The record-union., 1893-02-23

terry in its membership confined practi-
cally To one CITY,"
Certain religious papers," says the
Li0inq Church (P. E.) OF Chicago, econ
gratulate the Presbyterian Church on the
acquiUtal Of DIR. Briggs upon the ground
that it Is proof THAI that great Christian
body does not intend any longer to be
bound by its Confession OF Faith. Thus
the CHVrch J7IiOH says: The PreSbytery
has acted wisely, as it appears to us, for
thus the Confession of Faith" 10 which
all Presbyteriaus have adhered for 80
years, is no longer-so tar, at least, as this
decision Is COncerned-to be considered
as iniallible.' But it appears to us that,
granting that the teachings of DR.. Briggs
are at variance with the Confession, as as
sumed by these writers, what has really
been decided by the Presbytery is this:
That man may declare, in the most SOL
emn manner, that he believes certain
statements OF doctrine, and will mold his
teaching accordingly, when he does not
believe it in reality, and has no intention
of teaching it. Exactly that if the CHurch
Union is correct, is the result of this ac-
ton. For our part we cannot regard such
a position as u subject Of congratulation.
1t strikes blow at the moral sense which
cannot be contemplated without grave
concern. We are not surprised that the
minority of the Presbytery who feel un-
able to reconcile contradictions, have re-
solved to carry an appeal to the highest
tribunal. 1t is question which does not
concern the Presbyterian Church only.
1t is not simply question whether Pres
byterians are no longer to take their own
doctrines seriously, or whether their min
listers and teachers are heDceforth to be
released from obligations to the most SOL
emn pledges, but it is a matter which
touches the morals OF the whole commu-
nifty. 1t is serious thing that a great
and powerful religious body shouid be
put into the position before the world of
playing fast and loose with its declara-
uons of truth and its most solemn oaths
ana pledges. The question Immediately
suggests itself, if this is good morality in
the sphere OF religion, why not in the
sphere Of business, and of the daily rela-
tions between man and man? 1t cannot
be surprising to those who look at all be-
low the surface of things that our Pres
byterian brethren should be deeply
stirred over this matter. 1t is impossible
that 1t can be allowed TO rest until it has
been settled beyond all peradventure."
The Christian Register (Unt.) of Boston
says that NEARLY every system of the
ology, however ably and honestly shaped,
has at some time been dishonesty used
and in two ways: First the people have
been encouraged to believe that THEOLOGY
comes by revelation; next, they have
been either led to suppose, or lett to sup
pose, that every accepted dOgmatic for
mula is a fiXity, finaiity. The teachers
and preachers might safely and frankly
have said: Theology must not be con-
founded with religion. 1t is human
product. 1t deals with many open dues-
lions. 1t is our way, the best way we yet
know, OF setting forth divine truth. But
ii Is growing sclence-always "open at
81 u 81
Is revealed only as geology and astron-
omy are revealed. We discover what we
believe are facts and truths of the spirit
ual order, then we build them into svs-
TENS by interences, and these inierences
are always subject to correction They
could honestly have said all this; thew
knew it was true. Here was surely room
Tor the grandest service and the widest
expansions; and sincere theologian
might well claim to represent the queen
OF the sciences But mol This system of
human differences concerning divine re-
alities-a gigantic and imposing struct-
ure-was set upon the very sandy foun-
dation of pretended iulallibility; and,
now that the wind OF free inquiry blows
all abroad, the palace that so many Jacks
have built seems to be tumbling about
their ears like house Of cards. There is
no great loss, but a deal of litter and rub
bish. The truth, Gods living word. is
just where 1t was and just what it was.'
''The seeularization of the public
schools says the New York Christian
Union, lis false in psychology. 1t as
sunes that child can be divided IN
like tenement into different rooms
part developed and part left undeveIoped
This is not true. The child is a unit. He
cannot be taught to think wisely if he is
not taught to act rightly. He cannot be
taught to observe truly if he Is not taught
to imagine lawfully. He cannot be made