The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1880-04-15
publIshed by REQUEST.

ubfohtt W Aht4utohs
The following was written in reply
to an article which was published a
few weeks since in the Cory Weekly
Herald:
The greatest of the christian graces
is that of charity which ''sufiereth
long and is kind,n which can look
with unprejudiced eye into the heart
and mind of its fellows, and see virtue
and truth written there, which ever
sheds radiance of light, and sparkles
with the rich gems of faith, hope and
love.
Such, we believe,is the truly catholic
spirit of christian love, and no person
is truly christian until they possess
those higher elements of character
which are embodied in the above
text.
Harsh epithets, vulgar and abusive
personals cannot enanate from mind
whose hopes are based upon the decara-
tions of holy writ.
Christian love is that broad sympa-
thy which can see the name christian
written above the ensign of each de-
nomination, and which can affiliate in
spirit sympathy with sister churches.
We hold that the great principles of
religious truths, which are the founda-
ton and bulwarks of every organiZa-
tion are of divine origin, and hence
are sacred and should be and are dear
to the heart of every true christian.
Matters of mere doctrine are of minor
Importance. The great question pre-
sented to the mind is, "Have | faith
upon the Lord Jesus Christi" Can
1 follow the teachings of him who
said. a new commandment L give
unto you, that ye love one another?"
The distinctive features in polity
forms, names, etc, of the various
branches of the great christian church,
are in the main, the work of finite be-
ings.
Their great principles have their
source in the mind of the infinite.
While we may conform, for the time
to the forms of the one, as intelligent
beings, we have the right to carefully
weigh those various forms and politics
and change our relations without sew
ering our allegiance to the principles
of truth which are the uniting links
which should hold i'll one common
bond of unity and fellowship the en-
tire church.
Any mau may, from honest motives
and deep convictions, change his
views and his position, it is his inalien-
bic right. Much has been said re-
Gently i'll relation to the action lately
taken by several gentlemen in their
efforts to unite two weak societies into
one strong and vigorous church.
For over two years this sentiment
had prevailed among number of
those who have been the most liberal
in their support of christianity, and
have contributed most freely towards
funds for the erection of church edifi-
ces in Ridgway.
The societies, in the main, draw
their support from the liberal business
men who are not members, but who
recognizing the utility of churches,
have ever given generously. These
men have often murmured at the eX-
cessive church tax, and in their wish
for union have seconded the desire
of some of the leading spirits in both
Presbyterian and Methodist societies.
The heavy debt which had for years
hung over the NJ. L. Church, was the
skeleton which had driven from its
doors many who would have knocked
for admission.
Each society found it difficult to
raisea living salary for their pastor.
Again, these people had worshipped
together in former years, and it
seemed possible and desirable now.
! We have stated our reasons for action.
We shall now show Rev. Squire's re-
lation to the congregational formed
here last Sabbath. When Rev. Squier
came here he early informed the
leaders in the church here of his de-
termination to withdraw from the NJ.
E. church as early as the close of the
year, but that while here he should
labor hard in the interest of the church.
This he did, throwing into the work
all of his great energy and power thus
gaining upon the hearts of the people
Il strong hold. He was in his ministry
here, loyal to the cause of Christ,
preaching night after night, for weeks,
sermons which for depth and force are
unsurpassed by any we have heard.
Our position became embarrassing.
We could, not, by the most earnest eff
fort raise a sufficient amount for his
support. He was notified of the fact,
and he at once saw that he must soon
leave. Attacked through the Erie
press with holding congregational SEN
timents he declared by a published
card his ntions.
We had canvassed the town and
found that the most of our citizens
were favorable to our long talked of
project. Eight of the trustees and
sewards were for it. Nearly the whole
official board, the wealth and intelli-
gence We're for it. Rev Squier was