The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-10-29
the AMERICAN BOARD.
Rev. c. A. DickInson's Sermon at
Berkeley Temple Upon For
eIgn Missions.

Owing to recent developments In the
American Board, Mr.. Dickinson's sermon at
Berkeley Temple, Boston, Sunday, was OF
special interest, In view Of Its being his first
public utterance in reference TO matters In
which as member Of the prudential COM
mittee he has figured prominently, and win
be of great interest to Portlanders. where he.
was so long settled as pastor OF the Second
Parish. He called attention first to four great
religious gatherings which he had attend
ed within three weeks-the National Council
at Worcester. the Christian Endeavor meet
ing at Fitchburg, the Christion Workers
Convention at Buffalo, and the American
Board at New York-at all Of which he was
impressed with the truth that all over this
great continent the more thoughtful Chris
tians are rising above the sectarian spirit
and demanding more practical work In the
churches. Passing then to the particular
subject in hand, the Speaker adverted to his
position with reference to the American
Board.
He felt that he was. first Of all, pastor Of
a church, and he must first be loyal to It and
to the sisterhood Of churches, even II that
loyalty be interpreted as dislOyalty to other
organizations. He had wished to have no
part in the theological controversies OF the
past few years, but had simply taken the
ground that young man educated In one OF
ourreputable theological seminaries, licensed
to preach by Congregational Association,
and ordained as a minister Of Christ by
council of our Congregational churches,
ought not, If fitted in other respects, to be
refused appointment by a Congregational
society. His own publicity In the matter
had been much against his taste and Will,
and Occasioned by circumstances largely be-
yond his control. He would not now refer
people that they should have frank expla-
nation OF his position. As respects the fu-
ture he thought that the New York meeting
marked new era Of harmony and prosperi-
ty for the Board. Out Of all the unrest and
three years controversy, have sprung
at last some slightly olives which In time
will bear the fruit OF peace. AS one familiar
with the opinions and feelings Of both divis-
ions he did not hesitate to say that while
neither party can claim any great victory oy-
er the other, all parties can find In the out
come Of the New York meeting common
ground whereon they can stand together. As
tration Of the power OF the gospel OF BROTH
efly love. We cannot all think alike, III
we are true men and women we shall always
acl according to our convictions. We can
hold them and still respect the brother who
disagrees with US. We can work with him,
and with him help to advance the kingdom
Of God, This Is the broad catholic platform
upon which the entire Christian Brotherhood
will stand at last. Ii by eur patience and
forbearance we can help to bring the church.
es Of our denomination through these some
what stormy and embarrassing times. III we
can help to bring the grand old missionary
| organization, which we all honor, out OF the
| fogs and breakers, let US give ourselves hear
tiIy and prayerfully to the task. The offic-
| ers Of the board have no light burden upon
| their shoulders.
They are often criticized -unjustly. Give
| us another years trial pray for Us that we
may have the grace and the wisdom TO fuse
into one the hitherto divided constituency Of
the board. Let the past and its differences
be forgotten, and let US turn our faces to-
ward the tremendous problem OF the evan
gelization of the world. Never was there
greater need Of united board and united
body of Christians. TO stop in petty contro-
versy over minor questions In these days Is
like stopping for turn at fsticuffs when
every soldier should be In line for the attack
upon the common enemy. As we read the
letters of our missionaries and talk with
them face to face, we are smitten with the
truth that there Is a crisis all along the line
of our mission stations.
Mr.. Dickinson closed with fervent ap-
peal to his people to show themselves wor-
ilege. He uiged them to double their gifts
and send them as thank offering in recog-
milton Of their joy over the better state Of
feeling in the churches. And above all in
acknowledgment of their Christian duty to
the cause of the crucified Lord.