Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-11-22
HE DOCTRINE OF EVOLUTION.
Another Presbyterian Professor I
Theology Called 20 Account.

AHo,her Presbyterian Professor of
Theology Called 20 Account.
DarNiu's evolution theory is making trOu-
bic among the PresOyterians OF Pitts5urg.
On Wednesday night the semi annual meet
inc of the Board OF Directors Of the Western
theological Seminary was held. Among
other business was the discussion of the
teachings Of Or. II. S. Kellogg, Professor
of the Theology. 1t was asserted that he
was teaching doctrines not in accord either
with the tenets OF the directors or of the
Presbyterian church. While it was known
that be had advanced views, he had prom
ised as a teacher TO conform entirely TO
church teachings and not 10 give Promi-
nence to his peculiar notions.
DIR. kellogg appeared before the Board
and made Q vigorous defence of his course.
He said that at the time OF his election it
vas a question with him whether he was to
remain a free agent. He said he distinctly
stated his position at that time, and told
the directors that if they were willing to &C
cept him with his views, then he would be
a candidate for the position to which he
was chosen. II they did not so accep. him,
he felt sure that all understood at that time
that he was mo- ard could not become q
candidate. He had No apology 10 make.
He had nothing to regret in the course he
had taken. II there was anything to be re-
GREETED it was that the directors had not
fully understood his position originally. he
ended by rendering his resignation, which
was taken under a~1visement, as only q bare
quorum was present.
80 n EnNIA-- - naak Enk
forth in q letter which be wrote to the Rev.
DIR. Woodrow, whose views created such a
breeze recently in the Synod Of South Caro-.
lima by bis advocacy Of the doctrine of eyO-
luton. In this letter DIR. kellogg says;
| believe Cd that science has nOt yet dis
covered the mode Of the Origination OF spe-
cies.. No one ofthe current theories, in ms
opinion, can be called scientifically ascer-
tanned truth.
believe (2) that the Bible while sttribu-
&ing the origin OF species to God, does not
give Us any information as to how God orig
mated species, whether by immediate fiat or
In part or wholly by organic process
l believe. therefore (3) with DR.. \. A.
hodge ("OutGnes of Theology new edi-
ton. 6S9Cthat with al theories Of evolution,
which neither deny Eor obscure the evidence
which the order and adaptation observed in
nature ahard OF the existence of God, or
His imminsuCe in and prOvidential control
of His works, a natural t~heologian should
have only the most friendly interest.
In regard in particular to the origin Of
man | believe 90 that the Scriptures teach
that bis spiritual nature-in virtue of which
he is said TO be the image and offspring OF
GOd-came not from below but from above;
was originated not by organic processes hut
by an immediate, creative in5reathing Of
God, the Father of spirits.
AS to the separate question, however, how
God formed the body Of man out Of the dust
Of the ground, whether By immediate fat OF
By some manner Of organic process, ] be-
heve that on this again the inspired nara
tive gives US no information. The inspired
words which describe the creation OF the
body Of man are to ms mind equally con-
sistent with either superstition. Which Of
the two Is correct is for not the theolOgiSn
but TIE student Of physical nature to find
out, if he lean.
DIR. Kellogg furnishes the PRESBYTERIAN
Banner Of this date with a synopsis of his
views on the whole subject, as given to his
students from year 10 year in printed
form. The synopsis comprises the follow
ing
l.. In the atheisiic form the evolution
theory assumes that matter does the work
of mind, and is thus exposed to the whole
force of the argument against material
ism.
2. In the deistic form: CD. 1t is atheistic
In tendency and inconsistent with what the
Scriptures teach as to the relation Of God
to the world. (2(. In this and any form,
excluding ITS creative i~nteryentions. it is
also open to difficulties and objections.
;. In the theistie- form the Christian the
ologian my leave the question of evolution
Tin the specific sense of origin of species by
descent Of notifications open 10 be settled
by scientific men. Only the Bible record
seems to impose the following limitations
Cl.) There has been a reproduction Of life
out OF death apart from the Divine efficiency
(2) Distinctions Of species are eosval with
creation only. n. B-We do not know
how God draws the line Of species. 81
Man. as to bis rational and spiritual nature.
is not q product Of evolution, but a product
of the creative power of God. As 20 bis
bodily nature, be was formed out of the
dust of the ground. How, whether by
creation, immediate or mediate, the Bible
does not tell US.
Another point of difference between Prof.
Kellogg and some ofthe directors of the
Western Theological Seminary, is wether
The universal triumph Of righteousness,
which all agree the Scriptures predict, is to
preced or TO follow that personal return of
he Lord Jesus Christ. which all the ereeds
,r ali churches confess. The most of the
directors maintain that the advent follows
his period. DR.. Kellogg understands the