The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1913-04-29


challenged a representative of the Chris
tian religion to meet him in debate.
Mr.. Campbell took up the gage Of bat
tie and the result Of the meeting is now
matter of history, and we are notaware
that the friends of Mr.. Owen have ever
done much to circulate the volume
which contains the report Of the discus
sion. Alexander Campbell examinded
under the search-light the astounding
claims of others who were apparently
hostile to American institutions, and
halted their aggressions. The Protes-
tantism of our country is under great
debt of gratitude to him.
His preaching tours covered great
scope Of country. His public discussions
involved great amount OF labor. He
founded and maintained college many
years prior to his death In all, 50 vol
umes are the product of his pen. He
lived the strenuous life in the days of
the stage coach. How he accomplished
so much under hindering circumstances
is still the wonder of all who are famil
lar with bis career.
But | wish to speak particularly Of
the genius of the work he began. In his
day the issue was between the Divine
and the human standards of authority.
Today that issue is dead one The
battle has been fought. New and more
vital issues confront our age 1t is now
agreed that if we maintain our devotion
to christianity at all it must be done
through the medium OF the Scriptures
And that leads to another consideration,
viz: Who shall interpret the Scriptures
for us? The right of private judgment
at once comes to the front as mighty
principle. 1t is here that the widest
freedom is given in the deliberations OF
the Disciples. Others may give simi-
lar freedom, but they can speak for
themselves. In matters of opinion where
the revelation of certain doctrines was
obscure, it was fixed principle with
the Campbells that private opinions diff
fering widely with the individuals could
be held, only one man must not impose
his opinions upon another as a test of
fellowship. As result of that there
has been much freedom of opinion, and
consequently much misunderstanding.
But the principle is just, though we
may differ as to how far that principle
can be carried. In few words, the Dis
ciples believe that much diversity NAV
be allowed in every congregation, while
the great central verities of the Chris
tian faith are adhered to.
We often hear it said that one mans
opinion is as good as another's. That
does very well in theory. but no one re-
spects it in practice. The opinions of
the trained mind must be Of more value
than those of the unframed mind. The
views of scholar who has had every op-
portunity to investigate and form just
conclusions must have more value than
those of man who has nevor had such
SPbOAtohieJs consequently WuOIo ull
ference of views prevails, there must be
great tolerance and a warm enthusiasm
for the cause of education. II will be
seen that both are the outgrowth OF the
Disciples particular views. II we want
rational views we must be patient with
Irrational views. and we must do all in
our power to foster such system of ed
ucation as shall give US the wisdom and
moderation that guarantee the removal
of our mental equipment as far as pos
sible from the ignorant and the fan
atical
We believe thoroughly in the sanity
of cultivated reason, and the hopeful
ness of christianity. If there are those
who preach a religion Of optimism and
good cheer, we more. If there are those
who make discoveries which seem as
important to them as the discovery Of
America, we invite such enthusiasm and
attempt to match it. We try to find a
place for all that is worthy, sound and
healthful. And in addition, we are ever