Edward Burton

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.