Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-05-31

OF the Bible and one is cast out upon the open
ocean of darkness without a sail or ruader This
error OF DIR. Briggs, self-confessed, was such
appeal. He must vote for the appeal on this
single ground.
ELDER PURNELL
Elder VIM. H. Purnell OF the Baltimore pres
bytery said that from his boyhood DAYS he had
been taught to respect the Presbyterian minis
try He had gloried in their achievements for
the well being of man. He had honored them
because they had pointed the way to heaven
No one knew how hard it was for him to vote to
condemn any minister. especially when the man
stood before them and told how much he loved
the Presbyterian Church. When they were
proud Of his learning and loved him as his
brother. it was hard to vote against him. Yet
he felt in mis- soul that if they Endorsed this
defendant they were entering upon strange
ways; that they were going on a voyage with a
critic for captain and a mutiated Bible for their
charter, steering for no-mans land He pre-
ferred going on the ship of Zion with the Lord
Tor their captain and the good old Bible for
their chart. For that reason he felt constrained
to vote against the brother.
REV. JOHN 6. HoUK.
Rev. John s. Houk Of New Castle said that
he stood in the pulpit of Francis Mackenzie
and he abided by the doctrines Of Francis Ma
kemie, the man who had established the Pres
byterian Church in the United States. In the
appeal.
REV. JOS. T. KELLY.
Rev. Joseph T. Kelly of this city said the
question was not question of men, but princi-
pies dear to their hearts. In view Of these
principles. involving the truth OF the Word of
God, he felt obliged to vote to sustain the APP
peal.
JOHN RANDOLPH.
John Randolph Of this city said that from the
evidence and facts adduced in the case he had
endeavored to make up his mind carefully and
in manner free from prejudice. He had done
80, ne thought, and he would vote accordingly,
but be did not see the necessity Of announcing
what his vote would be until the proper time
He commended the high character of the court,
made up as 1t was of ministers Of high stand.
ing and elders of repute, and was certain that
the defendant would receive just treatment
REV. ANTHONY c. JUNKIN.
Rev. Anthony c. Junkin of the Los Angeles,
Cal, presbytery said he had come here re-
solved to give DR.. Briggs the benefit of every
doubt consistent with truth and honor.
After listening to DR.. Briggs every doubt he
had had been scattered to the winds The
basis Of DR.. Briggs error he had shown
clearly was naturalism, out OF which grew SO
many errors. He spoke of DR.. Briggs
utterances that it depended on a mans en-
other remarks Of that kind. A man who ac-
cepts Jesus Christ could not accept DR.. Briggs
doctrines.
REV. JOHN T. HOPKINS.
Rev. John 7. Hopkins Of Los Angeles spoke
OF the responsibility he felt resting upon his
shoulders, but by the grace of God he had en-
deavored to see things free from prejudice and
in the light Of reason. Yet when a man came
before them and announced as DIR. Briggs had
done that he held certain views and would
preach them all his life he should be willing to
stand all examination and not evade questions
He himself would not evade such questionings
and he did not like to hear threats OF what
would happen in the event Of q conviction. He
would vote to sustain the appeal.
PROF. JOHN NJ. coYNER.
Prof. John NJ. Coyner Of the Los Angeles
presbytery said he had come here seeking the
truth. He had come unbiased and with his
brother commissioners had prayed for light
and direction. He must be true to the RESPONSE
bility placed upon him by those who had chosen
him. and he could do nothing less in this hour
OF decision than to sustain the appeal
ELDER WIN. Il. II. HAMILTON.
Elder VIM. H. H. Hamilton Of Oakland, Cal.
spoke briefly on the subject, saying that he had
'os~N W ShsSA snAh sAAS oPPSoA ooSouoC AS ~ohtoo
to hear the trial. 1t was not so much DR..
Briggs views that had prejudiced him in the
case as it was his own convictions Of the ire
mediable harm that would be done the future
Of the church and the young within its fold.
This harm would be done by such lax doctrines
and it would be done to the young members Of
the church and not to the older members, who
we're thoroughly grounded in orthodoxy. He
hesitated to think of the position the church
would be In ten or twenty years from now II q
man was permitted to disseminate such views
as those Of DR.. Briggs.
REV. JAMES NJ. NEWELL.
Rev. James N. Newell of San Jose, Cal, said
he thought it ought to be understood just what
they were doing when they voted on this ques-
ton.
The moderator said that they were now con-
ferring as judges and not discussing the votes.
Rev. Mr.. Newell said he did not understand
that in voting not to sustain the appeal he
would vote to indorse Dr.. Briggs opinions