The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-10-20
ESPON NOE.
Letter from Philadelphia.
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 10th, 80

Id1LADGLPHlAj OCC. lOGuI OO.
Messrs. Editors,-The all-engrossine
subject of the hour in this city is politics
Parades, speeches, discussions, bulletins
Of western elections, have taken posses
sion of the people, thrusting even busi-
ness into a subordinate position. 1t is
difficult to see the compensation for these
periodical excitements which unsettle
trade and interfere with religion, unless
it be that excitation gives to the public
mind a capacity for clearer views, and
heated discussion arouses sluggish intel
lects, and thus the masses are educated
in the lore of political ideas. Discussion
is undoubtedly the common school of a
Democracy, and high excitements draw a
larger number of the people within the
precincts of that school and diffuse there
by the blessings, whatever they may be,
of political culture.
But one cannot look on all this enthu.
siasm expended upon lower end with
out sigh over the coldness that charac-
terizes religionists. If men did but de-
sire the success of Jesus Christ as much
as they do that of this or that leader-if
they did but recognize the reality of the
loss to humanity his defeat entails, and
work for him with something of the same
careful organization, personal sacrifice,
and high enthusiasm, it would not be long
before this world would be turned up
side down" and the Galilean sit upon the
throne by the voluntary choice of man
kind. The children of this world are
wiser in their generation than the chill
dren of light" Is it not the part of
Christian men to learn from them wisdom
of method and apply that wisdom to di-
vine and holy ends that Jesus may soon
be king by the Universal Plebiscite and
the ideal commonwealth be established
From revival in politics we turn to
lukewarmness in religion. The transi-
tion is held by many to be exceedingly
natural, merely an Illustration of "the ex-
pulsive power of a new affection" The
FIRST thing that greets us in the aspect of
the Presbyterian churches in the city is
A Trial for Heresy.
The party implicated is the Rev. Wal
ter Q. Scott, formerly Professor in Lafay-
cite College, Easton, and then pastor of
the Arch st. Presbyterian church of Phil
adelphia, and latterly Professor again of
Mental and Moral Philosophy in the
University of Wooster, Ohio. A man of
exceedingly bright intellect, and marked
by great personal independence in the
expression of his views-it was not
strange that he soon became a great per-
son in the University, especially with the
young men. Whispers began to be
noised abroad of his unsoundness in the
faith | am bound to say that while he
may hold peculiar views in mental phil
osophy, on which such rumors might be
based, the real foundation for the rumors
which were given to the four winds of
heaven for diffusion was jealousy of the
young mans growing influence, which
was already dominating the whole Uni
verslty, and suggesting the propriety Of his
selection as Chancellor. This is borne out
by the fact that the Trustees could not
and would not make any specific charges
against him-and that he was compelled
to ask for an investigation of the whole
matter by the Presbytery to which he
belonged. The judgment of the Pres
bytery has now been given by unani-
nous vote, and after searching exami-
nation by such experts in Ecclesiology
and Theology as Doctors Musgrave and
AAgnew and Eva, and am rejoiced that
IT completely exonerates the young Pro
lessor Of the charge, and testifes to his
loyal and thorough adhesion to the be-
hels OF the Presbyterian faith. 1t was
what we all expected, who in this CITY
were familiar with the work be performed
While minister for more than four wear,
over one Of our principal churches
Ais well that ends weltl' but I fea,
me these suspicious of ministers and
C,iharges which are too often fathered bv
them until they become widespread and