The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-06-21
They Will Meet in International
Gathering in London
Next Month.
Origin, Aims and Objects of the
Council as Stated by the.
Leaders.
Prominent American Representatives
Who viii Be Prcsent-Some Papers
That VIII He Read.
Written for THE SUNDAY INDEpENpENr.l

Written for THE uNpAY INDEpENpENr.l
Oongregationalism is distinguished by it!
eOlicy rather than by its doctrines. L
maintains she autonomy of it's churches
Each has sovereign jurisdiction of its af-
fairs. and its acts cannot be reviewed by
any ecclesiastical body whatever. Despite
this independence, however, there is an in
Independence of the churches established
by comfy and mutual interest. Councils
are frequently held for various purposes
Sometimes an individual church, perplexeG
or embarrassed by a question of discipline
or expediency, issues a call to 'sistel
churches Casually of its own vioinity) who,
by delegates, convene with its representa-
tives in an advisory relation. The like
spirit of fraternity-and not ecclesiastica
requirement-leads to the recognition by
councils of Congregational churches when
first organized, and suggested to the indi-
vidual church the invitation commonly ex-
tended to others to share with it the respon.
slbility of ordaining a candidate to the
Christian ministry. The most important
councils of the denomination, however. arc
those that meet for fraternal conference on
matters affecting Christian doctrine and
upon ei Sucu NJ are NItdL W tuS extellSlOH
of Coneregationalism throughout the world.
These latter nave now taken on an inter
national character, and are composed of
representatives from Congregational
churches in all parts of Christendom. The
next gathering of this kind will be held in
Tendon, England, July Il.
In view of the marked perturbatians in
theological thought and the eagerness with
r-1,nA ,,,~n\oI ,,ol;Son{,Np ~ Io-.nn ~ ~
now discussed. it is likely to be ona of the
most memorable in the history of conerega-
tionalism. and in any event, will exert an
important influence on the opinion of the
time. Its discussions will be eagerly fol-
lowed in this country, where the debate is
warmest on the questions of inspiration
and eschatology, than which none, apart
from that of the Divine existence, has SO
fascinating and momentous interest for
mankind. There is special reason, also, why
universal attention should be fixed on the
forthcoming council. The large liberty
that has been claimed by and accorded to
Congregational %theologians makes their as
semblies open forums, hospitable to new
thought and tolerant of innovation in a ue-
gree that other evangelical bodies are not.
1t is pretty certain. therefore, that we shall
have the vary latest word of advanced criti-
cism and of the new theology promulgated
next month in London
Inc ueslTe 10 IOTeCast Ior puDllc lnIOr-
nation the proceedings of q council SO i'm
portant led the writer to enter into COM
munioation with prominent delegates from
this country to some of whom important
topics have been assigned. Their views. as
outlined in this correspondence, he en-
beavers faithfully to reproduce.
The council will be presided over by the
Rev. r. W. Dale. LII D., of Birmingham,
M of the ablest and most popular clergy
men in Great Britain, and one who, l I'M
derstand, abhors the title of "Rev.," stipu-
lating when he is announced to lecture or
speak that it be not used. Hence the ad-
vertisements: n. w. Dale, Esq, will
preach, etc." DR.. Dale is idolized by the
workingmen of Birmingham. and has i'm
mense popular influence in England. He
il an oat and out optimist and tells his