The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-07-02
.INDrv1puAL1sM IN THE CHURCH,

1t has many branches. 1t is divided
by many artificial walls. 1t is an as
ISOLATION of Christian believers Its one
Its membership is wholly voluntary. in
these days. Those who think alike on
questions of doctrine associate them
selves together. each individual judg-
ing for himself as to the particular
school with which he shall associate
himself. The several combinations of
individuals form the several religious
denominations or churches, the con-
nection being determined largely by
environment or by circums tances; but
all of the denominations that are
Christian are held together in spite
of their individualistic differences by
one strong. overwhelming. all-pervad-
ing belief in the Great Founder OF the
Christian religion.
At the recent Baptist Alliance
held in Philadelphia. the Rev. DR..
II H. Pitt, Editor of the Religious
Herald. of Richmond. delivered a re-
merkably well considered address on
the subject-"Limits of Individualism
In the Church" in which he contended
Tho. fyhile religion begins with the
Evidual.' religion does not end with
n individual. 1t has its social aspects,
ei out of these grow varied and in
Emerable relationships and CORES
inding duties These relationships
fd obligations must limit in a practi-
II no rt,-fln
lhts OF the individual Entrance upon
" social compact involves the sur
tder OF individual liberty to a great
! or less degree" This, II seems to
3 is very clear exposition OF what
known as decentralization among
ofessing Christians. y Baptist is a
sapiist because he believes sincerely
the doctrine or Views of that aaso.
! .ation on questions of Church gov
Il rnment, on questions az to the Scrip
'sural mode OF baptism. on other ques.
Nttons affecting the intellectual con,
5rictions OF those who are associated
with this particular branch OF the
lreat Church OF Christ. SO long as IA
man is affiliated with II particular
body of believers he is bound by every
consideration of personal responsibility
10 cooperate with those who are as
ISOLATED with him. There Is such a
thing as church independence. but as
II well founded dread it is. of ecclesins-
teal tyranny our historic and per-
petua1 protest against pope. priest,
presbyter council, ana the like has
led us to the other extreme" There
must be cooperation with sister
|ct urches or other organizations so long
]fS such cooperation does not compel
3He surrender of well-founded convic-
ticns upon meth6as. or rather upon
doctrines. AS DR.. Pitt. said: "Doctrinal,
ethical and practical limitations thus
&surround the individual in his reIa-
q ion TO his Church. but such limita-
= ions must not be regarded as letters
FL bich IN the spirit OF the galley slave
81 is compelled TO wear" The prnci,
2'e of cooperation lies at the very
SIS OF the Church or churches. This
inciple must he widened and exalted
pultiplied in its applications II
best results are to be obtained for
e human race The most deadly ana
8ar-reaching OF heresles is not SO muci.
octrinal as practical. 1T is found
q the failure of individual Christians
50 rejoice in the opportunity Of col
y Iteration for the Kingdom OF Christ.
s. their persistent ana wiIfuI neglec,
fftf -tra -.
and lowly duty, but an nesiimsble and
glorious privilege. To be orthodox
sbn baptism-the act, the subject and
ne administrator. on communion lis
Significance and its participants. on
Church order and procedurc-thcse. 10
pc sure. are not desplcable. ana it Is
! not my purpose to underestimate them.
8but l dare to say tnat to be orthodox
I'm these while one turns his back un.
Tfoved upon the world that lieth in
! nc evil one, while one stands indif
srent to the vast procession Of hu.
ian souls moving out into darkness
mile one refuses to join that great
my struggling for righteousness Tor
ndne.s. for nobleness for the thing.
- are lovely and -of, good report IS
title the anise and the cumm,n.
- mint ead.-.4c all, while the
Fighter matters OF the law and the
= 'srel so neglected and uncared for"
We do not know ho"' he case could
Gave been presented in a. more force
! way There ought TO be among the
az topie who cali themselves Christians
essentials unity. in non-essenuals
II erty. in all things charity"
"A =------
ANOTHER TAFT APPOINTMENT.