Page:A History of the University of Chicago by Thomas Wakefield Goodspeed.djvu/152

 124 A HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO Dr. Harper finally decided that to Mr. Rockefeller he must make a statement of his difficulties. This letter was written January 8, 1891. After reviewing the attack on his orthodoxy in 1888, already narrated, and remarking that "There is no doubt that the way in which I present Bible truth differs largely from that of leading men of the Baptist denomination," and relating in some detail his submission of his views to the Seminary committee in September, the refusal of Mr. Goodspeed to assist him in reopening the matter in November, an equally fruitless attempt to reopen the question in December, the letter continued: I cannot but believe, from the results connected with my teaching of the Bible, that it is the will of God that I should teach it in the way in which I have been teaching it. I cannot, therefore, consent to accept a position in which that privilege will be denied me. On the other hand, I do not wish to enter into the position and thereby bring upon the institution the distrust of the denomination. The views which I hold can be taught here at Yale, not only without condemnation, but, with constant and hearty encouragement on the part of the President and the theological faculty. It has been suggested to me that, under all these circumstances, I ought carefully to lay before you and any friends whom you would like to have con- sider it the exact situation. I realize that we have gone very far already, and that it would be difficult for me to draw out, and I do not wish for any reason to draw back; and yet I feel that I am free from responsibility in the matter, in view of the action taken by me in September before the theological faculty, in November in my letter to Dr. Goodspeed, and in December in my conference with Dr. Northrup It seems to me that this is the thing to do. If my positions are so far away from those of the rank and file of the denomination as to make me unfit to hold the office of President, it ought to be known before I accept it, both for my sake and that of the University. If this is true you ought to know it. I therefore propose to you that you select three or four gentlemen, e .g., Dr. Morehouse, Dr. [W. C. P.] Rhoades, Mr. Faunce [later president of Brown University], and that you give me the opportunity of laying before you and before them the exact facts, in order that (i) I may know whether I shall have the privilege of teaching my views in the University of Chicago, and (2) I may decide in case this privilege is not granted me, whether, under all the circumstances, it is wise for the University and for myself to accept the position. I am sure that you will not misunderstand this letter. I believe in abso- lute frankness and candor. I may be morbid on the subject, but for weeks I have felt that I ought to take this step, and I am sure I shall never be at rest until it has been taken, whatever may be the consequences. I appreciate all that you have done for me and I assure you that it is the ambition of my