The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-04-25

COulu Cdko eXc6pblOD TO. Ii certain ue-
nomiDational terms had not been used.
it might have passed for an association
of Universalists. The nearest statement
Of theological nature was that made by
Rev. DR.. Crum Gong of Terre Haute,
Ind. who stated that the essential basis
Of Christianity was the Fatherhood OF
God and the brotherhood OF man." In
conversation he had with me during
the noon recess, he stated that the work
of the Universalist Church was done
owing to the approach of other demon
nations to our views. He said he had
known Universalists who were Chris
tians. Not wishing to be outdone in
liberality 1 replied that / had known
Congregationalists who were Christians.
do not think, from the tenor of the dis
cussions, that matters of doctrine we're
purposely ignored.
The meeting was opened by DR.. Glad
den naively announcing 1--WE will now
listen to paper on the subject, Are
Christians Congregationalists?'" by Rev.
Roger Charnoch, who was once Con
gregationalist but now a Christian, to
be followed by another paper on Are
Congregationalists Christians? by Rev.
Byron R. Long, who was once Chris
tian but now Congregationalist." An
audible smile crept over the faces of all.
The first announced not being present,
Rev. FL. 9. Rush was substituted. Mr..
Long declared that the Congregational
lists and Christians are zone in every
essential particular" But it must be
remembered that less than eighteen
months ago he was an ardent and active
member of the Christian church. Rev.
Mr.. Milne (Cong.) declared that the
Congregationalist church, west of Pitts
burg, contains but few members who
were brought up in that tCong.) church.
shall make no attempt to give even
a synopsis of the discussions or the pa
pers. The discussion of the papers was
participated in almost wholly by the
Christians. The import Of their speeches
was unity with the Congregationalists
Mr.. Dunlap went so far as to discuss
what name they should bear. In short,
the Christian ministers reminded me of
the maiden who made every advance to
fall into the arms Of her suitor. The
phrases "courting" and popping the
question" we're both used during the
discussion.
On the other hand, the Congregation
alists were reserved. They did not hold
out the idea that they we're ready to
unite on certain platform and make
one denomination out of the two. For
the most part they were quite reserved.
1t is true that both DR.. GLADDEN. and Mr..
Lindsay stated that they we're not tena-
cious of the name Congregationalist.
Quite little episode occurred early
in the proceedings. All clergymen who
were present, other than those forming
the Conference. we're introduced to the
assembly and invited to participate.
Prof. Baldwin, of Butler University, In
dianapolis, took advantage of the oppor-
tunity. During the course of his re-
marks he stated that his church Camp
belite) took the Bible for their creed
and unfortunately they did not know
the difference between their interpreta-
tion OF the Bible and the Bible ITSELF
and hence they have formed "a creed as
narrow as any in Christendom."
No one seemed to be willing to take
exceptions to the statement. heard
several subdued utterances of that's
so.' I did not see any of the Chris
tians" get up and make confession Of a
narrowness toward other sects.
The term New Light" was used but
once during the day, and that by Prof.
Baldwin. He spoke Of congregational
ists," New Lights" and Christians"
the last of which I belong to-"
The Congregationalists followed the
idea Of meeting with the Christians
annually; that they should become bet
ter acquainted. and there should be a
bond of unity between them.
That the session will result in good
is matter to be hoped for. II it is pos
sible for the two to stand on the same
platform-it will at least be Of advan-
tage to all concerned. 1t would be Of
advantage to the cause Of Christianity
il the 144 sects could be consolidated
into six or dozen, and between them a
bond of unity be established. The love
Of creed, and the narrowness of the
mind will continue to put off that
golden era.
GREENvILLE, o.