The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-10-27
FROM CHURCH
Prof. Charles w. Shields Sew
ers His Connection With the
Presbyterian Synod.
Especial to 1.-THE Jersey City News."l

TRENTON, Oct. 2, 1S97.-Professor
Charles w. Shields, of Princeton Univer-
sity, has authorized the statement that,
in consequence of the unjust, unconsti-
tutionaI and d~efamatory action" of GER
tain presbyterieS and synodS involving
his good name, he has decided for his own
personal protection, to separate himself
from the Presbyterian Church in a con-
stitutional manner with the least possible
delay.
DIR. Shields was asked for an interview
concerning his intended resignation. He
declined to talk upon the subject. II IS
known, however, that Professor Shields
action is due to the adverse criticism in
CURED by his signing the petition of prop
erty holders for a liquor license for the
Princeton Inn, and to the attitude coward
him in consequence.
The Rev. DR.. Charles Woodruff Shields
is the professor of the Harmony of
Science and Revealed Religion at Prince
| ton, and is the author of several standard
| theological works. He was at one time
| moderator of the General Assembly of
the Presbyterian Church, is a man
| of broad views. The thing which aroused
a tempest of reproach was an applcatlon
| for a license to sell liquor in the Prince
ton Inn. The paper, it is said, also bore
| the signature of former President Grover
Cleveland.
The papers have told how, last Thurs
day, a discussion of the matter threat
ened to disrupt two separate synods. Inc
New York Synod of the United Prespy,
ltIldl AdIS INV - - $500
| it's Committee on Reform created a sem
sation by its reference to DR.. Shields
course. On this subject the report in
part was as follows
IF students in course of preparation
for the learned professions may be en-
couraged by such high authority in
may we hope to keep the ministry and
even the pulpit from the calamity of,
Words fail us to express our sorrow
@-l ~ do acC tho n
enter our emphatic protest against the
appearance of this odd monster under
the sanction of professors in American
Protestant institutions of education. Nor
| could We feel that our duty was dis
charged without warning the parents,
and especially Presbyterian parents, of
the land, against sending their boys to
any college where such temptations are
placed in the path of their youthful feet"
The Presbyterian Synod of New Jersey
met in the Crescent Avenue Presbyte-
rian Church, Plainfield, N. j. The Synod
includes many graduates of Princeton,
who, in addition to a natural pride in
their alma mater, are warm admirers Of
DR.. Shields.
The Temperance Committee in its report
outlined the radical position of the Cen
eral Assembly regarding the sale and use
of ALCOHOLIC beverages as inconsistent
with the claims of Christian duty. 1t
handed in resolutions which read in part
as follows:-
Resolved, That since our church ex-
cludeS from her communion all who sell
Intoxicating liquors as a beverage and
condemns those who sign liquor licenses
as accomplices in the guilt of the same,
we enjoin the PreSbytery of New Bruins
wick to examine into the alleged signing
of liquor licenses by one of its members,
and, if true, to administer such discip-
line as the case may warrant.
DR.. Studdiford entered a protest against
the entire procedure. He was seconded by
other members, who became greatly ex-
cited.
One substitute resolution after. another
was presented, but it was found impos-
sible to get a vote. The resolution which
finally prevailed was offered by Professor
Long. It was as follows
THE Synod finds occasion to refterate
the Judgment expressed on previous occa-
sions that the renting of property for
saloon purposes n the signing of liquor
licenses is not consistent with Chris
tianity, and that the retention of all Pres
byteries, sessions, pastors and teachers be
brought to bear upon this matter"