The daily morning journal and courier., 1907-10-03
THE UNITARIAN
 POINT OF VIEW Unitarians Seeking Advance of Christian Hu-
 manity. ARE NOT SECTARIAN Not Much Concerned About Denominational
 Growth.

wish to acknowledge, with thanks, the copy of Zion's Herald containing the article upon the Unitarian church. es. It is unusually well arranged, fair, well disposed, and, on the whole, gives true idea of one of the Religious Forces of Boston" Such an article em- anating from the pen of Methodist shows largeness of view and kind llness of spirit which in every way is gratifying. It marks the growing tol- erance and Christlike spirit so charac- teristic to-day of the best men and women in every denomination.
 I cannot let pass, however the op- portunity to acquaint the readers of the Herald still further with the Unl- tarian spirit and purpose. The Herald is quite right in saying that Unitarian ism is more concerned about the appli- cation of Christianity than about it's enunciation. Tn this respect it believes that it follows the precepts and exam pie of the Lord Jesus. Every Unitarian takes to heart those words of the Mas ter: ''Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, but he that doeth the will of my Father" and in every Sun day school the final method of judg- ment pronounced by Jesus is taught and reiterated. "Inasmuch as ye fed the hungry, visited the sick, clothed the naked {. ye did it unto me" When this is remembered, the practical showing we make, tor, as insist in calling 1t, the Christian" showing, bulks large. If we are declining de- nomination, then by the Herald's show ing Gas reflected in the articles so far published) we are doing far more in philanthroplc, social, educational and charitable directions than are the im- portant denominations already written up.
 Take, if you please, simply the activ- ities enumerated in Zlon's Herald-do they not show a wealth of thought given to every good project, a generos- dty of purse, and a civic conservation to the highest human ideals hard to match by any other single sect in Bos- ton? For denomination that has "thrown away it's gospel" this passion for human well-being that is so mo- ticeable this ceaseless interest In every educational project that may elevate the race, this spending and being spent in philanthropic endeavor, seems diff fcult to explain.
 I will not controvert the statement that, as a denomination, we are not growing It is true, or at least, person ally, I think 1t true. Various reasons might be adduced for this lack oi growth, but there is one which may have escaped attention, and upon that I wish to dwell.
 Let me cite my own experiences; fol in such matters it is better to givt first-hand testimony: My ministry wal started in the Rocky Mountain town 0 Bcrlder in 1883, town of $500 inhab itarts, and possessing already Ii littl struggling churches. Although it wa ccrceded that the Unitarians werC cnicng the wealthiest and most influ erltial, and in long struggle nigh twin out" yet 1t seemed to me posi- lively irreliglous to continue these de nominational differences. The Congre gationalists owned an excellent bric1 building, but they were without pas tor; the Unitarians worshipped in church rented from the Adventists. proposed that the two organization merge, call liberal Congregations minister, and worship in the Congrega t!onal church. This was done and
 proceeded to Denver. In Denver, | 1884, there were no night schools fo newsboys, cashboys etc.; no sewin school for poor young girls; no "asso ciated charities to take care of UT fortunate poor and sick people tha had drifted to Colorado no woma ns tron in the Jail to take care of ft male prisoners temporarily detained in fact, no law against young gir TO- ming the streets at any hour of tl night to the great increase of shan ard immortality.
 In the parlor of one of my parisl toners the associated charity organizt ton was formed, of which l pecan vice-president; and at nearly the san time. in connection with devote Catholic priest and a Congregation minister, movement was inaugural, which led to stricter laws and securi for defenseless girls. While engaged
 these activities prominent layman 0 fe1ed. with others, to buy small Ba