The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-12-20
REV. DIR. BRIGGS CASE.

What the Religious Press Says About the
Recent Trial.
There is nothing perhaps that has occurred
OF late in the religious world that has been
watched with more interest by the thinking
and best informed part of the community
than the recent investigation by the Pres
byterians of the alleged heresy of DR.. Briggs
of the Union Theological Seminary.
The Independent says: The dismissal OF the
case was. II Is evident, largely due 10 the impress
and 10 the desire to avoid a trial Perhaps also
there was feeling that conviction was improb-
able, and that result which is not acqultta nor
conviction, which Is not quashing of the indict-
ment nor declaration that there was not prob
able cause, was preferable to an uncertain Issue.
While we cannot see that the action of tile
presbytery has at all placed Dr. Briggs in
better light before the church, his own words
have. IL is clear that on some points he does
not hold what he WAS understood to hod-lhat
we are glad TO hear; hut IL Is equally clear that
Tor theological teacher he has peculiar faculty
for rash and unguarded statements. If he had
been as careful In guarding what lie said in his
inaugural address as he was in his defense he
would have saved himself much criticism. 1t is
10 be hoped that he appreciates the importance
as never before OF making himself clearly under
stood.
The Christian Enquirer says: One can hardly
see the good OF an appeal to the synod unless
DIR. Briggs can again be called TO trial. 1t may,
however, be that 1t Is the fresbytery which will
have to lake the role OF defendant, for the COM
mittee evidently feel aggrieved by its action. 1t
Will be rather startling Issue If about hundred
OF the Presbytery ministers aud elders should be
ceDsured by The synod. In some form the mat
ter will doubtless reach the Assembly. Unless the
Presbyteries send men 10 the Assembly of much
broader view and who app aise peace aud unity
far more highly than the last did, there Will be-
an ecclesiastical storm of large magnitude.
The New York Observer says: While the
answer OF Professor Briggs has relieved many
minds as to his personal faith and made them
think that lie should not be held for trial, IL has
not formed as yet any pat whatever OF COM
main question that concerns the church, namely,
whether The inaugural address is In harmony
with the Westminster confession and the word
OF COO. Ii has seemed good TO the Presbytery 10
leave the whole matter TO other aud higher
courts. These bodies may be equally reluctant
important. il this Is The case, then the Presby-
terrain Church must depend on other influences
tDan the wisdom and authority OF its representa-
tive bodies to determine what Is and what is not
In accordance with the Scriptures and its own
standards.
The New York Examiner says: What the
Presbytery accomplished by It's vote was the
postponement OF the trial for two years. during
which the question Will be q constant ground of
contention and dispute, and Will disturb the
peace OF the church as II could be disturbed In
no other way. A surgical operation is, no doubt,
to be dreaded, but II is soon over, while run
ming sore is constant menace OF death and a
drain on the system. In case like this 1t is
vain 10 cry peace, peacei Years ago Pro-
fessor Briggs drew the sword, threw away the
scabbard, and has ever since been erandshIng
MS weapon IN The eyes OF his brethren and dar-
Ing them TO come on. This challenge accepted,
his friend' at once besttrred themselves to re-
store peace. They are too late. An irrepressi-
BILE conflict has been begun In The Presbyterian
Church. and the matter Will have TO be fought
the New York PIesbytery to have The thing out
at once. Until Dr.. Briggs Is tried, and either
acquitted or condemned, his Case cannot be con.
sidered ended.