New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-09-27
DIR. MARVIN Il. VINCENT'S POSITION.
INTERVIEWS WITH SEVERAL CLERGYMEN on ITS
ORTHODOXY.

INTERVIEWS WITH SEVERAL CLERGYMEN ON ITS
ORTHODOXY.
The annual address of the Rev. DR.. Marvin X
Vincent delivered on Thursday to the students ana
friends OF Union Theological Seminary is exciting much
comment in religious circles. While right in line
with the views of Dr. Briggs it does not however,
cause the same amount of interest that followed the
famous inaugural address Of Dr. Briggs delivered in the
same place only seven months ago While the address
is REGARDED as one OF unusual significance taking as 1t
does an advanced position Of the inerrancy OF the
Bible and acknowledging the right OF no traditional
belief or interpretation to stand in the way OF any
facts or truths which honest investigators may learn
the subject is discussed calmly and the views OF
Dr. Vincent expressed so guardedy that the anu
Briggs element finds little in it TO crticise
The Rev Dr. Robert F. Sample, pastor OF the
Westminster Presbyterian Church in Twenty thirds
who has freely criticised Dr. Briggs said yesterday TO
Tribune reporter regarding DIR. Nnccnt's address
have not read complete address, but have seen It's
most salient features published in The Tribune, and
cannot say that object to any Oh
tho propositions he makes. On the crucial
oueston. LOYALTY to the Bible, he is
all right. He says plainly that the Eible must be
recognized as supreme authority, and while some Of
his assertions are in language that would not i'll
dorse it is far from being BriggsiSm."
The Rev. Dr. James s. Ramsey, pastor Of the First
Presbyterian Church of Harlem, who is opposed 10 Dr.
Briggs, said: DR.. NlnCeEIS address may DC Iahcn
| as a conservative statement of the position o. Dr.
| Briggs and his supporters. His words were well
weighed and were undoubtedly intended to show that
the seminary stands firmly by DR.. Briggs and that his
views are practically the views Of the faculty OF tha'
| institution
The Rev. DR.. Edward L. Clark pastor OF the Church
of the Puritans said DR.. Vncent's address was thor
ouphv and carefully in the line Of the views held by
| Professor Henry B Smith His idea Of the nfalli
hty Of the Scriptures is their perfect inerrancy in al
teaching of doctrine therefore he considers the Scrip
lures the only perfect rule Of faith and practice liz
subolnates all things theology included "a the state
mcnts Of scripture ~ they revealed by the Holy
Spirit which inspired them 10 every devont and ca?nes
student. lie contends that Christian scholarship mus
spend it's highest gifts upon these writings, which grew
out OF and therefore took the form OF thought peculiar
to Tn. age and work TO which they were frs
gwen lie confidently asserts that the create
| and more careful the knowledge We have o
the Word. the more shall De convinced tina
IL Is from God, and therefore its authority remains
unqnestioned.o DIR. Clark fully agrees with Or. Vim
cent and DR.. Briggs these questions.
The Rev. Dr. James III. Mcllvaine pastor Of tn
Church OF the Covenant, said There Is nothing IL
Dr. Vincent's address that VIII not be sustained b!
three foui1hs Of the intelligent and scholarly
the PRESBYTERIAN Church. IL contains not q word tia
is tainted with hcresy. II is right In line with DR.
Briggs, and shows conclusively that the seminary
ready 10 stand by him in everything