The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-06-01
Professor Robertson Smith.
LIE TO THE HRRALD).
LONDON, Nav 26. 1888

LONDON, May 26, 1881.
The Times correspondent at Edinburgh. dis.
cusslng the case of Professor Robertson Smith
before the General Assembly of the Scotch Free
Church, says -" There has been no case in re.
cent times which has provoked such intense
feelings OF resentment on the one side and
equally strong enthusiasm on the other. The
resolution adopted by the General Assembly
declaring that it no longer considers it safe or
advantageous for the Church that Professor
on n1 should continue to teach in one of her
colleges did not deprive Professor Smith of his
CHAIR 1t merely said that he ought to be de
Prlved OF IT. 1t was simply very strong vote
OF no confidence in Professor Smith and tbis
form was adopted in the belief or hope. that
Professor Smith might feel constrained to re-
sign, but believe that he does not intend TO
resign. The Assembly, therefore, will be Obliged
practical effect to its own censure. DIR. Adam
OF glasgow, has gwen notice of motion to this
efiect, which will be discussed tomorrow Thurs
uay): Inc motion proposes to remove Professor
Smith from his chair, but in the meantime TO
continue his full salary. The intention of this
is believed to be to prevent the case being taken
into the civil courts. Perhaps there is also an
expectation that before long Professor Smith
will be convicted of heresy in due form and
regularly depssed when his salary would
Immediately lapse. There is however. another
aspect OF the legal question which was brought
before the Assembly by Mr. Guthrie. the legal
adviser OF the Church. He told the Assembly
that by the law of the Church professors held
tneir chalrs by the same tenure as that by which
clergymen held their churcbes-nanelv od
oltd"1 ant cuLpdnl for life or until dismissed for
m'sconduct-and if they dismissed Professor
smith from his chair sunmarily they reduced
the tenure, not only of professors. but of minis.
tiers to that of tenancy at will. At present minis.
ters vote in Parliamentary elections on their
manses, because they are believed 10 be life
tenants, but if this decision is adhered 10 the
right of Free Church ministers to the franchise
Will be liable to challenge in the registration
courts and 1T undoubtedly will be CHALLENGED.
The Free Church, in that case. will be DRAGGED
INFO conflict with the civil courts. To-morTo27y's
vote Will, therefore, decide not only the fate If
Professor Smith, but also the status of all pro
iessors and ministers of the Scotch Free Church
IN It's political as well as its ecclesiastical asnact
The effect of the proposed arrangement ON pro
lessor Smith will be to retire hin, on fnI no.,
ana give him leisure to write more heretica1
articles. The announcement Of the result of the
Young on the resolution above referred to was
followed by scene Of unparalleled uproar.
me cheers OF the vlctors were nearly drowned
IN the bowls, gToans and Kisses of a LARGE nro.
portion Of the audience" At the MEETING Of tho
General Assembly of the Scotch Free Church
TO- day DR.. Adam, of Glasgow moved the resolu
ton OF which he had given notice relative to
Professor Smith. Professor Bruce moved that
the Assembly decline to give effect to DR. Adams
motion. After six hours discussion 3o4 mon.
bers voted for DR.. Adams motion and 231 for
that Of Professor Bruce. Professor Bruce and
other members then protested against the decs-
ion of the Assembly.
LONDON, May p, 1881.
during the discussion at the meeting of the