Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1886-10-29

Derore Former gatherings--the question OF
tile acquisition aud maintenance Of min.
lsterlal standinV, and the proper dtalg
nation OF the zane in our sttltistics The
Ldst reported resolutions on this topic,
offered by Dr. Hutchins OF Ohio. were
met with severe and almost universal
criticism, and were recommitted to a new
committee, on which were Drs Dexter Of
Massachusetts and Ross .of Michigan,
representing the two diverRing schools of
belief and practice, Eastern and Western,
upon this matter. This committee. rather
to the surpri e Of the council, brought in
unanimous report and it was hoped
tnat tnelr resolutions would be har,no
nlously adopted; but DR.. Hutchins criti-
clzed these last resolutions quite ~
severely as others did his own =. and it is
manifest than absolute agreement on this
important matter connot be reached at
this session: opportunity for full discus
SION mas been wanting, and while com
promise VIII probably be reached 1t will
be difficult to really unite East and West
upon one uniform theory and practice
Inc fundamental reason for this condition
OF affairs is the fact that Congregat1onalism
1t the West has to encounter very differ
ent conditions and obstacles from what
we experience in New England and it il
q problem which will need patience and
forbearance and more time for nelibers-
tion, before perfectly satisfactory solu-
WIN VIII INC ItdCItNl
After the meeting OF Des Moines, il
"oulu not nave been strange II doctrinal
points, especially those OF divergence, had
been more or less prominent; but all who
feared anything of this sort were happiIv
disappointed. The flashes of negative and
positive theological electricity which
played SO freely at the meeting of the
'nerlcan Board were here happily want
ing. The atmosphere seemed to be clearer
the thermometer lower and barometer
higher. Not q sound of mutterngs of ap-
DrOachlng storm disturbed the TRANQUILITY
OF the meetings The opening sermon by
Prof. Fisher of Yale, u man OF unoues-
TONED orthodoxy, ability and devoutness,
was grandly irenic in spirit. 1t strongly
rebuked the temper and disposition that
was manifested by some at Des Moines
ana declared in no uncertain tones that
contention and division over such points
OF difference as now separate the demon
NATION would be "a melancholy triumph
OF fanaticism over the catholic spirit y
In TINS place, there have been but Incl
dental illusions thus far to the contro-
Verted theological points Those who have
nad any occasion to touch upon them
from the conservative side have been men
or tender Christian spirit and pacific ten
denotes, and though expressing the strong
est convictions, they have not needlessly
provoked controversy and aroused feeling
on the other side. The most noteworthy
utteranoe in this line of topics has been
the address OF Prof. Smyth of Andoyer
who in the course OF his report to the
council upon the condition OF that semi.
nary, stated very frankly answers to the
questions which lay in the minds OF all
rs to the doctrinal views of the profes-
sors and the character Of their teachings
he specially emphasized the thoughts
that the theory OF Christian probation for
all men WAS not held as a doctrine of
scripture, fundamental part OF Christian
faith which could not by any means be
denied, but father as dogma, the result
OF human reflection upon the truth; an
Inference which might be true or false,
which in certain relations he held to be of
Importance, but which none of it's adyo-
Gates regarded as part of the staple of
preaching. His remarks were received
with warm applause from at least half Of
the council ; very different proportion
from what would have been seen at Des
Moines. There has been some modifica-
ton OF popular thought here at the West.
during the last few weeks because Audo.
yer has been heard in the person of one of
her professors and not simply in the
statements of her foes. The fact is be-
ginning TO be seen that Andover is to-day
contendinH not for the forcible introduc-
ton Of new and unfounded dogma. but
rather for the traditional liberty of
thought which has in past days been al
lowed in our denomination, and for which
Prof. Park had to contend thirty or forty
years ago quite Ms strenuously rs Prof
Smyth is dong to-day.
The distinguishing feature OF this gath
ering, and the one by which it will here
after be remembered, is the prominence
given to practical matters. First came
the seven benevolent societies, each with |
Its half hour III which to present its claims
and needs. While some things were read |
,,ri,,
Tor the most part the secretaries used .
their few moments very etfectN ely and .
II seems certain that henceforth the de- .
cannot plead ignorance Of the .
causes here represented. In the second .
place, much time WAS devoted to the
social conditions which are to-day most
alarming in our land. While anarchism
and socialism were not directly discussed,
he antldotes OF these perils were often
ouched upon The failure OF the church
70 really touch the masses the impression
With which the vast majority OF working
people view the church, as above them
ma having nothing for them; the retreat
If churches from the masses in our great
titles, as they move away toward the
lhodes OF wealth such themes rs these
ound frequeRt consideration. The finest
PAPER brought before the council in the
Judgment OF many, WAS the address OF
Dr. Pentecost Sunday evening, upon The
|
lily CHARACTERIZATION" While city work
vas most emphasized in this paper many
Il its positions would apply e ,ually to
ountry churches; and it is most gen
rous and timely purpose Of Mrs Blatsh-
ord of this city to print and send to each
minister in the land copy :
4 this paper. 1t ought to receive thought !
nd discussion far and wide.
OF the many impressions made by these !
leetinRs there may be mentioned two or
hree in closing First, it has been album :
antly demonstrated to all who have at a
ended that this triennial gathering for
difference and discussion is something to
e rejoiced in, not to be feared. !
In past days it has been regarded with |
reat suspicion and disfavor by those in 3
he denomination who feared oentraliza- c
ION and violation of the independence I
the local churches. The best way to /
ct rid Of that fear is to attend the ses- !
ons of such a gathering as this. Not :
My will Its harmlessness be demonstrat-
1, but its usefulness will be clearly
lown. 1t is good thing TO hold up to p
le test OF public discussion, theories and r
lans ; to look with earnest, impartial il
axe upon the accomplishments of the de p