The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-08-09

Editor The Washington Herald:
Mr. Macfarland has made courteous
and rather taking answer to my open let
ter, in which he gives II as his opinion
that I am entirely wrong in this mat
ter"
He gives two reasons. One IS that amy
national conference meeting in Washing
ton would consider itself honored In be-
ing addressed by the President Of the
United States. and properly So" But
surely that depends. and IS the very ques-
ton at issue II il be borne in mind that
religion is no part Of the public function
OF his Office, then it is seen at once that
he Is under no official obligation Of cour-
tesy or duty 20 recognize religious con-
ferences. which are not 10 be classed with
secular and political gatherings. The pro-
priety OF his having anything to do with
any Of them is an open question between
him and the parties concerned and the
public, and in each case must admit OF
being canvassed on it's merits.
The function of welcoming conventions
70 this city is ordinarily performed by
Commissioner Macfarland with great tact
and wonderful versatility. I suppose he
VIII. with his usual address welcome the
Layman's convention.
But whether the views Of the welCOmer
harmonic with those OF the convention
has nothing 10 40 with the occasion, as
he takes no part therein But it IS too
obvious for any discussion that the case
is wholly different with the opening and
organizing orator OF the occasion; and
this is the issue submitted in my open
letter.
The otber raason not ~ sDeak ~ the
relative credibility Of testimony already
bcrne and familiar. is found in the incl
dent OF Carnegie Hall. But as overtop-
ping that in importance, there was, I
think, a prior meeting in that hall which
has a decided pertinence, and Of much
more Importance to the movement under
consideration. desire especially TO call
attention to IT, as Il win serve 10 enforce
the argument Of the open letter and re-
lieve me of the misrepresentation OF be-
ing entirely wrong In this matter
Action Of Conference.
have succeeded In finding a somewhat
fun account given Of it by the permanent
chairman. and will quote sufficient to
cover the point. 1t is as follows: The
great conference. which met in Carnegie
Han on November Is to q. 1865. was COM
posed Of about 500 delegates, representing
thirty Christian UNCONVENTIONAL churches.
among which were the Presbyterian, the
Protestant Episcopal the Methodist the
Baptist. the Lutheran, the Disciples. the
Friends the Reformed and the United
Brethren. The leaders Of the churches
were present In large numbers.
The meeting from beginning 10 end was
a pronounced success. The only question
before the conference which occasioned
serious debate was that OF the Deity OF
Christ: the preamble TO the plan OF fed
GRAFTON recognized Jesus as the Divine
Saviour and Lord" Objection was made
10 this by one delegate in behalf Of the
Unitarian Church. Effective reply was
made 10 this objection. that the plan CEN
tered around persona concrete per-
son, and not simply an abstract doctrine
and that person was Jesus. the only be-
gotten Son of God.
The plan Of federation was approved
upon this Trinitarian basis by a vote OF
about 800 TO /; and It is 10 be understood
that the vast majority of Protestant
Christians in America. both young and
old, are loyal 10 the uttermost 10 Jesus
Christ as their Divine Lord and Saviour.
DR.. ". H. Roberts, whom l have
quoted. also remarks: The fact Is 70
be emphasized that this conference was
unique historic gathering. II was one
Of the most notable assemblies OF be-
levers ever held in connection with the
interests Of the Kingdom OF Christ"
L. Bear in mind that the Catholics hold
as firmly as Protestants 10 the Deity Of
Christ. The diversion made in the con-
ference I'm behalf Of CnitaTians had refer
ence 10 the admission Of Chaplain DR.
Edward Z Hale, who knocked for adj
mission. but was refused overwhelmingly.
The churches in this conference in Car
negie Hail foUg years ago are the very
ones carrying forward the Laymans
Movement, whose convention is to be
held in Washington November next. At.
their conference last December thirty
four denominations were represented. It
is understood that 2oO0o 900 Of our people
are connected with these bodies II may
be safely said that there is no distinctive
doctrine of our Christianity more de-
voutly and universally held than the doc
; trine OF the Trinity. the practical phase
OF which Is especially the Deity OF Christ.
the Goldman. II He be not Deity, then
Christians worship a creature and are
doomed to the consequences Of idolatry.
Those who refuse to give Him the glory
that is His due also face the conse-
quences
An Absurd Position.
But what an absurdity for any one who
in his faith marks Christians as idolators
Joining In the propagation Of this
idolatry? Whilst surrounded with such
hosts whose faith is embodied IN my
"open letter TO you. Mr.. Macfarland.
you surely cannot expect me to acquiesce
in your opinion that am entirely wrong
in this matter" OF the convention. 1 had
supposed myself not only friendly 10 the
President but really as defending him
against all efforts to use him for effect.
To be spoken OF as attacking him crates
like harsh thunder on my ears
In conclusion, let me ask:
What would be thought Of a national
Democratic convention which should ask
and arrange for a very distinguished Re
publican 20 make its opening address?
The question answers itself with a broad
smile or loud laugh at the righteousness
OF the situation-not the righteousness Of
, the Republican orator in condescending to
hnlghten his fellow-citizens Of the obfus-
Gated Democratic party. but at the be-
nighted convention for putting itself in
such an anomalous position, unless It
was understood 10 be a formal procedure
for Topping over 10 the opposing party
represented by the speaker.
That the procedure announced for the
missionary convention In Washington
next November should excite less surprise
and dissent must be due. It seems 70 me.
either 10 a failure truly TO apprehend the |
serious issues involved. or because our
religious differences are regarded as OF
less Importance than our political differ
knces Is that possible. Mr. Chairman. !
on the part Of professed Christians? Let
the occasion answer. Cordially.