The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-10-12
EMPTY THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS.
The Presby terians are Agnostics and
Have No Faith to Propagate.
New York Sun


The General Theological seminary of this
city, the divinity school of the Episcopa-
lians, has opened its autumn term with the
largest class in its history. Its accommo-
dations have been much increased of late
years. but they are not enough for the
growing demand.
The Union Theological seminary of tho
Presbyterians is not having equal prosper
ity, but is rather falling back in spite of its
enlarged endowment. 1t opened last week
with the smallest class in many years.
Yet at present it stands at the head OF all
the Presbyterian divinity schools of the
United States in its material resources, and
has faculty renowned in the denomina-
ton for ability and learning. 1t has also
been kept more prominently before the
Presbyterians than any other because of
its alliance with the advocates Of the
revision of the Westminster Confession
through the discussions and under the
leadershipof Professor Charles A. Briggs
more especially.
1t is remarkable, therefore, that the SEM
mary is going backward rather than for
ward. The great majority of Presbyterians
have declared themselves in favor of revis-
ing the old creed. and prominent Presby-
terrain newspapers have proclaimed Profess
sor Briggs as the prophet of the coming
and more liberal era of the church. His
views are substantially those of some of
the most noted and most popular Of the
Presbyterian pastors in New York and
other great towns. 1t may even be said
that more than any other theologian he
stands as the leader of the revision move
ment, and therefore he is known to every
young man among the Presbyterlans who
thinks he has call to the ministry. If,
then, the new school of theology is so
strong, and faith in the old has become so
weak as the revision discussions have indi-
Gated, it might be assumed that the pres
ence OF Professor Briggs in the faculty of
the seminary would of itself attract stu-
dents from all directions to sit at the feet
Of the prophet OF progressive sanctiica-
Why, then; is it that the class falls of
and the seminary is less influential than it
has been? The docking of students to the
Episcopal divinity school, shows that the
sacred profession continues to attract many
spirits, and this is the time when the inter-
est in religious questions is deeper and
more extended than ever before. The de-
mand for recruits for the ministry is also
great in the churches generally. and the
Presbyterians more especially need addi-
tons to their supply of pulpit power and
eloquence. Presbyterian young men can
go into no other profession where their abb
ilities will so soon secure for them high
and enviable places. If they are capable
and brilliant men they can step at once
from the divinity school into pulpits Of
importance. The theological seminaries,
also, offer to them inducements which are
held out by no other professional schools.
Their tuition is free, and they are supported
while they are pursuing their course. Yet
they do not come. They cannot be drawn
in.
Does not this reluctance indicate that az
faith in the Westminster Confession has
passed awayno strong and vital faith has
come in as & substitute for il? When .
church is earnest in its belief il is always
an eyangelizing church. 1t would carry
the truth of which it is convinced to all
other men. But, as 1t is. the Presbyterians
do not know themselves what they believe.
They are in the frame of mind of tine
agnostic, who has no faith to propagate.
Is not that the reason for the decline of
the Union Theological seminary? 1t
breaches and teaches an agnosticism dead
ening to the spirit which replenishes the
ministry.