The Indianapolis journal., 1892-05-01

1lclu IuclE pOSitlOn WlbQ ItRdIQ I'D tDo tEduS-
fer of Dr.: Briggs. The fact is accepted
on both sides that there isan honest differ
ence of opinion between the two parties to
the agreement of 1870. which difference
will be reported TO the General Assembly
as for the present irreconcilable. The
committee will recommend that the status
quo be recognized. in the hope that some
action may be taken which will lead to
harmonious settlement Of the question IN
volved. The members of the committee
and the directors of the seminary have
reacheda better understanding of one an
other by the free and courteous inter-
change of views and on both sides there
has been an honorable disposition to seek
those things that make for peace.
THE ONE GREAT TOPIC.
DR.. Briggs the bone of contention at
Detroit. and likely to be at Portland. was
born in New York and has just passed his
fiftieth birthday. When sixteen years old
ne entered the University of Virginia, and
Union Seminary three years later. He was
member of the famous Seventh Regi-
ment of New York, and marched to the
front when Washington was In danger.
For time he was engaged in mercantile
life. after the rebellion, and then went to
Germany. where he had the privilege Of
studying under DOrner and ROdiger. His
work as pastor was brief. and was at
Roselle. n. J. Eighteen years ago
he entered Union Seminary. occn;
last year. when Charles Butler. the presi.
dent of the board of directors, gave $780,
600 to found chair of Biblical theology.
and requested that his friend, Dr. Briggs.
should be transferred to that chair. Few
writer's of the present day have been en-
abled to accomplish more than has DIR.
Briggs. He became one OF the founders
and managing editors Of the Presby teriAn
Review. and has written numerous articles
for periodicals. besides several books, in
cluding "Messianic Prophecy" American
Presby terianism." and Whittier" 1t was
whittier" that called special attention to
his advanced views in regard to
the Bible. From the first. he
Revised Bible. and has taken frequent
occasion to speak against the work of the
committee. of whose Old Testament COM
pany DR.. Green, of Princeton Seminary.
the present moderator of the assembly.
was chairman in this country. When the
University Of Edinburgh held its centen-
nial celebration. in 1884, DR.. Briggs was
one of the four American scholars who re-
ceived the degree of ID. ID. While recog-
bytery. and by some within it's bounds.
the following testimonial, written by one
who knows him thoroughly, will be accelt t.
ed as true by his friends:
DR.. Briggs Is q gentleman OF genial spirit and
astic student. a vigorous writer and independent
thinker. and holds high rank as scholar. He
fills most acceptably the professionally which he
which he was once student, and is highly es.
teemed by his friends for his excellent social
qualities and Christian character.
Just before the assembly met year ago
the directors of the Union Seminary ap-
pointed a committee to see DE-. Briggs and
obtain from him q statement REGARDING
matters which were believed to be mis-
understood in his inaugural address. The
statement consisted of series of questions
which were answered by the professor and
presented to the board to the satisfaction
of all. though 1t has since been said by one
of them that he merely meant that he
would not precs the matter further. The
questions and answers were these:
First-tA) Do you consider the Bible. the
church and the reason coordinate sources of
auth0rityl Answer-NO. OBJ DO you believe
the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments
to be the only infallible rule OF faith and prac-
ticel Answer-Yes.
Second-When you use the terms "the reason"
do you include the conscience and the religious
Third-WouId you accept the following as a
satisfactory definition of inspiration: Inspira-
tion is such divine direction as to secure an in
fallible record OF Gods revelations In respect to
both faith and docirinel Answer-Yes.
Fourth-Do you believe the Bible inerrant in all
matters concerning faith and practice, and In
everything in which 1t is O revelation from God
as a vehicle of divine truth, and that there are
no errors which disturb its infallibilty In these
matters. or in its records of the historic events
and institutions with which they are inseparaby
connected! Answer-Ies.
Fifth-Do you believe that the miracles re-
Of
directly, through holy menl Answer-Yes.
sixth-tAl Do You hold what is commonly
OBJ DO you believe in purgatOryl Answer-No
ito BOTH
seventh-Do you believe that the issues of this
life are final, and that a man who dies impeni-
tent will have further OnOOrfuultv of saliva
tiOnl Answer-Yes
Eiehth-Is your theory of progressive sanctii-
believe that when man dies IL the faith lie en-
ters the middle state regenerated, justified and
sinlessi Answer-Yes.
As soon as the assembly had adjourned.
having disapproved Dr.. Briggs's transfer.
the directors met again and passed this re-
solutions:
Resolved, That this board OF directors, after
having taken legal advice. and after due consid-
Grafton, see no reason to change their views Oh
feel bound. I'm the discharge of their duty under
the charter and constitution, TO adhere to the
same.
ATTITUDE OF THE SEMINARY.
The faculty of Union stand by their col
leegue. In fact. there are those who think
one or more of the other professors are as
dangerous as the one under fire. DR..
Brown. his successor In the Hebrew chair.
has always been Outsp0ken in his advocacy
of the stand taken by DR.. Briggs. but an
article published few weeks after his
veto last spring was so bold that a member
of the Detroit Assembly told the writer
that Dr. Brown would also have been vetoed
if his paper had come out before the assem-
bly, adjourned. In an opening address at
Union Seminary last fall DR.. Marvin r.
Vincent. professor of sacred literature. took
for his subject ''Exegesis." and his address
has been published. SOme of those who
heard it thought 1t was as advanced in
thought as DE-. Briggs's inaugural. but that
1t had not the features which were Objec-
tIonoble to SO many. DIR. Vincent said that
a sound exegesis is necessary, critical,
progressive, courageous, patient, modest
and candid, and said in defense of himself
and his colleagues:
Union Seminary holds by the Bible. 1t exalts
its authority; IT accepts that authority as su-
preme: 1t uncOUpromislngly accepts the Bible
the only infallible rule OF faith and practice,
as the only legitimate basis OF gospel preach
ton of Him whose name is above every name,
the only Redeemer OF mankind. the head OF the
church. Its faculty and its directors alike stake
their salvation on Its truth Why will the
church not see that its teachers are the friends
ana champions of the Bible and not its carping
critics! That il Ia because of its love and
reverance for Ii, because they better than
the general religious public the subtlety, power
at 1t, that they are trying TO it from the
wounds OF its friends. from modes of defense
which only expose il 10 deadlier thrusts; trying
to let the divine inspiration which Is In 1t vindf
cate It's own power and majesty trying to put Its
Interpretation upon basis which will success
fully resist the shecKs OF a goddess rationalismi
1t shall be. "a IL ever has been, the delight and
pride OF the Union seminary TO magnify the BIZ
principles and Its personal divine center.
Jesus Christ, as the solution OF all the great