The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1878-11-20
DEAN STANLEY AT THE THEOLOGICAL
SEMINARY, NEW YORK,


given to the Dean of Westminster, durin
his visit TO New York, was that on Wednes
lay afternoon, October, Both, in the chape
of the Union Theological Seminary. TIL
beautiful room was filled With the professor
and students and quite gathering of the
friends. After prayer by Prof. Hitchcock
Rev. Dr.. Adams, the venerable President
introduced the Dean in one of his most felic
itous addresses, referring happily to the mem
cries associated with his title as Dean o.
Westminster--W Westminster Abbey, West
minister Hail. Westminster School, Westmin
ster Assembly of Dvines, Westminster Con
fession of Faith.
The Dean replied 10 an extended address
winning the favor of his audience at the start
by his tribute to Dr.. Edward Robinson, the
eminent B lblical scholar, formerly 8 profes.
sor in the Seminary. He said that his first
acquaintance, with American scholarship and
literature was with his valuable Biblical he
searches, which were among the very few
books of modern literature of which he could
say that he had read every word. He had
read them on csmel's back aud on horseback
and in his tent after days of weary travel
among the hills of Palestine. Taking this
great work and DR.. Robinson's example as
his text, in an admirable, practical address
be counselled the students to examine thor
oughly and carefully the subjects they stu
died without fear of consequences, to verify
all facts, whether of theology or religion, and
to avoid an inflated and exaggerated style to
which preachers were especially exposed In
conclusion he said
81 cannot hope that remarks thrown out
in this cursory and fugitive manner can pro-
duce any very lasting impression on those
who hear them. Yet it is possible that even
remarks like these, coming from a stranger,
like myself-coming from one whose office,
at any rate, as your President has kindly OBJ
served, is we'll known to you; whose habits-
ton is connected, as he has reminded you,
with the first beginnings of the theology of
English, Scotch, and American Presbyterian
ism-may now and then recur to you in the
course of your theological studies, and may
lead you, perchance, into some reflections: :
first, on the desirableness of remembering
the historical character of the sacred books
with which we have to deal second, Of veri-
flying and pursuing to the utmost all facts
that are brought before you, whether in
science or religion; and, thirdly, the impcr-
tance of observing sense of proportion,
whether in your style, or your ideas, or your
proper conception Of the great doctrines of
Christianity. wish you all every success
in the work in which you are employed -
Every student and pastor has his part to play
in this age Of transition through which We
are passing. shall not live to see the end
of those problems which now agtate the
minds qf men but YOU sill psrhags live to
see theA solved. You, perhaps, in the twen-
tieth century will live to see brighter and
happier day than that which sometimes
seems to overcloud the minds and oppress
the hopes of those who live in the latter part
of this nineteenth century.
But l will not depart from you except with
words of hope. May God bless you; may
God sustain you in your efforts; may God
enable you through spirit of wisdom and
understanding, and godly fear, both in your
pastoral duties, to fulfil the work, whatever
it be, that be has assigned both to the great
est and the humblest amongst you"
Prof. Schaff followed with pleasant per-
sonal "reminiscences of DR.. Robinson and of
Dean Stanley, whom he particularly CON-
mended for his influence in securing the aid
of American scholars conjoiutly with the
English in the great work of Bible revision.
The beautiful Ascension hymn, written by
the Dean, was then sung, and the exercises
closed with the benediction impressively
pronounced by him. 1t was pleasant and
impromptu episode in student life, and bis
auditors cannot fail to remember with graft
6cation the familiar talk and the sensible ad-
vice they received from this eminent scholar
and divine.-IHustrated Christian Weekly.