The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-25
DR. ATKINS MAKES EXTENDED COMMENT ON EDMONDS' CASE Disciples of Christ Will Be Able to Sympathize With
 His Efforts OWN CHURCH FORMED IN, VERY SIMILAR WAY Grew Out of Censure of Thomas Campbell By West Pennsylvania
 Presbytery-Disciples Elm
 phasize Faith In Christ
 

Dr. Henry Pearce Atkins. pastor of the First Christian church, in his sermon yesterday, made extended references to Dr. Henry M. Edmonds, and his recent withdrawal from the South Highland Presbyterian church. He declared that the disciples of Christ could we'll sym pathize with the efforts of pr. Edmonds for an independent congregation be- cause of the fact that out of criticism of the presbytery of western Pennsylvania more than 100 years ago, Thomas Camp bell withdrew from his church and found- ed another based on the Bible.
 'The Disciples of Christ" said MT. Att kins, "can sympathize with Dr. Edmonds and the movement for an independent con sregation for the reason that our own movement for Christian unity was born under similar conditions
 Birth of Christian Church
 "Over 100 years ago the presbytery of western Pennsylvania, of which Thomas Campbell then was a member. passed a vote of censure upon him for having invited those of other communions to a celebration of the Lords supper. The in- vitation had been extended by Thomas Campbell in his desire to bring the war closer fellowship in Jesus Christ. Not desiring to be separated from his brethren Thomas Campbell submitted to the cen. sure which was afterwards removed; but out of the issues of the trial and be- cause of his Catholicity of spirit there arose a bitter opposition against him. Although deeply pained he faced the in- evitable and withdrew from his prespy- tery. appealing. as Dr. Edmonds has done, from the articles of his denomination to the Holy Scripture themselves. He con- tinued preaching as an independent, or ganizing associations from various com munions comprised of those who, like himself. felt the need of church reforma- tion. Declaring independence of all sys- tems of theology as tests of fellowship these associations pleaded for the union of all Christians upon the Bible and the Bible only as authority for faith and practice. and insisted that nothing ought to be received into the faith and worship of the church, or made test of com munion among Christians that was not as old as the scriptures of the New Testa- ment.
 Seek to Establish Essentials
 "Following the oft-repeated saying of Thomas Campbell, Where the scriptures speak we speak; where the scriptures are silent we are silent;' we disciples of Christ have always sought to distinguish between the essentials and the non-essen- tials, and between the facts of scripture and theological interpretations of those facts. This has given room for widest divergence of opinion among us, but in the vital points of Christianity we stand in practical agreement. Distinguishing between matters of faith and matters of opinion we have been saved from trials for heresy, and in seeking to exalt Jesus Christ we have regarded but one heresy as fatal-that of failure to love and fol- low Him. If any man love not the Lord writes the Apostle Paul, let him be anathema.' Orthodoxy knows no higher test.
 As to the question of inspiration, we have accepted the fact of the in spiration of the scriptures but we have never attempted to formulate any theory regarding the way 1t had been accomplished. One may accept a me- ohanical theory of inspiration and an- other may accept a theory deeply spir- itual. Both are at home among us and their opinions are not called into question The vital question, after all, is, Are these scriptures made the rule of faith and practice? Are they being used for guidance in the things of Jesus Christ? Are they being ac- cepted for teaching. for reproof for correction, for instruction which is in Their use for purposes such as these is sufficient evidence of faith in their inspiration by the spirit of Almighty God.
 Positive Message of Atonement
 "As to the question of atonement. the very heart of the gospel. we dis ciples of Christ have preached a most positive message. But 1t has been again message of fact and not a message of theory. We have sought
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