Dictionary.net

In his address on the occasion of his installation into the Edward Robinson professorship of Biblical Theology in the Union Theological Seminary, of New York, January 20, 1891, Professor Charles A. Briggs asserted that reason is a fountain of divine authority no less savingly enlightening than the Bible and the church. His views were deemed not in accordance with the Presbyterian Confession of Faith. Charges were brought against Dr. Briggs before the Presbyterian General Assembly. He was supported by his colleagues in the seminary. In 1892 Briggs was tried and acquitted by the New York Synod, the several charges not having been sustained.