The morning call., 1894-04-14
EMINENT LEADERS
Unitarian Divines Speak
as Disciples.
THE CONFERENCE CLOSES.
Claiming, Parker, Emerson and
Martineau.
1ODERN RELIGIOUS REFORM.
Two CIergymen Expound the Doc
trines of Unitarianism Regarding
"Orthodox'' Christianity.
1ODERN RELIGIOUS REFORM.

The Pacific Unitarian Conference held
its last session yesterday at the Second
Unitarian Church. Capp aud Twen tieh
streets. Rev. E. L. Watson led deyo-
tional meeting at 9 A. NJ, and at its con-
clusion Rev. c. w. Wendte read paper
Oh Charming. which was the first of
series on Eminent Unitarians."
Among the lofty examples OF Unita-
rianism." said he, there is none whose
character and career bear sucn eloquent
testimony of our liberal faith to become
the gospel of mankind. none who has
made so profound moral impression on
the world and ELECTED such universal
tribute of praise and gratitude as William
Ellery Charming. As Starr King said. the
single contribution of Channing's thought
and character to the influence that moved
our civilization is equivalent in value
almost TO the collective achievements OF
whole churches" The speaker proceeded
to sketch the life of DIR. Claiming and out
line his opinions and services as
preacher, tbeologian and reformer. and
closed with tribute 10 his memory and
influence in American life and religion.
Rev. G. Ii. Rice OF Stockton paid an
eloquent tribute to Theodore Parker.
Rev. DR.. Stebbins gave, an address which
dealt with the character and services to
liberal theology and ethics of ReF. James
Martinesu Of England, now the greatest
living Unitarian teacher and seer.
Rev. Ulysses G. B. Pierce of Pomona
followed, speaking OF Emerson's influence
on religious thought.
Some idea CT this influence be thought
could be gained from the remark of an
English critic who, speaking Of religion in
America, said: "It doesn't matter what
church you attend, Emerson is always the
preacher"
The secret Of Emerson's influence. Rev.
Mr.. Pierce thought, Law IN his many-slded-
ness, which enabled Emerson to appeal to
all minds and moods. His great soul WAS
like the crystal, which hOws0ever turned
still reflects the light.
More particularly the speaker said:
Emerson gave the ethical impulse to re-
llgi0n. Speaking Of a jealous ecclesiastic
one of the old ehronicers said: He is
mean and covetous, but full OF religion
Such was largely the condition in Emer-
sons day. Against this Emerson rev0lted,
mainti ming that the substance OF religion
is right living, so said he with fine insight,
The next age will behold God in the ethi-
cal laws
In the afternoon Rev. A. G. Wilson of
Spokane, Wash. preached on Unitarian
ism in Orthodox Christianity" Said he:
M odern orthodox Christianity exists
chiefly by absorption. Unitarlanism ex-
isis that IL may be absorbed. The Two
are correlated. and both Will be merged
into common unit when the process OF
ABSORPTION Is complete
"Unitariansm seeks 10 run Mississippi
River OF fresh water through the dead
sea Of monastlcism; to open the college
hall into the church; to show the relation
Of religion to science, philosophy and his
tory : to cast he illumination OF each upon
I
movement the most powerful and FAR
reaching in religious history, and is not TO
be measured by counting Of heads. We
press the button here, but the electric
! fash goes everywhere. From purely de-
| nomlD atioDal position it is just to say that
/ the inconsistency Of oTthod0x Christianity
in absorbing ana sheltering Unitarian peo-
! pie through a convenient elasticity OF
dogma and con science has defrsuded us Of
numbers and given US the appearance of
small community. while In reality we are
! the most populous on earth"
Rev. Samuel Slocombe Of Cayucos, CAL,
followed with paper on "The Reforma-
ton of Religious Thought" in which he
| said: ''The nav reformation will abolish
subscription, sbelye the creeds and put the
old documents of the Bible in their respec-
| tive places among the classics of the world.
Then, divested of all superstitious halo.
| they will speak their varied message of
! command ana pronlDltl0D, OIL encourage
meut and reproof, of warning and promise
direct to the heart of mankind, and the
message will come home with new mean
/ ing and force"
Resolutions were passed concerning a
! theological school at Berkeley. welcoming
women into the ministry; also the fol-
| lowing:
Resolued, That we reafirm our allegiance to
/ the principles Of the constitution OF the United
States and in those laws that guarantee abso-
lutte equality to all citizens irrespective of creed
or belief; that we would in every way sustain
the entire separation OF church ana state, and
while respecting the conscience of each indivId.
ual would steadfastly oppose any effort 10 use
our public schools for the teaching of theoOgi-
cal tenet or the inculcation OF the tenets or be-
| liefs OF any church or sect; that we deprecate
the formation of parties or associations antag
oniZing any church or prescribing any citizen
of our common country on account of the ae-
glance TO any form of religious belief. and
would urge our fellowship 10 40 all in its power
10 counteract and allay all forms of religious.
prejudice.
A closing sermon was preached by Rev.
j. S. Thomson of Los Angeles at the First
Unitarian Church in the evening.