New-York tribune., 1901-01-07
FOR A DEEPER RELIGIOUS LIFE.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THOSE PLANNING A
NEW START FOR THE NEW cENTrrRy

NEW START FOR THE NEW CENTURY.
To the Editor Of The Tribune.
or: Can you put forth a little space in
Nhch TO suggest some elemental considerations to
"llam Phillips Hall and his coadjutors in their
most praiseworthy plan for a deeper reIigous r;fa
On me part Of all OF US for the twentieth century?
AS the editorial Christmas sermon in The Tribune
says-for new era Of religious advance men must
Fepent-duly and humbly change within ana
without and this Whatever temporary anguish of
spirit 1t may cost" Truly. indeed ito the unre-
pe1tant, Bethlehem is no more hopeful than Sinai
ana good will will be manifest to all when all are
such as the Giver of good will is pleased with"
and the one religious question of the hour is:
What are the conditions at Bethlehem" estab-
hshed forever by the "Giver Of good willrI
F'irst-Where the divine and human are at all in
rivalry, the human-as we all theoretically admit
must unconditionally surrender and wherein Gods
Christianity and mans Church are in competition
the Church must give way or be brought to con-
fusion. and "her candlestick removed out of its
place. sooner or later
Secor1-Accordng TO the Bible and, indeed the
guileless honesty of all Christian prayers, men,
sngly or organically, 'eathen vessels" and un-
til first of all and unqualifedly polarized. in
thought. heart. plans. associations to Jesus Christ
IN supreme aims. and to the Holy Spirit in su-
preme applications and dependence are doomed to
paralysis. blundering failure
Third-The Apostolic Christians rose from utter
weakness to worldwide power. from ignorance and
feebleness to the conquest of humanity IN all its
extent and variety outward, end its depravity
downward. in setting aside everything of creeds
ritualistic ceremonias formulations OF organ
:zation, until each and all had with a glowing
passion OF enthusiasm. accepted Christ in His love
and His law. the Heal of all things to the
Church." "ln whom all fulness dwelt." and
perfenced accordingly the all corrective. all re-
straning, all constraining enchantment of the Holy
Ghost. Their bible. like Bible, mentioned fast
Ing Sabbath Observance. ordinations. baptism. the
Lords Supper. but with not a word Of primary
and absolute legislation as to any particulars Of
any Of them, and TO this end. that these might
take their place duly in and after organization be-
fore the all pre-eminent Christ. and with all the
infinite advantage in the determining and admin
istration of them, that the Spirit of God would
subsequently and consequently give.
This the early and victorious Christians fully
understood and observed. and we. too. understand
and observe It in part, and sufficiently TO condemn
ourselves before earth and heaven in that we do
not altogether accept It, the Apostles Gid We
are saying: Let rise to New Testament con-
ceptions OF Christ and the Holy Ghost and the
promise-the law. the liberty OF them. and
ganized let us then determine as to our Church
fasting and prayers and praises and giving and
Sabbath observance. and all sorts OF particulars
as to rites and creeds. Yet now. after all. let
keep back part Of the price," let US have some
reservations. let hold back and organize around
something for our own human glory and gratifca-
ton, the celebration Of our own opinions and con-
victions, aside from and below the heavenly
heights OF Christ. the Head!
So the Presbyterian says: Ny creed my stand
ards irsti And the Baptist says: No creed but
he Bible! Yet not after all entireIy-not entirely
the Bible plan Of Christ. and the Holy Ghost first.
and then ordinances-but let have excep-
tion, the mode and subjects OF Baptism. first. and
then Christ and the Holy Ghost! And. correspond
ingly, other sectarians make exceptions and insist
on ritualistic or historic dogmatic name to
be put in before "the Name which," by Gods
rite and life and organization Of earth and for
heaven beyond above every name
in PTesbyterian pulpts "a and at Baptist Communion
& men Iree 20 nap oPeg fbSub fo
Christ and no irnploring eagerness for the Holy
@ uadradn Of d@t and ove ana fah and
zeal. as God has appointed these, the world is
Fourth-As far as appears. God cares very little
for terrestrial low down far on unity hi sUcin What
ism. and thoughtful philosophers OF humanity, ana
eommanders raturnng from heatheI lands. and
the awakening heather themselves demand. Is a
around and for genuine christisnity-aroun and
for the lonely. but all accessible Height Of Christ
Gentlemen of the twentieth century evangelism.
Christianity of power, for the Fellowship Of Gods
children, and the confession Of Christ before men
which belong TO Christianity-Christ FIRST and
y Tore when vS y0u o Geaen reach fI # ali things
are yours, and what Is more when you nave
ali comma nding acropos you will have no time
or energies or appetite for-as, indeed you win
have need for-any subordinate or rival station
below.
his study. consumed in prayers TO God and
thoughts for God and man, and the twentieth
century layman laying aside every weight" as he
runs and looks will thus find" his life.
and the Church her organization. her development.
her mission. her Joy and crown, and thus, fully
satisfied at last-how. how have all been strait
ened until this was accomplished! From all di-
rections Of earth and heaven the one call is for
CSod's Chrisfianity. Shall we hear &?
KNEELAND P KETCHAM.
Freeport, Long Island, N. Y. Dec. q, 1900.