The St. Louis Republic., 1900-09-09

u
ency among the Baptist forces Of this coun,
try toward a cooperative union Of effort
both in the home and foreign fields. While
this tendency has not as yet taken definite
shape, still It is being extensively discussed
in UNCONVENTIONAL circles, and a definite ba-
sis of union. at least SO far rs is possible
in an independent form of church govern
ment. may be one of the possibilities of the
Twentieth Century.
Perhaps no writer has done more toward
further;ng this tendency than the Reverend
Doctor J. c. Armstrong, editor of the Cen
trail Baptist of this city. who ranks as one
of the foremost thinkers OF the Baptist
Church in America Some months ago Doc
tor Armstrong was invited to read a pa
per on this general subject before the Kan
sas City Baptist ministers meeting, and
subsequently before the Baptist Ministers
Association OF this city. Both associations
requested its publication, and 1t has been
put out in pamphlet form. The paper has
attracted wide attention among Baptists,
particularly in the South. and has awak-
enei no little criticism and communication.
The former came largely from the South,
though It was also not wanting in words
of hearty commendatiOn.
In discussing the question of more def
mite union of effort, the Doctor says: First,
there is doctTinal unity among American
Baptists. Students of denominationai eco
nor,ics have declared themselves amazed
at the singular agreement among Baptists
where there Is utter absence of authorfta-
tive councils and imposing creeds.
Second, these duplicate forces are at
tempting TO accomplish exactly the same
work in mission fields. A traveller in visit
ing a mission station of American Baptists
In China could not determine by the char
acter OF the work done there which sec
ton of our homeland is directing the work.
In aims and policies all our forces are one.
Third, there are no geograp phcdl or po-
litical barriers crossing our homeland
wnich make it impossible or unwise for the
brethren of different sections to join hands
and hearts in a common effort The war Is
over. If our American army can muster in
the pride OF united strength, and its young
men 60 to battle and to victory with no
weaknesses along the line of a former
cleavage, IL is next to disreputable for
Gods people and Gods young men to carry
two banners TO a foreign field-banners alike
inscribed with the name OF Christ and the
pledge of victory. but Gisf!gured some
little corner by the story Of ii division that
has long ago lost Its significance"
These prOpositicEs are presented at length
by Doctor Armstrong. and Illustrations are
given IN proof of the positions taken. At
tention was specially called to an incident
OF two years ago, when delegation of min
listers waited upon President Mckinley and
urged him TO use his influence to having all
difTereEces settled by arbitra-
tion.
"Mr Mckinley" says the doctor. heard
them patiently and assured them Of his de-
sire and intention TO carry out their wish.
But before dismissing them, he suggested
that they would add much to the force of
their plea if the Northern Methodist and the
Southern Methodist preachers before him
would bury their home differences. and If the
Northern PresbyterianS and Southern Pres
byterians before him would arbitrate thei:
little differences, so that as a Christian
people We might bear a full olive branch
and an unspotted banner Of peace to other
peoples"
In closing his discussion Doctor Arm
strong urged the following considerations
for the union of the Baptist forces OF Amer
lea: First among these would be the re-
duction in the cost of missionary opera
tions. Rigid economy is the only law that
is allowable in administering mission funds.
No dollar cries out more loudly for its
proper use than the mission dollar. Palsied
be the hand that would take from the Lord's
treasury money given TO him. Forever die
any prejudice which consumes any part OF
the sacrifice in the worship Of itself.
Another benefit Of consolidation will he
more perfect harmony, both in the home
and foreign fields. Up to the present there
has been much conflict among our boards in
locating their missionaries. In fact, wher-
abroad, or the border line or IN the center,
there are conditions of discord. of partial
view, of narrow appeal and of isolation
Lastly, such a unification of interests
would be a practical demonstration that
the Masters cause is supreme. The strong
est bond of Christian fellowship is the
recoenition that duty to Christ and the
Spirit of Christ are stronger. higher. holier
than any other interest or consideration"
The doctor then says that Missouri stands
foremost in its practical union of the Bap-
list forces of the State. and that. as re-
suit, is doing more preportionately than any
other State toward the promotion OF home