The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-11-05
a VICTORY FOR BRIGGS
The Presbytery Dismisses the Charge
Against Him.

~~f@~'
NEW YORK, Nov. THE New York
presbytery. which is to try Prof Charles
A. Briggs of the Union theological Semi
nary for heresy, met this morning in tho
Scotch Presbyterian church Oil West Four
teenth street with a large attendance.
Fror. Briggs was present and pleaded his
own case. One of the chief charges against
him was that he disputes the exemption Of
the Bible from error. The session ended at
d o'clock by the pgesbytery dsmissing tie
charge.
DIR. BRIGGS STATEMENT.
Dr. Briggs read a statement in which he
/ OBJECTED TO the charges as lacking specifica-
tion and vague. He I'D no man regretted
more than he any disturbance TO the har-
mony In the church. He declared his belief
In the Bible as the only rule of faith and
belief
DIR. Van Dyke, IN moving TO dismiss the
case said he did so not in the interest Of DR..
Briggs. who had said he wanted a trial,
but III the interest Of the peace, purity and
unity Of the church. which all the presby-
terry had sworn to study. Once began
heresy trial must be pursued 10 the
bitter end and TO q great detriment
of the church. Dr.. Briggs had met his ac-
cuSers like a man. lie had no conscious
intention Of disturb & the peace of the
church. lie deeply regretted having caused
such disturbances. Is it Just or Christian
like to hound u man who had come forward
with such a Straightforward statement!
DIR. VAN DYKES PLEA.
DR.. Van Dyke compIimented the prosecu-
ton committee for their excellent work, but
asked whether 1t was not better TO wait for
| further light from God before rushing into
unavailiDg prosecution AID weakening the
force Of discipline. BY dismissing the case
the presbytery would not swerve
one hairs breadth from its well
worn path Members undoubtedly differed
with DIR. Briggs in some Of his views. The
speaker, for one, did not coincide with his
view OF prog essive sanctification. But DIR.
Briggs had cleared himself of all onarges
that he had declared against the Bible as
the only infallible rule Of faith and belief.
BOOK OF DISCIPLINE.
Col john McCook, OF the prosecuting
committee. replied to DR.. Van Dyke He
said the latter had spoken evidently with
the idea that there was no Book of Discip-
line in the Presbyterian church; but as long
as men are human. the necessity for discip-
line must exist The case Of DR. Briggs
bad reached a crisis at which it would
be folly to dismiss the proceedings be-
cause 1t would not result in what DIR. Van
Dyke wants-peace and unity Of the church.
The committee of prosecution would not APP
peal to the higher authorities, and the case
would remain a stumbling block In the
| church for at least two years. There
would be no delay il the case were pro-
ceeded with. because the committee pro-
| posed to try the charges promptly. Either
tue accused is orthodox or not.
DELAY WOULD BE UNJUST.
A dilAtory motion like DIR. Van Dykes
| would be a great injustice TO DR.. Briggs.
DR.. Briggs had failed to say that he would
retract his declarations which are COM
planned Of. His expressions OF regret at
having caused anxiety in the church,
counted for naught. Personally, the speaker
would be happy beyond measure IL the case
could be disposed of to-day, but ON his con-
science he could not wish for summary
| close, for he believed in all sincerity that
every charge against DR.. Briggs would he
proved
/ THE RESOLUTION.
The motion as finally adopted reads:
Resolved, That the presbytery Of New York,
after having listened TO the paper OF the Rev.
Charles \. Briggs, In the case Of the Presby-
| terian church in the United States of America
against him as 10 the sufflciency of the
| charges and specifications in form aud
| legal effect, and without approving OF the
! position stated in his inaugural address, at the
same time desiring earnestly the peace and
quiet OF the church, and in view of the declara-
| tions mad by DR.. Briggs touching his loyalty
TO the holy scriptures aud the Westminster
standards and Of his disclaim Rs put on some
of his words the presnytery deem it best TO
dismiss the case, and hereby does so dismiss it,
| Tne resolution was adopted by a vote Of
| 81 to 80. Of those who voted ave, II wera
| ministers and l3 elders. Rev. DR.. George
| W. +. Brisch chairman OF the prosecuting
| committee was sorey disappointed. He
gave notice OF an appeal to the synod.