New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-05-16
CALVINISM IN AMERICA.
THE PRIVILEGES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
THE REV. DIR. w. c. ROBERTS, THE RETIRING
MODERATOR STRIKES AND KEYNOTE OF
THE PRESENT AssEMDLY-HAvING
RECEIVED MUCH, MUCH WILL
BE REoUIRED-THE POWER
,pv rrIE0RAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
OF THE CREED.

c...&ora Nav I5-The First Presbyterian
ryhrrcb was scarcely large enough to hold the in
felligent audience that gathered to-day TO near
the annual sermon Of the retiring moderator VI
the Assembly. Before IL a. m. nearly all INC
commissioners and hundreds of ladies were III their
seats. The pulpit had been gracefully adornen
with flowers by some of the young ladies' OF 'he
church. President w. G. Roberts, OF Lake fores'
University, the moderator, accompanied py tnree
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Francis l.. Patton Oh
Princeton University Professor Herrick johnson,
of Mccormick Seminary, Chicago; and Or. How
srd Crosby ex-chancellor of the University OF the
City of New-York-sat in the pulpit. After an
anthem. sung by the choir of the church. led by
Professor Risley, DIR. Johnson invoked blessing,
closing with the Lords Prayer, in which all ohe
audience Joined. DIR. Roberts read the hymn
All Hail the Power of Jesus Name Dr. Pat
ton read the Scripture lesson, and Dr. Crosoy
offered prayer. Glorious Things OF 1hee ar'
Spokenn was next sung, and then the moderator
rose to begin the sermon.
The opening sentences of the sermon were
token of what was to come. In clear, RESONANT
voice Dr. Roberts discussed the privileges and
consequent obligations of the Presbyterian church
His brilliant picture of the advantages which the
adherents of Calvin possessed, in addition 10 the
common heritage of Christendom. was enjoyed py
his audience, nearly all of whom march under
the banner of blue. His recital of the oDngauons
which rest upon those thus favored was well
received His remarks upon creed revision were
NOT snficiently personal to offend the members
of either party Although favoring changes IN
the creed Dr. Roberts is not destructive re-
yisonist and he inserted this striking sentence In
Il have no sympathy with those who denounce
the Standards under any pretence :.
the delivery. Following are the main points;
Fathers and Brethren The beloved Church which YOU
and have honor TO represent is undergoing severe
ordeal Her real and Imaginary failings are diligently
No raded In our secular well religious journals out
sders who know but little Of her doctrines or poy are
to wonder how church with STANDARDS so hafsh
and o,eless could rise TO power and influence IN COM
munity Not few OF cur own ministers ana members are
.Lno whether or not really possesses all the powers
and uos btiss have been in the habit Oh claiming iof
her avail myself Of this opportunity 10 CONSIDER he'e
and similar questions vital to her present sAhdns anu
future growth. The text is recorded In Luxe XII as
Unto whomsoeyer given. Of him shall much be re-
Quired." 49,,
I'm this massage are forth three ethical prn'
cipes great Importance First that an men are en-
lowed with powers and possibilities to fulfil the end OF
ther being They arc endowed in the same manner
ar I'm equal measure. Some are born 10 greatness whist
hers acquire few see light In Christian anas whist
nrudes born in heather darkness TO one IS com
atsed ten talents another Ave. and TO another one
Thu anaeres in which they move differ In extent and
character Some wide and conspicuous others narrow
and obscure afford opportunity for the develop
vet Of human powers whilst considerable number tend
70 stunt and destroy them
Tho second prpcpe Is that mems responsibilities are
with the gifts bestowed and the opportuni'
ties Afforded Unto whatsoever much is given OF hin
shs much be required Those entrusted with ten talents
and Afforded opportunities have greater response
hes than those heen granted one talent snd un
e.xo,sb The millions born In heather dark
are not held responsible for the privileges OF those who
have been reared under light Of the gospel The few
who have inherited and varied gifts are under greater
obligation than the many who have had to toll Tor all they
posses. ...,,,. alb. g.,
The third principle is that all are responsible alike Tor
the use they make OF fsvors received The man 10
whom is given one talent under the same obligation 70
increase IL as the who has received ten talents 70
his larger gifts The heather are not Responsible
for the light privileges Of the Gospel but they are
responsible for the light Of Nature and the teachings OF
their own conscience
The principles have just snuncated apply 70 nations
"A well individuals These treated a. organized
bodice and not conslomeratons OF individuss
They possess national nfe nstonal organs. nauonai
character aud q national mission They are varfousy
endowed ind differently situated. few are highly
sssel whilst many have fallen heirs To ignorance and