Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-12-20
Hs Deals With Charges -Four, Five and
Six, and Closes.
THE PROSECUTION WILL SPEAK
In Rebuttal, Beginning To-day and
Closing To-morrow-Dr. Briggs
Says His Teachings Are in Ac-
cordance With the Westmin-
ster Confession and the Scrip
lures - An Appeal Decided
Against Him.

NEW YORK, December 10. The Rev.
DIR. Charles A. Briggs finished his three
days' speech before the Presbyterian
court to-day. The session was longer
than usual, but the proceedings were
listened to throughout by large num-
ber OF ladies and gentlemen. Prof.
Briggs resumed his argument at charge
4, which he had reached at the close OF
the last session on Thursday.
Taking up charges and 5, the de-
fendant, with much feeling, demanded
that he be judged by the Westminster
Confession; at the same time declaring
that the prosecution was not only In
consistent with chapter II OF the Con-
fession, but in opposition 10 the BLDG
itself; especially was this so with charge
5.
Charge was next taken up. The
defendant said he had declared Tor
progressive sanctifcation and argued at
length TO show there was a middle state
and that sanctification could never DO
complete, until the day OF resurrection.
The unyariable statement OF the New
Testament Is that the second advent OF
Jesus Christ is the goal OF sanctihca-
ton. In conclusion DR.. Briggs said:
II have shown lat the doctrines
taught by me are not contrary to the
Westminster confession, but that they
are 10 accord Herewith, that they are
not irreconcilible with the Scriptures,
but are tho product OF comprehensive
study of the Scriptures, 1t Is now for
the Presbytery OF New York TO make
its decision. pray God you make no
mistake but that you stand firmly by
the word OF God, and the constitution
OF our church, and so deliver right
eous verdict"
There was a slight applause, and asit
hushed, venerable DR.. Sutton rose ana
asked DR.. Briggs II he meant to assert
that all who die pass through middle
state. DR.. Briggs said no would not
hesitate to answer, but the Moderator
ruled that the time for asking such
questions had passed. Dr. Briggs said
that he felt IL due TO have the
question decided then how much
more time the prosecuting com mittee
would ask for. Acting under the rules
OF the book of discipline, the prosecution
were not allowed the argument In re-
buttal. The prosecution had insisted
throughout that the trial be Conducted
according to the discipline. He would
not insist strictly on the enforcement OF
the rule, but he demanded that the
prosecution should not be permitted to
bring in new matter, or matter that 10
had prepared months ago and held for
its conclusion. He wanted the matter
settled.
Col. McCook, speaking for the prose-
cution, said that he thought they could
conclude their reply by Wednesday
evening. The committee would insist
on the usages OF courts, which allowed
the complainant in all actions, both
criminal and civil, to open and close
the proceedings. The moderator so
ruled.
DR.. Briggs rose and commenced to
speak but with a sharp rap OF the CAV
eli. the moderator said: "Dr. Briggs,
YOU are out OF order, you have had your
say, and IL the ruling is Objectionable
yon can appeal"
DIR. Briggs flushed, and said In loud
tones: "Then do appeal.
The vote was taken and the modera-
tor was sustained by an overwhelming
vote, which met with applause
The prosecution will commence It's
reply tomorrow.