New-York tribune., 1895-10-18
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAIL.
THE CHURCH UNITY PLATFORMS.

eoHhECrioN CONCERNING THE FIRST PROPOSE
TioN OF THE EPIscoPAILANs.
To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: In your edition of a few days ago. In COM
menting upon the platforms OF unity OF the Epis-
copai and Congregational churches, In comparison,
you misquoted fundamentally the platform Chi
eago-Lambeth) of the former body. The four propo-
siuons framing church unity which were set forth
oy these churchmen follows: First, the
scriptures; second the creeds third the two Sacra-
ments fourth, the historic episccpate.
In your paper you place the Church" in the
nrst group, while in point of fact the word church
Is not used one OF the four indices and is only
mentioned once in connection with the fourth propo
siton viz, the historic episcopate and then In the
broadest way, to wit Fourth-"The historic epis-
copate, locally adapted in the methods Of its ad-
ministration to the varying needs of the nations
and peoples called of God into the unity Of His
Church"
would like 10 quote fully the four propositions,
showing your readers the breadth of view in which
they were designed and executed but space for
bids In point OF fact. the Congregational formula
for unity, while In some features resembling the
Episcopal formula. harps more upon the term
church than does the Chicago platform. which.
one may say. harps not at all upon this word, which
may mean so much so little.
Let me briefly refer 10 the Congrega tional plat
form TO indicate my meaning. First the Scriptures
second, dlsclpieSnlp or Jesus tnrlst, the DNule
Saviour and Teacher the world (the second propo
sition of the Episcopal code: the creeds cover this
second point of Congregational brethren and go
far they practically agree with us); third. the
Church.
So 1t is the Congregationalists and not the ad-
vanced churchmen OF the Episcopal faith that have
sprung this dreadful word upon Christian COM
munity. eagerly awaiting crumbs of comfort and Of
hope. upon the lines OF some Catholic poity that
shall further lead into oneness and fellowship
with Jesus Christ
Fourth-"Lberty of conscience in the interpreta-
ton OF the Scriptures and the administration of the
church" Here the term is repeated
IL would almost appear in the light OF modern
thought that II Is unnecessary to cite liberty OF
thought and Interpretation key 10 unity or
church life OF any sort, for this doctrine Is subsan-
TALLY held by all bodies OF Christans-ROman
Catholics excepted-and therefore the Episcopal
Church deemed IL wiser 10 touch for her unity
code upon the broad points of Scriptural and MS
torcal facts making for oneness and perfection in
Christian and National life.
The Congregational body have done what they
could may ! say in conclusion and to that extent
deserve credit.
My one for sending these lines was TO cor
rect serious misstatement of the first point or
unity in my branch OF Christs church-the
EpiscOpal-and ! am quite sure the deductions on
the editorial page of last Sundays edition OF your
paper, in the light OF this correction. would nave
been far different from what in fact they were.
May God speed, through all channels or knowledge
and through ali branches OF His holy church. that
problem and prayer of the loving In ChristendomE
oneness in Christian grace and organic growth OF
the many branches Of the one true vine
FRANCIS +. d. SCHROEDER
Lancaster, Penn, oct. 10. 1888.