The evening times., 1901-10-11
IHB LUTHERAN COUNCIL.
A Large Gathering of Delegates az
Lima. Ohio.

Sermon on the Diversity and Unity
IN the Christian Church-Report OF
the PrcSident-The Divorce Prob
lem Discussed - The Election.
LIMA. Ohio. oct. 1.-THE Mecca Of the
representative Lutherans OF America is
Lima, where the General Council OF the
Church yesterday began its work for the
twentieth century with an unusually
large attendance at its biennial couyeu-
uon, there being about POO already regis
tered. among them Phuad,lphia's distiu-
guished preacher. DT. Sgiss. and that en-
inent orator of the church DR.. Spae,h-
Diversity and Unity i'm the Christian
Church was the theme of President Ran
seems sermon. based on ! Cor, xii Alb
The church. with its many syuods.
tongues. and separat, histories. while IL
often lacks i'm uniformity. has a remark
able unity. 10 was "a strong plea for clos
er relationship. the keynote being Let
there be no schisms among us" In union
there is strength. The strong syuods and
the stronger churches must honor and
help those who are weak DR.. Ranssen.
by his sermon and 10y his annual address
at the business Sc ssicu. has outlined "a
policy Of peace and cooperation, which
indicates a harmonious convention, dcyot-
ed TO love and good works.
The report OF the president was heard
with interest. The wonderful nineteenth
century. said Dr. Rausosn. has taken its
farewell since the last meeting of the
General Council, and a new century has
been ushered in on the arena of time
The French Revolution inauEuated one
of the most terrible periods of the world s
history. II was declared that there is Ho
God and all law and order were abandon
ed The mighty Napoleon subducd not
only France, but endeavorcd to conquer
the world, which was ablaze with war
and Commotion. But Napoleon had his
Waterloo. and out Of chaos dawned a new
era, and since then the most wonderful
changes developments. inventions. and
progress have taken place in all spheres
OF human life Nations that "a hundred
years ago seemed to be Of little impor-
tance have been transformed into mighty
empires. and while this has been accom-
plished. as it appears, mainly through the
terrible means OF war II is. however, TO
be believed that the King of Kings and
God of nations has held the reius, and
that the destinies correspond 10 his PLANS.
"Otr own land, century ago only a
few small States. has become a mighty
world Power. Revolutions. expressions,
ana want have driven millions TO avail
themselves Of unparalleled political and
religious freedom offered 10y this land
God has directed this emigration, which
has become a source Of greatest blessing
nevertheless. it is fraught with dangers
and responsibilities.
The harmony between the various dis
trlcts was noted IS a cause for gratitude
and congrutulation. The death Of some
Of the leaders Of the church was referred
to. among them Rev AIr. Passavaut. the
philanthrUpist and Rev. Dr O. Olsen. tn,
president Of the large Swedish c0iIeE,
and theological seminary at Rock Island
III.
The assassination Of President ATcKin-
ley was feclingly referred 90. and the sad
dcSt part Of the tragedy was shown 10
be the fact that the delusiye sentiments
OF anarchy hnd "A fruitful soil even Iu
this land. with its splendid Government
IT may be. the doctor said. that ou1
laws against anarchy are too 1enfour '
The application Of the Lutheran SYNOD
or oregon and other States TO become q
member Of the General COuncii was noted
also the expected visit of Bishop vor
Scheele. Of Sweden who comes In thf
name OF the King Of Sweden TO pay ar
official visit to and inspect the Lutheran
churches in America
The chief point Of interest and impor.
tance was the discussion Of the thesis OF
Marriage I'm it's Relation TO Divorce '
The position taken by the thesis makes
marriage indlssOlUble for life divorce by
divine authority. being legitimate Ouly
when the marriage covenant has beer
broken either by husband or wife The
decree Of divorce only gives the right OF
Temarriage 10 the innocent party who has
been released on Scriptural grounds
Marriage by a Christian minister gives