Los Angeles herald. [volume] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1890-1893, 1891-10-06

NEW YORK, Oct. 6.-Ab the eeml-an-
nual meeting of the New York Presby-
terry, today, the prosecuting committee
appointed to prepare the papers in the
trial of Prof. Briggs, presented report
Eembodying the charges against him.
The charges in brief are as follows: Dis
belief in the Bible as the only true
source of Divine authority; disbelief in
the verbal inspiration and inerrancy of
the scriptures; disbelief in the immedi-
ate ssnctifcation at death of the souls
of those dying in the faith.
Professor Briggs moved that his case
be taken up the first thing in the after
noon, but the motion was defeated.
The indictment bases the charges
against Professor Briggs solely on his
inaugural address, because it is the most
deliberate and emphatic exposition Of
his doctrines. The report goes on to
say that it was decided by the COM
anietee that it is neither necessary
nor advisable to embrace in the
list OF charges all the doctrinal
errors contained in his inaugural
address, and while its teachings respect
ing miracles, the original condition Of
man, the nature of sin, race redemption
and DIR. Briggs's scheme of biblical the
ology in general are not in harmony
with the scriptures, and calculated to
weaken confidence in the word of God,
and to encourage presumption on the
clemency of God. it was decided best to
confine attention to few departures
from the teachings of the scriptures,
which are fundamental to the entire dis
cussion.
The report had not been presented to
the meeting, and routine business was
in progress when DIR. Alexander, of
University Place church, moved to sus-
pend the order of the day to present a
resolution in the Briggs matter. 1t was
declared out of order by a number OF
those present, but the moderator ruled
otherwise and an appeal from his deci-
sion was made in which he was sus,
tanned. Notice of appeal to the synod
from the decision was then made.
DR.. Alexander read his report. The
preamble set forth the fact that Prof.
Briggs, since his accusation had supple
mented his answer to the charges by
answering numerous questions. These
questions and answers of Prof. Briggs
were part of the preamble. The resolu'
ton was to the effect that the Presby-
teIy, in view of these latter declarations
of Prof. Briggs, deemed it expedient to
arrest further proceedings and discharge
the committee from further consldera'
ton of the matter.
DIR. Robinson and others protested
- I1o oto ~,
adjournment was taken until 4 p. m.
When the Presbytery reassembled
DIR. Alexander withdrew his motion to
suspend the order of the day. He gave
notice, however, that he would renew 1t
after the report of the committee was
read.
DIR. Birch, chairman OF the committee
then read the report. At its conclusion,
DIR. Alexander reintroduced his resolu'
ton for the dismissal of the proceedings
A long discussion of this followed, and
it was finally put to vote, resulting
Ayes, 62 (12 elders and so clergymen)
noes, GA go elders and A clergymen)
thus defeating the motion. Then the
original motion was adopted, confirming
the recommendations of the committee
that DIR. Briggs be served with copy o
the charges and stand trial.
Two votes seemed to indicate that 9
very small majority is in favor OF trying
DR.. Briggs. The fact that the majority
of the clergy was in favor of shutting of
the trial and discharging the commit
tee, was very pleasing to DR.. Briggs. He
now has ten days in which to make hi'
reply.
After some routine business the Pres
bytery adjourned until tomorrow. To
days proceedings were unusually tur
bulent, and several times there were
calls for better Christian spirit.