New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-06-13
MINISTERS WE'RE EXCITED.
DISCUSSING THE BRIGGS CASE IN THE NEW
YORK PRESBYTERY.
REMARKS GREETED WITH HIssEs-TTE CUES


TIoN LAID OVER UNTIL OCTOBER NEXT.
Those members OF the New-Yorl Presbytcry who
support as well as those who oppose the Rev. d.
Briggs in his battle for more liberal Interpretation
OF the Bible arc beginning 10 that the question
which has been raised Is no nearer than ever 10
settlement. Notwithstanding the recent decision by
the General Assembly the subject was brought for
ward again yesterday and by the cag'rneSS SHOWN
by those presen, take part In the debate, ara the
animated character OF the discussion during portion
OF the time, 1t was evident that Instead OF being
n subject that had been examined ana debated from
all points OF view It still new matter. The
occasion yesterday which the champion OF inc
higher criticism Of Holy Writ passed under re-
view was the monthly meeting OF the Ntw-Iork
Presbyery which assembled at o'clock In the after
noon in the Scotch Presbyte church in West
Fourtecnth-st. Tho elders and clergymen present
numbered about 100. The Rev. william Il. Iiarshaw
acted rs moderator. the Rev. DIR. j. II. lloadley as
permanent clerk, and the Rev. DR.. 5. ). Alexander
US stated clerk.
The preliminary business occupied good deal Of
time DR.. Alexander read first the report concerning
the action OF the General Assembly In the case OF Dr.
Briggs. II was resolved that letter OF rccommenda-
ton to the theological seminary at Princeton be given
TO Charles F. TAYLOR: and I'm the OF william r.
Bennett, who requested ordination, II was resolved
that his examination for liccntiapre be regarded as
sufficient and that his ordination take place in the
West End Church this evening
After other business had been transacted. tho Rev.
DR.. Francis Brown began his reference to the Briggs
case which heightened out into protractcd dis
cusslon.
al am sure said be. that the Presbytey VIII appreciate
the great Of personal feeling under which say any
thing concerning this matter. but desire carefully 10
avoid the manifestation OF personal feeling in what have
TO say.
The Roy. Dr.. Robinson on his feet In an
instant:
IL desire to have 1t known at once" said he, that
this /, dflcult ard delicate question and rise
therefore, point Of order. My point OF order Is that
Dr. has right 10 make speech at this stage
OF the proceedings without indicating what !, Is that he
talking about There is no question before the House
Tho Moderator ANNOUNCED that DR.. Brown was out
Of order 1--WE must have notion said he.
That l. right" said Dr. Brown. "blt ask the
nrlyicgo Of prcfaclng my with few remarks.
The motion that wish 70 make involves in the first pae
tho proposition OF memorial To the next "eheia AS
sonby ami the second place proposal To defer enter
ing upon record the judgment which ha' come DOWN
from the General Assembly II the motion be seconded
should like 10 speak 10 it,
Professor Charles r. Fagrlnl seconded the motion.
The Rev. DR.. Robinson asked that the question be
divided, and the Moderator said Let us take up
the first part OF the notion
This was agreed to, and the Rev. DR.. Brown said
There are several points involved the decision which
has come Gown from the General Assembly; con-
,tutona questions and questions OF justice and equity
are raised \ connot twice te put IN jeopardy Tor
the sam. offence The General Assembly has entertained
and sustained appeal taken from the Prcsbyt'ry to the
General Assembly thereby dcprIsng the prcsbytery Of
tho opotunlty OF having action IL IL 10 be called
In question, passed upon by the Synod OF NewiorN prior
to ory upon 1t by the General Assembly las-hg
10 the iud gmcnt ITSELF 1t will that not only has
the General Assembly reversed the action Of the Pres
bytrry but 20 pass sentence upon member
Of the Prcsbyry instead OF rcnanding the case to the
pre,bycry with Instructions deal with its member
Ia .nfa, ~ A.
to whether o. such proceeding is lawful However,
IL seems n the burden Of proof Is altogether upon
those who claim that it is lawful that the presumption Is
all against power is etNen 10 the Assembly 10
ras. sentence upon any minister or ONCE bearer III te
church nor 10 there any such authority given to ,'e
ep,a,o court in Book Of Discipline in that part when
relates 10 tho Of appeals IL appears 10 me at
the weight Of precedent is in favor OF the view when
have stated The matter which appears to me most
startling is that the General Assembly in pronouncne
mdcmcnt upon the charges upon which We passed and
without proving these charges In detail. introduced an
entirely new aud different charge that OF the violation Oh
Inf, ordination IL expressly dsclaimed by he
in trial before the Prcshytey that 1t was
intended IN bring in any charge aud yet the General
Assembly introduced without giving the defendant any
opportunity answer it, and made that charge the basis
| Of IT, sentence $500 -, ,-.,
Assembly has a right 10 ieNic" Tue '"n''''' 'P "
| former Assembly
The Rev. Dr. Brown-I think that that is a matter
| for the General Assembly TO decide. should say
| Mr. woral-The question /, one OF law
The Rev Dr. Sutton-Dr. own l. giving MS opinoh
| Mr. Wcrral-But | want to know
| The Moderator-Dr. Brown has the moor You are
oskinc question and Is in the act OF answering you
| Mr. Woiral-I am raising point OF Order sir We
assert that the General Assembly has right u review
| a judicial decision Of another General Assembly
The ModeratorYour point OF order |, not well taken
| Mr. worrai-I appeal from your decision, and say
| The Moderaor-You should have awaited the compile
tim Of Dr. Browns answer TO your question.
| NJ. Worrall (e\ctedly and in trembling voice)-i
| have listened for long tine To Or. Brown In MS out
,ue,ous imposition upon this Prcsbytcry. (Commotoa
loud cries OF order - and kissing from oil the
| house,
| mo Modeiator-You should withdraw tina, remark
| Mr. Worra--I do withdraw It, but should like to
saw tlat consider statement ~ DR. Brown an I'M