The Detroit times., 1911-04-24
MAKES PLEA FOR
CHRISTIAN UNITY
Doctrinal Differences Hamper WORK
of Soul Saving, W. P. Lovett
Tells Baptist Ministers.

William p. Lovett. formerly &
Baptist pastor in Bay City and Grand
Rapids. Mich, now Detroit newspa
per correspondent. In the course oI
an address on Christian unity a con
dition OF world conquest, before the
Baptist Ministers conference, in the
Woodwardave. Baptist church, Mon
/ day morning. made plea for less
doctrinal difference among the CLERGY
lie spoke from the viewpoint of a
layman and argued that there was
nothing TO be gained for Christianity
by Quarreling over the Interpretation
OF the Scriptures. After discussing
unity as prescribed in the Bible, and
as necessary on rational grounds, Mr.
Loyett said in part
One of the problems today is the
church in small town. While many
other reasons may exist for making
the work of the rural church hard, |
believe many men today refuse 10
support such work because they do
not appreciate the fine points of doc
trine that divide some OF the demon
nations. and are Disguised with the
sectarian squabbles that cause di-
vision. They suspect We are more
jealous to save our denomination
than TO save the community and the
world Whether We like this condi-
ton or not, 1t is fact We must
face"
Mr.. Lovett said the test of de-
nomination should be its acceptance
of Jesus Christ as Lord and Master,
and its loyalty TO the truth In the
Bible. He urged churches TO be true
to the real Christ, rather than merely
to teach a doctrine on the subject.
He continued:
I'VE forget that to win men to our
doctrine about Christ, We must testi'
fy OF Him by our lives. We cannot
force a spiritual truth on carnal
minds. John Wesley said he was sick
OF mere opinions, and wanted only
men full of faith mercy and good
works, regardless Of their particular
doctrines. He that saith that Christ
Is Lord Is orthodox, for he acknow-
lodges His divinity. But neither ORTIZ
odoxy nor piety alone Is sufficient
there must be practical obedience 70
the will OF God"
The speaker quoted from a famous
Baptist secretary, who declared that
on account of present conditions and
needs in the far east. among the SO
called heather nations, the injection
of sectarian distinctions into the mis-
sionary work cannot be less than
criminal. The motto should be, mo
creed but Christ, no law but love
Mr.. Lovett commended the Roman
Catholic church for Its unity in d.
versity and its flexibility OF admins
tration. He said he would not advo'
cate any change of doctrine, but an
attitude of friendliness to all who
held different doctrines.
Thousands Of souls were lost to
the Protestants, he said. because al
people becoming offended at the ex
aggerated emphasis placed on the
different points OF doctrine. These
persons, he explained, simply re
NAMED out of church altogether.
He also declared that some people
are too much worried over the mod
ern liberal movement. with its mes
sage of evolution and higher criti-
cism. While the speaker did not
agree with all the new ideas along
those lines, he said ministers and
churches should not shut their eyes
and ears to new or better interpreta-
tions OF religion, but accept the good
and leave out the bad. Unless new
ideas and policies are constantly
adopted the church will stand still,
and men will let II alone as having
outliyed it's real usnf'i~~-s. In re-
gard to this movement. Mr.. Lovett
quoted DR.. Parkhurst. OF New York,
as follows:
Martin Luther would have stood
no more chance Of being ordained as
Presbyterian minister than Of be-
ing elected pope of Rome. But the
old hereto, with his ragged Bible,
did more to bring on the kingdom OF
heaven than all of the Presbyterians
of New York could do, II they all
worked together"
Speaking OF the beliefs OF the Bap-
fist church. Mr.. Loyett said:
I'VE believe that there Is a germ
of truth contained in the teaching or
Christian Science, faith cure. but we
have SO harshly denounced the alb
surdities which some have mingled
with the truth, as to compel fanati-
raadara IN 90 off and aafah1fp N