Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-12-02
THE BRIGGS TRIAL BEGUN.
Consideration of the Accused's Objections
Finished.

The consideration OF the long series of objec.
lions filed by Prof Briggs to the charges OF
heresy brought against him by the prosecuting
committee was completed at yesterdays session
Of the ecclesiastical court of the New Yori
presbytery. and DIR. Briggs announced that he
was ready to go at once.
Moderator Bliss called upon the defendant to
plead guilty or not guilty.
Before answer that question:" DIR. Briggs
said, II must insist that all evidence against me
be read"
This evidence as cited in the last charge in
cluded the whole of the said inaugural address
both the first and second editions. and all the
works Of the said Rev. Charles A. Briggs, d. D.,
quoted therein. in so far as they bear upon this
case; also the appendix to the second edition of
said address, and all the works Of the said Rev.
Charles a. Briggs, DID,, quoted therein, in SO
far as they bear upon this case; the whole of the
Holy Scriptures and the whole of the standards
of the Presby terrain Church in the United States
of America.
inson said. ''bDr. Briggs in earnest?'
DIR. Briggs replied that he was.
The moderator ruled that DIR. Briggs must
plead to the charges at once.
Il am not guilty, answered DR.. Briggs.
The prosecuting committee then proposed
suggestion was bitterly opposed and dropped.
Col. McCook then formally opened the case
against DIR. Briggs. He offered in evidence the
boob cited above and submitted copies of the
same. In regard to the reading Col. McCook
said that there was no provision in the book
to the contrary DR.. Briggs might demand the
reading of the evidence at the proper time.
DR.. Briggs a moment later laid neat pitfall
for Col. McCook and the latter tumDled in.
''You offer in evidence the Holy Scriptures"
he said, but to which version do you refer?'
ming James version, innocently answered
Mr.. McCook.
''Then your evidence is unlawful, for the
Presbyterian standard of authority is not the
translation of King James. but the original YER
sion" retorted the doctor.
litter followed this sally, which DR.. Robin
son only augmented by exclaiming, Indignantly:
We are making ourselves the laughing stock
Of the galleries"
Col. McCook yielded to DIR. Briggs any advan-
tage which might accrue 10 him in consequence
OF discrepancies between the Two versions.
The leader Of the prosecution then announced
that ITS evidence having been submitted, DIR.
Briggs should be called upon 20 submit his.
But TO this the defendant strenuously protested
and Moderator Bliss ruled that the prosecution
should 90 on. Col. 1fcCoOk showed By citation
from the book of discipline that the moderator
was in error and tine decision was reversed.
DIR. Briggs had an exception recorded.
The prosecuting committee" Col. McCook
declared, have no desire to take advantage of
DIR. Briggs misunderstanding Of the direction
OF the book and WILL therefore. ask that he be
allowed sufficient time to bring in the evidence
he would offer"
~'Ihe book is so vague that you can drive a
coach and four through it anywhere, - said Rev.
Livingston Willard, by way of comment.
After the reading and approval of the min
utes an adjournment was taken until Monday
afternoon.