New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1901-03-12
DIR. MACARTHUR AND WI.
SOME CRITICISM OF THE INVITATION TO
THE CHINESE MINISTER TO SPEAK
IN A CHRISTIAN PULPIT.

There was some adverse criticism yesterday
| in clerical circles regarding the action of the
Rev DR.. Robert s. Macarthur in extending an
| invitation to WI Ting-fang. the Chinese Minis
ter. to speak at an early date in Calvary Bap-
fist Church. in West Fifty-seventh-st
DR.. Macarthur, at his home No. 35S west
Fifty-seventh-st told a Tribune reporter yes
terday afternoon that ne had not heard any
pressions of dissatisfaction among the members
of his church. On the contrary. a. cordial vel
come would be extended to the Chinese Minis
ter Mr.. WI would speak Tuesday even
ing, March &c under the auspices of the Baron
de Hirsch Monument Association. and its oh
ject abolish all racial prejudices. It
would not be meeting to raise money for the
monument but to promote better feeling among
all races.
The meeting" remarked DR.. Macarthur.
will be in the interest of the brotherhood of
man and the Golden Rule
The Rev DR. Junius b Remensnyder. pastor
Of st. James's Lutheran Church. Seventy third
ST. and MaGison-ave, when seen yesterday at
his home. No. 900 Madison-ave. by a Tribune
reporter, expressed himself on the subject
follows.
do not like to critictse DR.. Macarthur but from
the point of view of the Lutheran Church
look upon the church as the house of God for the
proclamation of the truth Of revealed religion and
cate of a heather religion and a disbeiiever in
teachings on level with the true gives him a
position of equality 10 which he is not entitled.
The character and sanctty Of the place cannot but
give quasi authority TO such a presentation, the
only effect Of which is TO give 10 very consider
able eStent an equal recognition 10 truth ana error
ings of Christ Himself and His Apostles and mas
always been repudiated in the practice or the CHRIS
levers and the advocates of false systems OF re-
lgon TO satisfaction and assurance with their own
extent 10 shake the faith of believers and 10 cor,
rupt their pure conception OF Christian doctrine
The Christian religion is tolerant Tengg!on. N
the sense that it breathes spirit OF charity ana ma
consideration for all those in error and lacking the
true light. but in another sense Chrlstanly Is an
intolerant religion As right Is lntoleIant OF Won,
truth is intolerant of error as virtue Is lntoi
a a0 % G as CristianfY being the one
1 o I'm reion is oierant Of other religions
1lIE ne u SedTa i cSTnn+ recognize them as
on the same plane with il or countenance them ny
giving them equal standing by its side ...-,...-
WI Ting-fang will no doubt hail the opportunity
10 present his views in a Christian church before
but just nasnuch as II is to his ADVANTAGE i is
with the highest PERSONAL regard for Dr. MacArthur
and for the purity Of his intentions, deem II and
(Iar or IIInit for he ventilation Of dangerous
falsehoodS and religious errors, misleading TO the
souls OF men.
DR.. Remensnyder added that he thought the
opinions he had expressed would be held by
overwhelming majority of members of the con-
servative churches OF Christendom.
The Rev Frank NJ. Goodchld. pastor OF the
Central Baptist Church. in West Forty-second-
st, said yesterday at his home. No DDS West
Forty third-st., that he could conceive OF cir
cumstances in which non-Christians like WI
Ting-fang could be invited TO the pulpit Of a
Christian church with perfect proprety. where
in this case, the purpose seemed 10 he TO do
honor to 4 distinguished philanthropst.
The Rev. DR.. George T PurVes, pastor OF the
Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. said last
evening at his home No. 80 West Fiftyeighth-
st. that he would not like 10 be quoted as critl-
cising DR. Macarthur If the latter felt his
church the proper place In the circum-
stances, and his people were willing. IT was for
him to
Probably" added DR.. Purves. "Dr Mac
Arthur would not wish the Chinese Minister 10
speak at a regular service OF his church, but
If he is 10 hold a general meeting, not for pur-
poses OF worship but to discuss the question OF
racial prejudices. it would seem to be within his
own judgment whom he should invite"
The Rev. DR.. y. Parker Morgan. rector Of the
Church Of the Heavenly Rest was not at his
home No. 3 East Forty-fifth-st., last evening
when the reporter called. The Rev. DR.. Henry
Nj. Sanders OF No. 433 Fifth-ave., was also out