The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-01-15
THE GREAT
THEOLOGICAL COCK FIGHT.
Theo. ThooIogos to the Rev. DIR. Poiemic.
Nr,, XopE January IL lAli

. REV. AND DEAR SlR:-
Will YOU permit me to inquire whether the COM
munication ascribedto you IN late number OF a
public journal OF this city, is correctly published
am persuaded that the compositor must nave done
you great injustice IN respect 10 the sentiments
therein contained, and the entire communication
Is strangely different from those views which
have always considered you as entertaining, and
which have been heretofore strongly advocated by
other heologians OF your sect refer 10 inns iacl,
because 1t led me TO suppose II possible that the eV-
dent error OF the press, IN the particulars Just
named, may extend even 10 your oWh Gelig ana
that you dad not so publicly assert the extensive
clam OF steeples 10 all churches, nor invite chai-
enge from the Rev. Paul Anybody TO put you 10
the proof OF that assertion.
That there may be mistake, will quote the language
ascribed TO YOU and to which beg to refer you for ex
anation 1t is contained in the Evening Post OF the 18th
inst:
There can be no church without steeple.
No congregation without people"
ian evident mistake OF the compostor) Now Sir not
whstanng the strong and unequiyocal language here
imputed to YOU (nd tar, perhaps, as the pubic can
determine) endorsed your own should even the aos
tic Paul farson iiae throw down his gauntlet would
take II up, and say THERE CAN BIZ CHURCH WITHOUT A
SrELrLE THERE CAN bE CONFIRMATION WITHOUT PEo-
repeat it, that am quite unwilling suppose that
your communication has correctly understood be-
cause although there not wanting instances the
stupid exclusiyeness implied in the above coupet can.
bring my self believe that you would broad
and unqualified statement at any time, and least Of all in
such publc manner The statement al it stands al
firms not merely the relative superiority OF steepe
churches merely that people is essential feature
in congregation but goes the whole length in affirm
ing that without the former there be church. and
that the latter is absolutely necessary to the very being Of
a congregation. There cannot be a church without a
stcepiei This is something more than question Of
relative adj antagas it becomes question OF vitality
OF existence itseii II is not saying that steepe church
IL better than another but that seeple church s the
only church and, (by implication and fair inerence) Us
members atone worship in u church 1t is not saying
merely that certain number of people will constitute
congregation but that congregation cannot be consu.
without people accordingly the above passage toll.
lowed is by the begcrent assertion at the concu.
sion of your communication clearly understood de-
caring readiness to prove that al buildings OF public
worship whose gable end steeple is not erected
lesques upon the s.eeped houses OF devotion, and that
their people must creep into Heaven through the kitchen
door not attempt TO reach the saints rest VIA the
steepie.
repeat it, Sir that the consider upon the views
advanced in your communication, the unwilling
believe that have been correctly understood and
that true version has been given OF your letter But
should unhappiiy be mistaken 10 this should this
passage be statement of your real views views which
had supposed at least expressed without strong
saving cases TO make them tolerabe to the most
bgoted believers in high church doctrine then and ony
that case am ready to show the alsy OF your state
ment.
have been induced TO address you in this public
ner because of the extended publicity OF your commune
cation which not privately circulated among circle
| OF confidential riends-whch read fro the pull
pit of your denomination, found ON the pages OF
| sectarian print like the birthstone Commercial" OF
self constituted bter OF church difficulties, the papist
cal Courier" Had been, should not have thought
wsrh while to notice it, But having been published t.
the world and placed under the eyes OF literary commu
nifty il obvious that the have adopted Is the tru
onc-to discountenance in public u manner yo,
have asserted the views contained in your communica
ton.
Believing that you have been misunderstood the pre-
imnarics of which you make mention be POSTPONED
for future adjustment if requisite.
| Believe me, reverend and dear Sir
| Your obedient servant,
| THEO. THEOLOGOs.