The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1892-12-20
DIR. BRIGGs, I.RIAI.

Tie Defendant Finishes HIS Argument-A
Test Vote on an Appeal Shows the Feel.
ing Against Him.
NEw YoRK, Dec. 19.-The Rev. DR..
Charles A, Briggs fsished 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 mum.
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 5 and Q, the defendant, with
much feeling, demanded that he be
judged by tho Westminster Confession,
at the same time declaring that the
prosecution was not only inconsistent
with chapter 13 of the Confession, but
opposition to the Bible itself. Especi-
ally was this so with charge 5.
Charge SIX was then taken up. The
defendant said he had declared for pro-
gressive sanctification, and argued at
length to show there was O middle state
and that sanctifcation could never be
complete until the day OF resurrection
The invariable statement OF the New
Testament is that the second advent OF
Jesus Christ is the goal of sanctifcation.
In conclusion DR.. Briggs said:
II have shown that the doctrines
taught by me are contrary to the West
minister Confession, but that they are
in accord Herewith; that they are not
irreconciliable with the Scriptures, but
are the product OF o comprehensive
study of the Scriptures. 1t Is now for
the presbytery of New York to make
its decision. I pray God you make no
mistake but that you may stand firmly
by the word OF God and the constitution
OF our church, aud so deliver righteous
verdict"
There was slight applause, and as it
hushed the venerable Dr. Sutton rose
and asked DR.. Briggs if he meant to as.
sert that all who died pass through q
middle state.
DR.. Briggs said he would not hesitate
to answer, but the moderator ruled that
the time for asking such questions had
passed,
DR.. Briggs said that he felt it due to
have the question decided then how
much more time the prosecuting COM
mittee would ask, for, acting under the
rulss of tho book of discipline, the
prosecution was not allowed the argu-
ment in rebuttal. Tho prosecution had
insisted throughout that the trial be
conducted according to the discipline.
He would not insist strictly on the en-
forcement Of the rule, but he demand
ed that the prosecution should not be
permitted to bring in new matter or
matter that it had prepared months
ago, and held for its conclusion. He
wanted the matter settled, Colonel
McCool, speaking for the prosecution,
said that he thought they could con-
clude their reply by Wednesday, even
inG..
The committee would insist on the
usages Of courts, which allowed the
complainant in all sections, both GRIM
inal and civil, to open and close the
proceedings. The moderator so ruled.
Dir. Briggs arose and commenced to
speak, but with sharp rap Of the gavel
the moderator said: "Dr. Briggs, you
are out OF order; you have had your
say, and if the ruling Is Objectionable
you can appeal"
DR.. Briggs flushed and said in loud
tones: "Then / do appeal"
The vote was t-ken and the moderator
was sustained byf u overwhelming vote,
which met with applause. The prose-
cution will commence its reply to.mor-
row.