New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-11
GREET IAN MAClAREN"
Fifth AUenue Baptist Church Cro1cd-
ed-Praise for Rockefeller.

The Rev DR.. John Watson better known on
both sides OF the Atlantic Ian MacLaren. the
novelist, who arrived here from England on Sat
urday' occupied the pulpit at the Fifth Avenue
Baptst Church yesterday. In honor of his Visit.
which had been widely announced, the church
was more crowded than before in its history
The aisles and the space back of the pews We're
filled with men and women. who. unable 10 get
seats, were willing to stand throughout the long
service TO hear the famous Scotchman. The yes
try room. adjoining the church. was also packed.
More than five hundred others were turned away.
After the morning service DR.. Watson expressed
his qualification at this extraordinary tribute 20
visiting clergyman
After the service a Tribune reporter asked DR..
watson to express opinion regarding John D.
Rockefelers recent gift of S32 600 900 the Gen
eTal Education Board. The clergyman writer is
prominently identified with British educational
work and he is over here to lecture at several
American universities. He said Il consider Mr..
Rockefellers munificence most praiseworthy. I
had heard Of his having made donation. upon my
arrival here but did not realize until now that it
was for so large amount Why, It Is the largest
sum that has ever been donated TO the cause Of
education. is II not? 1 congratulate him upon that
fact. He could not have given his money to a
better cause. To contribute toward the encour-
agement OF education is the worthiest and most
satisfactory way OF spending money II I had
money that Is the way I should utilize it. Money
given 70 promote charities toward pauperlsrn
rightly distributed but have never heard Of con-
trbutons to the cause Of education going astray"
He then asked the reporter to what branch OF
educational work Mr Rockefeler's donation was to
be devoted. Il hope It is for scientific research
work" he said
When told that Il believed that the money
was to be spent In other ways he said: "Ol. that
is a pity! had hoped to hear you say that the
whole sum was to be devoted 10 research work.
OF course. all grades of educational work de-
serving Of great encouragement but I think that
scientific research work is the greatest Of ALL and
no rich benefit his fellow men more than
by spending part Of his fortune to promote It.
Medical research work is especially deserving
of all the encouragement and help rich
give Just think what blessing it is to be able to
benefit mankind by making possible the discovery
Of at present, unknown causes of various dis
eases and thereby arriving at their cure Can you
think Of a better service TO humanity than that?'
Dr. Watson in his discourse took Jne side of the
elder brother. saying that great deal Of elo-
quenCe had been wasted n expressing sympathy
for the wayward youth He said If the young
man had returned before he had spent his sub
stance had come back home rich he would
have deserved more credit
He said he believed the complaint OF the elder
brother in the case OF the prodgal jus
titled The brother mad remained at home work
ing steadily. doing his part Ike a man, living
clean. upright. useful life and It naturally pro-
voked him when he the younger brother-who
hdu lOTSaken the FAMILY gone out into the WorIu,
spent all his money, and then come back homo
a vagahond-treated to the fatted calf and
dressed in the finest raiment. and a holiday given
In his honor. He said he did not think that Christ
in the parable intended a rebuke to the elder
brother. and said the fathers reply in the words
Of the text indicated that his love for the elder
brother was in no way lessened because OF the
others return.
During his stay in this city DR.. Watson will be
the guest Of John d. Rockefeller, IT.
The latter yesterday, at his Bible class session
which preceded the church service continued the
q a ~ n OF z
men TO go TO church
Dr. Watson took for the subject Of his sermon at
the evening service The Testimony Of the Saints
the Confirmation Of Faith The church was
again crowded 10 its utmost capacity and hundreds
turned away The sermon was a message OF
cheer TO those who fear that Christianity Is de-
tertorating, that dogma and worship are changing
and there is nothing to take their place. Many
pie in these days. he said. cast down because
Of some clever essay or sparkling book attacking
Christianity. The scientist be he geOlogist, chem
ist learned in natural history. DR.. Watson
said, is not qualified to give opinion OF Chris
tianlty expert In religion.
Darwin, he said. was a serious writer and a
great scientist but who has written learn
eddy about worms IS qualified to teach about
God