The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-05-27
AN OLD TIME DOCTRINE.
BELIEVES IN n STRICT TNTEEPRE-
TATTON OF THE Bible.
Elder Ketohum Favors Sending the Case
OF Professor Briggs Back 60 the Synod.
Proceedings of General Assembly.

WASHINGTON, D. c.. May 26.-The
largest attendance by far I'm the history
Of the one hundred and fifth General
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in
the United States of America was present
at the prayer-meeting with which the
days proceedings were ushered in. Rev.
Mr. Allen, Of Chattanooga, presided.
Moderator Craig announced that at the
request Of Rev S. J. Niccolls. d. D., Of
st. Louis, and Elder Cyrus A. Pershng,
he had replaced them on the judicial COM
mission to try the complaints Of j. J.
Cook and others against the Synod Of
New York by the appointment Of Rev.
w. B. Reynolds. Of Minnesota, and Elder
Law, of California
Upon n formal motion to approve the
minutes Of yesterday after the opening
of the assembly for business, the Hurry
OF last night over the form Of the Ques-
tion to be voted upon at the close Of a
four hours debate by the judiciary was
renewed.
The moderator at length reviewed the
proceedings of last night upon this mat
ter and stated that NJ the close OF the
debate he would entertain motion to
amend the form OF the question, the mo-
ton 10 be voted upon without further de-
bate. This was satisfactory to all par
ties. and the moderator gave the noor
TO Elder Ketchum. oil New Jersey.
lie favored sending the case or fro-
fessor Briggs back 20 the Synod. ana sara
that at the cnd Of the debate ne Woulu
offer resolution TO that effect lie haa
not one particle Of sympathy with his
wanted
stood that he believed in the old-fash-
toned doctrine-a strict interpre-
tation OF the Bible. without
rising above the mysteries in IT, but he
believed DR. Briggs had certain rights
which should be respected
Mr. McDougaIl. OF Cincinnati, stated that
by arrangement with the chairman OF tne
judiciary commjttee, he was charged
with the duty of opening In support OF
the motion TO entertain the appeal lhls
was accepted by the moderator ana
Mr. McDougall took the platform.
There was a storm Of protest al this
arrangement, but It was summarily put
down by the moderator, and this plan
was followed throughout the discussion
At different times Briggs made efforts
to be heard i'm reply to statements
made by his opponents. but he also was
put down, not alone boy the moderator,
but by n clamOrOus protest from among
the commissioners. Two hours ana forty
minutes Of the morning session were given
nm to five minute speeches for commits
sioners, who represented every possible
view Of the question at issue. Briggs
found many supporters upon the ground
that the present proceedings were r.
regular. while many Of his opponents
used for their principal argument neces-
sity Of disposing at once Of a trouble
some element OF discord I'm the church. q.
The first thing done upon the reas-
sembling Of the assembly at 2:30 p. NJ.
was TO determine 20 hold a night ses-
sion for the purpose Of further proceed
Ing with the consideration Of the Briggs
case.
Or. DuIleld, Of Princeton College. began
his remarks by saying that he had great
personal appreciation of the scholarship
and Christian character Of DR. Briggs.
"If his logical faculties were equal to
his scholarship, l do not know his equal
I'm the intellectual world, of America at
least"
This, or some other remark Of Du1leld's
brought Briggs 10 his feet with flashing
eyes and "a demand to be heard to cor
rect mssiatement and misinterpretaton
of his writings. He was ruled out of
order, but persisted determinedly and ap-
pealed 10 the house against the mOdera-
tor. His appeal was not entertained
however, and he reluctantly took his
seat.
A passionate address, against the plea
Of Dr. Briggs was made by Rev. William
G.. Young. ID. D., Of Danvlle, Ky.
moderator Of the last assembly. Speak
ing with much emphasis and e. an emo
tional manner, DR. Young said he never
had a clearer conception as TO the dis
position OF any ecclesiastical matter than
he had I'm this case. For peace. for
speedy settlement, for doing away with
NeXings and disturbances. he believed n
entertaining now this appeal I'm the fear
and view OF God. Rev. George u. Baker,
of Philadelphia. closed the debate I'm
favor Of entertaining the appeal. The de-
bate closed at 4 o'clock.
Judge Purnell. Of Baltimore then offer
ed his motion to remand the case 20 the
New York Synod. This was defeated by
a viva voce vote. and again by a rising
vote The question ther recurring on
the resolution Of the judiciary commit
tee that the appeal be entertained, the
ayes and noes were demanded, and the
rol-call began at 4:l5 =. NJ.
The result of the vote on the motion to
entertain the appeal was then announced
by Dr. Craig as follows: Ayes, 400; noes,
1f5.
On motion Of Mr.. Young, the judicial
committee was instructed to prepare
programme for procedure in the trial Of
the appeal, and the assembly decided
TO proceed with the trial tomorrow
morning.
AT 7. NJ. the assembly adjourned until
8 o'clock p. NJ. for the consideration Of
business.