The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1907-01-30

latter days, it has not been expected
to teach much to the Christian world
in the way of religion. Buddhism and
Shintoism are not expected to have
any messages for the world today,
and yet certain conditions existing in
Japan are likely to bring about results
there which may have influence else
where.
A correspondent of the Now York
Tribune calls attention to the move
ment for cooperation and consOlida-
ton among the missionaries in Japan.
They have learned over there that Sec
tarianism repels to such an extent as
to seriously. it not effectually, nulllfy
missionary effort. The Jap stumbles
over the multiplication of sects. He
can't understand why the Christianity
of the Methodist and the Presbyterian
and the Congregationalist and all the
other Christian denominations, espe-
cially of the Protestant church. should
not be represented by one OrganiZa-
ton and expressed in one form of be-
lief. Denominational differences are
things about which he has inherited no
prejudices or preferences and, cOnced-
ing the essentials of Christianity, he
despises the non-eSsentialS.
The result is that the denominations
are getting together. They are obliged
to. This movement toward unity is
gradual. but nevertheless certain Vari-
Gus branches of the Presbyterian have
laid aside all their differences. The
congregational, United Brethren and
Methodist Protestants, which have re-
Gently effected a union in America, are
one in Japan. The Methodist church
has had several distinct organized
bodies-the North the South and the
Canadian-and against the opposition
of the boards at home the MethOdists
nj Japan have come together; SO also
the Protestant Episcopal church Of
America and the Church of England.
Still further progress toward union
is expected and many predict ulti-
mately one native Christian japanese
church without any denOminatioal di-
visions. There are reported to be en-
rolled in the membership of the
Protestant churches of Japan $4,000
persons-not so very many in total
of 10000 900 but nevertheless a nue.
leus of aggressive Christian senti-
ment which under the more favorable
conditions of union will undoubtedly
become more rapidly augmented.
What has happened in Japan is sug-
gestive of tedencies at home. While
the present day has inherited denom-
national prejudices and preferences
and the necessity of gettig together
is therefore not so pressing, unques-
tionably the principle of cooperation.
if not of actual union. is more gem
orally recognized and followed nov
than formerly and the tendency is
constantly toward the elimination. of
unessental differeces.
Perhaps it is not to be expected
minor points of religious truth. Prob
ably if union We're effected in whole
sale way it could not be permanently
maintained. Differences would ARISE
and divergences of opinion would be
entertained ad ew sects would make
their appearance, but what has hap
pened in Japan is pretty certain TO
come about in the rest of the Christian
world Christian effort and CHRISTIAN
nrofession are almost certain TO be
forced into closer relations and greater
effectiveness by diverting attention
from non-essentials and centerlng IN
terest upon the great truths OF the
Christian religion as the one vital
faith in the world.