The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1863-06-06
J. w. ROBERTS. EdisOr.
Saturday, June 6, 1863.
An Important Paper.

On the first page of this number will
be found remarkable document, which
is destined to have no inconsiJerable
influence in the world. We allude to
the ''Union Docirinal Basis. adopted
by the Evangelical Ministerial Associa-
tion Of Cincinnati"
For centuries the different branches
OF the Church have disputed about Ger.
tain matters. and iu the heat of debate
have become somewhat estranged.-
These disputes arose naturally out Of
the very nature of things. For more
than thousand years the Church Of
Rome lad held undisputed sway in the
world. and her intolerant spirit had
taken full possession of the minds of
men. All Christendom haaa been edu-
Gated and indoctrinated into her bigo;ry
and temper until the minds OF ii.s ii
people OF all classes, ages, sexes and
conditions were warped that way. As
q matter of course i, could not be other
wise than the work of time 10 correct
these tendencies; and if the Babylon
Church had been more than thousand
years educating the race up to her high
standard Of intolerant bigotery. it is
hardly to be wondered that three CEN
turies should be required for her scholars
TO unlsarn the errors and free them
Ives from the spiri, of her instruc-
lion.
A close and critical analysis of facts
will show thar all the prosecutions
which have marked the career of Pro
tes'antism. from the days Of Luther to
the present time. ARE legitima,ely trace
able 10 the Church OF Rome; as much
so as any other effect is traceable to it's
natural cause. The spirit of the teach.
ings Of ''Mother Church" fingered in
the minds of those who "came out OF
her" and endeavored to establish the
more excellent way" Hence the
controversies among the evangelics!
denominations of Christians.
But all these controversies Lave
grown out of ncn-essen,ials; they are
side issues. which do not effect the
general plan Of redemption. or the fun
damental principles aud doctrines Of
the Christian sy stem. Nevertheless,
the discussions upon them have often
been bitter and acrimonious.
But Of late years the leven OF The
gospel has been powerfully a, work ,and
the different corps Of the great army o.
Emmanuel have been concentrating
against the common foe, to uccessfall,
battle against whom will occupy al
their time and powers.
These tendencies 10 union and co
operation could not result olherwis,
than in feeling of harmony and broth
erIy love, the fruit of which, in part, i
the Doctrinal Basis. which embraces al
the Cardinal doctrines of the Bible will
reference to the gospel as a remedia
system for the salvation of mankind.
The leading denominations through
their ablest and best men have thu.
met on one common ground. and demon
sirated that most of the distinctions
In the Churches have been wi,hou,
essential differences" and that here.
after, if. unfortunately, discussion.
should arise with prospect Of dividing
each party can point 10 the Basis a.
evidence of agreement. and blum: the
sharp edge of criticism, which plays
upon extremes and seeks for discords
rather than uni.ies. for repulsions rather
than sffinities.
But We trust the days Of acrimonious
religious discussion are past to return
no more. With the right Of private
judgment men will differ more or less
about the meaning OF words and sen.
tences; but they can disagree in kind
ness and brotherly love, and labor to-
gether for the success Of the truth
And this will be one effect Of the adop.
tion Of the Basis; as we'll as that of the
stopping the mouths Of inf lei caviIers
and revillers. 1t will mark an era in
lie religious history Of the void.