The article presents the controversy surrounding the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church’s recently published Act and Testimony. Amongst the dilemmas of the work is that it is a “test act” instead of a plain testimony; rather than simply condemning “error and disorder,” it forces everyone to “sign it on pain of being denounced as a heretic or revolutionist.” Any dispute with the doctrine is the fault of the dissenter and not the doctrine. The author attacks the document for its being composed at one meeting and not being check carefully before dissemination. The writer reviews a few passages of difficulty. Many of the document’s demands are unrealistic or unwise to follow. Its wording leaves no room for alternative interpretation. The author does not see the issues at play worthy of splitting up the church to answer. He also objects to the document’s recommendation to “disregard… the regular authority of the church which we are bound to obey.” Considering no crisis exists that requires this action, it is unnecessary. The few bad elements do not warrant such dramatic reaction.

• The Act and Testimony. (page 5)