Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1901-05-08

gether upon a basis of their common
Christianity, and in the name Of God and man
form the Protestant church Of Ellsworth. I
would have this one church accommodate
itself to existing and, for the present, ineradi-
cable differences of religious opinion. taste
and habits of worship, by declaring Itself TO
exist in two branches.
1 would have one branch as broad and
sweet-tempered and undogmatic as the mind
of Jesus Christ. l would allow the other
branch to flavor itself as far as IT desired with
the spirit and temper of Moses. I would let
each call to its ministry man suited to its
desires, selected from anywhere be might be
found, with the understanding that be was
coming to an independent Christian church.
l would have these branches worship at the
same building IL possible, if not possible,
then in separate buildings. But would have
them appear as one in all religious statistics
of the place, and would have their charities
and financial affairs under one management.
would let each adopt for itself whatever Of
ritual or method it might think best for its
plan of work would appeal to the 1hivalry Of
the general denominations and organizations
outside to keep their itching hands off, and
| allow the experiment to be tried of the COM
mon children of God dwelling together in
| tue unity VI tut sbiTiA anu tue upbu vi PthNe-
Altogether it is not quite impossible to
| think of such a thing, however impossible 1t
might be to bring 1t about 1t is vast gain
| that Protestant union is even imaginable.
There would be many hindrances in the way.
| Sectarian zeal from without would be a con-
slant menace, and PROBABLY would in no great
while wreck the enterprise, without consider
alton as to whether the total religious inter
| aets Of no mis- xvnuld in hx Such
action. Local prejudice would have to be en-
countered: there is not feeling of hostility
among us, but there is feeling of separate
ness. and an unconscious. subterranean flavor
of prejudice. There would be for some time a
stubborn unmixableness OF quality apparent
in the whole mass because the separate
groups have been trained in separateness so
| long. Different tastes and habits in worship
would constitute difficulty, but Christians
would learn to accommodate themselves to
each other in spirit of charity.
| What would such an amalgamatiou of inter
ests accomplish? 1t would reduce machinery
expenses of the whole organization and leave
more for works of benevoience. 1t would de-
! velop the strength there is in union of hearts
and hands. The church would be inspired by
an enthusiasm quite impossible in its divided
state, and it, unitedly, could undertake enter
prises for the moral and religious upbuiIding
of this place wholly beyond its power now
Many would affiliate with such church who
now do not acknowledge or support any. II
would prevent bitterness OF rivalry. 1t would
secure better preaching by giving to the
preacher better congregations. 1t would
make it possible to enrich the service of wor-
ship in music and the atmosphere of fellow
ship.
Chiefly it would impressively exemplify the
true brotherhood of Christian believers, the
unity of their faith. the oneness of their
calling, the reality of their allegiance to a
common God and Father who is over all and
| through all and in all. The silent influence
of such an example of Christian fellowship,
believe, would do more in six months toward
the redemption of this community, than the
churches working in their separated capaci-
ties shall be able to accomplish in years.