Arizona republican., 1906-01-07
CHRISTIAN CHURCH'S
 REMARKABLE GROWTH
Series of Evangelistic Service Begin
 ming in Phoenix Today.


 disciples of Christ, constitute a1 inn portant religious force in American Christianity, ranking fifth in numeri- cal strength among the protestant brotherhoods. Their distinctive piea of modern Christianity is, their insis- tence upon the necessity of the union of Christians as requisite to the worlds evangelization, and the proposal of the definite program for the accomplish ment of this result, by a return of apostolic Christianity in name, faith, ordinances and fruits. They plead for the return of the GiviGed church to its original unity through the recognition of the supreme and sole authority of Jesus and the New Testament Scrip lures.
 The growth of the Disciples has been constant and rapid. In a little more than three-quarters of a century the increase has been from one congrega- tion of sixty members, to II, SS4 con- grCgations, with a total membership O. million and a half. The gain the past year was IF congregations, and 23 f3 members. E;Tc 1ditures for all purposes the past yeIr reached S5,O- O. CGC co.
 There arc forty-onc IroTinclt insti- tutiOns Of lca: ming, with one thucsand young men preparing for the ministry. The most significant fact of the pro- gress during the past decade is the in cleasing strength in the large cities, and the development of missionary spirit educational interest and phil anthroric enterprise throughout the brotherhood. The American society supported 6Si missionaries, and won 29,093 persons to the churches. The Church Extension socie+y with head quarters in Kansas City, assisted in the erection of an average of four churches per week last year. The Christian WOman's Board of Missions with head quarters at Indianapolis, supports PTS missionaries, five Bible chairs in state universities. and extensive negro evan gelistic and educational institutions. The Benevolent association with head quarters in St. Louis supports eleven orph2nages and homes for the aged and poor
 The Foreign Missionary Society sup ports 43S missionaries who operate in thirteen different countries. There is the board of Ministerial Relief doing a great work. Thirty eight publications come regularly to the homes of the people from the many publishing houses of the brotherhood.
 Individually they call themselves dis ciples of Christians: the congregations, churches of Christ, or Christian church, using only authorized Scriptural desig- nations and refuse all sectarian appe- lations as disloyal to the Lord and productive of divisions among His peo- pie. They believe they were forbid den by the Apostle Paul to call them selves by the name of Cephas, Appolos or Paul, or to indulge in sectarian spirit. The church is called the bride of Christ and should bear the bride groom's name. It is the body of Christ and should wear the name of its head.
 They are not satisfied with mere hu- man reformations, but seek the re- storation of Christ and the inspired apostles in teaching and practice. They believe that they should be Christians only, plus nothing, divided by nothing, that where the New Covenent speaks they should speak, where it is silent they should be, thus binding nothing on mans conscience he has not bound, loosing nothinf he has not loosed.
 They emphasize the following among other Scriptural considerations:
 l. A faithful declaration of the word of God only, as vital to salvation, and for doctrine and discipline without the aid of human creeds as tests of fellowship.
 ?. The terms of admission into the Kingdom of God, as given by the Lord and his inspiried apostles, without any human modification.
 ohe af baptism and the Lords Supper ac- cording to the word and spirit of the New Testament.
 4. The Church of Christ as q thor- ough democracy in all matters of ex- pediency, but an absolute monarchy the King hath revealed his will.
 5. The indwelling of the spirit of Christ, in fullness and power, working the Fathers will, the unspeakable privilege of every obedient becever.
 6. The employment of all liberties granted in Christ, both in doctrine and conduct without any sectarian license or limitations.
 '. The unity of all believers in the Father. Son and Holy Spirit, in order for the worlds salvation, as pleaded for by the Savior.
 The local congregation, known as the Church of Christ, corner of Fifth avenue and Monroe street Is beginning special series of evangelistic meet ings today to continue for some time. A large supply of new song books are ready for this meeting, and a large