The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-05-13
COMPLETING THEIR WORK.
THE MINUTE ABOUr DIR. TdLMAGE'S
METHODS rs DISMISSED.

And the Presbytcry Prepares 20 Defend It.
self Before the synod-Dr. Weiss OPinion
OF Some Words that DIR. TalmRge Uses.
The Rov. DR.. Talmage did not attend yes
terday's meeting Of the Brooklyn Presbytery
which was called to consider his methods in
his pulpit. but he was represented by tho Rev.
DR.. Spear. The Presbytery was organized with
the Rev. Charles Cuthbert Hall as temporary
Moderator. The Rev. DIR. james NJ. Ludlow
sent letter OF resignation as Moderator. hav-
ing accepted reelection. on the condition that
no should serve only during the trial OF DR..
TalmaRe. The Row. Oliver St John was thon
elected Moderator after n half-dozcn brethren
had joined in a chorus Of declnatlons. The
venerable Dr. Spear said that because Of the
complaint which Dr. Van Dyke and others had
fled II would be necessary to defend the Pres
bytery before the Synod Of Long Island. The
Presbytery unanimously delegated the Rev. DR..
Rockwell. the Rev. James NJ. Ludlow. and the
Rev. J. q. Williamson to take all the testimony.
and TO present the Presbytery's case before the
Synod which meets In October in Jamaica, Long
Island.
The Presbytery then took up the minute.
which was tabled whom DIR. Talmage was put
upon trial on charges Of falsehood and deceit.
This minute. which was published at the time.
said that common fame" did not accuse DR..
Talmago ofheresy. but his methods es specially
that adopted by h i'm in preparing his sermons
on Night Scenes in New York" were criticised.
, Dr. Rockwell moved 10 indefinitely postpone
the consideration OF the question. Dr. Spear
seconded tho notion DR.. Dawson offered tho
following. which was accepted rs n substitutes
Rostoi That in reference to DR. Talmagos methods In
the pulpit aud their effect common fame, voiced by
euser nd witness IL certainly Is not desirable or po
bile g bring Gods ministers 70 the dead level OF samenes
that GOD condemns God alone is Lord OF the conscience
and hath left free from the doctrines and command
men,s Of men IL anything contrary to His work or beside
y IN maiiers Of aitl ana worship Dr. Iamsse Is net
hor rem any other source public or pryate have we
learned ayinins asalsd ms uoitrinai s1nnh,ss In
directions, did he not boldly and persenuy preach the
cGi.m. nor we doubt The truth which he pfssch
Wherefore, this presbytery deeming that other de-
veraucc Is called for IN regard TO the paper now before
BY is dismissed.
The resolution was constructed Of sentences
from the Common Fame" CQmmittees report
and from rules in the Presbyterian Book Of
Government DIR. Dawson was complmented
on this ingenious construction.
DIR. Wells said that there were words used by
DIR. Talmage in his sermons which he tDr.
Wellsl would not dare to use to men or God.
They were wanting In reverence, and were sur
mons last winter Dr. Talmage said OF his critical
brethren: God prosper them and put bless
ing on their heads and under their boots and in
their pockets and befoIs them and behind
them, 80 that they cannot get out without
mounting uD 10 heaven. Where make an ap-
pontment to meet them on the north side Of the
river. under the Tree Of Life" tLaughteT.l In
another sermon DR.. Tamage, describing the
way other ministers worked called them
clerical refOrmers.' and spoke OF them as
cornering an old sinner OF two or thirty years
ago. and going for him. and OF raining sui
phur on Sodom and fire on Gomorrah. and then
wiping their gold spectacles. drawing on their
best pair OF kid gloves, rolling up their morocco
! they have done a terrible thing while
| their faces would blush II their attention was
called TO the sins OF the world Of to-day" Who
| were these ministers DIR. Wells would like 10
| know. He didn't know Of them, and his soul
| re'oiled from such slaughter OF the innocents.
| DR.. Talmages style OF presenting things gro
| tesquely, SO as TO provoke laughter and ap-
| plause set bad example TO young men about
| 10 enter the ministry, who were prone TO imi-
tate him. DIR. Wells believed that. In the time
to come. Dr. Talmage would address his breth-
rem. II they should help him to direct his great
powers to do the Masters work. In better form.
The aged DR. Drake said that he thought
| there was wisdom In DR.. Talmages choice OF
| topics like the night scenes OF New York once
In a while; The Bible gave a description Of
| some such things. These things were put In
The blind pastor, the Rev. DR.. McCleland
| said; There are thOee OF us who intend tc
| wash our hands OF this whole matter. and we
shall decline TO vote upon II. Wa wish not 10 b.
| deemed as approving Of the matter"
| The resolution OF Dr. DAWSON was then car
| RED. only two persons voting against IT, A
number declined TO vote. The Presbytery Their
| adjourned.
| The expenses Of trying and acquitting DR.
| Talmage have been about 81 200. This amour
| is expected 10 be met by voluntary contribution
among the wealthy Presbyterians.