The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-04-18

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it could be. But every argument for
independency in the State applies
with equal force for independency in
the church. AS the State when at
tending strictly to its own affairs by
its own methods, operating by its own
laws and from it's own resources, be-
comes strong and respected, SO be-
falls it to the denomination that
follows the same wise policy.
1t is not necessary for proof of this
theory to look far abroad. Indepen-
dency of polity and work has uni
formly characterized the building up
of large denominations about us. By
strictly attending to their own work
by their own methods they became
ardently devoted and consecrated to
their own cause, with perhaps little
loss of friendship for others.
Characterized sometimes with grave
faults in their teachings, they still
grew to these proportions and ever
including largely of the worlds best
and brightest people.
Conceding that other causes may
be counted in, the greatest factor in
their success has been denomination
al independency with the conserva-
tism that has attended upon it, and
that may always be expected in such
relation. Mainly it is matter Of
success, both spiritual and material,
that commends UNCONVENTIONAL inde-
pendency. 1t works, seemingly, as
we'll with one set of doctrines as with
another. With the Presbyterian, or
Baptist, or Methodist, it works fully
as we'll as with the Roman Catholic.
And there is no reason why it would
not do as we'll for the Universalists.
And why should not such sublime
truth be as well equipped as error!
The brief experience the Universal
list denomination has had in its pres
ent form of government, dating back
to the latter sixties, when it was
changed over from semi Congrega-
tionalism, has been very gratifying,
when the obstacles encountered are
considered. Much the larger part of
it's present status is the result of the
change. In popular favor and in
material resources as we'll as in spirit
ual work the change has been of a
most helpful character. Though still
hampered by dissenters and lack of
general conformity, which more years
will overcome, the wisdom of the
policy is quite universally recognized.
And with the general favor, will also
shortly follow the general observance,
which will be the era of the real
power and progress of the church.
1t is in some quarters advocated
that the local church should occupy
a condition of entire independency.
1t should be wholly free to choose
it's minister from what source it
pleases and be answerable to no au-
thority but that within itself. And in
connection it is commonly also
claimed that to the individual mem
ber the same broad latitude should
be accorded, and particularly so to
the preacher.
While it constitutes talking point
for an advocate of liberalism who
wishes to vault into favor with the
unchurched and the religiously in
different, with the experienced
church worker the theory is seldom
in favor. 1t is out of harmony with
the spirit and the whole history OF
Christianity so completely that a
we'll informed Christian could not
contemplate it; and when found it is
usually in connection with some
species of infdelity. It's advocacy is,
however, possible within the body OF
denomination itself, and against its
provision possibly, following in with
membership acquired with little OF
no application of membership tests,
and by undenominational conces-
sions by the preacher. Or it is pos
sible to be present from other causes,
among which might be the lapse OF
spiritual interest and the replacing OF
the Gospel of Christ in the pulpit by
some specious substitute.
Denominational indep e n d dency
makes less account of outside sug,
gestion, is averse to outside rule, and
maintains no entangling alliances
with neighboring religious bodies,
1t does not feel obliged to second
their undertakings or commend their
enterprises. 1t discriminates in fa-
vor of its own institutions and patron
ICES them. 1t maintains its own
press and gives the preference to its
own literature in its homes and
churches.
1t builds on a common creed with
a common Interpretation. In faith