The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-08-11
CHURCH GROWTH.
REV. G. S. NICKERsoN.
(Chicago.J

REV. q. ). NICKFRSoN.
(Chlcago.I
Probably no question Senters more
frequently the minds OF al our people
and, in fact, of all the peoples-than
the one regarding church growth. 1t
matters not what the present condition
may be-whether weak or strong, pros
porous or declining-we are, as inter
ested workers, anxious for an improve
ment.
We are never satisfied. 1t is well we
are not. The millionaire is not satisfied
withthe amount Of hiswealth, how large
soever it may be. He plans and seeks to
increase. Certainly if this satisfaction
with achievement is helpful in worldly
affairs, it is much more helpful and far
more needful in the things Of the Spirit.
There is something in true Christian
ity which never allows its believers to
become fully satisfied. 1t matters not
how large the congregations, or how
many converts have been made, or how
many accessions to the church, true
Christians never sit down saying, I'VE
have done well, let us wait for our re-
ward"
Far from this. The person filled with
the spirit of the Masters life is up and
at work striving to enlist some other
person in the army of tie lord, to turn
from the pathway Of ev some poor,
wayfssipg stranger, 70 the feet Of
the fallen upon the eternal Rock of
Ages. and to save some other soul from
sin and its attendant conse quences.
We work because we want our
churches to grow. We pray that they
may increase in numbers and in spirit
ual power. We hope for the time when
they shall be more the gateways of
heaven to an Indifferent and thoughtless
world.
But then comes the question, How
can it be done?o How can we accom-
plish such a work as this? To many
of US the problem is unsolyed. When
we consider the many circums tances
involved, the many difficulties to be
overcome, tie methods tried and proven
inadequate, we are likely to become dis
couraged and to give up in despair.
1t is not with the thought that
we are wiser than all others or that we
have found the key to the whole situa-
ton, that we write. But simply be-
cause these few suggestions may
encourage and assist some of the earn
est workers in the Lords vineyard
Certain it is, that we need union in
all our church endeavor. Something
more than a formal connection and
combination. For things or persons
are connected, more or less remotely,
by common property or circumstance
that serves as tie. 1t is not in the
forms of worship nor in the use Of the
crucifiX. These may be means TO this
end. But union exists only where
there is oneness of the hearts as the
centre of life.
This is union strong and deep.
Men are bound together by a chain
fastened to the iDnermost being of one,
and extending to the innermost being
of the other. Indeed, this is union; for
in it souls touch each other in the
truest, most righteous, and NEST holy
way possible.
Now, if this union exists in church
it will manifest itself. 1t cannot be
kept hidden. 1t will be apparent in the
several activities of the people. Aud if
it is to promote and enlarge our
churches it must show itself in certain
definite directions.
There must be a unity of desire. o,
how much of failure aud disappOint-
ment arises out of diversity in this
respect! Each individual has desire
of his own. He must have that car
Tied out regardless of any other inter
est. And if his wishes be not acceded
to, he hastily makes the conclusion that
he, with his opinion, is not wanted. Too
often such an one becomes an opposing
faction.
The boys in Blue in our civil war
had one desire when marched forth
from their homes. They did not leave
the farm, the office, the court and the
pulpit without desires and without pur-
poses. They wanted the Union pre-
served, and slavery destroyed. Through
all the weary days and months and year S
they kept that one end in view, that one
desire ruled their hearts. And finally
they achieved success.
SO IN the church. We must put aside