The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-10-11
REV. WOODROW'S BELIEF
THE TROUBLE OVER ADAMS BODY
RE-OPENED.


An Application by DR.. woodrow for
Admission to Membership in the
Charleston Presbytery Denied, With
Reasons Appended-An Appeal Ia
ken to the South Carolina Synod.
CHARLESTON, s c., Oct. 10.-Adam's
body, which has agitated the Southern
Presbyterians for the last six years, and
which was thought to have been definitely
and permanently disposed of by the deposit
ton of Prof. Woodrow, the professor in the
theological seminary at Columbia, and the
advocate of evolution, has again bodied up
serenely with a new lease of life. The
resurrection took place at Allendale. at the
session Of the Charleston presbYtery, which
convened there on last Tuesday and sat
until Thursday. The early part Of the
session was consumed in the transaction
of formal and routine business. and
everything was quiet and harmonious until
letter of application for membership from
Rev. DR.. James Woodrow was received.
Then the controversy was reopened. The
usual examination to which the applicants
are subjected followed the presentation of
DR.. Woodrow's letter. This was conducted
wholly IN writing, and much time was de-
voted to a calm deliberate inquisition as 10
the applicants dootrinal belief, etc. Dr.
Woodrow was present and conducted his
own side of the case At the conclusion the
following resolution was submitted by the
Rev. R. A. Webb, d. D., pastor of the
Westminster Presbyterian church of this
city.
Resolued That Dr. Woodrow's examination
81. NH-og 10 orNV,lt
cation for membership in this presbytery be de-
clined
Then follows long list of reasons:
J. Because DR.. Woodrow's examination re-
veas the fact that his life has become so secu-
larized that this body, were it to receive him
into its membership, would feel oonstrainedto
demonstrate with him, and this would involve
this presbytery in a controversy which it does
not desire.
g Because he has so seriously reflected
upon the honor, the sincerity and
Veracity of this body in the columns of the
paper which he edits that this presbytery feels
bound by considerations of dignity and self
respect to deny him the fellowship he seeks.
g. Because he has declared his disrespect for,
aud contempt Of, some of the acts of this
presbytery. and upon the demand of this body
he has failed TO satisfy it as to the language he
used and as to his spirit of obedience.
a. Because he has reaffirmed his doctrinal
errors the subject of evolution, which have
been condemned several times by the courts of
standards.
5. BE ause he claims the right to advocate
these views Of evolution.
g. Because the reception of DR.. Woodrow
under the circumstances would put this presby-
terry in grievous contradiction with itself.
After the reading of the resolution
a motion was made by the Rev.
DR.. w. T. Thompson of the First
Presbyterian church of Charleston
that no debate be permitted, the paper to go
to vote without argument on either side.
This motion prevailed and the resolution
was Immediately adopted by vote of II to
g. On the announcement of the result the
Rev. j. William Finn. d. D., who is a
strong supporter of DR.. Woodrow. gave no.
tice that an appeal from the deci-
sion of the presbytery would be
taken to the synod of the state This body
holds its next meeting at Yorkville on Oct.
q, and the matter will then be fully dis
cussed on its merits. From that body it
will go up to the general assembly again.
The presbytery directed that the entire ex-
animation be published in pamphlet form for
the use of the ministers, who will distribute
them as they deem best.