The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-11-03

row ssys, "That whereas the General As
sembly is convinced that Rev. James
Woodrow, D. D., one of the Professors in
Columbia Theological Seminary holds
views repugnant to the Word OF God and
to our Confession Of Faith, as appears,
ETC., the Assembly recommends to the
Synods to dismiss him as Professor and
appoint another IN his place.
There seems to be somewhat f mis-
understanding of my position as to this
resolution From the comments OF the
editors of the Central one would conclude
that l had contended that the General
Assembly had no right OF supervise
over the seminaries, and none to recon-
mend measures to promote their inter
ests; while have contended for Just the
opposite 1 said, Or. Woodrow was
mistaken" the Assembly has the right
of general supervision by advice or re-
commentator" and when that right is
exercised in the manner agreed on" and
as prescribed by the Constitution" OF
the seminary neither DR.. Woodrow nor
his friends have cause to complain.
Therefore had the resolution merely
recommended the removal of DIR. Wood
row, and either by express language or
implication it was understood that the
removal was TO be accomplished in &C.
cordance with the constitution Of the
seminary, l should not have said any
thing about it. | am as much opposed
as any one to DIR. Woodrow teaching
his peculiar views in the seminary. But
the part of the resolution | have quoted
is in my Judgment violation of the con-
stitution of the Church. And here Mr..
Henry has strangely missed altogether
the point of my illustration as to Sab
bath School superintendent. hold that
the Assembly has an indirect control, as
Mr.. Henry expresses it, or general SUI
pervision over every minister and mem
Der, whether he is Professor or Dlrec-
tor in a college or seminary, or a Sab
bath School uperintendent; and If in
either position he practices immortality,
or holds or teaches views repugnant to
the Word of God, it can through the
proper lower court require the matter to
be inquired into, and it he is found guilty
by the court trying him he can be disci.
plined But the Assembly, under the
constitution of the Church, has no right,
before he is tried by the proper coust, to
declare him guilty, and recommend his
dismissal from his position because OF
that guilt
1t has no power over him as Professor
merely save what is given in the agree
ment The article aforesaid in the agree
ment OF 1926, which alone could give
any color of authority for such declar-
alton, having been annulled, and left out
of the new agreement, the provisions of
which do not give the slightest claim to
such authority, the Assembly had no
right to make such declaration against
him as Professor.
What [ said in regard to compact is
this: "These constitutions are to be re-
garded in the nature of compacts be-
tween the corporations and their officers,
guaranteeing that the latter are to be
dealt with only in the manner therein
provided, until the constitution IS amend
ed as prescribed. Mr.. Henry seems to
have overlooked the words in italics, and
has failed to discriminate between cor.
porations id natural persons. His argu-
ment on this point would have great
deal of force applied to Union Seminary
before it was incorporated but now,
MAINTAIN 1T Is erroneous, and that my
statement is substantially correct.
These corporations are empowered by
their charter to make laws for the gov
eminent of their affairs, and laws made
by them in pursuance of this authority
are binding upon all it's officers, man
ayers, and agents, just as if enacted by
the civil power. When therefore the
constitution of Columbia provides how
Professor, or any other officer is to be
removed he cannot be removed in any
other way until the constitution is
changed; and whether this is to be re-
garded in the nature of compact or not,
1t Is obligatory upon all the agents and
managers OF the corporation. Columbia
is under the direction and control of the
Synods, but that control is to be exer-
cised by them in conformity to the pro-
visions of the constitution. and cannot be
exercised in any other way The Synods
may have the power to amend the con-
stitution according to It's provisions, but
until it IS amended in the manner pre-
scrlbed they are bound by it, as much 80
as a Professor. The Professor therefore.
does not hold his office, as Mr.. Henry
seems to argue, at the mere will of the
Synods, to be exercised at any til1e and
In any way they may think proper but
be holds 1t TO be dealt with as IS proUided
in the constitution.
IT therefore the constitution provides
that a Professor cannot be removed until