The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-03-26
Decentralization.

This word in these union times has fallen into
disrepute, and as sometimes used is not eDtited to
much respect. When made the watch word Of
aggression by one sect upon another, or OF any
movement not in the interest of truth or good Or
der in the church, it is an odious term. And the
most bitter sectarians are they who so use 1t.
But it has truer and higher significance, and
one which is expressive of the noblest type OF
Christians OF it in this sense the London Bap-
tiSt uses these words:
'Denominationalism is merely the name Of that
heroical virtue known to fathers tesityng TO
the truth; but described In current English as the
preference of convictions TO interests, OF impeIish-
Die principles TO feetlng sentiments, of present de-
feat and ignomlny with good conscience and abld-
ing success to immed date honors with future shame
and loss In the true sense OF The word Christ was
a ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. de came TO bear witness to
the truth He did not destroy the law and the
prophets; but separated himself from men who COR
rupted what they should have obeyed. His disci-
pes drawn together by the magnetism OF common
convictions, and "a common love, worshlpped III
company at Antioch, and they first called or
dsnomnated Christians. The principle is the same
now though like much else that good, 1t Is abused.
Earnest loyalty 10 Christ the teacher OF truth, is
the sufficient ground and real HE OF ali true denom-
lnationallsm.
The last number Of Tie Interior has good arti-
Gle on the same general subject. Alter some re.
marks on the federation OF the times and how
Christians OF different evangelical denominations
should regard each other, it adds:
But if, while admitting that other denominations
FORM with his paris OF great visible church,
he at the time expresses an honest preference
for his own church, and an unfeigned belief IN the
creed which his own denomination adopts, he ought
not TO be blamed.
To complain of denominatonal preferences is un-
reasonable, aud TO call man u blgot because he
has made up his mind to live consistently with his
Presbyterian Episcopal connections Is itself IL
tolerant and unjust The impression seems to exist
in the minds OF many, however, that any deini e.
ness of conviction, any pronounced opinion respect
ing subject on which Protestants are divided
sLvors of doga ism and should be diScountenanced
And this sentiment is working lDjuriousy on the
church. Charity is resolving itself INTO indifference
and the love OF unity may lead, through lack of de-
nominational zeal, To the negect'of the church S
work.
We do not think the less of the Episcopaans
the MehoGists, the Baptists or the Congregational.
lists for preaching distinctly, aud with emphasis
their respective doctrines, provided they deal fairly
with those from. whom they differ. The world Was
never influenced by negatons; and men who have
only negative theology, will never accomplish
much.
But the pulpit is crippled in its influence by pre-
vailing indifference. The unsectanan press Is cir
culatlng among Christian families literature which,
in so lar as it produces disresh for sric Gocrina
truth, is doing harm. The class is increasing OF
those who avow systematic theology of negahons ;
of men whose creed consists in the recital OF what
they do not believe; who never positive except
In their abuse OF theological opinions, but who
intensely dogmaic In their reputation OF theological
dogmas.
When men begin to grow Indifferent to Bible
TRUTH they have fairly started the DAD to ration
alism Broad Churchism is the land which lies be
tween strict orthodoxy and open in6delity.