It is not to be supposed that the General Assembly
will or could, if the alteration is made, propose a formula working any great doctrinal revolution. The relief from the rigid formula of subscription required under the Act of 1693 will, however, allow a general rather than a detailed acceptance of the Confession of Faith. Jowett during a controversy in regard to proposed alterations in the Thirty-nine Articles is said to have deprecated detailed changes, on the ground that "old chains gall less than new." That was probably a wise saying in regard to the circumstances in which it was used ; but here there is no thought of making new restrictions, but merely of giving greater width and scope. A general declaration will be acceptable to many who dislike a detailed pledge to sonic of what Lord Balfour of Burleigh called "the very startling statements" and "some very harsh forms of expression" which belonged to the period in which the Confession was drawn up. Professor Herkleas, we note, stated in the course of the debate his opinion that the Church had the right to say what was the "suns and substance" of the Confession. It may be mentioned, also, that Lord Balfour in his reply denied that any suggestion was made that Parliament should create a new formula. It is noteworthy that the motion was passed unanimously amid a scene of great enthusiasm. The decision is, we believe, a wise one, and shows the vitality of the Established Church.
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