The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1891-10-10
CHRISTIAN UNITY.
1t Is the Chief Topic Discussed
at the Methodist Council.
Its Desirability ShOwn-Interesting Paper on
the Same-The English Presidents Well
conc the Invitation to Unite.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9.-The third days
session of the Ecumenical Methodist coun-
Gil opened with Rev. H. Marshall, of Eng
land, in the chair. The usual devotional
exercises were held and the minutes of
yesterdays proceedings were approved
The topic for the morning session, "Chris-
tans United" was then taken up and an
essay delivered by Rev. DIR. Shelby, Wes-
leyan Methodist church, Greenock, Scot
land. Rev. DR.. A. S. Hunt, of New York,
and Rev. Thomas Mitchell, of Hull Eng
land. followed. Rev. G. T. Reed, of Flor
ence, Kentucky, told of China.
A plumber of others spoke on the same
subject aud at the inclusion Of the debate
recess was taken. After recess Bishop
Warren, Of Colorado, took the chair. De-
yotional services were held, Dr. Jewell. of
California, reading the Scriptures and de-
livsring prayer. Rev. DR.. A. Coke Smith,
of the Methodist Epiocopal church of the
south, of Nashville, read the first paper of
the afternoon session. His subject was
christian cooperation"
The council was about to adjourn, after a
number of other addresses, when a note
worthy scene occurred. The stirring words
of the speakers all day about cooperation
and unity had wrought the council up to q
state approaching enthusiasm and suddenly
President Myers, of the English Methodist
I
long time had been to bring the Methodist
British churches together, all his people
were willing and anxious and he was in
structed by his fellow churchmen here 10
say they responded to the offer to unite.
Rev. Mr.. Marshall of the English Meth
odist new connection, said as president of
one of the minor Methodist bodies, he
reached out his hand and felt Methodist
unity would follow.
Rev n Worthinpton nrnsjdaot of Tho
English Independent Methodist conference,
said his people favored organizing union :
If they could not reach it they could at
least attain federation.
Rev. T. w. Bourne, president of the
English Bible Christian, heartily endorsed
what had been said.
DR.. Smith, of Tennessee, in 8 paper on
Christian cooperation, said the church of
God was essentially one in all ages and
places. This may consist with much vari-
ETY. in non-essentials of creed and practice
in individual and denomination. Misunder-
standings, divisions and strifes in the
church have gwen great occasion to the
enemies of the cross to blaspheme. The truth
underlying all these divisions is this right
OF the individual to interpret for him
self the word of God. 1t is q
truth which God has taken long
to impress, but which is worth the
time and pains of teaching it. The call
for closer unity and cooperation among
our churches comes up from all directions.
| 1t is true of gigantic enterprises and rapid
movement in the Industrial world TODAY.
their needs are the measures of to-mor-
rows work. Shall the church be behind
No. The fitness of the time has come and
the Church of Christ, in heart and pur
pose, must move in order to effect Cooper
alton. The spirit of intolerance which has
! been cause of division in the past must
be cast aside and the equal rights and priv
ileges of all Gods people recognized This
recognition must be; we have long been
accustomed to the latter 1t has found ex
! preston in gushing resolutions and splendid
orations. We should either do more or
talk less. Nor does this recognition of the
ecclesiastical equality of other denomins-
! tons mean an abatement of love and zeal
! for our own. If the clergy would come
closer together they would find the people
with them. Consultation and adoption of
| plans for cooperative work will follow the
recognition OF equality among Christians
and mutual respect for each others gifts
and labors. In nominally Christian lands
closer union Of the churches is needed 10
gain the respect and aid of those who now
sneer at the church for exhibition of rival
ries and jealousies. 1t is needed to reach
| the uneyangelical masses of Christendom.
There are stupendous evils for the GOSPEL
10 destroy, lne QesScrdJlOn OF the Christian
Sabbath, loose divorce laws, the unbolv
passion for gain which tramples on right
and virtue and CANDLES with the bread of
the poor, and above all, that BLACKLIST in the
catalogue of evils, cruel and remorseless as
hell-legalized traffic in intoxicating lio-
uors. All these and their accompanying
evils must be destroyed, and for this work
the world must look to the church.
Rev. w. Bedford, of Union Methodist
| Free church, Bristol, England, treated of
christian cooperation in the old country.
He said in England the time was ripe for a
final movement. What could the religious
people of England and America not do if
they would utilize the force within them and
speak with undaunted courage.
Rev. 7. j. Osborn, of North Carolina
spoke of the necessity of perfecting the
church itself as a preliminary to co-opera-
tioD.
Rev. James Lefuray, of England. held
that the churches were wasting money in
making proselytes from other churches
Was 1t not a shameful thing there Should
be such a thing, weakening the church
and the cause OF Christ for denomina
tiopal pride! Applause. Several other
| delegates made short addresses and the
Meeting adjourned till to- morrow