New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1842-11-22
Parker's Fourth Discourse.
Correspondence OF The Tribrn..

Nothing could afford stronger evidence of the
deep interest felt in Mr., Parkers Lectures than
the fact, that the usually crowded audience was
scarcely diminished on Menday evening, in conse-
auence of dismal storm, which rendered the
walking extremely uncomfortable. The subject of
the Discourse was, The duplication Of Good
Sense to Theology; and i, was handled in very
| ingenious and able manner.
Mr.. P, in the first place, gave a general view of
the Popular Theology of New England, express
ing his own opinions of its character with great
freedom. That it had is beauties, he did not
deny; but he regarded its peculiar dogmas as mere
assumptions, which would live in the minds of
men only in proportion as they banished good
sense from the science of Theology, and degraded
Reason, by making her subservent to Superstition.
Its daring presumption he said was manifested in
unscrurulously condernning to eternal perd;tion
men whose lives were perfectly loving and teauti-
| full; while its selfish tmdty, he thought was
shown BY It's subserviencv to doctrines so revolt
ing. 1t virtually taught, that man could not
have Religion, however holy and blameless his
life, without receiving It's dogmas whileit seemed
to take for granted, that if man believed these
in other words if he had Theology-he must have
Religion, OF course.
Theology, in its true and legitimate sense,
whether regarded effectively or subjectively, was
the highest and noblest of all the sciences. 1t in
voved the Infinite and led the mind into field
of observation as vast and illimitable as the Rela-
ton we sustain and the Duties VIC owe TO God and
10 one another We might naturally expect that
science 60 grand and ennobling would be studied
with an enthusiasm kindred to itself, and which
should absorb the highest powers CT man in de-
| lightful inquiry and observation. But WAS 1t SO !,
Every body, he said knew that VIVA, passed for
| Theology awakened no such interest. The works
unfolding other sciences were written oy men, for
men and they were sought after BY the lovers of
human Progress. But Theological works,
what were they and who cared to read them =
Now why this contrast Why it, that the science,
which should be, Of all others, the most enchant-
ing which would lead Us to contemplate the high
est and the hottest of themes awekens SO little
interest, and excites scarcely any other emotion in
earnest souls than that of contempt or disgust Ii
was, he maintained because the science bad been
degraded by those who aspred to be It's teachers.
In other sciences the student was taught to push
his inquiries after facts the extent and II
facts we're found to conflict with past present
theories to believe the facts and regard the theo-
ries false. Il was taken for granted that much re-
NAMED vet TO be discovered, and hence there was
no attempt to limit inquiry within a prescribed
circle, to stay the researches OF the earnest
soul by the voice of Authority. The Popular The
olegy on the contrary, began by assuming that al
important truth is already known; that there Is
nothing of consequence to be learned; that the
yearning soul, onpain of eternal dannaton, must
receive its doemas, however contrary to Reason
because they are found in the standards. 1t az
I forded consequently, scope for Investigation
and the free soul could not breathe its stagnant at
mospherc.
Mr.. P. followed these general remarks with u
more specific statement of what he deemed the
peculiar faults of the Popular Theology-net those
pertaining to one sect alone, but essentially belong
| ing to all the sects of our day but through these
! specifications will not attempt to follow him, as
my necessary inaccuracy on points respecting
which the public mind is exceedingly sensitive,
might do him injustice.
Mr. P said that in his opinion, Reform was
now in progress, in comparison with which that OF
Luther was mere boys play. 1t would separate
Religion from Theology, rather show the differ
ence between them; it would s. into the merits OF
all facts pertaining to the Soal' nature and pro-
gress; it would carry, in shor., the same liberal
spirit, and apply the same general principles to
the study of Theology that are applied to other
sciences. He was we'll aware that thuse who pro-
NOTED this Reform would suffer from the SANDERS
and rcproaches of those who advocated the Popu-
lar Theology; but he consoled by the thought
that Truth besses all her children, who listen TO
her voice, and follow the light which she kindles
in their path. The votaries of Expcdiency would
now as in former times get by their subservicncy
what they most wantcd-their bread while the
men of Morality would get what they expected
a stone. But in every trial, and amidst the dan
gers of every conflict in behalf of Righteousness
and Truth, the man of Morality may well be cain,
and serene, for God is on his side, and in him is
Almighty strength. Yours, REvlLo.