Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1882-05-20

|
bodies would increase the resource
which each now possesses. 1t is, how
ever, altogether improbable that ever
such reunion would increase the kline
OF strength needed, at least to de
gree SURPRISING that possessed b,
both i'll their separate organizations
The united church would be of course
larger than either composing it, but
simple largeness does not by any
means insure strength, or give scope
for its exercise and increase. This
proposition for reunion is based upon
the supposition that it would he hal .
lnonlous and thorough. Otherwise i,
is not claimed that it would be adva,l.
tageous. Is it probable that such a
union could be effected and main
tanned Z II there be reasonable doubt
Oh this point the effort would be sim.
ply an experiment. do not hesitate
to announce the opinion that such q
union, rs that contemplated and re-
qnired, is altogether improbable, and
TO attempt it would imperil the
spiritual usefulness of MethOdism.
The diversity of opinion upon ques-
tfons of church pelity, the inevitable
conflict Of honest differences, the
ever-increasing friction in the move
ment of the immense church ma chin
cry, the exposure of so large a body
to the invasion of foreign aud anti
Christian influences, the spirit of
church pride aud dogmatism, which
au OvergrOwn ecclesiaslicism always
produces, would, in my judgment,
defeat such a union as would con.
tribute to the peace and safety of the
church. All who understand the his.
tory which ended in the "separAtion"
IN 1874, must appreciate the unavoida-
BILE difficulties which would confront
such a combination. 1t is true, as
stated, that the occasion of that cul-
mina,lon has passed away, but it is
equally true that the causes which
prepared men for it still exist and
work with unabated forcefulness. If
ecclesiastical history has not misled
US, other occasions, quite potent
enough, would arise to mar and de.
strey the ideal union. Principles and
'auses are more enduring than mere
occasions. The present separate Or
ganizations have more firnness and
efficiency for the providential work
OF Methodism than would come from
any union which could be realized.
10 disturb their distinct individual
ISM might enervate their forces, and
would be too hazardous an expert
ment to be attempted. The New York
Methodist publishes the following
wise words OH this aspect of the ques-
ton:
The Methodist. having considered
the reunion of the two principal
Methodist bodies of the country az a
beautiful ideal. made haste to pro.
nounce its realization impossible, and
IN existing circumstances undesirable
The practical difficulties in the way
OF its realization are evidently lnsur-
nouDtabl', while the good to be SO.
cured by il, were it possible, is not
especially obvious. Already the M.
T.. church is quite too widespread for
the best interests of It's several parts,
aud the Imperialism resulting from
too much Capitalization is neither eff
tectlve as all aggressive agency. nor
the surest guarantee of popular or
Local freedom. r 'ne, both imperial
and papisiicai, s.ands ma IL monument
of the unwl dom Of too much .sorganic
union"
2. IT. is stated the reunion of the
two Methodist churches is nceded to
illustrate the spirit of true Christian
unity ard Fl l;owship.
This stat ment goes too far and
the arguments t" support il prove too
much. IL is based upon the incorrect
presumption that suck n spirit is in
compatible with the separate exiS-
tence of two kindred or similar, or
ganIZaii"ns. Why 40? Have not
true Christian unity and fellowship
been cxrmplliird bet wceu the various
Chrlstinn denuniina ions of Christ.
endom! Are they dependent upon
the organic connection OF believers
to each other, and not rather upon
that more precious and saving rela-
ton which all Christians bear to the
great Head of the Chnrch-which in
his body--the different members OF
which are united in the bonds of
peace While indeed such q union
rs ls urged might show that the two
peoples had been brought into closer
contact it would be reflection upon |
the attitude of one or both of the
parties TO hold that they need exter-
nal bonds to bring them together in
Christ Jesus their Savior. Christian
unity becomes purer and stronger as
II looks over denominational differ |
ences and embraces all who love the
Lord Jesus Christ, and who seek TO |
advance HIS Kingdom. Similarity,
and even connection in church fel- |
lowship do not produce uniticatiom !
of spirit. Thore cun certainly be no |
good reason why therxistence of two |
Methudlst organizations should him
der or impair the cultivation. of |
and ChristianIy feelings to.
= rd each other, any in,re than the
|1cnce Of other denominations |
: 'uu!d have the same effect amouv
them. 1t churches are to be brought |
t"g her i'll external Fellowship, 10 |
~ u-'rhte To the world, or to carpiup |
! j; ;els that Gods people are one in |
: in and love, the illustration can
never be hoped for, as HIS plans EN-
brace divisions in His great house,
hold. This truth is not W weakened by
the fact That the two Methodist
are agreed III doctrine and |
government. For if the spirit |
OF Christian love may spread over
differences and cover those WHO are
parted, by variety il forms, it NAV
shine more brightly upon those who |
are alike, i'll appearance, but to whom |
are opened different paths OF useful. |
ness III the garden of the Lord.
This plea for reunion OH the ground |
of Christian charity is the old Rumsh |
against P,otestantism, and
seems 10 lie The merest sentiment ali
ty: Why not, for the same reason.
call for the consolidation of all Pro.
testant churches and the Obliteration
of all denominational lines? Why
cannot different Methodist churches
cultivate proper fratermal feelings to.
ward each other, as each should cul-
tlvate toward other Chrisiian COM
'nuni'les, without seeking uniflca.
lion! Must all be of the same house.
told iii order to love one another 2
Then indeed Christian fellowship ia
lsrrowly limited. and will soon per
sh of its own littleness. Let there
be division without conflict: cmula-
lion without envy; concert of action
without con- nlidation of forces. Give
'he "divinc>t grace" scope within
which to iliu- tra;e how good ami how
pleasant II IL Tor brethren 10 dwell to.
setber in that genuine unity which
'ften find i's sweetest expression in
beautiful variety.
3. 1t is further stated that reunion
would facilitate church operation in
lomestlc and foreign fields of labor
"a mo prevent the waste of resources.
Inc force OF this statement is found
II the Implication that there are un.
wise and wasieful expenditures ofl
resources in men and means.
hn, H.