_BURTON’S THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION._
A few weeks subsequent to the receipt of Edward Burton’s last letter
from Dartmouth, a little group--consisting of Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Burton,
Edward Burton, and William Tapley--was gathered one summer evening
in Mrs. Burton’s commodious parlor. In response to Edward’s earnest
invitation, Tapley, for a week or two, was the guest of the Burtons.
After some conversation relating to local and unimportant matters, Mr.
Johnson introduced the subject which lay nearest his heart.
“My dear Edward,” he said, “there are some things concerning your
future plans, in which I, as well as your mother, have taken a deep
interest, and at her suggestion I would like to advise with you, and
offer a little counsel, which I trust may not be unacceptable. As your
father’s and mother’s pastor, and as your own early spiritual adviser,
who baptized you in infancy, and who, as an under-shepherd, received
you as a lamb into ‘the fold,’ I feel a deep interest in your welfare.
It has been your purpose soon to enter Andover Theological Seminary, to
prepare yourself, by a course of study, for the gospel ministry. Many
years ago I received my own theological education there, but at that
time sound doctrine and a pure scriptural religion characterized that
institution. While it grieves me to express my loss of confidence in
my _Alma Mater_, I feel that duty demands that I should acquaint you
with certain erroneous and heretical theories and tendencies which are
promulgated there under the present administration.”
Mr. Johnson noticed a disappointed expression stealing over Edward’s
face, and glanced at Mrs. Burton, as if waiting for her to indorse the
sentiments which he had expressed.
“Yes, Edward,” said Mrs. Burton, “I feel that we should listen to
our pastor in such an important decision; and as he is convinced
that dangerous doctrines are indirectly, if not positively, taught
by the Andover professors, I should not dare to subject you to their
influence. I am more than ever anxious to have you prepare yourself for
the Christian ministry, but we must give up the idea of Andover, and
choose some other institution. I feel sure that the time will come, if
not at the present, when you will see that such a change of plan is
of the utmost importance. I also hope that your friend William will
be guided by the same considerations, and that you can continue your
studies together, where no unsound or doubtful doctrine is inculcated.
It would shock me to feel that by going to Andover you might not only
imbibe dangerous theories, but also become instruments for spreading
them broadcast.”
Edward was both dutiful and conscientious, and seemed inclined to
acquiesce in his mother’s opinions, fortified as they were by the
infallible _ipse dixit_ of his old pastor. Notwithstanding years of
separation and subjection to other influences, the feeling was dominant
in Edward’s mind that Mr. Johnson was “an oracle” in “spiritual
things.” Tapley, unlike Edward, was independent and philosophical,
though, at the same time, deeply religious and spiritual. His logical
turn of mind always prompted him to question assumptions of truth,
unless quite sure that they were supported by reasonable deductions
from well-grounded premises. As Edward made no immediate response to
the advice which had been given by Mr. Johnson, Tapley, who had been
included in the argument, felt warranted in joining in the discussion.
“I infer,” said he, addressing Mr. Johnson, “that what is called the
‘Andover hypothesis’ of a possible future probation is what you allude
to as being a dangerous doctrine or theory. With all respect for your
age and experience, may I inquire wherein it is either dangerous or
unreasonable?”
“Because it is contrary to the Bible, and, also, because it removes
some of the strongest motives which cause men to renounce their wicked
ways and repent,” replied Mr. Johnson.
“While it may appear to conflict with the letter of a certain class of
texts,” observed Tapley, “do you think that the spirit of the Bible
limits the mercy of God to such a degree as to reasonably make it
appear that the ‘larger hope’ is a positive error?”
“God certainly is merciful,” observed Mr. Johnson, “but if every
man should interpret Scripture by his own reason, there would be no
standard. The Bible is God’s Word, and it declares that the wicked
shall ‘go away into everlasting punishment.’ Probation ends with this
life, and any theory of a future probation would directly tend to
embolden men in sin, and keep them in a state of impenitence.”
“You will pardon me,” said Tapley; “but is it not true that in the
interpretation of Scripture, God not only has given us our reason, but
has provided His Spirit ‘to guide us into all truth’? The revelation of
God was not completed in the Bible, but is continuous. As we shut out
our sensuous perceptions of the material world, with all its noise and
distraction, and reverently listen to the ‘still small voice,’ truth is
revealed to us. All truth is harmonious, and the truth of the Bible,
if rightly interpreted, will perfectly agree with truth revealed
by the Spirit, and with all other truth. Is it not a fact that the
various sects, in their distinctive features, have been built up by
giving undue emphasis to certain classes of texts, taken literally
and externally? Literalism makes the Bible an inharmonious book, but,
looking beneath the letter, the golden thread of spiritual harmony runs
from the beginning to the end. As to the punishment of the wicked,
it is real, and if sin continues forever, punishment will have a
corresponding duration. Wickedness contains within itself the seeds of
its own punishment; but after the material body is laid off, with all
its weaknesses and temptations, may not new light, fresh opportunities,
and nobler impulses work a gradual change of character? When the
‘consuming fire’ of God’s love burns away sin and impurity, may not the
human soul respond and be drawn out by a consciousness of the love of
God, as manifested in the essential and eternal Christ, even if here
it missed a knowledge of the historic and material Jesus? When God
shall be ‘All in All,’ is it not implied that harmony and happiness
shall take the place of inharmony and unhappiness? Is not the true test
character rather than belief, and Christ-likeness rather than dogma?”
Tapley’s trio of listeners were all quite surprised, not only at his
readiness and boldness, but at the strength of his positions; yet they
were not convinced.
“My dear young friend,” replied Mr. Johnson, “I think you stand on
dangerous ground. The gospel is sent to those who are lost. Mankind are
totally depraved, and in a condition of sin and misery. Conversion, and
an acceptance of ‘the terms of salvation’ in this life, are the only
means provided by which to escape from the everlasting displeasure of
an offended God. I grant you that character is important; but character
is shaped by belief, or what you call dogma. While I have no doubt
in regard to your own Christian character, I warn you that any lax or
latitudinarian doctrine, preached to the masses, would be disastrous in
its results. It would also ‘cut the nerve of missions,’ and put back
the great work of the salvation of the heathen world, where so much
progress is now being made.”
“With great respect for your opinions,” replied Tapley, “in view of
the fact that God is love, and that ‘His mercy endureth forever,’ it
seems to me not only unreasonable, but presumptuous, to insist that He
will vindictively punish any of His children forever; granting always,
that inherent punishment will last as long as sin continues. Reverently
speaking, the very character of God precludes anything vindictive
or revengeful, and such a conception dishonors Him. The nature of
punishment is corrective and disciplinary, working out its own cure.
The whole spirit of revelation seems to prove that nothing can be
eternal which is out of harmony with the character of God. If these
principles be true, the world cannot be harmed by preaching them, for
the very nature of truth is beneficent. It is plain that a gospel of
fear does not tend to produce the fruits of the Spirit.”
The discussion continued till nearly midnight, with the result that
Edward Burton’s plans were revised, while Tapley adhered to Andover,
and, in due time, subjected himself to the influence and teaching of
that institution. After due consideration of the subject, Mr. Johnson,
a week later, gave Mrs. Burton and Edward further advice, which was
afterwards followed to the letter.
“The Princeton Seminary,” he observed, “though a Presbyterian
institution, promulgates a purer theology than scarcely can be found
elsewhere. The influence of Jonathan Edwards and his opinions is
there paramount. He was the greatest of theologians, and his spiritual
discernment of ‘the plan of salvation’ and of Calvinistic principles
was most marvellous. Although the church polity of the Presbyterians is
different from ours, that is a matter of slight importance, compared
with the purity of Calvinistic theology.”
Mr. Johnson’s advice bore fruit, and in due time Edward Burton was
installed among the juniors of the Princeton Seminary. His progress
during the whole course of his theological education was most
satisfactory, and his attainments were a matter of just pride to the
faculty and to his friends. The months flew swiftly by, and at length
nearly three years had passed, and the time for his graduation drew
near. He was scrupulous in every detail of study, and during his
senior year labored with unusual assiduity that he might have no lack
of equipment for his life-work. The “foreign field” was the goal of
his aspirations. The thought that millions of the human family, in
heathendom, were yearly going down to a fearful doom, fired his soul
with such a great longing and anxiety to put forth his best efforts in
their behalf, that he was impatient for the time to come when he might
begin. His essays and sample sermons--on the nature of the Trinity,
Divine decrees, total depravity, the plenary inspiration of the Bible,
and other themes--called out the hearty encomiums of the faculty, the
admiration of his classmates and of the students in general. As the end
of his senior year drew near, his devotion to study was so intense that
he became quite negligent of physical exercise, and symptoms of mental
over-work began to manifest themselves. About two weeks before the time
for graduation, he became positively ill, being a victim of insomnia,
nervous prostration, depression of spirits, and the whole train of dire
maladies which are the penalty of an anxious and overtaxed mentality.
He kept about, however, and, by the utmost exertion of the will-power,
was able to perform his part in the closing exercises, until, in the
act of coming forward to receive his diploma, he fell to the floor in
a fainting fit, in which he remained fully an hour after his removal
to his quarters. The nearest physician had been summoned as soon as
he was stricken, and it required the doctor’s utmost efforts, aided
by two of Burton’s classmates, to restore him to consciousness. A
despatch was at once sent to his mother informing her of his condition,
and she faithfully responded by appearing upon the scene twenty-four
hours later. The physician advised the patient’s removal to his quiet
New Hampshire home at the earliest possible moment, and, with the aid
of tonics and excellent nursing, three days afterwards, his mother
started with him for the desired haven. With considerable difficulty
they reached New York, and, by the assistance of kind friends, he was
taken on board the Fall River boat, where he was made as comfortable as
possible in one of its commodious staterooms. After a wretched night,
during which he found no rest, he was carried on board the train for
Boston. Before arriving at that city, he had a severe and prolonged
chill, followed by intense fever and delirium. Upon their arrival in
Boston, it was evident to Mrs. Burton that it would be impossible for
them to proceed farther, which opinion was indorsed by a physician
who had been telegraphed to meet them at the station. It was deemed
impracticable to remove the patient to a hotel, and the result was that
an ambulance was ordered, and, with as little delay as possible, he was
taken to a hospital.