The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-03
you 10 die; why should you be rewarded with
q new intellect then?--George nj. Gould, nj.
D., Ia tho Monist for April

you 10 die; why should you be rewarded with
8 new intellect then?--George nj. Gould, nj.
D., In the Monist for April.
Defective Schemes for Church Unity.
All plans heretofore for the restoration of
the lost unity OF the Christian Church have
been based on the thought that mutual con-
cessions are the indispensable condition OF
reunion OF this the proposal of the House
Of Bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church
is q conspicuous illustration. For the sake OF
unity the bishops proposed TO surrender. or
70 hold a. subordinate. much that the Episco-
pal Church mas always insisted on. and, on
the other hand. invited all other churches TO
accept the Episcopal theory Of church gov
eminent and conform their institutions and
their practice 10 It. Any such compact re-
moves she subject 10 which 1t relates
from the region OF discussion scieS a aBd
il a compact impossible 90 be entered into by
those who are asked 10 surrender definite and
strong convictions. All plans Of church union
which are based upon mutual surrender or
compromise are inimical 10 the free investiga-
ton OF truth and unwarTantabls letters on the
free action OF the Church as truth may be
disclosed to her by the Spirit and Word OF
God This objection docs not lie against the
principles Of Church unity which have long
been maintained by the editors of this
paper, and occasionally expressed In its
Church Of Christ is one organic body by
divine constitution with which men have
nothing 90 do, and which they have no right 70
violate The fact that Christ calls men out
from the world by His Word and Spirit, and
makes them a separate people. makes them
the Church Of their loyalty. The whole
sectarian system is in cOntravention OF
her divine constitution. and ought To
be abandoned. The churches should come
together on the basis OF their common Chris
tianitY, acknowledging the authority OF Christ
and his word and settling their differences
afterward This would involve no one in
compromise and would leave overy man free
forever 10 reason and 10 act in behalf OF tho
divine pattern Of faith and worship rs he finds
il in the Scriptures. This is, we believe, tho
only plan Of union which will ever DO found
practicAble o. ii is tho only one which pre-
serves Christian liberty aid is consistent with
fidelity 10 truth. But tie reunion of the
churches Of ChristendOm. or tho churches OF
any one country, on this o. any other plan IS
evidently long way on. Meanwhlle: IL IS
the plain duty Of every body OF Chrlsts ser
wants to stand at the post e which they be-
Ieve He has assigned them. TO administer
faithfully Tho laws Of His kingdom, and a. DR..
Dix expresses it, wait for orders from
above. christian Statesman (Evangellcal).
Religious Liberty.
RELIGIOUS liberty Is liberty for the wrong
conscience as well az for the right conscience,
for false worship or no worship at all rs we'll
as for true worship. That IS TO say, conscience
and worship, as between the individual soul
and God, are things with which the State has
nothing whatever 10 do. and are also things
over which no Church has any control or au-
thority. except in - far ne the individual may
freely and voluntarily accent its teaching 1t
is infinitely important that our conscience be
right and our worship be right: our eternal
destiny depends upon our being right in these
matters. but no State and no Church has the
authority 10 SAY what is right for oil men. and
to compel men by force b obey their decis-
ions. The State can define crimes. but can
not define SINS: and 1t can command
what is necessary for good order enforcing
its commands by proper punshments pro-
vded II does not seek 20 invade the sacred
precincts Of the individual conscience The
Church can say upon what terms 1t will re-.
ceiye persons 10 its membership ana com
munion, but il cannot touch with it, little
finger any one who does not freely receive Its
terms and voluntary enter It's membership
Any man can leave any Church as freely a~he
enters 1t. without physical or civil pains or
penalties, or compulsion. Religion is purely
q matter between God and the soul. with
which no outside person or power has any
thing 70 do except in the way OF advice and
percussion and accepted Instruction. freedom
to worship God includes tie freedom not 70
worship Him, Dad the freedom to worship
Him rightly includes the freedom 10 worship
Him wrongly, so far rs human power Is
concerned. To God alone everv man must
make his supreme answer. TOleratOn IS not
liberty, though the two are often cOntounded
ignorantly or for some sinister purpose. loL
Grafton is tho act of a power that claims the
right TO prohibit as well rs TO permit. Lib
erty disclaims all right 0r power OF prohlbl-
ton or prescription In matters Of religion,
and leaves each one free 20 do az he pieases
England "tOlemtes'' Dissenters. but imposes
upon them some civil and social disabilities
France and even Italy tolerate" Professionals,
with what restrictions these speedily know
who attempt 10 exercise religious freedom.
In Spain according to the present constitu-
ton. "a restricted liberty Of worship Is al
lowed 10 protestants. bat it has 10 BIO entirely
in private, all public announcements OF the
same being strictly forbidden" SINH
lar conditions prevail In the other
countries II Europe and in South America.
In the United States we have religious
liberty. IN the full sense Of the words, quar-
antoed by the constitution and the laws. II
Is a priceless heritage the product Of cen
turtles of controversy and conflict, secured
through the heroic endurance and suffering
and nartyrdom Of many OF the worlds noblest
bcnefsctOrs. 1t can be maintained only by
intelligence and virtue aud pure religion.
The chief agencies Of true freedom are the
homo. the school, the free Church, with the
open Bible and the untrammeled proclama-
ton Of the Gospel Christ taught 1t.
Among our highest duties to-day are the APP
probation and the defense ofrelgious liberty,
against all enemies open or disguised.-Min-
neapolis Ensign Baptist.
Religious Notes.
The Methodist EpwOrh League has reached