New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-08-16
LULL IN THE THEOLOGICAL BATTLE.

The temporary cessation of hostilities In the
theological camp during the last few weeks
must not be taken to mean that any terms Oh
peaoe have been agreed upon. Strictly speak
ing. indeed it is hardly correct to say that nos
tilities have ceased even temporarily Ior hahy
of the disputants have been arguing thelr case
in the summer schools and assemblies, whlle
the denominational editors have been lnoustrl-
ously using their editorial, budgeons on the
heads of their adversaries 1t Is pretty wei
understood also that some OF the most astute
party leaders who have been saying nothing are
quietly furnishing their weapons i'll order 10 DC
ready for the fray after the summer vacation
There is, therefore, every indication that tne
remarkable theological turmoil OF last winter
and spring will break out again with renewed
yigOr in the fall There is no thought OF sur
render. or even compromise, on either side, out
on the contrary grim determination to Keep
I'M the fight until one of the parties in the con-
test finds itself outside the breastworks or Llon
In the PRESBYTERIAN Church the great question
of revision is still up for settlement, while sub
sidiary to- that, but still very important, are
the questions relating to the status of the Union
Theological Seminary and the trial OF Pro-
fessor Briggs for heresy by the NewYork Pres
bytery. AS if this were not enough, other emf
nent preSbyterians, like DR.. Parkhurst ana Pro-
lessor Brown, have been throwing down gaunt-
lets in a way which indicates that they Will
be much disappointed if the Church does not
promptly pick them up. In the EpScopal
Church that bold and brilliant preacher Heber
Newton, of this city, is the subject OF Judicial
inquiry, which may possibly lead to his trial
for beresy. He, too is ready for the issue, and
has done everything which he legitimately could
to force the fight.
In these and all similar questions
| in the churches the real point at
issue is whether the traditional formu-
las of the churches do or do not need to be
revised And therefore, under whatever name
the contest is waged it is really contest be-
tween conservatism and liberalism Moreover,
the attitude of each party in the contest is en-
tirely logical, provided you admit its premises.
Believing as they do, both conservatives and
liberals arc in duty bound to oppose each other
with all the strength they possess. Doubtless
it would seem much better to some timid souls
If the Church were not militant, and if all
Christians could take exactly the same view OF
the religion they profess. But there is only
one spot IN the earth where such absolute uni
formity exists, and that is the graveyard. The
storm and stress in the Church which so many
deplore is really a sign of its Astounding vital
ity. and the final outcome of it all will be to
strengthen rather than weaken Christianity.
But there is third party in this great strug-
gle, of which little account is taken, whose
position is thoroughly illogical. 1t is composed
of men who admit that the formulas Of theology
should be recast in order to bring them into
closer harmony with modern life and thought
and who nevertheless oppose and persecute all
who attempt to recast any particular formula
In effect they say, Yes; there is need OF re-
vision here and there, but any man who at
tempts to bring about such revision is a
hereto and should be promptly expelled" TC
say that such an attitude is illogical made
ouately expresses its character. 1t is really
immoral, and intcts a grievous injury on the
Church. One can respect the earnestness and
| consistency of the thOroughgOing conservative
who opposes any revision, because he believes
that the formulas as they stand are diviney
true. But the attitude Of the so-called con-
seryatives who admit the force of the argu-
ments against the traditional theology and at
the same time raise hue and cry against those
who adduce them merits only indignation. They
are the men who are largely responsible for the
Irritation and bitterness that characterize the
present conflict between conservatism and lib
eralism.
| A CULTIVATED ROOSTER.