Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-09-05
eREArER HARmoNY NEEDED.

GREATER AARMONY NjfEDED.
Be ye all of one mind. having compassion
one of another; love ss brethren, be pitiful, be
courteous.-I PETER, HIS.
There is nothing that inspires conf
dence IN q cause and stimulates its growth
more than unity in the ranks of those who
set themselves up as its champions and de-
tenders. If they are in perfect agreement
as to theories and principles, outsiders are
induced to consider the claims of the cause,
whether it be religious or political, and to
give ear to the arguments urged in its favor,
while if the adherents are distracted by
discussions and seem to have no ideas in
common, the disposition is to ignore or
sneer at 1t.
There is too little of the spirit of harmony
In the modern church. This is not due to
the Christian religion, but rather to the lack
of it among those who profess to be govern
ed by its teachings. Too many people seem
to be animated with desire to occupy high
seats in the tabernacle, and look with q
jealous eye upon those who may be Tecog-
nized as fathers in Isarel. Though the
preacher may quote the words of the
maste1 in favor of humility and self-abne-
cation. he cannot curb the desire among
many to be recognized as pillars of the
church, and to subserve this ambition they
too often sacrifice the interests of him they
profess to serve.
It is useless to advert to the multitude Of
scots, none of which believe alike on vital
points of doctrine. These have existed
almost ever since the beginning of the Chris
tain era, and will no doubt continue to exist
as long az time shall last. But it is not
necessary that there should be as many ami
them. All are apparently working
with the same object in view-the
redemption and salvation of mankind. All
are apparently sincere in their several be-
liefs. At least a majority of the members OF
the church undoubtedly are. A few will &C.
knowledge that members. of rival organiza-
lions are also honest In their belief though they
insist that they ara mistaken in their judg-
ment. Why, them, should they be perpetu-
ally quaxreIipg over matters the most trivial,
upon which everyone must acknowledge
there is room for honest differences of opin-
ion? Why not do as others in other walks
of life do-admit that there is ambiguity in
language, and that two persons may disa-
gree as to its import and be equally honest in
their purposes?
A Baptist believes that the proper mode
of baptism is by immersion, Presbyterian
believes that sprinkling is the soriptural
manner of performing the rite, while q
Methodist says it doesn't make any differ
ence which is employed, and will admit into
communion man who has been hall
drowned as readily as one Who has had bu,
drop or two of water sprinkled in his face.
Yet on this subje,t there is a perpetual wal
between the sects. Each insists that it is right
and that all others are wrong. So on Other
points of doctrine, all of them Of no Vita
Importance to the cause of genuine Christi
anity.\ Dogma is more esteemed than that
purity of heart that goes to make up the gen
nine Chrlstian-that brotherly love which
the master taught and which his disciples
sought to enforce. The essence of religion il
apparently lost sight of Ia the controversies
over varying points of doctrine. Though i
is acknowledged on every hand that there il
room for honest differences CT opinion il
the interpretation of various passages o
scripture, no one is willing to admit tina
there is possibility that hi
may be wrong. He is frml
of the opinion that all who differ from hin
are mistaken, but that he can be wrong doe
not for moment suggest itself.
There may be reason for controversy Oh
some theological points, but there is no oc
casion for enrnity or strife. All sects shout,
unite on one common ground for one com