The daily morning journal and courier., 1907-11-09
Saturday, November 9, 1907.
4 SIGNIFICANT DISCOURSE.

abroad inducing union of thought and feeling on the part of the religious de- nominations was the notable discourse of Rev. Dr. E. P. Parker, delivered in his own church, the South Congrega- tional of Hartford, in connection with the communion service last Sunday morning. In these days when the de- nominations are approaching one an- other in more brothorly fashion; when regular Baptists and Free Baptists are talking of merging; when Congrega- tionaltsts, United Brethren and Meth odist Protestants have already ar ranged to become one when state and national federations are drawing all churches into closer bond of fellow ship, the utterance of pr. Parker is peculiarly pertinent and has signih- canoe that should not be lost, for it is an expression of the thought of many, again and again coming to the surface by the words of men who are doing duty in their watch towers and declar- ing the things that they see of the forward movement in the religious field
 pr. Parker points out that the names used to designate churches, as North, South, East, or West, church, Farming ton Avenue or Windsor Avenue, indi- cate nothing of the special character and work of the churches, as do such names as Church of the Redeemer," or "Church of the Messiah" The points of the compass as names for churches "have the significance of a finger post" He would like his church called "All Souls Church" because the name expresses broad Christian fellow ship, Comprehensive, undenominational, associated with Christ and with hu- f1anity; open and free to all on the simplest terms of communion and fel- lowship consistent with Christian institution" He would have church "fraternizing with all other churches without let or hindrance," in which the ordinance of baptism would.be adminis- tered according to the conviction of those seeking admittance to member ship. "My All Souls Church." says Dr. Parker, should admit and have room enough in it for Christians of all de- nominations, for all sorts and condi- tions of men" He further raises the question; What really good reason is there why Christian church should not be broad and comprehensive and free enough to indulge many and wide diversities of opinion and desire and to reconcile them by recognition and respect of them?" A suggestive oues- tion is this, but another might be add ed: sWhy is it necessary at all in order to have Christian church to insist that all must think alike on theological questions when a Christian church is essentially an institution of spiritual fellowship? Why should a Christian church be built on series of theologi- cal or metaphysical concepts, wrought in more or less logical fashion, when the Christian church is fundamentally built on love and good will?
 But the particularly pointed portion of pr. Parker's discourse is found in his reference to this credal side of the church. He would have ia church cut loose from formal and rigid creed and covenant, with only brief and simple statement of agreement, comprising the elemental and essential things upon which all who profess and call them selves Christians, all who desire to as- sociate together for the welfare of hu- manity, in the name of Christ. might stand together, in the recognition and respect of many differences of opinion. I find no more warrant or sanction, either In Scripture, history, or common sense, for many of our castiron church cove nants. than for many of our church creeds." Here is suggested platform on which all Christians may stand in the "unity of the spirit" Who will say that 8 simple, elementary state ment of faith is not more intelligible, sensible, Christian, than a credal sys- tenn about which the finest minds are not in agreement?
 For most people the simplest state ment of faith is needed But on the contrary a member seeking member ship in church is expected to accept g rigid, abstruse confession or creed, which most members never think through, while many of them have not the ability to think through the subtleties about which our the oiogians clash. The credal state