The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-11-15
TRIAL OF AN ALLEGED HERETO.
Prof Smith. of Lane Theological Seminary.
Before the Cincinnati Preslytery.

CINCINNATI Nov. lathe trial Of Prof.
Smith on the charge of heresy began here
to-day. 1t is being held in the first Pres
byterian Church, the oldest church organ
ization in the city. Those who look upon
the reverend professor of Lane theological
Seminary as teacher of heresy find it
ness in the fact that this church, which
planted the first seed of Prcsby terianism in
the valley of the Ohio. should be the place
where the first wedding out of heresy
should be done 1t 10 not fair to say that
the trial body, the Cincinnati Presby terry,
has prejudged the case. but inssmuch as
the charges rest upon papers published by
the accused, 1t is more than likely that the
opinion formed by the members of the
presbytery from reading of his paper will
hardly DO greatly modified by the Profess
sor's own argument in defense Of his posi-
ton. 1t is o fact of some interest that in
this church the Rev. DR.. Lyman Beecher,
father OF Henry Ward Beecher. was
brought TO trial
DIR. }. p. Scott, of Lebanon. is the mod
orator. During the call OF the roll the
Rev. Dr. Smith came in. He was dressed
in black suit and was carrying a small
satchel containing the manuscript OF his
defense and other papers of reference.
Tho morning session was taken up with
settling what member can vote IN making
up the verdict. At the former meeting ie
was decided that only those could vote
who were present at all the sessions OF the
trial. and that the beginning or the trial
should date from the time Professor Smith
began reading his defense. Rev. +. ID.
Morris, being unavoidably detained IN
Brooklyn, was by vote enrolled as present
Professor Smith made specific objection to
three members of the presbyt terry sitting as
jurors or judges. They were Rev. Mr..
Dawson, Mr.. Robertson and Rev. Francis.
These ministers had in published inter-
views In the newspapers declafed that they
believed him guilty of the charges against
him. On motion by Rev. Frank Monforth
that Professor Smiths objections to the
organization of the conrt be not sustained,
q large majority voted in the Affirmative.
The Z rofessor then began in q calm way.
devoid OF feeling or passion. TO present. his
case. he first argued against the regular
lty or this proceeding. claiming that the
committee on erroneous teaching had no
right toinquire into the ministerial stand
ing OF individual members. That was q
judicial process, He further charged that
the committee was prejudiced, appointed
TO represent one opinion only. This. he de-
cIsred. was avowed in open presbytery by
the moderator in making the appointment,
aud it was further evident from the form
of the report itself. He further declared
that 1t was irregular. because this judicial
proceeding was taken without the distinct
inquiry on the part of the presbytery
whether IL be necessary for the ends of dis
ciplfne to investigate the alleged offense.
This. he said, violates that provision of the
Book OF Discipline which declares that eff
fort should be made by private conference
with the accused TO avoid, if possible the
necessity of actual process. This had not
been donc in his case. Tho committee had
only sent him q demand that be retracs
what he had written. But as these objec-
tions had already been virtually
overruled. he simply put them in
the record for such use as may be
possible hereafter. He then proceeded 70
remind the court of the necessity tor ex-
treme caution in determining the questions
presented; to let no previousIy-formed
opinions override the process OF reason.
Those familiar" he said. with the recent
history of our church must realize that Just
now we are in the midst Of influences un-
friendly TO calm and unbiased considera-
ton OF doctrinal Issues. The very fact
that we are revising our Confession or
Faith seems to make some minds more
sensi BILE than usual to doctrinal issues
The sole question now before rs is the suf-
fciency OF the charges and specifications
presented by your committee Except this
everything bearing on the case, or sup
posed to bear on IL. should be resolutely
shut ont of your minds Professor Smith
then took up the charges against him. one
by one, and raised objections TO their suf-
tciency. On these grounds be asked that
the charges referred 10 be stricken out. At
this point the presDytery adjourned.