The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-08-13
r. HEBER NEWTON.

ard McQueary changed in reference to
Scriptural Interpretation, and as he had
the same courage of his convictions that
has always characterized Dr. Newton, Nc
Queary eXpoUnded his new views was
summoned before an ecclesiastical court
and his trial was the subject of an excite
ment which extended throughout the
country. In his trial McQueary quoted
from DR.. Newton's sermons as a part of
his argument in defense of his position.
DR.. Newton has within a few days issued
a new book, which will be sure to excite
attention, perhaps even greater than that
which was given to Fright and Wrong
Uses of the Bible" He calls it Church
and Creed" and in substance IL is a collec-
ton of sermons recently preached by him
while the fire he is now under was just be-
ginning In this book DR.. Newton takes
very advanced ground. The more strictly
orthodox VIII be sure to be astonished, and
perhaps shocked, by some of DR.. Newton 3
assertions. Yet there are many clergymen
/ in New York city who are in sympathy
with DR.. Newton when he asserts that the
supreme question for religion today is
whether it is going to be able to revitalize
its forms of faith, and thus regain its hold
| upon the minds of men.
Doubtless this book will be quoted in the
! approaching examination of DR.. Newton
| by the committee which is to report whether
! he shall be tried for heresy or not. If he
comes before an ecclesiastical court on a
charge of heresy the book will be put in
evidence. DR.. Newton himself says that
/ that is his desire; that he will stand or fall
! by what he has there written; that he will
defend it in the church If may be, out of it
In, oh, ~, r,f~a c,,1o :
will be an event in ecclesiastical circles in
the United States. 1t will excite extraor-
/ binary interest
DR.. Newton personally is not a man to
suggest the defiant fighter He is a slen-
der man, whose STOPPING shoulders make
him look older than be really is. He has
| dark eyes, dark hair, a pale countenance,
and his manner suggests rather the stu
dent or the bookworm than that of priest
who has hurled defiance at some of his as
sociates and has dared to say that certain
current beliefs are erroneous, and that so
called orthodoxy is too rigorous and mex
act.
He speaks in private with a sort of nerv-
Gus rapidity of utterance, sometimes hesi-
tating as though his thoughts came too
fast for his tongue to articulate them. I'm
like some other theologians he cannot be
induced to 20 into personalities. He talks
with eloquence about the contention and
in defense of his views, but bis mouth is
sealed when it Is suggested TO him that pos
sibly some of the detraction which he has
met with Is due TO the fact that he has OBJ
tanned greater prominence than some of
his associates.
DR. Newton's Church of All Souls IS stu
ated in the upper part of Madison avenue,
right in the heart Of aristOcratic New
York Some Of the men famous for activ-
ity in the professions and in business
are members Of his congregation. They
stand by him TO a man. His popularity
with his parish almost approaches idol
airy. His church on Sunday mornings -
one which has no empty seats and during
his service 10 man feels the temptation 10
browse or nod. IL MS pulpit DR.. Newton
makes no preJenses 70 Oratorical display
He speaks rapidly but distinctly, his ges-
lures are few. H great merit as a speak
er is his earnestness and the lucidity Of his
thought. Eis sermons are short-so short
frequently that his congregation hear him
say Amen with regret.
Although a popular New York preacher,
DR.. Newton does not hive Ia New York
lis health Is not overs-ronZ, and he huds
that the country air II not only beneficial,
but requisite. He therefore lives in Car
den City, on Long Island, about al hours
distance away by rail and ferry from bis
church. He comes in Sc least three times
during the week, sometimes of,ener, and Is
found IN his study At the church during
those hours Thioh are set apart for parish
business be has been spending the sum
Iuer IN careful examination Of the history
OF the creeds and OF the thirty nins arri-
Giles. 50 that ne may be prepared for Els de-
Tense in case he Is called 70 trial
f J. EDEAEpA