Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-07
REV. J. J. MUIR,

Pastor Temple Baptist Church.
In replying to the questions propounded
permit me to say: 'f
First, that 1904 was not distinguished by
any great religious movement such as has
characterized some" other years though
there were certain trends that were note
worthy. Among these. and probably the
most prominent. was the growing DISPOSE
tion toward Christian unity. Churches and
denominations Were brought closer to-
gether, and there was evidenced a greater
desire to cooperate more cordially in the
spread of the Redeelner's, kingdom at home
and abroad The frequent conferences had
as well as the several deliverances made,
indicate that on the things which are Vital
there is better understanding among
Christians generally. and a more earnest
purpose to magnify their essential value
over other matters which. however import
ant In themselves. are not of the first con-
sideration. The spirit of Christian frater-
nifty Is undoubtedly finding larger and more
generous emphasis, and it is to be hoped
that the day is not far distant when the
unity of the spirit in the bond of peace
shall find ideal expression Organic unity
may not be possible or even expedient. but
spiritual unity is always possible and ex-
pedient, and exceedingly desirable.
Second. The one thing best worth striv-
| ing for during 1905 by Washington Chris
tians' is, in the judgment of the writer,
more practical exposition of the principles
life. especially in the interests of a more
decided evangelism. 1t is gratifying to
note what progress has been made in our
city in certain directions, and how interest
ed some have become in specific forms of
Christian activity, as. for instance, in local
missions and charities, the Y. M. G. A.
work, as well as in some particular church
or UNCONVENTIONAL enterprise. But there is
room for Improvement. Better Christian
living in ordinary. intercourse, making
man a truer husband, neighbor, citizen,
employer or employe; a deeper realization
OF individual responsibility for the moral
and religious welfare of the community, by
which each feels that he must have some
thing to do with the betterment of the life
about him, and a heartier participation in
those movements which contemplate social
as we'll as personal salvation. We do not
need another gospel, but higher apprecia-
ton of the old, and more thorough ap-
plication of it to the sins and sorrows or
mankind by those who profess to be its
followers. Washington Christians could
not be engaged in nobler ministry In the
coming year than in making the gospel
more real in their own lives, and in seeking
to bring those about them under its gra-
cious ard Transforming influence. If this
were enthusiastically done 1908 would be
the best year in the religious calendar of
the national capital"
REV. F. D. POWER,
Pastor of Vermont Avenue Christian
Church
1.-THE most important religious movement
in 1904 was that toward union. The Pres
byterians, north and south. and of the Cum
berland branch, the COngregationalists and
Methodist Protestants, the Free Will Bap-
lists and Disciples of Christ have been
in active ard serious courtshp. The closer
fraternity of all Christians is one of the
most hopeful signs of the times The Mas
ters prayer that His disciples may be one
ic hni nr fnt,1 10 Nf t,n
great British and Foreign Bible Society,
which has sent out 1S0 100000 copies Of
Holy Scripture, in all. tongues, during its
one hundred years, was observed In London
March q, and the worlds Sunday school
convention in Jerusalem, April 10, will make
the year memorable to Christians, but the
steady trend toward az vital union of
forces. as seen in many places, is the most
significant and hopeful thing of the old
year. 4i II
For 1865 a closer fellowship and CO.
operation among the Christians of the cap
ital to reach all the chITchless people of
our beloved city would be best worth striv-
ing for a1f..s w
REV. OLIVER G. sABIN,
Bishop of the Evangelical Christian Science
Church
81 think both questions lean be answered
in one. The most important question, to
my. mind, that now is before the religious
world is the fact ahat Gsod does, through
man, in answer to--prayer, heal the sick.
overcome poverty, Sestroq all sorrow and
makes one HARMONIOUS, here and now. When
asked where the kfngdo9n OF heaven was
our Savior said that 1t did not come by OBJ
servation. You could not say. 10, here it is.
or 10. there 1t is, but that the kingdom Of
God was within YOU This truth is being
demonstrated now by hundreds of thou
sands OF people. and the evidence is so
overwhelming chat none who wish to know
the truth can denS 1t.
1T is true that God does heal the sick to-
day. through man, In the name of Jesus
Christ.
1t Is true that this healing is done in
accordance with the promises made by our
Savior while here on earth
II Is true that God gives us the exercise
OF the power and dominion with which man
was created, u we ask, seek and knock in
an intelligent manner,
It Is true that God leads u.s. directs us
and biesses US materially and substantially
now, and thai poverty is overcome, distress
Is DESTROYED. sorrow Is annihiIated and all
OF the Ills Of life are overcome by the power
OF God, which comes to man In answer to
prayer.