Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-11-02
EVOLUTION NOT POPULAR.
Mississippi and Alabama Presbyterians
Discussing the Dividing Question.

Discussing the Dividing Question.
CRYSTAL SPRINGS, Miss, Nov. 1.-At
a meeting of the Presbyterian Synod Fri
day the following was presented by DR..
B. NJ. Palmer, of New Orleans;
In the Judgment Of this synod Widespread
agitation OF the subject OfevOlutiOn, occasiOned
by the new departure in the seminary at
Columbia, S. c., cannot be allayed until the
mind OF the church is ascertaned in this con-
nection. The synod of Mississippi deprecates
the Introduction of this theory as endanger-
ing the peace and unity of the church, and
cannot consent that an hypothesis, confessed
by its advocates to be unveriied, and which
therefore cannot be dignifed as science,
should control the Interpretation of the in
sDired Word.
Rev. j. W. Flynn, of the Memorial
Church of New Orleans, then followed in
an address more than two hours in length,
endeavoring to support DR.. WoOdrow's
theory of, evolution. He presented the
subject very ably, showing deep scientific
research and logical analytical investiga-
tion, but not much Scriptural proof. No
action was taken on DR.. Palmer's resolu-
tion.
After DR.. Houston's sermon before the
Mississippi Synod at the Presbyterian
Church, Rev. j.. d. West spoke for an
hour in favor of Prof. Woodrow and evo-
luton. But little was said on the other
DAuOs bhC AICiAOSl nav Ing 1ldllG up LUGlI
minds that such discussions do no
good. After Mr.. West had spoken
DR.. b. M. Palmer, of New Orleans,
said that he had no desire
to prevent anyone from studying and
faVOring evolution, but objected to having
1t taught in theological seminaries and in
churches. AS for the manner in which
Adam was created, DR.. Palmer said:
''Man knows nothing about Gods creative
power beyond what the Bible furnishes
us, and never can know such things. 1t
is beyond the reach of men of SCIENCE"
The final vote on the resolution offered bv
DIR. Palmer relative to evolution stood AZ
ayes to s nays.
CONSIDERED IN ALABAMA.
TUSCALOOSA, ALA, Nov. IA COM
mittee of eight, appointed Thursday by
the Presbyterians of Alabama to investi-
gate the alleged teachings of evolution by
Prof. Woodrow, of the Columbia Is. C.)
Theological Seminary, submitted two re-
ports, each signed by four members. The
first report offered the following resolu-
tiOns:
l. That the Bible, as interpreted by our
standard, is to be regarded as the only infali-
bic rule Of faith and practice.
2. That any teachings on science which are
in conflict with Gods word or dangerous in
their tendency, are condemned, and should
be avoided.
o. Leb al SOdOuluES GOlCGIuluS Ju6 theory
of evolution in the Theological Seminary at
Columbia, except in purely eXpository man
ner, showing what it is and how 1t affects
revelation, whether in conflict with its rec
ords or rot, and with no design of inculcating
1t as truth, are hereby disapproved.
The second report offered the following
resolutions:
l. That this synod disapprove the doctrine
of evolution as taught by Prof. Woodrow in his
published address, because such teachings are
IN conflict with the received interpretations
OF the Scripture as expressed in the standards
of the Presbyterian church.
2. That the board of directors OF our Theo-
logical Seminary at Columbia be, and are
hereby, instructed to take such steps as shall
prevent such views being taught in that in
stitutiOn.
The reports were made the special order
for this morning, when DIR. Woodrow was
expected to be present. The reading OF
the resolutions created intense excite
ment, and developed the fact that both
sides have strong adherentG