New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-08-05
CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHY DISCUSSED.

THE ANNUAL SESSION OF THE INSTITUTE
OPENED AT AvOYBY THE-sEA-A PAPER
on THE TREND OF PHILOSOPHY
Avon. -the-sea N J., Aug. (Specal).-The Amerl-
can Institute of Christian Philosophy began its fifteenth
summer session here this morning The officers Of the
Institute are The Rev. Dr. Charles F. Deems, OF the
Church of the Strangers New York. president; Arch-
deacon Mackay Smith, Of Newfork, vlce-presldent'
William Harmon Brown, Of New-York treasurer; Pro
lessor Charles NJ Davis, of New York. recording secre-
tary and the Rev John b. Devins, of New-York, cor
responding secretary. The executive committee Is
composed OF the Rev. DIR. Stephen L. BALDWIN, the
Rev. Dr. Amory II. Bradford, Professor Daniel 5.
Martin the Rev DIR. NJ. J. Cramer, Franklin Burdge,
he Rev. Dr. John b. Dury the Rev. Dr. Robert s.
Macarthur William o. Mcdowell and the Rev. Ben
amn 3. Tyler. The board of trustees consists Oh
Robert L. Crawford, William p st. John, James Ialeott
Cornelius Vanderbilt and Marion J. Verdery There Is
vcepresident for every state OF the ohloh' anu Ao
many foreign countries.
The openinr exercises consisted of religious ser
vices in the Auditorium of the seaside Assembly. The
first paper of the session contributed by the Kew
j. d. Gold of Gibson City, ILL.,. 1t was entitled Tine
Trend of Philosophy Retrospect and Prospect
The author said. in part
.The connection between theology and true phil
psophy has always been recognized as vital one.
true theology must have corespondingly true philos
ONLY. From the earliest times to the present. spec
ulatve philosophy has been utilized as the most po-
tent agency with which 10 destroy faith IN the unseen
and external If this be true, it is evident that no
one prepared TO perse and appreciate the study OF
the deep things OF Cod found in that one science
incomparaby above all the rest, who has not far
knowledge at least of the history and problems OF
modern speculation. The great ambition of the scep
teal side of modern speculation has been TO undermine
knowledge, and thus render reality an unknown
quantity IL has invaded the sacred precincts OF the
human mind and endeavors 10 prove that our senses
of IN no cd and hat therefore,
objective truth which may depend with absolute
certainty.
professor Huxley seems TO sanction the statemen
that "a very candid thinker may admit that world
which two and two do not make four and in whici
two straight lines do DclOse space, may exist IN
same philosophical negation has tried 10 destroy tn
inner sense, consciousness, by which We come int
immediate contact with the human spirit, saying ina
IL is mere series of feelings arising from the actor
of our environment upon external and internal sur
faces of the organisms. Hence, we must not be sur
for certainty that we know either external body o
internal spirit There certain criteria of truth
for there IS objective subjective ground on whc
such crltera may rest Definite knowledge, therefore
there is more. We call our requirements knowledge
1t is the best term find. But we must no
be overbearng enough to assert that we positvel
know anything. such is the present attitude OF anu
theological speculation"
The speaker then dwelt at length upon the theore
and methods OF reasoning OF Locke, Berkeley, Hsme
Mill, Spencer and others. In conclusion he said
"The common sense Of mankind is against all system
that do not make a clear distinction between spiri
and matter and insist upon the testimony Of huma
nature to the fact that we come directly in contac
with soul, God and objective things. This is tn
philosophy that is steadily gaining ground, even as tn
others cmmble and decay. Others may have thei
crusading sasms but this one, because 1t Is the trut
abideth forever. II Is now found i'll many OF tn
great universities of Europe and America, and is sea
Ing the seats of learning In Japan and this. too,
spite Of the strenuous efforts being made to esabls
agnostlcism as the philosophy and religion Of tbs
progressive country. In view Of It's past triumph
and inevitable future victories In practical age,
are constrained 10 exclaim. did Cicero oh, IL
,,wer of truth for il defends itself We shah kno
HE truth and the truth shall make Us free :"
A general debate followed the lecture.