Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1902-05-22
DISAPPOINTED TO DEATH.

some time ago q tncoioglrui STUDENT
about 20 graduate from the Union
Seminary In New York, was refused a
license to preach by the New York
presbytery because he held the opinion
that the story OF our first parents, as
related In Genesis, is but an allegory,
and that Adam and Eve, consequently
are but mythical persons. II is said
that the young man was proficient in
the Bible and IN church history. He
seemed more than ordinarily splrltu-
ally minded and Jealous, but having
reached a conclusion different from
that entertained by his examiners on
one point OF doctrine, he was provis-
lonally rejected, though a committee
was appointed to further consider his
case. one of the members OF this com
mttee said he would pray with him.
wrestle with him. turn him down and
give him a dressing"
The case attracted some attention at
the time. but II will probably become
memorable now, because the young
man has died, and II is claimed that
the shock he sustained on account OF
the action of the presbytery fastened
the end, II seems he had tendency
to consumption, and that he became m
Immediately after the disappointment
he suffered. Finally the presbytcry
concluded TO grant him the license, but
II came too late.
This sad case received special atten-
ton at the commencement exercises
OF the seminary a few days ago
Thirteen diplomas were given out and
one tied with black ribbon reserved
to be sent to the family Of the young
man who had died that morning.
The president OF the school. in giving
out the precious documents, took oc-
casion to say.
There is a shadow over us all this
evening, Sometimes there Is in our
hearts, no doubt. a feeling OF bitter
ness that the missing one Is not here.
But let us remember our Divine Lead
er and not treasure any feeling Of Bit
terness, but go away with a spirit Of
forgiveness"
DR.. Parkhurst referred to the sad in
cident thus
Il cannot tell you how sorry am.
The matter Is one OF no small impor-
lance. trust that any uncertainty
that poor Noll may have had In regard
to the strict hlstorocity OF Adam may
not have worked his exclusion from
the presence OF the Redeemer. and I
should like also TO be able 20 hope that
there Is no sense In which ID may ba
said that the New York Presbytery Is
chargable with his murder. The
shocking thing Is that his license
should have been refused because he
said he ala not believe In the historic
existence Of Adam
Whatever the young mans views were
on the historical or categorical char
acter Of Genesis, It is evident that they |
could not have been dangerously her |
etlc, since the license at first refused !
was finally granted Under the cir |
cumstances II seems a harsh and ey- !
erything but Chrlsilaniike proceeding |
Those charged with the duty Of |
watching over the orthodoxy Of the
pulpit no doubt have great RESPONSE
billy but they may safely leave part
OF this 10 the congregations. II these
are aware OF their Obligation 10 ob.y
the apostolic injunction "Beljeve not |
every spirit, but try the spirits. There |
Is less danger OF hercsy gaining ground |
among intelligent congregations. &C.
customed TO follow only the voice OF
the Shepherd, than among ASSEMBLIES
that do not Judge for themselves. but
rely ON the testimonies and licenses OF
examining boards. This fact. we fear
Is not thoroughly appreciated In some
religious denominations.
The Presbyterlans particularly should
be charitable, They themselves are
about to revise their creed. thereby
roniessing that they have been wrony
IN some points. And n in some point,
why not in others? We have, Of course
no sympathy with theology that de-