New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-01-31
MR.. NEWr0pS COURSE UXWYSE.
COMMENT AND CRITICISM BY SEVERAL cEERC

COMMENT AND CRITICISM BY SEVERAL CLERGY
MEN,
GAS to the advisablity Of trial IN the case Of the
Rev. Dr. Newton" said tho Rev. w. s. Rainsford,
rector of st Georges Church, 81 cannot say, but 1
do think that presbyters who are expressing their
opinions in the present complicated state of affairs
are doing that which is not ad sabe for them at
all fair to the Assistant Bishop. In regard TO tho
teachings Of Dr.. Newton. apart from agreement or
disagreement with them he i pronouncing er-
the nature of possibility that he should be
certain. Men who have have given, up years
of their lives in wrestling with these
than dOubtfulness upon hem. For instance, Dr.
Cheyne. of Oxford, England, in whose charge tho
revision of the book of Isaiah is pacedadmittedly
published to the world that he has materially
changed bis opinions within seven years IN some
matters he at that time pronounced dOgmatically
upon. | do not think we can afford 10 give our
people crude and unsatisfactory opinions on these
as he does years instead ,c OF months OF
study would be necessary. Those who have
given years TO this kind OF :, study
are least prepared to d0Gmatize. II Dr. Newton
continues his researches he wall doubtless change
his opinions within ten years on these very subjects
in controversy. In conversation with very Drill
liant Hebrew scholar, from Cambridge University,
England, recently, be said that Dr. Newtons book
was a rashand unfortunate publication, and that the
came TO all students Of the Bible do not believe
that the time has come for dOgmatlc Statements.
50 l do not at all agree with DR.. Newtons yiews'
said the Rev. j. Radcliff Davenport, rector OF 1T.
Mary's Church as expressed in hIs published ser
mons in his recent lectures. The church Is not
the place in which to introduce criticisms on the
Word of God, nor is a popular congregation 1T, III
tellectualy to appreciate them. There are certain
questions which learned men have thought deeply
upon and argued from a certain standpoint and
made some bold statements about, and DR.. Newton
takes the conclusions of these men and throws
them ont to his people IL is very unwlse
for a clergyman 10 give such conclusions. such
unqualified statements rs DR.. Newton has been
making upset people who have doubts. and make
inidels of those who cannot hear the other side or
the questions argued, for nearly all who listen de-
pend upon hun for all their knowledge on the sub
ject. | think that the clergy generally condemn
DR.. Newton's course IS well as dissent from ms
opinions"
What do you think would be the outcome Of q
trial7"
II am afraid great difficulties will arise in the
event of trial, and doubt whether a decision IN
the case wou-d be reached" -
the Holy Martyrs, said: . think that II is very
wrong for clergyman to express views which VIII
unsettle the young and others who are not settled
in their views of the Bible thoroughly disagree
with Mr. Newton both as TO his doctrines aud his
methods. The clergy are decidedly opposed to his
meddling with the subject at ALL IN my opinion lao
not see why tine Assistant Bishop has not the power
Mr.. Newton last spring. In regard TO trial, think
should not be discussed in advance OF the action
of the assistant Bishop. If the matter is let alone.
think il would quiet down IN a short time. 4
private admonition by the Bishop would he he
shortest and guetest way out OF the difficulty"
The Rev. DR.. Joseph II. Price, one of the old,
fashioned High Churcbmen, wasseen at the Ashland
House. lie said: II condemn Mr. Newton on these
grounds: that he received his ordination trust,
and is bound 10 teach what the Church teac hos If
he cannot do that, then he should refine and
lind same other place in which to yentllate his
views. In my humble Judgment, he is not teaching
what the Church has right TO expect rom hiln;
Personally am very friendly with Dr.. Newton, and
am extremely sorry for what has occurred. nave
great respect for him personally.