New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-26
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
THE RELIGION OF THE FUTURE.

RENAscENr CHRISTIANITY; Forecast Of the tn
p p~s aNxiii. 49, e"t G = PGtnams Sons
This work is anonymous only in form. In
ternai evidence discloses its author as the Rev
Martin X Schermerhorn. formerly Unitarian
clergyman and pastor Of the Claiming Me
mortal Church. Newport and the Church OF the
Unity, Boston. but for number OF years past
an Episcopal clergyman Though somewhat
discursive in style and arrangement, the main
thought underlying the book is made clearly ap-
parent on every page. The writer is a radical
Broad Churchman and. unlike some who call
themselves such has the courage Of his conVic-
lions He will make no compromise with what
he considers TO be untrue. though II has behind
It the consecrated authority OF council or trad-
ton. He believes that the time has come In the
evolution OF religion when It is desirable and
even necessary 10 carry to their legitimate con-
clusion the postuates Of Professionalism, and
thus TO "esta blish the kingdom or heaven upon
earth which John the Baptist. Jesus and the
Apostles introduced" He heartily accepts the
Episcopal theory Of church government so long
as 1t does not degenerate into tyranny OF dicta-
ton Of control. Nturgical worship so long as
II is intellectually sincere and spiritually ele-
waiting. historic theology so long as 1t neither
adds 70 nor takes from the simple teachings OF
truth. but a clearer and larger conception OF the
old truth, "the same yesterday, to-day and for
ever"
Therefore he rejects the common belief that
"tbere is an exclusive revelation chosen line
of prophets a deposit OF truth a faith once for
all delivered to the saints a favorite people OF
God. or a and only true Church" Other
things also he regrets. namely. that Bible truth
is in any sense different from truth that may
be found in other religions. or that any abso-
lutely new truth is TO be found in the Bible. All
religions he believes. so far as they go, reveal
the same external truth. There are modern as
well as ancient sacred scriptures. he declares;
the line Of prophets has not ended. nor has in
epiration ceased
In developing these ideas. Mr.. Schermerhorn
makes a large use Of quotations. and for this
reason his book is useful catena Of Broad
Church utterances. Yet the book Is something
more than a mere string Of quotations. II is
plea for the widest possible liberty Of thought.
It Will doubtless attract the attention Of the
whole Episcopal Church. and may. perhaps. sub
feet its author 10 severe criticism. He Will GER
tainly find no sympathy among the plain people
who accept literally true the traditional con-
cepiions OF Christianity Nor does ne expect
any. For he says: THE popular forms OF relig
ION are always reversons Simply because they
are reversions they become and remain popular.
The people love to have It so therefore the
hrelng priests now as ever, and ever now.
prophesy falsely. Such is the rise. progress
and numerical success OF popular religion the
world and history through. The purest
things are always unpopular. Truth Is always
in the minority. Wide Is the gate and broad is
the way that leads 10 degeneration: strait is the
gate and narrow the way that leads to holiness
and truth. To-day the ever. here the
same as in ancient Judea the radical teachings
and methods OF Jesus are everywhere and ur
gently needed: "Howbeit in vain do they wor-
ship me. teaching for commandments the doc
trines Of men. Making the Word of God OF
none effect through your traditions
Nevertheless although he thus rejects many
Of the traditional views OF Christianity Mr..
Schermerhorn. In common with liberals in every
age of the Church. refuses TO put himself outside
the pale OF Christianity. first. because Christian
ity is his native and lifelong faith; secondly,
because mis- spiritual life is quickened by it's
teachings" and thirdly because Its truth rs
more completely divine than that found in the
other religions" Therefore," he adds, 1T is
my duty. my preference. and my choice TO re-
main a Christian"
AS a waymark OF the progress Of radical
thought In the Church, Mr.. Schermerhorns book
Is we'll worth careful perusal