The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-05-02
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CALDWELL CASE.

BY THE REV. JoSEPHUs JOHNSON, D. d.
On October 10, 1904 Rev. VIM. Caldwell, Phi D.
having received a call to the pastorate of the
FIRST Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth, pre-
sented letter of dismission from the Presbytery
OIL Baltimore, and sought admission to the Pres
bytery of Fort Worth.
In the examination that followed it appeared
to some members of the Presbytery that he was
not in harmony with the Standards of our Church
in several important points, in that he virtually
admits that he rejects:
ID The Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch
CD The Historicity of the earlier chapters of
Genesis
80 In part if not entirely, the miraculous ele-
ment in the Old Testament
(4) He further believes that Christ died not
as penal substitute instead of man. but simnlv
for man.
The Presbytery received him by bare major
lty and order was taken for his installation as
pastor of the First Church of Fort Worth
Notice was given of complaint to Synod soon
TO meet by the minority of the Presbytery on the
above grounds. The complaint was heard in the
SYNOD Oh IeXas which met in Austin, October
IL, four days later. The compliments and re-
spondents substantially agreed as to the views
expressed by DR.. Caldwell in the oral examination
before the Presbytery, but differed in the inter
preations put upon his statements After hear
Ing both parties Synod adopted by a large ma
jority the following paper:
mat we sustain the action of the complain
the Synod and return the to the Fort Worth
Presbytery with instructions for new hearing
The Presbytery was convened during the Ses-
sions of Synod and DIR. Caldwell not appearing he
fore it, the Presbytery adjourned to meet month
later.
The above action of Synod was taken on the
third day of sessions at 3 O'Clock p M and at the
close of the night session OF the fourth dav the
following resolution was adopted by large ma
jority:
1nasmuch as there is a misunderstanding in
the minds of many members of Fort Worth Pres
bytery also of the Synod of Texas as to the exact
relations sustained by Rev. Wm Caldwell Phi D.
10 the Presbytery of Fort Worth and to the Synod
o. Texas; therefore be it
"ResolUed, That Synod appoint a committee to
formulate the sense of Synod as to it's own ac
ton and to determine the exact relation sustained
by Rev. VIM. Caldwell to Fort Worth Presbyterv"
In accordance with this resolution committee
was appointed to formulate the Judgment of the
Synod in the case.
This committee on the sixth day of Synod made
the following report which was also adopted by a.
large majority:
Your committee appointed to interpret the &C
ton of the Synod upon the complaint of Rev. J.
" Mccall and others against the action of Fort
Worth Presbytery in receiving Rev VIM Cald-
well into its Presbytery have to report as follows.
cd The Synod declares that it's decision was
made solely upon the record of the case as pre-
sented and that its effect is to leave the whole
matter as though no action had been taken by the
Presbytery by which Mr. Caldwell had been re-
ceived and by this decision of the Synod he is no
longer a member of the Presbytery.
~ In view of the fact that the record was not
full or explicit, and fearing for this reason that
injustice might be done to the parties concerned
the Synod has ordered that the Presbvterv Of
Fort Worth take up from the first the examination
OF Rev. VIM. Caldwell with reference to his re-
ception."
One member dissented from the action of Synod