New-York tribune., 1875-09-25
Mr. BEECHER AND THE CHRISTIAN UNION.
HE INTENDS TO MAKE TIE PAPER his OWN-iT WILL
BE A CHRISTIAN But NOT \ ,ECTARGAN JOUR-
FToW TT 'NTN7,7" ,I77'' ~ =

From re Chris'iqa r'1for sept -
Nv connection with The Cbrishdn Union,
although intended gialt 70 be ntnid,e. has fol
sons necessary 10 be STAGED hitherto been mat "
supervising or consulting editor "a her than OF writer
With chluge IN the business OrGihZauon, propose TO
take far more active part ana 10 maize IA" PAPER my
own in more important sense than eyer II lS been
shall consider l. parish parallel with Plymouth
Church ard shall give It the saue earnest zsa' that
give to iat the sli-it, and the same views Of
Christian l.fc and dispositions.
II viii am to be a Christian journal. not in the hack
neycd sense defending certain rOutinc ~ dDctAr
s.;yine particular sc.. Ouf IN leading u. influence to
those truth, hcn are held N common ny al tie great
sect- 90 Christ ndom, aut especially by il temper and
II viii SEEK the union Of al Christians b, purcllas-
such dispositions OF charity ani KINDLY -yinrathy as
shall brig men whatever mode Of worship "a real
synpatI,tic relation with each Otilci.
II will recognize the eN!'trhe' ana importance OF
Christian dOriruc. hut 1t VIII not admit any human
statement Of doctrine - be inspired or ulfhnritve. but
b, always open Ia new Thought. criticism. and recon
structi0n 1t will regard mo doctrine - fundamental
unless it Indispensable formation of Christian
character Doctrines may BE- fundamental 10 the struc-
ure of given system 0f theology. winch quite
Important in the formation 81 thr-iian habits and dis
relieving :l,r the sacred scriptures represent the Cos.
pei not simply as al accomplished Id external history,
but ~ the dS losIlc ~ Di' poser ioirver active.
through MI cenratonN. we sha interpret the spirit and
the scripture not alone by the laws OI language,
bur the EXPERIENCES of the church and by all the DIS
cl)sulrs OI Divine Providence IN human society
Whatever ilrOws light upoh ne structure Of the body
the nature HANNAH facue,. the divine method 0f re
ton and dp eOpaon Of human iife and society. We shall
believe TO De included IN Christianity, as trees are in
culci in the seeds ;,om which tlcy grow. Whatever
the whole range and III the results pro-
notes the OF mankind; Whatever in political
economy augincutS tine productive forces Of society;
Whatever politics tends purify the state, destroy its
enemies, eNau the government n wisdom, hdelty and
benicny shall regard part Of that great develop
meni which the of Christ VIII br forever j. ned
who is the divine fountain whence nOWs the YEal
influence by which mankind 10 bc exalted from AMI
mal,in Cnl stiin manhood. Above al materi. lYs,
and behind all instruments. l. L!Nlns soul.
We receive deNoU, records and revelations ~ t." truth
wrought ont in human life ami experience ny mat soul
the past. ana with quick >en3Dity shall listen To
disclosure OF Gods truth which lac /, making
through all avenues IN our own day.
II il the purpose 81 me thrSct tni0n, " as much as
cth IN it, 10 avoid controversy. But whCl IL il
ayOlablc II viii do with .s might what is lands snail
il Ia dO.' But its chief endeayOr viii be Ia seciire
good in the household church and the state by tho
genial aud kindly forces Of Christianity Conscience,
without bcncnlnt sympathcs. l. unciriafian. A high
ideal human life and society, enforced Oy cold and
severe criticism which di>ians all human weaknesses
and ntrmte. Is ,r~s vulgar than rlbad scOfng but 10
nouc the les tyrsInic ana Satanic.
Whe criticism Of thC views and practices or
all parties AID persons Will not be dslOwed. IL ia
the purpose Of ths paper. III all ways, ~ bring mems
together. Ii VIII earnestly strive 20 encourage
good works all sects Ia rejoice III the prosperity of
denomination. 10 cover th,r faults rather than IO
proclaim them to be generously just, To avoid all
spite and malice toward enemies tO resist all IN
hdenees which tend to- separate men from each
Ike men disown severity OF rcbukc, aud yet
mainly 10 evil with rood; 10 promote cheerful
aud innocent mlrth 10 give 10 conscience an atmo-
sphere OF belcyoIcnce 10 inspire hope courlsr ana
love In household IL WILL IN short, seek 10 ufnse
that gospel whose annunciaon was Good Will 10 men,,
whose Auibor and Hero sacrificed his own life 70 save
mankind, AID whose God and Father ~ named Love