Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-12-02
TRIAL OF PROF. SMITH.
Some Feeling Shown at Yesterdays Session
of the Cincinnati Presbytery

The deepest feeling engendered since the trial
of Prof. Smith by the Cincinnati presbytery
began was developed yesterday. DIR. Curtis.
who has been known one of the foremost
friends of Prof. Smith, suggested that Prof
Smith be allowed to answer some new matter
introduced in the closing argument of the pros
ecution committee by DIR. McKibben.
Leave being graNted Prof. Smith briefly
explained his meaning in the two articles cited
against him and repeated his claim that they
did not warrant the Interpretation put upon
them bv the prosecution.
DIR. Mckibben asked Prof Smith what these
words meant in his parnphlet-"the candidate
does not engage to be Jealous in maintaining
the doctrines of the Westminster confession OF
faith"
They mean what they say" said Prof. Smith.
You heard Prof Smith say in your pres
ence." resumed DIR. McKibben, that a minister
need not keep hi ordination vows"
Instantly pr. Curtis was on his feet and
called Dr. Mckibben to order for distorting the
language OF Prof. Smith. lis it casustry or
the Gospel of Christ continued DIR. Curtis.
that DIR. Mckibben would have Presbyterian
ministers preach?"
One member of the court wanted sergeants-
alarm, appointed TO promptly exclude from
the house all who made disorderly inter-
ruptIons.
The moderator declared the entire Interrupt
tiCn out of order. and DIR. Mckibben concluded
his argument.
Ii was moved TO take up the second charge
Elder Fulton offered "a an amendment that the
presbytery first determine the first charge.
This member has been recognized rs on the
side OF Prof. Smith. and II Is thought he felt
hopeful that the first charge would not be sus-
tanned, and he wanted the prestige of acquittal
before entering on the Others. A motion to
table the mendment was lost by one vote.
The second charge was then taken mp. This
l. the vital one of the Indictment, it relates
10 Prof Smiths views ON the inspiration of
the Scriptures. The charge is based on his
pamphlet entitled biblical Authorship and
INSPIRATION which originally read before
the presbytery during a discussion upon an
overture 10 the general assembly condemning
the teachings of DR.. Briggs of Union Theologi-
cal Seminary. Some testimony was introduced
TO show the indemnity of the pamphlet and that
II had been extensively circulated trof. Smith,
in cToss-examinatiOn. endeayored to ascertain
who were the authors of the overture which
gave Use 20 his paper.
The prosecution objected. but il was over
ruled. and the witness answered that no one
man the author.
Prof. Smith then asked who were the authors.
THIS brought DR.. Mchibben to his feet He
'sid he had much feeling in this matter. and
he proposed that IL II should appear that this
line of inquiry intended to bring out pri-
waite matter not bearing on the merits of the
case he would demand a censure of the accused.
A member of the court objected to this Ian
guage a. being II threat.
Prot. Smith finally withdrew his question.
DIR. Curtis stated that he wished to withdraw
the language used by him in calling Dr. McKib-
ben 10 order. and 10 have the words regarded as
not having been spoken.
Later il was brought out by Prof. Smith that
h. had in private conversation offered to with
draw from circulation his pamphlet If desired
blythe presbytery, but the prosecution again
objected, saving if that were done they would
bring witnesses to show that while he was will
ing TO suppress the book he was not willing to
disavow its teachings. This testimony was
stricken out.
Adjourned until Monday.