New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-08
VIEWED FROM WITHOUT.
cmr1Gs1NG THE PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL

CWTIUsING THE PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL
ASSEMBLY IN THE CASE OF DR.. BRIGGS
I the Editor Of The TIL b n e
Sir: The action Of the Presbyterian General AS
sembly in expsling DR.. Briggs from his professorship
in the Union Theological Seminary Is Of Importance to
every believer in Christianity because II Involves the
question Of the freedom Of religious thought. The false
procedure BIZ which the Assembly tribunal of last
resort assumed the right Of deciding the case without
the formallty of appeal from the NewYork Presby-
terry and without allowing DIR. Briggs the opportunity OF
explaining much less Of defending himself, proves that
its decision actuated by religions bigotry.
Theoogans may protest against what they are
pleased TO the perncous influences Of freedom OF
religious thought but they cannot hinder its growth
because that growth Is the logical result OF increasing
knowledge. Is past when true Christianity
was thought to be founded on implicit belief In the
theological Interpretation Of the Scripture The
Christian of to-day demands the right accorded to him
in the Bible of studying the Word Of God for himself
He accepts the teachings of theology, far as they
aid him in his search after truth. lie promptly re-
ects tlrese teachings when they seek, through the
medium Of blind faith TO force him TO believe in doc
rines inconsistent not only with sound reason, but
with the teachings of Christ Himself His religion Is
religion Of action well Of thought. To relieve
poverty educate the massesn short, TO exert every
means in our power 10 elevate mankind to mghcr
evel-this is true Christianity according to the modern
acceptation Of the word.
Why do theolOdans struggle against the growing
freedom of religious thought Why do they protest
against applying reason and the Invaluable aid OF
scientific discovery 10 the Interpretation of the Bible
Why do they resist progress when progress IS the
active principle Of the human mindl They should
court investigation instead Of seeming % dread IT, II
is safe TO say that in few years science has done
more 10 confirm the truth Of Scripture and 10 increase
the power OF Christianity than theology has accom-
pnshed after centuries Of useless discussion. Faith
is the cardinal doctrine Of science, II Is Of religion
How can we obtain a grander conception OF God
than by the study of astronomy our earth l. a
mere atom IN the universe, travelling through space
with fghtful npfity, yet he'd in It's allotted orbit
by the subtle power Of GraviaiOn. never coming INTO
collision with any of the nunberess worlds tlat rc-
vOve on every side Of What faith Is stronger
than the confidence that the Creator Will continue y
guide planet safely in is pcrilous course as lie
has from the beginning So II Is In every department
OF scientific investigation. Faith Is the cornerstone
Not the blind faith of theology that teaches You 10
believe at once In God Of vengeance and God OF
love, but a intelligent faith, firm conviction OF
the truth power. wisdom and love Of God revealed In
His works Enlightened public sentiment Will sus-
tain Dr. Briggs against the arbitrary action Of the
General Assembly, which savors too strongly OF the
religious bigotry of the fifteenth century 10 be APP
proved in these days.
The Assembly has unwittlngy increased the In
1uence Of DR.. Briggss teachings BY enlisng public
sympathy In his behalf. HENRY d. CLAPP.
Brooklyn, May 80, 1891