Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1859-07-30
REL THEODORE PARKER.

1t is generally known that during the past
winter the health of Mr. Parker, in consequence
of his great and incessant labors, failed him,
and that he was obliged to leave his post of
duty, and is travelling in foreign lands. He
first visited some Of the West India Islands
from one of which he wrote long letter to his
society giving some account of his ministry;
thence he sailed to England, where he remained
but short time. He is now in Italy, his health
having somewhat improved.
We were much amused the other day in read
ing in one of the city papers an account of
scene relating to Mr. p, which occurred recent
ly at a meeting of the Alumni of the Theologi-
cal School at Cambridge, Mass. After the SER
vices of the Graduating Glass, which were said
to be Of high character, the Association of
the Alumni partook of an "unexceptional din
ner' at Harvard Hall, then proceeded to choose
officers for the ensuing year, after which tkere
was discussion of the performances of the
Young gentleman who were about to leave the
shades of Harvard for the sterner duties of
life. Thus far every thing had gone on smooth
""' put dl tulS Slupe OF tne
proceedings sudden tempest arose, which
greatly disturbed the harmony of the occasion.
Rev. NJ. ID. Conway of Cincinnati, Ohio, not
having the fear of superior age and eminent
wisdom before his eyes, was bold rash enough
to introduce the following resolution:
Res'S'ed, THAT this Association has heard with
deep regret of the failure during the past year. of the
health Of Rev. Theodore Parker; and we hereby ex-
tend to him our heartfelt sympathy and express our
earnest hope and PRAYER for his return with renewed
strength and heart undated to the post of duty which
he has so long filled with ability and ZEAL
This resolution was seconded and supported
by some very kind and appropriate remarks by
Rev. J. f. Clarke Of Boston, showing Chris
tan spirit and liberal mind. And as the res
olution in no way endorses the theology of Mr.
Parker, only his ability and zeal, and expresses
sympathy for him in his sickness and desire
for his restoration and return, it is difficult for
us outsiders" living in the "rural districts" to
understand why the resolution should not have
passed at once and unanimously But no. 1t
was earnestly opposed by Messrs Gannett of
Boston, Burnap of Baltimore, Osgood of New
York, Ellis Of Charlestown. Hedge of Cam
uiihBSy ptCDDlnS Vi w ODurn, all DOctOrS
of Divinity. The resolution is "unprecedent-
ed' said one; it is an imposition" said anoth-
er; third in patronizing way said, "while
he sympathized with Mr. Parker as a man he
could not endorse him as a Christian" The
discussion for a time was very lively and excit-
ing Several Of the gentlemen who opposed
the resolution, expressed much sympathy and
respect for Mr. Parker: One said "he was doing
good work" One confessed that his preach
ing "struck deeper into the heart of great pub
lie and social sins than the preaching of any
man among US" But the passage of the reso-
luton "would be virtual endorsement of Mr.
Parker's position as n preacher" There was
the rub. That would not do. The mover was
desired to withdraw his resolution. He declin-
ed doing SO. An adjournment was moved
One of the advocates of the resolution insisted
upon a vote being taken. He chopped the As
ISOLATION would express their honest convictions.
If they entertained sympathy for Mr. Parker,
he wished them to say so; but if they did not,
he wished them to say that too" But the op-
posers did not like to take the responsibility of
voting; and so the motion to adjourn was car
ried, ard the vote of sympathy was not passed.
Truly this is an enlightened age! Cambridge
is the great source of "liberal" ideas 1t must
be sore trial to Mr. Parker to have half dog
EN- learned Doctors of Divinity refuse to vote
for resolution sympathizing with him. 1t may
however be some slight consolation in his exile
from home to be assured, that thousands of
warm hearts, both in the Old World and the
New, noble men and women, lovers of freedom,
right and humanity do feel for him the warm
est sympathy, and do most earnestly hope and
fervently pray that he may return to his post of
duty with health restored, zeal unabashed, and
nnwer nndiminishnh