Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-05-29

The Presbyterian Church is also entitled to
her share of the blessings of liberty. 1t she
feels in conscience bound to maintain her un-
broken testimony for doctrines which were
taught by Christ and the Apostles and which
have been held BY the church of Christ from
New Testament times 10 The preseht then. in
Gods name. the liberty TO do this should be
freely accorded TO her. No man NAV wrench
from her hand her imprimatur and afix it 20
doctrines which are abhorrent to her member
ship and destructive of her denominational
tenets, genius and life.
At three different times the general assembly
has warned the churches against the bGneful in
huonce OF that kind of biblical criticism which
Or BflSgs champions. as tending TO undermine
faith IN the Holy Scripture. and -enjoined the
presbyteries to see to it that our students for
the ministry were not subjected to this criticism
during their theological training. The church
mas been very patient in this matter and DR.
Briggs. not having needed the warning Of the
assembly. has now no right to complain that his
liberty is unduy interFcred with if they refuse
longer TO be responsible for the destructive
opinions which he propagates
Greater things than mere liberty and schol-
arship are involved in this issue Truth, honor
and hdelity to great trusts committed claim our
attention. We are in crisis. Not only are
great doctrines of our faith emasculated; the
Bible itself is IN peril 1t is assailed from IN
usual quarters. IL is wounded in the house of
Its friends. Our people are profoundly stirred
1hev are greatly troubled and look to this as
sembly tor relief.
THE RESPONSIBILITY on THE ASSEMBLY,
A great responsibility rests on YOU today.
moderator and brethren. 1t is for YOU TO de-
eide whether our great church shall continue
her faith In the sole supremacy of the Holy
Scriptures az the source Of authority in religion
Tor salvation and certainty. or admit the church
and the reason to an equality with the Script
ures In this matter; whether VIC will continue
our testimony for the absolute truthfuiness and
truslworthiness of the Word of God or tolerate
the propagation OF the doctrine Of an Grant
scripture; whether will still affirm the
plenary inspiration of the Holy Scripture to
the extent of entire truthfulness. or so lower
the doctrine of inspiration as will permit us to
say that an inspired writer in penning the
Bible not only committed errors but stated
what he knew to be false, and whether we shall
still teach that the work of redemption is con-
fined to this life that 1t is to be extended TO
the vast periods of time which intervene be-
tween death and the resurrection.
These questions have hitherto not been rele-
gated in the Presbyterian Church to the domain
OF liberty OF opinion. They have been regarded
as oil such vital Importance that those VINO have
assumed the vow 10 which Presby terian minis
tiers subscribe might not differ in respect TO
them.
grave issues" involved. Truly. truly.
Tolerate the errors, say the presbytery. but be
careful not TO approve thcm. Strange de-
lus;Cn. Now. our people not only. but Chris
tlan people generally, are anxiously waiting to
hear what answer TINS great assembly will give
to these questions. And the opportunity is
offered to this venerable body to allav anxiety.
TO restore confidence and to re-estabish peace
BY wise counsels. by bearing clear testimony
for the truth Of God, by speaking with no un-
certain sound. by coatending earnestly for
the faith which was once for all delivered urto
the saints" and by firmly holding fast the
form of sound words.
The hour for recess arrived before DIR. Lampe
finished his argument He gave way and some
announcements were made.
Rev. DR.. Bartlett gaze notice Of arrange
megts made for trip to Gettysburg at reduced
rates during the present week. This excursion.
however, would not take place unless $50 in
dlcated their intention OF going.
He also suggested that those who are staying
at private houses might frankly ask their hosts
II it was convenient and agreeable for them to
prolong their stay owing TO the extension of the
session of the assembly.
The assembly then adjourned until 2:SO
O'Clock.