The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-02-06
REV. Mr.. FLAWITH
His Address Before the
Congregationalists.
HOW 1T WAS RECEIVED.
George T. Gaden Talks of the
Religious Congress.
SOON TO BE HELD HERE.
Is of the Opinion That 1t Will Meet
With the Hearty Corporation
of All SectS.
HOW 1T WAS RECEIVED.
SOON TO BE HELD HERE.

The weekly meeting of the Congrega-
tionaI Club was held yesterday afternoon
IN the Young Mems Christian Association
building. Tie chief features Of the after
moons work were a short talk of Con
or egationalism" by the Rev. F. Flawith.
formerly OF Antioch, and a paper by
George L. Gaden. secretary of the religious
congress to be held shortly in this city.
The giSt of the lecture on "COngrega-
tionalism," which elected much comment
and no little dissatisfaction among the
twenty-four ministers present. amounted
TO as follows:
The fundamental principles of congrega-
tlonalism are simplicity. catholcity and
spirituality. The history of the church
proves that principle gave shape to its
policy rather than expediency. 1t was
not for expediency that Barrow, Green
wood and Penny laid down their lives;
neither did Robinson and other members
of the Leyden church submit to a lifelong
exile for 1t. 1t was for vital G0d-glven
principles that these men suffered SO much.
These principles are the same now as
ever. viz: the sole sovereignty OF Jesus
Christ and the equal fellowship of the
brotherhood. Its golden day lies in the
future. The great element Of its strength
lies in its government, the power the Con-
gTPgaIlODat cuuICH has IO COutIOI us OWN
affairs. This presuppoSes the existence Of
the elements necessary tor its formation.
1t is a congregation Of plous men, and
without such 1t cannot really be church.
Sometimes, by carelessness, slothlulness
and impurlty, the church may become so
careless of Its rights that 1t may enable
outsiders TO gain control OF lis affairs. At
this juncture the speaker spoke strongly
of the different societies (which were at
tached to most OF the churches. He said
the church should stand alone, and that no
such connections should be made. The
members of such societies were not always
GOd-fearing, and that when the church
placed dependence on them it was In
reality denying Gods providence and care.
One of the main props of the COngrega-
tional church, the speaker SAID, was that
it is not bound by traditions nor by exter-
nal authority. blu! rather by the council
and will of Its own mem bership, deter
mined upon by present necessity. 1t is,
therefore, distinctly progressive.
Another feature is that it fosters and
recognizes the responsibility of the indi-
vidual. 1t aims at the perfection of the
people. Therefore, the individual re-
sponsibility of every member is not only
prerogaIive but rather right-an educa-
tlonal process.
The unit of church life is the personal
soui-the end is the perfect development
of it. CongTegationalism puts great stress
on the power to adapt itself to the crcum-
stances in which it may be placed, and
also on the recognition of the SUPREMACY
of things spiritual. 1t does not seek do
minion over a mans faith; 1t only seeks to
be helpful to him in his JOY and in his
sorrow.
Its main aim is to train the spiritual
faculty and trust. to fight mechanical
means and doubtful expedents in religious
work; 10 make Christians and not theo-
lOgiaps of men, and to teach independ-
ency Of the world, but dependency of the
Almighty God
The speaker concluded with the remark
that the main weakness of the church Law
in the flesh. Brethren holding great trust
permit their feelings TO interfere with the
other brethren's rights and ex-parte coun-
ellis are not rightfuly convened. Right
principles are good, but their application
is better. 1t is not Congregationalism that
needs improving, but Congregatonalsts.
This parting remark produced conster-
nation, and for time 1t seemed that the
visitor who had been invited to speak on
the Religious Congress" would not get a
hearing.
Sumo of the members wanted to discuss
the lecture, and some wanted the matter
dropped. Finally three or four criticized
1t specifically, and Mr.. Gaden was re-
ouested TO make his remarks.
Mr.. Gaden. in a short and concise speech,
stated the nature of the coming congress.
1t had been started he said, by the women
of the city. who desired that strangers and
visitors should see that we had desire
for something Of more value than few
questionable sideshoWs and an exhibit of
California products.
1t was the desire of the executive COM
mittee that all the foremost clergymen of
the different denominations should come
together, not IN spirit of debate or con-
troversy, but rather 10 bring about a bet
ter understanding between The different
denominations. The religious congresses
are designed to bring all religions possible
together, on a civic and religious basis,
where all can work in concert for a com
mon cause and promote the unity of faith
in the one living and true God and the har-
mony OF denominations.
At the conclusion of MIR. Gaden's ad-
dress the Rev. Mr.. Nichols proposed that
mnittee be appointed to look into the
matter and report to the club ct its next
meeting.
The committee consists OF the Rev. DR..
Mclean Of Oakland, Mrs. Sarah b.
Cooper and Rev. DR.. Pond.
At the conclusion of the meeting several
Of the ministers approached Mr.. Gaden
and assured him of theil hearty svmp atby
in the movement Foremost among them
was the Rev. r. r. Lloyd of the Theolog-
ical Institute Of Oakland.
Mr.. Gaden gave it as his opinion that the
Congress would take place with the hearty
cooperation of all sects and would re-
dound to the spiritual credit of the COM
munity.