New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-03-18
DIR. VAN DYKE ON THE cHURcH's WORK.
HOW IT NAY BE IMPROVED TO MEET THE
NrTDs OF THE TIMES,

fi NEEDS OF THE TIMES,
GIf the growth Of the Presbyterian Church In
Nev-York City has not, Of recent years, Kept pace
with that of other denominations" said the Rev. Dr.
Henry Van Dyke, of tho Brick Church III perhaps
because Prssbyerans have not worked together with
SUFFICIENT cooperation among themselves, OF with
large enough regard for the religious needs Of tho
whole city. Presbyterian churches have been too
Isolated
sHas there been lack Of harmony
%No but lack Of unity Every man has oeen
voratng for his own band. We need to take
hold all together. to avoid planning our ehurcheS 80
close that they will be rivals to each other, to do
different kinds of work In the same spHtG
ana 10 act In hearty sympathy with other denomF
natons.S
swhat suggestions can you offer in regard to the
futuro7'
One thing that the Presbyterian Church needs
IN this city is TO use It's own resources better Our
iaroa churches ara .ghorthanded and run only half
tho time Il is absurd TO think that one minister
can or must DO al tho work. He ought TO have
assistants or else the ehershp ought to take hold
OF visitation and class instruction. We need large
central churches, well located, with multiplied ser
Wees and The best that is the planes mos praeuea
presching, and cheerful, attractive, beautiful Vor
ship. IN which all the people can take part That
win mako everybody feel welcome and at home
me church of the faturc viii be ono In which the
element OF worship-common worshp-wfn DO mads
prominent
Would you suggest . murgyT"
aEot In any restrictive sense Our worship must
be free. But We do need to use simple natural
the Apostles Creed the Lords Prayer and the Psalms
This ~ not Rituahun 1t Is common sense"
@what do you regard As the greatest dangers OF
the denominationf :"
sThe same that confront all tho denominations:
the increase of wealth without conservation, the
E~~ANA H. lAlrT TRlR Ira
the greatest dangers. But Of pers peculiar to Pres
byterfans perhaps the chief is lack Of confidence
In orr own poliy and failure 10 carry 1t out honestly
and effectively. don't speak now In any sectaran
spirit Ours 10 not the only form OF church organi-
zation; but II IL good one. IL Is broad and liberal
and adopted to the needs Of great
conservative republic. II gives for freedom and
energy Of action, and at the time provides checks
and safeguards against disorder and confusion. It
affords an opportunity for the whole church member
ship 70 have share in the work. and binds all the
different parts together into ono organic whole The
trouble is, wc don't live up to IT, We need to put
Trash ufs and vigor into own system rather than
TO be forever trying now experiments. We need to
realize the value Of its Law and liberty, and 10 act
upon IT, trying TO do the work Of Christ with the IN
struments which ready at hands Our churches
are not much 10 danger of becoming social clubs
90 they are IN danger OF becoming intellectual debat
Z What about city evangeliEationT
must keep up and enlarge our work among the DOOR
They don't want nttle dry, parastcal ehapels, but
roa ehnEches, with services at such hours as VIII snt
the conditions OF Iaboring mans lfe and Of such
character as viii cheer and strengthen and Tighten
his heartmahe him happier, in order to help him 10
be better Tho preaching In such places ought to b
not the fsebiest but the strongest. The money must
como from tho rich, but the church life, which Is the
most important part. must como from the poor. I'm.
less yon really 70 bring them into 10 you might
as wen leave them alone. II were as poor as Jobs
turkey should not care TO be fed the back door.
step and counted In as part OF an annex. But Of
eeirse Ia addition 70 churches we ought 70 have preach