The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-10-15


These words of the Apostle and
Prophet Paul have been interpreted,
and most properly, it would seem, as
describing the church. They are all
encompassing. They bring all men
to one level and into one company
when it comes to their worship of God.
They do not separate and classify the
people into a variety of congregations
or denominations. Eye are Gods
husbandry'' is all-comprehensive. It
points to the union of all people in
the service of the Master. The same
thought is expressed in a variety of
different ways in many parts of the
New Testament. In Ephesians, the
church is described as the family Of
God. 1t is called the flock of God in
Acts. In st. John, 1t is likened to the
fold of Christ. Wherever it is de-
scribed in the works and letters Of
the apostles, the idea is conveyed that
it is a unit, a solitary institution.
In the centuries ago when these ut
terances were delivered there was only
one church, that one, the foundation
of which is described in st. Matthew
where Christ says: "And upon this
rock I will build my church: and the
gates of hell shall not prevail against
It," But in the days which have fol-
lowed this single church has been
split up into branches and factions in
Vulnerable There has been an agita-
ton. though, of late years for the de-
velopment, the recreation of the
church universal, the restoration of the
church of God to what it once was,
a single body.
Has any progress been made In this
direction? It would seem so. A couple
of generations ago the rivalries be-
tween several different denominations
were so strong that the members of
one had little or no respect for those
of another. They were, in fact, enc
miles, even If that expression is trifle
harsh. And they were enemies not
only as regards their differences in re-
ligion. They carried their enmity into
the fields of business and the avenues
of pleasure. There is not much of that
sort of thing now. In its place, fine
and noble spirit of liberation prevails
as between one church sect and an
other. Not only that, but actual cam
paigning is going on to bring about
a union of all churches. This was ev1-
denced again the other day when the
delegates to the convention of the
Christian church, now in session in
this city, expressed it as their sense
that their church should make it
point to labor for a unification of all
Christian denominations and the wip-
ing out of UNCONVENTIONAL lines.
And why shrould this not be done?
As a matter of fact, There is really
little difference between the churches
of today. Such as exists concerns
minor details of belief and forms of
worship. But their aims and aspira-
lions are identical. They are all striv-
ing to better humanity, to make men
measure up nearer to the way of liv-
ing and doing that was pursued by
the great teacher. Jesus of Nazareth.
In doing this they are working for
higher civilization, for the progress
of the world along more righteous
lines. It would appear that the results
might be larger and quicker If this
magnificent work was undertaken and
carried on along the same lines and
with the same tools.
1t will be years, centuries maybe,
before a unification of all churches
will be worked out, If it ever Is. Men
are tenacious of their beliefs which
have been handed down to them from
generation to generation. But such a
work Is under way. And as it pro-
crosses, even most slowly, 1t is help
full. For it breaks down the barriers
of distrust, or rather prejudice, which
exists between one set of churchmen
and another. It brings them more
closely together and helps them to a
realization of the meaning to the
brotherhood of man. In this way it is
wonders for the whole
people of the universe.