Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-10-24
rcistEtio6

Federation.
The following is clipped from the Chicago
Interior of October IA, contributed to that
journal by Rev. W. c. Falconer, ID. D, of
this city. The article bTistles with fine
points and we give il entire for the benefit
of our rradersi
When Paul wrote Let every man be
fully persuaded in his own mind" he did
not intend to put faith and iniidelity on the
same platform. He made no plea for in
difference. He offered no apology for error.
Some things are surely settled. Some facts
are clearly established. Certain principles
are no longer subjects of debate or spccula-
tion with the Christian. Paul's idea of
liberation was not TO put Christianity and
heathenism on the same level, but to put the
rights of Christians on the same level
touching nOn-esSentialS or matters of taste
and opinion. Within the church universal
very wide differences of opinion yet exist on
many questions of more or less Importance:
Modes of church government; methods of
Christian work; theories of inspiration, of
the ministry and of worship; place and lin
its of creeds, etc, etc.
These and their like afford scope for de
nOminatOnal toleratiOn. Beside these there
are practical questions upon which Chris
tan men honestly differ. All-Protestant,
Greek and Roman-agree that in some way
Christians have civil and social duties to
perform. The Protestant communion is
most pronounced in urging these upon its
members, and insists upon the integrity of
the ballot and the purity of the household.
1t also insists upon diligence in business,
and holds wealth responsible Here are
three points upon which good Christians
may honestly differ in opinion, viz, poll
! tics, methods Of social life, and the proper
use of wealth. Opinions on these subjects
will vary in proportion as men differ in
intelligence, experience, and temperament
! We have now at least three political parties
each pleading for votes, and the honest sup
| pOrters of each may be found seated at the
same communion table. 1t is the glory of
! Professionalism that it does not attempt to
| formulate even temporary political creed.
| Even when great moral questions are in
volved, as in the temperance issue, the
church is limited to instruction in certain
great principles which each member must
apply upon his own responsibility. A col
lege teaches principles of civilengneerIng,
but does not construct railways. | never
knew but one college to engage in building
a railroad. and in that case the railroad
soon owned the college.
The church of today could form fOrmida-
bic political party, but the party would soon
control the church. The members of the
church must decide these questions As Citi-
zens. They will not all reach the same
conclusion, but as each must answer to the
sole Lord of his conscience for his vote, a
hearty Christian liberation is necessary.
The same in social life. The Protestant
communion is unfriendIy TO aSceticism; it
has no place for nuns or monks. The
household is the unit of society. By divine
ordination under natural laws the home enl-
braces much not distinctly religious in the
ecclesiastical sense. Its government involves
food, raiment, literature, art and the whole
question of amuSements. Beyond qucS-
tions settled by the moral law, the church
does not undertake TO determine household
affairs in dogmatic way. 1t can advise,
warn, and present the apostolic doctrine of
eXpediency-that is all. A large response
bility therefore rests upon the household
itself All families will not reach the same
conclusion; hence again the necessity for q
Christian liberation. may be fully per
suaded that he is right in his household pol
icy; but so may B, who has reached diff
ferent conclusion with equal conscientious
ness.
There remains the question of responsi
bility for wealth. 1t is not confined Il
large wealth. The one thousand dollar in
come has its share of this responsibility
The claim of the gospel in some way rest.
, upon every dollar. The Lords unfinished
work appeals 10 all for men and means
The church, backed by many explicit texts
can urge the duty of giving literally anC
can furnish exalted motives for 50 doing
but it cannot determine the exact percent
, age of income TO be given for the SuppOr
of the gospel. These questions arise
How much shall use for myself
and my family? How much TO
} art and travel and recreation? How
much should | leave for my children
/ No church-cOurt can answer these que
tons. Each honest Christian must answe
them for himself. When he decides 10
himself alone, presumably after prayer anC
, careful reflection. he is not to be denounced
, OstraciSed or communicated because hi
; decision may differ from that of his neigh
Dor. Christian federation must prevail o
Christian communion is at an end.
Let every man be fully persuaded il
l his own mind" The strong Greek wOr,
used by the apostle excludes indifference
One must, in view of all the light he has. b.
assured that he is right. Ii amounts to
conviction.