The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-11-01
(From the Belfast Witness.)
The Higher Criticism in
America.

oCdIee ny tue apparent disposition OF the
Hebrew professors of two Presbyterian
colleges to accept the Wellhausen the
cries of the Bible. 1t is necessary to ex-
plain that after the Princeton Review
which had long represented the old
orthodoxy of the Alexanders and Hodges,
became the organ of learned Anythinga-
rianism, it was found necessary to start
new organ on the lines of the recon
structed Presby terianism of some years
ago. This quarterly appeared in due
course, under the name of the PreSby-
terrain ReUteaO, under an associated edi-
torship, which was intended to reflect the
scholarship and the theological tenden-
cles OF all Presby terian parties. Six col
leges, in fact, had hand in the direc-
ton, but DR.. A. A. Hodge and Professor
Briggs were the recognized editors. Sew
eral articles lately appeared in its pages
on the Robertson Smith controversy, or,
more properly, upon the merits of the
Higher Criticism. Men like Professor
Green of Princeton, perhaps the most
learned Hebraist in America, discussed
the question with marvellous resources of
scholarship, in what we may call the
orthodox interest. But the Hebrew pro-
fessors of Lane Theological Seminary
and Union Theological Seminary took up
the cudgels for the Higher Criticism-at
least as to its principles-and the result
has been most disquieting to the peace
of American Presbyterianism. AS in the
Aberdeen case, the professors in question
are understood to be comparatively
young men, with much of the aggressive
self-confdence which distinguishes all the
men of this school.
The storm that is now rising will, no
doubt, seal the fate of the Presbyterian
Revie1O and this is all the more certain
because DR.. Hodge, as one of the editors,
in July last published brief note of ex-
PLANTATION to the effect that, though he
allowed the insertion of the obnoxious
articles, he, in common with a large
majority of the Presbyterian Churches,
thinks the opinions taught in them to be
untrue and dangerous. DIR. Lowrie, an
influential minister, has since written a
letter to the Presbyterian, virtually
tabooing the two Presbyterian colleges
whose Professors are trying to naturalist
the principles of the Higher Criticism in
America; Professor Briggs, who belongs
to one of these colleges, Indignantly re
pudiates the charge of unsoundness, but
admits that while the principles of the
Higher Criticism are accepted, the re-
suits are not accepted by his friends. DR..
Lowrie returns to the charge, censures
DR.. Hodge for preaching patience, re-
marking When the tree has borne evil
fruit in Scotland, it is folly to say let us
wait and see what it will bear when
transplanted to America, and quotes
passage from Professor Briggs himself
which shows that he accepts the princi-
pies of the Higher Criticism as inter-
preted by DR.. Robertson Smith himself.
The controversy is still in progress. 1t
is very probable that the fate of these
two colleges will be determined by the
result of this controversy, as well as the
facts of the Presbyterian ReUieaU. The
General Assembly, in May last, adopted a
warning, given implicitly to the two
colleges, by its committee on Theological
Seminaries, and it is now almost certain
that in May next the Assembly will take
other steps to protest against the Well
hansen tendencies in its colleges.
1t is understood that the General AS
sembly has no direct control over its
Theological Seminaries, and, if so, it may
have no power to displace unorthodox
men. But it has power to act through
It's Presbyteries against such individual
teachers as are ministers, and, Judging
by its past history, it will not be slow to
act quickly and stringently in case so
seriously affecting the orthodoxy and
repute of the Presbyterian Church. Lane
Seminary is not very influential place
of learning. But Union Theological Sem
mary is next to Princeton in point of
influence, and, we believe, also as to the
numbers of its students The war of the
Presbyterian journals upon the two col
leges will shake them seriously, for the
Presbyterian laity are thoroughly sound,
and will not allow their sons to receive
the infection of German rationalistic
speculation.
We are disposed to think that the
Presbyterianism of America will make
short work of this Higher Criticism bus
mess. 1t has always been strong in men
of the highest attainments, who are ca
pable of testing the most difficult dues-
tions in Hebrew scholarship. Princeton,
too, is still great force in the country,
though the Alexanders and the Hodges
of the first generation are gone for Pro
fessor A. A. Hodge holds high position.
and Professor Green has no superior in
the line of Biblical scboIarsbir In tbe