National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-19

ECCE USIrAs; A PLKA FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY.
Hitchcock aud Walden. Cincinnati. Ohis.

EccE USiIAs; A PLxA yoR CHRISTIAN UNITY.
Hitchcock aud Walden. Cincinnati. OAIs.
This is work now attracting attention from
those interested In the subject Of which II treats
The auther, writing, however, under the nom-
de-plume Of "Eureka," lie . distinguished Metho-
dist clergyman Of Kentucky. In the present
volume he has wrought up ideas long entertained
by him into form handing the attention Of
all Christians.
The importance Of Christian unity can DO gain
sayed by no church member. Tho basis upon
which such union might be effected has been q
matter Of doubt and dispute. The author first
examines the Old Testament and hnds ample evil
dence that unity was a cardinal principle In the
Jewish Church. The inspired prophets contribute
was to be the feature Of the Christian Church
Tho New Testament Is next examined. The
teachings and the prayers ofthe Saviour arc alike
found to command and urge unity. The epistles
Of his strong condemnation Of the dissensions
harmony or the u&fisiisn SharcS n 81 Paul. snf
warned the early Christians that no one should
consider himself Of Paul or Of Cephas, but OF
Christ, and On this declaration the argument Of
What should be the basis Of union Is next CON-
rsseHniled The pI.n proposed n By ,hs author
l. All who are the children Of God, by faith In
and commurlon, emsIs sins taiI fsiloWsSip, WITH
the privilege Of he Lords supper In every church
or Organization Of Christians among whom their
lot may be cast.
2 All Christians have q divine right to their
own private judgment, and full liberty Of con-
science In all things pertaining to religion,
Therefore, no denomination OF Christians has
right TO erect as q term OF communion any pro-
requisite with which any Christian could not com
ply without violating his own conscience.
The objection that this formula would leave
many points Of faith or government still clashing
with each other IL met by comparing the union
OF Christian churches to that Of tho States.
Each State preserves It's own laws, rules and
distinct government, yet remains subject sothe
general government. such could be the casew with
the various churches. The writer naturally nnds
q stumbling block In close communion principles,
but in view Of the fact that the majority OF Bap-
lists In England are nov praeticng open COM
munion, and that the drin OF sentiment In the
Baptist church In this country is In the same d.
rtetlon, he looks for It's speedy removal.
We IND placed before US In this book the dream
OF an earnest man. That his hopes will In the
end become facts there can be no doubt Each
year OF evangelical alliances brings US nearer
their hnitiOn. This work demands the earnest
attention OF ministers and laymen OF all churches,
apd will no doubt receive their cordial welcome.
It's style OF treatment Of the SUBJECT Is temper
ats-in no wise controversial All sectarian feel
inps, IL they exist In the mind OF the author,
have Teen laid aside. Similar action on the part
OF all others interested will hasten the consum-
matlun Of this plan, cherished by him rs well as
by all other liberal Christians.