerable assembly to take some proper measures to ascertain what it is that divides us, and what is requir-

ed for the abatement of strife and a reconciliation of parties at variance.’’ The first important business transacted was the election of a moderator. Dr. • Francis C. Monfort, of Cincinnati; Dr. David R. Breed, of Pittsburg, and Dr. John L. Withrow, of Chicago, were nominated. The result of the ballot was: Withrow, 315; Breed, 163; Monfort, 84. The election was then made unanimous. The usual reports were presented. The report of the committee on denominational missionary periodical showed successful operation during the year in spite of a slight decrease in circulation. A statement of the relations between the individual societies and the church was presented, in which It was asserted: “This assembly recognizes as under the jurisdiction of the Church all young people’s .religious organizations of every name which are to be found within its churches or composed of the members of its churches. In general these societies are to be organized and to work in conformity with the historic portion of the church, as expressed by her standards and interpreted by her courts.” A report which called forth a warm discussion related to Sabbath observance, and was presented by Elder William R. Worrell, of New York. The report denounced all work on Sunday, various theories of individual liberty, excursions, ball games, bicycle riding, lax views of the Sabbath, social entertainment and the Sunday newspaper. Christian people were scored for their lax observance of Sunday. The resolution, which was adopted, reaffirmed former deliverances as to the perpetual binding obligation of the Sabbath.

REV. DR. J. L. WITHROW.