Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-06-05
LIBERALISM REBUKED

new world, mas concluded Its labOrs
and adjourned without having abol.
ished or modified in the slightest de-
gree a single one Of the stern doctrines
which make the Presbyterian creed so
difficult of acceptance by the masses of
the people-nOt because it does not
embody the greatest truths Of the Cos
pei and enjoin the practice of the
noblest virtues of Christian life, but
because II presupposes at the outset the
existence. in all seekers for religious
truth, of a higher degree of faith i'm
things unknown and unknowable than
the vast majority can honestly sub
scribe to. The writer would be sorry
TO have any of his clerical friends at
tribute to him any disposition to ques-
ton the entire sincerity of their teach
ings, or to underestimate their value.
He simply exercises the privilege Of a
free writer for the free press of free
land to the expression of his individual
views of theological controversy
which has excited great interest in the
minds of many thousands who are
watchful students of the progress of
religious thought.
In remanding the Briggs heresy
case back to the New York presbytery
for trial on its merits the great assem-
bly, virtually reiterated and empha-
sized its implicit faith i'm the Calvan-
istic doctrines as embodied in the
thirty-nine articles of the Westminster
confession. 1t rebuked the manage
ment of Union Theological Seminary
for having been tolerant Of the teach
ings Of DR.. Briggs, and instituted a
boycott upon that great school of
Protestant theology by practically in
structing the various presbyteries and
general church board of education not
TO send any more students there so
long as DR.. Briggs is permitted to in
terpret the scriptures from its Biblical
chair. And 1t further rebuked the
professor and his followers by the adop-
ton of a resolution declaring that any
Presbyterian minister, so called, who
does not accept the full inspiration
Of the scriptures and acknowledge en-
tire belief in their teachings is in honor
bound to withdraw from the church.
The assembly has weighed DIR. Briggs
In the balance of its faith and has de-
creed that his teachings are not in
accord with the teachings of Calvin
and Knox, which constitute the basis
of the Presbyterian creed. The
strict constructionists have tri-
umphed. Incorporating opposition
to any concession to the liberal spirit of
the times has been declared. DIR.
Briggs will have to go, and with him
Will go the hope Of many earnest
Presbyterians that the way TO men,
bership in the church might be made
brighter and smoother by some modifi-
cations Of its doctrines.
Him that is weak in the faith re-
ceive We, but not to doubtful disputa-
tons, wrote the apostle Paul to the
Romans.
No man can fathom infinity. !
Every church should encourage honest
seeking for religious truth, and should
not impose upon the inquirer obliga-
lions which his knowledge and his con-
science do not permit him to honestly
assume. We believe with Beeeher that
Every minister ought to turn
toward every CLEAN Of light to see if
there is not some instrument by which
he can better touch the heartso Of men. ~
And again, Take away the idea of
eternal torment and you take away
half the problems that prevent mans
progress and you throw light on Gods
justice" The press is stronger than
the pulpit because 1t is more progress
i've. "The church" says Prof. Swing,
"has too long lived upon the dignity of
its attitudes and upturned eyes ar d the !
blackness of its cloth. While it was
thus posturing before the altar, the
congregation has slipped out into the
fresh air to find the life of humanity or
the Undesirable richness of the fields
where there are no vain repetitions.
Professionalism was an advance from
childhood to manhood and from
form TO reason, but its dig
nifty today is too much that
IF the owl rather than that of the eagle.
Theology sits In sublime composure;
scars with courage and am
,ition."