The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-03-02
DOINGS At BROWN.
Prof. Dealey's Lecture on Federation Of the
Churches Notes From the College.

Prof Dealey lectured yesterday morn
ing before about fifty students on "The
Federation OF the Churches" He said In
part:
Church organization which IL an ex-
preston OF church aim is of two great
types. One. the Roman Catholic and kim
dred churches, voice the imperial idea
There Is close subordina ton and central
ization, and all power is ultimately vested
In the Pope. This type is suitable for a
world church, which is strongly executing
the militant idea. AS soon as a church be-
gins world conquest by missionaries II
must be highly centralized.
The second great type Is represented
by the congregational bodies. These bod
les were formed for local communal pur-
poses; they had common aim and local
ity. and united mainly to develop devotion
in themselves. This form produces a
high type of individuality, but lacks
unity and the world-nouon.
Gradually these two types are tending
to blend. Each church is adopting some
of the best ideas OF the other. For in
stance, the congregational bodies have a
district union, a state union, and a nation
al federation, which is in essence an ap-
proach to the first type. Especially when
sect wishes to evangelize II must CEN
ualise, and now the missionary leaders
have almost autocratic powers
The Roman type approaches the second
type In this way. Its policy is 60 rule des-
poticallyy over ignorant congrega tlons,
as In Italy and South America But in the
United States. where democracy and In
teiligence is to be found in the churches.
the church government is more nearly
democratic. There Is also a compromise Of
the two systems to he found in some
sects, namely, the Episcopal. Presbyte-
rian and Methodist Episcopal bodies
Gradually the churches are beginning
to unite. That IS, several lesser sects OF
our Protestant bodies are affiliating with
the main branch. In this country the va
rious denominations are also forming con-
federations along certain lines. they unite
To further temperance. and charities
There are three conditions that must be
fulfilled before the churches can unite to
form one international Christian church.
D They must virtually agree on funda-
mentals. They all can say now that they
have a common belief I'm Christ. but II
they try TO define that statement they will
be at variance Immediately. C2) They
must distinguish between the fIIndament-
ais and differences OF ritual and cere-
mony. (3) They must realize their social
responsibilities IN the world The church
conditions. Some denominations even now
think that they have no business with the
conditions obtaining IN the life around
them. but the great number are gradually
extending their influence I'm that line. All
churches have virtuallyy agreed 10 fieht
vice and immortality. As result civic
federatons are becoming powerful I'm our
cities Two years ago a ma tional organiza-
ton Of these bodies was formed. and this
federation has been doing and will do. q
great move I'm uplifting social conditions"
Columbia has cancelled the basketball
game scheduled for Wednesday night.
but Manager Schwinn has arranged
game With Massachusetts, Institute OF
Technology which will take place IN Iy-
man Gymnasium.
Tonight the exercises will be held turn
Ing over the new swimming pool given nv
Colgate Hoyt. 90 the University. After
the addresses short program OF water
events Will be held In the pool