Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1884-10-30
SOUTH CAROLINA SYNOD.

The Synod of South Carolina opened its
session in Greenville on Wednesday night
of last week. The opening sermon was
preached by Rev. J. B. Mack, the retiring
Moderator, from the First Epistle of John,
9th verse: ''Faithful and Just" Rev. j.
Spratt White, of Rock Hill, was elected
Moderator. Rev. R. A. Webb, of Bethel
Church, York county, was unanimously
elected temporary Clerk. After the trans
action of some further unimportant business,
Synod adjourned until Thursday morning.
Thursday was devoted principally to rou-
tine business, such as the receiving of re-
ports, etc., and on Thursday evening ma,
iority and minority report were submitted
bv the members of the committee on the
theological seminary, these reports being the
opening of discussion extending through
the remainder of Thursdays session, Fri
day, Saturday, and Monday, on the ques-
tion of evolution as presented by DIR. Wood
row, one of the professors in the theological
seminary. Rev. j. S. Crosby presented the
majority report as follows:
Resolved, first, That inasmuch as the hypothe-
sis of evolution concerning the earth. the lower
animals and the body of man, as advanced by
the professor Of natural science in connection
with revelation, is purely scientific and extra
scriptural hypothesis, the church as such is not
called upon to make any deliverance concerning
it's truth or falsity.
Second, That in view of the deep interest in
this matter experienced by ALL and the fears
expressed by some lest this doctrine of evolution
should become an article Of church faith, the
Synod deems it inexpedient to say that the
church. being set for the defense of the Gospel
and the PRONUNCIATION of scriptural doctrines, can
never, without transcending her proper sphere,
incorporate into her confession Of faith any of
the hypothesis, theories or systems OF human
science
Third, That while the presentation of the hy-
pothesis of evolution in relation to scripture
falls necessarily within the scope of the duties
pertaining to the Perkins professorship, never
theless, neither this nor any other scientific ny,
pothesis is or can be taught in our theological
seminary as an article of church faith.
Fourth That in view of the above conSidera-
tions, the Synod sees no sufficient reason to in
terfere with the present order of our theological
as determined by the board of direc-
tors. j. 5. CROSBY,
G. r. BRACKETT,
SILAS JOHNSTON.
The Rev. Mr.. Webb presented the minor
ity report as follows:
The undersigned members Of Synods commit
tee on the theological seminary, would respect
submit the following resolution as minority
report:
Resolved, That the question whether DIR. Wood
rows view in regard to evolution involves here
sy, is not before the Synod.
Res0lued, That the Synod is called upon to de-
cide not upon the question whether the said
view Of DR.. Woodrow contradicts the Bible in
its highest and absolute sense, but upon the ques-
ton whether they contradict interpretations of
the Bible by the Presbyterian church Of the
United States.
ResOlved That the declaration of the board of
directors that "the relations subsisting between
the teaching Of scripture and the teachings OF
natural science are plainly, correctly and satls-
factorly set forth in DR.. Woodrows address
on evolution, was inexpedient and I'M udicious.
Resolued, That the action of the board of direc-
tors virtually approving the incubation and de-
fence Of the unverified hypothesis of evolution
in the theological seminary at Columbia, is, the
majority of the Synods of Georgia, Alabama,
South Georgia and Florida concurring, hereby
reversed, and that the incubation and defense
of the said hypothesis, even as a ProDahle one,
in the theological seminary, as being contrary to
the Interpretation ofthe Scriptures by our church
and to her prevailing and recognized view, is. a
majority Of the associated Synods concurring,
hereby prohibited. X. A. WEBB,
+. l.. ANDERSON.
After brief delay Mr.. Webb rose and
moved the adoption of the minority report.
Mr.. Martin moved the adoption OF the ma
jority report as a substitute.
A brief parliamentary discussion ensued,
DR.. Girardeau contending that under the
custom of Synod the last resolution ought to
be entertained.
The Moderator overruled the objection
and DIR. Girardeau appealed. His appeal
was submitted to Synod and the ruling OF the
Moderator was sustained on a UiUG UOce vote,
evidently by large majority, no division
being called for. This was the first action
of the character of test of the questions at
issue in the controversy over DIR. WoodroW's
address, and the result indicated that large
majority were, on the threshold of the dis
cussion, disposed to sustain DIR. Woodrow.
At our latest advices vote on the question
had not been reached.
The work upon the Greenwood, Laurens
and Spartanburg Railroad is progressing
most satisfactorily, and the road will be
completed to Laurens by the middle of No
vember, and to Spartanburg by the first
of March. The Savannah branch to Ander-
son will also be completed at an early day