New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-05-14
DR. TALM4GES NEW DISASTER.

Dr Tolmare's twenty-ffth anniversary was
celebrated with dramatic realism. Two con-
gratulatory meetings had been held III me
Brooklyn Tabernacle. each unique IN lis way
and characteristic Of the genius ana pop
ularity of the preacher; and great as
scmblage Of his friends and admirers had
listened TO farewell sermon enriched
with memories Of his long pastorate ana III
snired with gratitude for the evidences OF aiec-
ton and appreciation with which he had been
overwhelmed The congregation had been dis-
missed with the preachers benedction; ana
swarm of intimate friends had gathered ABOUT
him TO speed him on his journey around the
world after Il quartcr-contury or lapo'
and exceptional vicsstude The echoes OF 'he
anniversary greetings and CONGRATULATIONS mao
hardly died away with the triumphant chords
Of the great organ before the Tabernacle was
in famos-and one of the most unmahageaDie
bonfircs ever seen in Brooklyn.
4 spark from an electric wire sui1ced 10
produce a catastrophe which many of Dr. TAI
IMAGES critics may be disposed to describe
cynically as the climax Of a career of religious
scnsationasm. That will be Il harsh ana IN
feeling Judgment unworthy Of the oc-
casion 1t will be entirely just to regard TINS
new misfortune SO closely timed with the
twenty-ffth anniversary as TO have the force OF
4 remarkable coincidence, rs croWnlnS oppor-
tunity for the display Of DIR. Ialmages re-
sources of character and courage. Ihls
is the third Tabernacle which has Deeh
DESTROYED during his career Of vicisSitude ana
triumph but preacher whose sermons are
read week by week by millions is not desuhed
10 lose that vast audience from lack or a pla'-
form upon which 10 stand or OF roof 10 cover
him: nor is Brooklyn. where his fame mas peeh
won. n town which will suffer him to go else
where in consequence OF this fresh misfortune,
overmastering as it now appears. The prompt
and decisive action taken 10y the trustees Whlle
the flames were still raging points 10 Il four'h
Tabernacle with DR.. Talmage as the preacher
and with characteristic energy courage anu
hopefulness he has accepted the trust.
What is known as scnsaiionalism in DR.. Tai
mage's preaching Is the realism or intense per
sonality. In theology no modern preacher j
more conservative ana orthodox. lie has never
taught ANYTHING but old-fashiOmcd doctrine, but
he has been content 10 preach ii in his own way
and with such intensity Of earncSincss ana
with SO many and such characteristic manner
isms that he was always certain 10 have an
| audience ana very large one Pcculiariucs
| Of manner and delivery will not account for his
| nopularlty as "A preacher. and the phenomenal
| circulation of his sermons throughout Chrisleh
dom A preacher must have great force oil
character and a special genius for Appearing 10
and influencing the sturdy homciy, common
sense middle classes Of the world in order t'
command such an audience as DR.. Tallnase has
addressed in his weekly sermons.
Dr. Talmage will have the sympaihie' OF q
host Of well-wishers In his new reverse OF fort
unc The manifestations Of hearty apprccia
ton and respect which have been drawn on
by his impressive anniversary meetings. cal
hardly fail TO encourage him 10 face win cain
confidence the calamity which has overwhelinoc
him on the eve Of his long vacation journey
He has work yet 10 do, and Brooklyn, whici
has been the scene Of his trials, triumpls. dis
asters and harassing financial anXieues, ~ 'h'
place for him TO go with it undsmayed ah'
| uncOnquerable