The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1892-12-20

procedure and that every action taken
against him in the presbytery since the dis
missal of the case has been disorderly and
illegal. DIR. Briggs also claims that IN
original charges brought against him Novem-
Der 4tn, 1891, have been amended IN way
that violates the law respecting amendment,
and that they violate the exprSS directions
of the last general assembly. lie claims
also that not only the charges have been
amen'hd in q way that violates law, but
that the evidence III support OF the charges
has been amended also.
DIR. Briggs objects, furthermore, to the
relevancy of all proofs from scripture, con
fession and catechism. and to the offer made
by the prosecution of evidence by the whole
sale
The trial has been conducted with great
ability and in the main in good temper.
1t is Il battle of the giants, the wile-reach-
ing results of which no one can foresee OF
determine now.
Rev. lfenry Preserved Smith, d. D., is
a professor in Lane theological seminary,
and Il member of the presbytery of Clncln-
natl. His trial began i'll the old First
church. Cincinnati. November 18th. The
charges against him are three III number,
under each of which are specifications
with citations and proofs.
In the first charge DR.. Smith is accused
of teaching that Il minister tin the Iresby-
terrain church, may abandon the essential
features of the system or doctrine held by
said church. and which he received and
adopted at his ordination, and rightfully re
tain his position rs u minister i'll SAID
church"
In the second charge DIR. Smith is accused
of teaching that the Holy Spirit did not
SO control the inspired writers in their COM
position of the Holy Scriptures as to make
their utterances absolutely truthful, that is
free from error when interpreted in their
natural and intended sense In pamphlet
entitled Bible Scholarship and lnspira-
ton" Dr. Smith taught that the inspired
author Of Chronicles had been guilty OF
sundry errors of historic truths, owing to
his inability or unwillingness to believe
them and that the author of Chronicles in
corporated with his narrative and Endorsed
by his authority, material drawn from unre-
liable sources. and that tho historic unre-
liability of the author of Chronicles was so
great that the truth of the history therein
contained could only be discovered by sucn
investigation. discrimination and sitting as
is necessay to the discovery OF the truth
histories by uninspired and fallible men, and
that the historic unrelability of the author
of Chronicles is so great that the trlul OF
events cannot be ascertained IRON Wllat ne
actually asserts. but from what ne uhWlt
tngly reveals; that this same historic uhre
liability extended to the other writers OF
the Old Testament. and in some degrees 10
the writers of the Nv Testament:
In the third charge DR.. Henry PRESERVED
Smith is abcuSed that while alleging mat
.ha HOLY Scriptures are inspired. and an
infaIlible rule of faith and practice: With
DENYING in fact their inspiration IN me
sense in which inspiration attributed 10
the holy scriptures, by the holy scriptures
tuTes themselves, and by the confession OF
faith" ,I 'A'
Atlanta, Ga, December 9Th.