The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-05-22
NORTHERN PREsBYrER1ANs.
The Committee Recommends the
Smith Appeal Be Entertained.

The Committee Recommends the
Smith Appeal Be Entertained.
Saratoga, n. Y, May 21.-After devo-
tioual services and preliminary business
in the Presbyterian general assembly to-
day the chairman of the committee on
bills and oyertures reported the receipt
of an overture from the Presbytery of
New Albany on the personal purity of the
members of the congress. 1t was referred
TO the same committee for a report.
Just before the hour for the theological
seminary discussion the judicial commit
tee took the platform and presented a re
port in judicial case No. !, which is
designated as the Smith case The re-
port was that repeal was in order, the
papers having been duly filed, and it was
recommended that the appeal be enter
tained, both parties having agreed to
waive their right to be heard on this
question. If the assembly votes to enter
tain the appeal three hours are to be
given to Prof. Smith to present his case,
four hours to the committee of prosecu-
tion. an additional hour to Prof Smith,
twenty minutes to the synod of Ohio and
two hours to the assembly.
At the close OF this time vote will be
taken upon each allegation of error on
the ground of appeal separately. 1t was
decided to make consideration of this
case the special order for Thursday next
at 10 o'clock, and TO continue it until it is
finished, having precedence over all other
orders.
NEW HEREsY INQUIRY.
DIR. George w. w. Birch. of New York,
opened a new field of heresy inquiry at
the afternoon session, by introducing the
following:
Whcreas,u 1t is currently reported that
dilgeut eaort is being made to introduce
what is known as the Bible study lesson sys-
tenn as a substitute for the Westminter sYs-
TEN in the sabbath school instruction Of our
churches; therefore,
Resolved, That the matter be referred to
the standing committee on publication and
Sabbath school work.
This resolution is aimed at what is
known as the Blakelee system on Sun
day school instruction. 1t was started to
replace the old-fashioned method, which
had come to be regarded as out of date in
the progressive churches. Last spring a
committee of New York ministers
met to reorganize the Blakelee sys-
tenn under a new name. The reOrganiza-
tion was perfected and sent forth IN the
form of pamphlets bearing names of pop
ular preachers. The phamphlet teemed
with copious extracts from all modern
Biblical writer's who came under the rule
of censure laid down at the Washington
general assembly. Many Presbyterian
pastors have introd uced this "heretical"
pamphlet into their Sunday schools in the
place of the Westminster system, which
DR.. Birch regards as much better. The
resolution was passed without dissent
and II is now in the hands of the com
mittee The report of this committee
will find its way before the assembly
during one of the breathing spaces in the
Smith case. There will be a lively de-
bate on this question, as several Of the
commissioners are provided with marked
copies of the pamphlet. Following DIR.
Birds resolutions the representatives Of
the commissioners prointed to review
the work of the boards of freedmen and
of education reported.