Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-10-23
SYNOD OF VIRGINIA.


NCnBURG. VA. October %. --
The synod met Mt the usual hour. The
meeting in behalf Of foreign missions
was addressed by the Rev. DR.. Lefevre
and Rev. X. Il. Grinnan, under ap-
yoiptmert as missionary 20 Japan.
Ancr Che usual devotional exercises and
some routine work, the Judicial Com.
miltoe announced themselves ready 20
report in the case of the Rev. F. Z.
Rsmsay's complaint against the Pres
bv,cry Of Abingdon. This case is one
Of much interest, in view Of its general
connection with the case Of the Rev.
Professor Woodrow. whose views on
evolution are agiiating the Southern
prcs6yt terrain Church at this time.
hHroRT OF JUDICIAL COMMITTEE.
Rev. nr. Armstrong, OF Norfolk,
presented the report as chairman of the
committee. The report found that the
complaint was IN due form, therefore in
order: that the letter of dismissal
granted by the PrcSbytery was compli-
Gated with certain resolutions passed at
tho same meeting. II recommended
that the case be RENTED to Abing-
con prcsbytory, according to Mr.. Ram
SAYS request made IN the body Of his
complaint that the second part Of his
complaint DC dismissed as not resting
on valid ground that the Synod pro.
coed TO the hearing Of the case according
20 the form prescribed in the Book Of
Discipline.
ACTION COMPLAINED OF.
The action referred TO, and which
cave rise to this case. is found in the
following resolutions, passed by Abing-
don Pre>byiery at q meeting held IN
September last:
Rcsolrc9. That Presbytery does not
spprovc Mr.. RamSay's opinion that
the evolution Of mans body forms
lower order Of life: does not contra
dict the Scriptures, but, on the con-
trary. believes that It is contrary to the
Word Of God md our standards, yet
We arc not prepared to say that it in
fringe, on any fundamental doctrine OF
the Bible.
1t was also resolved that the stated
clerk be directed TO publish this paper
in the Somtern Presbyterian.
Dir. RAMsAY's VIEWS.
Mr.. Ramsay holds that the doctrine
thst mans body was probably evolved
rom lower order OF life does not con-
usaict Scripture. The complaint al
l,ccs two grounds Of grievances
l.. That the action Of Presby terry
wa, injurious 20 the complainant in that
:, vas refused tnal or the usual testi-
uomalS: IN that members Of Presby-
terry assaulted hun a. guilty Of an offence,
though DE was not on t'ial; in that he
va, declared guilty and given no oppor-
urts of defence in a regular trial.
-. , bat The action was against the
reacc of the Church and the interests
ID Tie uuin. IN that lre,bytery con-
denied on opinion without knowing
whether ihe uol, Ghost, speaking IN
scripture, condemned It,
mtAHuNC or TIE CASE.
Sir Ramsay was heard patiently for
nearly two hours. lie presented his
case clearly and forcibly.
The hour having arrived for the for
eien mission meeting, the farther con-
siaera'ion of the complaint was de-
ieircd.
TOELIGS MISSIONS.
Aflcr ,he singing of the missionary
hvmn. which begins " Jesus shall reign
whcr, cr the sum-" DR.. Henry White
led ia prayer.
pr. Lcfeyre was then introduced.
his them, va, b" The Missionary Work,
tle 6Ioat End for which The Church Of
Christ Is Constituted, perpetaated, and
Endowed with Gifts by Risen Re-
ltcmcr."
uI.Ic.e,rew followed by the Rev.
90. Hnan GImnan, who shortly sails as
missionary 10 japan. Mr.. Grinnan
ral,c of Virginia, a young man of
pleasing address, and Of intellectual
p om'-e.
After some kind, tender words by the
u.d,.aior the Eey. Or. Onwiddie led
i..y,r Tor the Divine blessing on the
t..r. a.-~lorar, and the grand work
tua.. b hc.iu iu,ation OF his Redeem
n.ua. c.u.claied hi, lie. The venera-
t.iI allioci then spoke few words
. ard cheer. ID. II. White
... .aD. a.. lo!ratc Te'Ht."s.
,...4 t.c. recess, 20 ! T.. 81.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
| D. d.. ~trrheu-on made an