New-York tribune., 1891-05-23
DEFENDING DR. BROOKS.
a .mFMBER OF THE MASSACHUSETTS
DIOCESE TALKS PLAINLY.

mn NJ.
c,rnou WILL HONOR HERSELF IN APpRov-
ING THE CHOICE OF SUCH MAN AS
usHoP-THE CHARGES AGAINST
Him AS THEY LOOK TO
cHuRcEMEN IN THE
DIOCESE TO WHICH
HE BELONGS
DR. sninn, rector of Grace Church, Newton. Mass,
has been in this city attending the semiannusl meet
ing OF the Diocesan Committees on religious instruction
AT 81 Augustine's Chapel When the subject Of DR..
Brooks's confirmation the Bishop of Massachusetts,
was referred to, DIR. shinn expressed himself sub
stanti&Ify as follows
~The election of DR.. Brooks as our Bishop is one
Of the most important events in the history of the
Diocese Of Massachusetts 1t was brought about by
the union of of all shades of opinion who be
nevsd that his Eplscopate would be sgnalzed by as
brilliant success for the Diocese his recorship has
been for Trinity parish.
1t is almost impossible for any one who does not
1.-Two Massachusetts TO realize what hold ne has upon
all classes there and especially upon the educated
classes He has done much 10 keep many from giving
ND their religious faith altogether. and he has led
Others on from imperfect views of religion TO the well
balanced views held by the Episcopal Church His
own parish has become kind OF reservoir from
which every Boston and suburban parish has
been enriched Very many persons have
dated their interest IN spiritual matters from hearing
his eloquent words He has been fearless champion
of the Christian faith and Massachusetts, people have
confidence in him.
@They know that he is sincere and the result is
that whenever he is announced to speak in any parish
crowds nock to hear him of the most impressive
spectacles witnessed on this continent the great
gathering of men in St Paurs Church, Boston, every
Monday morning last Lent to hear his addresses. 1t
was very natural then that when Bishop PsddocK
died should think of DR.. Brooks as his successor
When the matter talked about among the clergy
Il was most gratifying 10 ind men of all views quite
ready to unite upon him.
sThe election presented some most impressive
features and its result gratifying to sosie Of
the opponents of DR.. Brooks It was 10 his friends
They felt that however much they might differ from MS
views there could be doubt Of the success Of his
EpLscopate and so almost to man his opponents
signed his testimonials 1t is really rare that any one
elected bishop finds such cordial Endorsement from
The great body of the clergy and laity.
Judge then, OF the surprise OF many Interested IN
the welfare of the diocese TO find that anonymous
circulars were being sent TO bishops and standing
committees, and that the public press was used TO
create prejudice against him. Some Of these state
ments approach very near TO wilful misrepresenta-
tons or are strangely distorted. II is surprising
that any bishop or standing committee can be in
huenced by them, and can take adverse action when
n is so easy TO find out what DR.. Brookss views and
practices really are
ITO what charges do you refer ~
First that he is an inspirer or fomenter OF many
M the vagares that now disturb the Church.
asecond thai he violates the Churchs laws.
~Third that he does not believe IL some essential
truths Of Christianity
What answers do his friends maEe''
They say this: That he has had nothing 70 do
with the MscCreary case or with the Dr.. Heber Newton
case and the expressions attributed 20 him about the
latter amount simply to his expressing hope That
men might not be much tied uI-that there oush2
10 be as much liberty Of opinion a. Is consistent WIN
the Churchs generous position.
at is very odd that people should think Of him as
IN any way even sympathiing with erratie views and
practices when for thirty he has exercised his
ministry in loyalty the Episcopal Church. II is
true that he has always put the most liberal con-
strueuon upon canons and rubrics. but at the same
tine he has obeyed them.
a great deal has been made against him by re-
ferrng to Good friday night meeting held in Bos'
ton. II is believed by some that he gathered meet
ing in Trinity Church that night and invited Uni
tarans to speak The fact Is that DR.. Gordon. Con-
grezauonallst held the meeting in the new Old South
Church and invited the speakers. Or. Brooks was
one of these invited speakers and felt at liberty not
only TO accept make strong address. such as
would have been proper in any Episcopal pulpit.
There was no toning down Of statement because any
were present who denied the DIVINITY of our Lord.
No one has been able TO nud any law of the
Church yet that forb4ds clergy going anyw1ere 20
preach the Gospel They are not confined 10 the
pulpits Of the Episcopal Church.
His presence at DR.. AbbOt's installation has also
been adversely commented upon, and strangely enough
the address made by Dr. Donald on that occasion has
been attributed 70 DR.. Brooks. Whether ne did rgh
or not according to Church usages is question that
may be discussed II is not one-ddsd. lie has in
his favor the Of Dr. Dix, who attended the cen
tennal celebration Of the Dutch Reformed BODY in
this CITY, Dr. Dix showed himself generous Christian
gentleman then. he has many another occasion,
and especially. Il is understood IN his recently vot
ing for Dr.. Brooks's confirmation.
q As 20 Dr. BroOkss soundness in the faith. II may
be necessary % cite only opinion ont OF many,
and that is Bishop Perrys The Bishop Of Iowa, after
hearing DR.. BroOkss sermon 'The Divinity of our
Of this man, who has been eminsntly useht, and
who has lived prominent life for some thirty
years-it is absurd 20 think Of him too dangerous
man 70 I'll the Office of a Bishop He holds no views
which have not been declared again and again allow
able Even his views upon the Apostolic Succession
been held by bishops and bishops before him. and
held to-day. We who know him well feel
that when he takes the oath which bishop
take. be viii do with thorough sincerity. with tie
fullest determination Of keeping IT, The Episcopal
Church honors herself by eleN ating such a to
this Frrh Office. If his confirmation is defeated IL
VIII bling discredit upon her II looks that New
York and Albany and Pennsylvania have declared IN
his favor II the other diOceSes will see how safe
1t is % vote for his confirmation"