New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-06-29
SOLVING RELIGIOUS DOUBT.
ADDRESS or The REV. DE. HENRY }. VAN DYKE, IN.
At THE UNIVERSITY or VERMONT.

MpDLrBURY, w., June 2S.-Thc Rev. Dr.
Henry j. Van Dyke jr pastor OF the Brick Presbyterian
Church. New-York delivered the annual address before
the Society OF Religious Inquiry OF the University Of
Vermont this afternoon. In part. ho said
Tie present has been called ageo OF unbelicf Bat
aimfy For It's temper Ich that OF den al ~
Is that Of investigation It's coat Of arms h niouo
H. motto Qaery" II Is doubtful whether any great
constructive work. even such comparatively simple
can be permanently accomplished In an age like this
when literaness Is more highly priced than clcafncs-
vexaon of spirit" with "a striving after wind" lat
than this. In many quarters there are indications
OF a widespread uBscttl0nent f. regard 10 funda-
mental truths Of religion. II Is not meicly
that certain specific doctrines. such rs tho
miraculous, the Inspiration of the Scriptures or
future punishment called isto question: but eper
and most vital truhs-the divine existence the spiritual
lie pronounced uncertain ana the bases
which they rest subjected 20 the most searching
examinations. Aud yet at The same ucth"rc unnis-
taxable indications OF a profound longing for these
very truths which are questioned. Now IL must be
acknowledged that the result OF much OF this Rve.tiga
ton Is yet only the mOurnfl confession OF continuing
~ Io,aorg,u,,s i,,,oroI,p,,,s mn am cn,vi,ai
that Christianity. rightly considered has answer to
these doubts. cure for This uncertainty lam convinced
that IL satisfy the imperous demand for fact that
IL based indeed upon undcniable fact 1t offers
way OF escape even to the children OF this uncertain
from the sadness and uHre,t Of doubt into the calm
strong Joyous life Of faith In the divine realities
And all this not becausc Of the crarness OF its doctrines
of demonstrations bccsnso OF its
beauty aud power as moral system, for here there may
be rooa for denial Of the principles which II rests;
but Christianity has this power satisfy tho demands
OF Inc age. and indeed OF the human heart In all ages
because as religion OF fact IL has s centre In the
dvinehuman person Of Jesus Christ, hstorlcai real
reality embsdyng the highest and most glorious IDEAL
giving us assurance OF tho spiritual mysteries Offering
the Way, the Truth aud the Life
that this is not the same argument which has
been 50 profoundly .tt form Wy Dr. Horace Bushnell
feeton OF Christ ~ His divinity nor frsm tho snbim-
ny OF His character To The truth OF Christianity Indeed
shOnld hesitate to call this AN argument at All. N a.
simply statement OF the way IN which by personal
faith in Hin and absolute confidence In ls teachlngs
be delivered not only from the guilt OF sin hut
from the darkness ana pain OF doubt, and made sure of
life and immortality. Now il may be that at the outset
some Will object 10 TINS AS lower form OF religion ar.
guiDg that assent 10 abstract truth is higher spiritual
function than confidence IN person, and that The lat
never DO substitute for, sufficient ground
of, the former But II seems IN Inc that this objection
Is altogether unfounded. For what fact In ali the nge
Of experience Is 40 firm and abiding this act of
personality What emotions so high those which
flow, not 10 abstract proportions and qualities but To
living sons what relations sublle and 40 sirong
30 potent for tine best thought aud achievement IN
which bind person u person II you have studied v.n
know yon owe your deepest bsshts and inspirations 10
the personal influence Of your teachers living or dead
II you have fought In great conflicts you know
your best courage and strength have had their roots I'm
personal loyalty 10 your leader III you have toed In
end Won know that you been largely animated and
sustained by personal love aud devotion As men ana
women our deepest ana most vital relations must be-
not abstract theoretical but personal Therefore re-
gion must Meot us in personal relation. Therefore
became ncarnate In the person OF Jesu, Christ There
fore salvation from doubt despair and death is to
| grace aud truth
Accepting Christ as our Master in thought, receiving
His authority the vital truths OF religion find our.
selves IN possession Of reasonable, satisfying and
moral faith which stands the test of experience aud be-
clear and ffm the longer live IN f. How
II this view Of Christianity to affect thinking and
speaking and aeing Too often are No in danger OF
gardiug Christ mere Ideal. theo-
logical mechanism. Let us beware OF any system which
would rob OF His real humanity for upon
His divinity. ..et Ms draw TO His humanity for In
that His divinity IL revealed. Let us beware above AL
In attempting 10 limit HIS work by any theory or
figure OF speech. set OF phrases. Let make
suncr to be made any separation between the person
OF Christ and His doctrine The more glorious and
beautiful He appears " U.s. the potent Ia the claim