New-York tribune., 1884-01-13
MR.. NEWTON DEFENDED.
cLERGYMEN WHO sYMPATHIzE WITH HIM.
TALKS WITH THE REV, z, W. DONALD AND ihE
REV. ARTHUR BROOKS.

TALKS WITH THE REV, r, W. DONALD AND The
REV. ARTHUR BROOKS.
The opinions of q number of prominent Episco-
pal clergymen in regard to the Key. K Hener New
THE tribune yesterday, following the interview
with the Rev Dir. HOughtOn which appeared IN Inc
Nail and Express on wednesday caused caused; mucn hn1n
talk In church circles. In order to ascertain how
far the published statements were indicative OF the
general sentiment of the Episcopal clergy severai
other well-known rectors were ylslted ygsserG;
cisms on the Old Testament made by Mr.. Newton IN
his volume of published sermons on the p" Uses ana
Abuses of the Bible. andalso in his recent lectures
of the Ascension, and friend of Mr.. Newton, sald
81 do not think the clergy of this city are IN a
position to say anything about this matter except
what may be based on the contents of Mr.. Newton's
published book, and must refuse TO say AWNING AWNING
which appear in the newspapers are often not cor
rect reports and no man should be condemned on
their statements. Therefore, refuse az gehIie g.
the late alleged utterances OF Mr. NEW sasi
ton. AS to his book Of sermons, 1eel
that what is clear as to meaning In It states
the Church touching the Bible; But there ls SO
much that is vague and susceptible of different m
that 1T Is not craven ePas
in doctrine than he really is guilty OF. certainly
cannot follow him along all his lines or accept all
his conclusions but am grateful ior the on no
of the Old Testament. Certain positions whlch ne
has taken IN regard to the ethical purpose purpose
of the Old Testament stories completely
silence the arguments of Colonel Ingersoll against
the moral teachings of the Old Testament. The
method of presentation adopted by Mr. Newton was
faulty, and unnecessarily alarmed and untortu-
nately prejudiced great many persons against
those portions Of the book which are
really sound, and which are destined to stand the
test of criticism and of Christian faith One great
difficulty estimating the positions OF his book
comes because the book has not been read by
clergymep and Others who have not symPaathh,zed hs
with the Biblical criticism of WHICH 1t Is the best
known exposition in this country"
HAS the Assistant Bishop power to take action
on the presentment against Mr. Newton made some
al do not think that he has; but the only persons
who can speak with authority In this matter are
those who officially know the extent of the powers
delegated by the Senior Bishop. If the Senior
Bishop has assigned all his powers unreseryedly to
his Assistant then, of course the Assistant can act
in the case of Mr.. Newton and all Others"
When asked for his opinion of Mr.. Newton and
his criticism of the Bible, the Rev. Arthur Brooks
rector Of the Church Of the lncaaton thus m done ea
in of trial IN this matter If the clergy are TO
express their opinions now" ow;.,...,y
"What do you think of the recent lectures - ,,a
" So far as have read i'll this matter. l should
think Mr.. Newton had said nothing for which he
would be liable to trial. The Church does not take
q dogmatic view of these things, and | think Mr..
Newton has kept within the limit which the free
dom of the Church allows ,...
Are you in sympathy with him in the position
with much of his thought ! am in sympathy;
but should not say that what he had said was in
the main correct"
=" What part of the clergy do you think sustains
Mr.. NeWtOn'S viewsi"
Al think there is more of tendency among the
older, but do not know of one clergyman who
$e 1' doss sa' There % are two , qs,sston' rir!t to
whether Mr. Newton has kept within the limits of
the freedom allowed IN the Church. believe that
he has, aud deprecatc trial as an extreme re-
oh IL NOT hipk OF al
case. The second question is with regard to the
wisdom of Mr.. Newton's action n
preaching such IN ana saord ms IS nOse tb"ie
questions, find myself constantly at variance
with Mr. Newton, as opening questions from the
pulpit which are more suitable Tor discus,
sion elsewhere, and as treating as proved
theories which must receive great q9allii-
cations before they are. ever received ris as
statements of Biblical interpretations his
position enthusiastically, seems to be much analo-
gous to that of other extreme men who think they
have right to take from the past matters OF ritual
and doctrine which the Church rejected and pre-
sent them openly in their teaching, to the confusion
of the ordinary mind As the tolerance OF
the Church toward such men has been-alth0ugh
it has been msinteIpreted by the onookers i'll the
cOmmunity-sO, presume, 1t VIII be IN this case
and believe that the same good effects Will result
for the cause of the church and religion by that
policy of wise liberation which has hitherto pre-
vailed" 80 - -
I" In what respects do you agree with Mr.. New
toms teachingsI I"
mot having his book of sermons here, 1 cannot
express myself to what particular things agree
or disagree with him upon (; but will say that
there were many of his lines of thought in regard 10
the nature and use of the Bible with which believe
many men. both of the older and younger clergy,
were and are in sympathy Butmost of the methods
and results of his study were not such as to COM
mand general agreement with him."
TO the EdttOr Of The Tribune.
SIR: In your paper yesterday ono young man is
mentioned by the parsons au having leit
the Church account OF MIR. Ncwtons
preaching. certain that many OF the most Intelligent
iaymen and women kept In the Church by hearing
the Independent utterances of Mr.. Newton. They
say that II the Church insists that the Old
is n record of history inspired by God
and an nfable record Of fact In every case, they will
break with the Church and leave IT. But when they hear
that that Church insists upon nothing Of the kind, they
STAY know instances not few OF what say The In
dependent ard vigorous thinkers Of the Church. clerical
and ay are in sympathy with the article OF Dr. Ryance
IN the January number OF The Worth Apertcdh, rather
than with the dogmabound theology and the eccesias
clsm to which TOO many OF the clergy belong. The |
truth is destructive well as constructive.
et-TOTh, Jan. 10, 1854. CHCRCHhAN.