Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-05-30

calls for the question, DR.. Erskine per-
sisted in holding the floor. DR. Logan
wanted to withdraw his amendment, but the
Assembly cried 'No." DIR. Erskine OPP
posed the Worcester substitute, as there
was no controversy with the Union Semi
nary trustees. To adopt the Worcester
substitute would be to allow the Assembly
to be outwitted. The majority of Union
Seminary trustees have already expressed
their satisfaction with and confidence in DR..
Briggs.
DR.. Erskine insisted on a square issue,
which the presbyteries manifestly desired,
repeating arguments and assertions already
made. He regarded Briggs as having. made
himself the representative of school Which
is coming into the Church and the theologi-
cal seminaries, and now is the opportunity
to say whether the Presbyterian Church ap-
proves or not teachings which are subver-
sive of the fundamental doctrines of the
| Church.
Time Fixed for the Vote.
When DR.. Erskine at last stopped, the
previous question was moved amid much
excitement and lost A motion to close the
debate and take the vote by yeas and nays
at o'clock was carried by an immense
majority, the speeches being thereafter linn
tied to ten minutes. The Rev. DR.. James
Lewis, of Kansas, thought DIR. McKibbin
regarded the report as declaration of war,
but the Assembly cried ssno." He held too
severe action by the Assembly would give
increased currency to Briggs views.
George Junkin again gave history of the
seminary and Assembly compact. He held
that the PROFESSIONAL head of DR.. Briggs was
not yet on his shoulders, and to adopt the
report was not decapitation; it was only de-
clining to complete his election.
There was great sensation at this point,
when Dr. Parkhurst ascended the platform.
He said he simply desired to make a state
ment. When some weeks ago he discussed
current questions in a sermon, man came
to him at the close and said: 81 don't care
whether it is Briggsism or anti-Briggsisnl,
for Gods sake help me, for am perishing
soul" He hoped we could soon go home
and preach the gospel in a purer atmos-
phere. AS a director of Union Seminary
he would say they were loyal Presbyterians.
He loved Briggs, but he was an awfully
difficult man to get along with. 'We are
all working for the same thing" he said.
Defending the Trustees.
Setting apart himself, DR.. Parkhurst said
the board was composed of Christian gentle
men. They were not satisfied as to some
technicalties and were open to conviction,
foundly in sympathy with the Worcester
substitute. He was confident the Union
Seminary Directors would cordially well
come the committee, and proposed meekly to
do what would be best. He hoped all would
soon be able to see the same way and talk
the same vernacular.
Dr. Smith, of Baltimore, advocated the
original report in his characteristic style.
'The simple question was whether we are
willing to have such man as DR.. Briggs
teach in one of our seminaries? The judg-
ment of the Presbyteries has already been
expressed against him.
Elder Lyman, of Washington, took the
view that technicality called for veto, but
on the broad ground of equity and justice
the Assembly need not take such action and
could adopt the substitute. DR.. Baker, of
Philadelphia, repeated the point made by
George Junkin. The Assembly cannot
afford to take the risk involved in the
Worcester substitute. which simply tries
to throw off responsibility upon another
General Assembly. 'Dr Briggs is unfit,
from his general makeup, to teach our
young men at the most critical period of
their lives. DR.. Raymond thought the
benefit of the doubt should be given to DR..
Briggs and he should not be condemned
without testimony or reason. DR.. Bartlett ad-
vocated disapproval in the last two minutes,
holding this was the kindest thing that
could be done for Dr. Briggs and would de-
liver him from his friends
A Waterloo for Briggs.
There was intense excitement when the
time came to take the vote. After multi
tudinous points of order had been raised, Dr.
Worcester's substitute was brought before 1
The Assembly. This substitute was voted 1
lown by vote of $50 to LOG. The Logan
'tfor the present." was also
voted down by tremendous majority. |
Halsey, of New York, was excused from |
voting.
The resolutions of the main report were |
then read and voted on under the call of the |
ayes and nays The count showed 40 for |
DIR. Patton's report and SO against. 1t was
regarded as the Waterloo of Briggs. The |
was adjourned with prayer by DR.. |
Baker. A popular temperance meeting was |
held at night, addressed by Dr.. Allison, of |
Philadelphia, and others.