New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-01-23
DIR. VAN DYKE OBJECTS.
HE THINKS THE APPEAL UNWISE.
THE ACTION OF TIE PROSECUTING COMMITTEE ~
THE BRIGGS CASE DISCUSSED.

iTHE ACTION OF pltOSEtClIN NOM9Ii - ~
THE BRIGGS CASE DISCUSSED.
crowded meeting greeted the Rev. DR.. Henry van
| Dyke yesterday morning IN the Brick Presbyterian
Church when c spoke upon the subject OF the appeal
taken In the Briggs by the prosecuting committee
| DR.. van Dyke prefaccd his sermon with statement
OF his for preaching IT. and then Offered brief
prayers that God would give him grace Ia keep his
temper and - speak his honest convictions.
He then took for bis Timothy. vi. I. "strItcs OF
words whereby cometh envy strife. ratings. evil sur
Musings" and vi, p Iut thou. o man OF God. flee
these things ma follow after Iighe usnes,. goodness
faith. love- patience mcekncss." After saying that
In all history there had been two elements con-
sentative and liberal he reviewed the Briggs trial
hastily dwelling the verdict rendered. ana con-
tnued
But signal renewed and proraced controversy
has by the persistent appeal Of the prosecuting
committee the General Assembly. And, as II 10 en-
phasizc this APPEAL and max. s meaning unmis,kabe
they have branded the two who framed the verdict ~
the Pesbytcy and plea for peace namely. Dr. George
Alexander pastor and held them up 10 the con-
tempt Of the Church prejudccd unfair. ami partial
Well. eat silent under accusation the whole of last
wear and IL Is hardly worth while 20 answer II now II
abused IL Is pleasant be abused in good
company.
The speaker then explained the question OF In
errancv and the different positions held in the Church
In regard TO the doctrine. declaring that the doctrine
contrary TO the Confession of Faith bat asserting
that he did not know whether the Eiblc originally
contained errors or not. lie concluded:
But It remains for US to consider very briefly what
duty in the face Of the present trouble which Is
threatened the Presbyterian Church. believe that our
duty Is fourfold
l. It IS our duty withdraw from Presbyterian
Church Christian honor requires 10 remain. To Slip
would be like desertng the ship because she was
in stormy waters. Conscience demands that uphold
convictions; memory binds VS. by thousand sacred
ties Church OF bthrght; the sense Of rrspao-
bility obge TO be true 70 the great interests
which have been committed 10 our charge.
. 1t our duty study to lie quo; and 10 mind our
business. LIT speak carefully, kindly consider
acly Let beware Of tho fatal adJectvcs and rffnln
from costly and dangerous omuemeat Of abusing those
who do not with If il Dr. possible. far In
lies let US live peaceably with all mon
g. 1t is duty mildly but firmly to oppose every ct
tempt impose tests OF orthodoxy or - restrict tho
liberty enjoyed by those who sincerely subscribe 10
the and necessary doctrines Of our Church Let
US understand that this constitutional position ond
that number Of and churches should abandon IL
they would be departing tIom the true basis. We vino
hold Standards and tie rights guaranteed under
the constitution would be the truo rrcsby erlans. hope
that you agree with this point.
4. 1t is duty turn from tho paths Of frutess
controversy and devote energies 70 tho WORK OF plain
religion. Let leave other men TO quarrel about the
original autographs which hove vanished but let us IT,
earnest proclaimng the truths Of tho Bible which are
able to mako eternal HE Thank sod, the
world is large. and Christianity Is sweet wholesome
beneAcent There abundance OF good work for to do
in this big city In Of Jesus OF Narorch. Let
try do 1t faithfully. vigorously generously lovingly.
For he doc'h these things shall never be moved
The church that going 10 survive all these troubles
and come out joyful triumphant from all this strife Is
the church that goes right preaching simple Christ
t, sinful men and doing good In the world For That
church belongs 10
The kingdom OF established peace.
which moe he moved
Tho perfect powers OF eotlincss.
The omnipotence OF love.