The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-11-15
MEN, WOMEN
AND THINGS

-
then the Baptists. to use a movie ex-
preston, we're CLOSE up" for awhile; and
then Dr.. Henry Edmonds put the North
Alabama Presbytery on the front page.
NOW l was reared in the Methodist fold
and 1 know Methodism from the inside.
L reckon this Is one reason 1 can't keep
out of their meetings, for deep down In
my heart nave a great love for the
followers of John Wesley. Being connect
ed with the Baptist, 1 expected to
show UP whenever they get together. My
only regret that our state convention con-
flicted with that of the Presbytery or /
would have run down to Montgomery to
fellowship with the Presbyterians, for te-
lieving in prayer. 1 feel sure that those
of dear Presbyterian aunt, which were
sent up for me, were heard and answered
by my Heavenly Father.
But l am not going to leave out the
Episcopalians, for the uncle for whom l
was named, DR.. Francis T. Willis of
Richmond, Va. was a member of that
| L
had been brought into closer and more
sympathetic relitions with still other de-
nominations, FOR am sure it would have
added to my catholicity. for have never
been overly strong on religious debates,
and am glad that they are growing fewer
and fewer as the world comes into
larger charity through suffering and a
greater sympathy through knowledge.
| l have not yet arrived at the conclu-
| sion that the time has arrived where
church unity is within the range of prac-
teal adoption, though 1 have read much
and prayed for the Fastening of the hour
| when Christians of all creeds and coun-
tries could find common platform upon
which they could stand without sacrifice
ing any of the tenets SO dear to those
nurtured within the different folds. While
organic union may be long way off, L
am yet sure that there is a better spirit
of fraternity and cooperation abroad in
the land than ever before
But it's a big question which 1 have
opened and not wishing to pursueeit fur
Their. l drop it-for my excuse in bringing
it up was to form a basis for speaking
about matter in, our own midst which
seems to be on the way to a happy solu-
ton. l suppose not being a Presbyterian
or having joined with the independent
congregation under the guidance of DR.
Edmonds, may unwittingly give offense
by what l am going to say. But some
how it seems that the questions involved
are broader perhaps than mere denomina-
tionalism and as a member of the com
munlty l wish 10 set down at least my
own thoughts.
Having relati YES and close friends hold
ing MEMBERSHIP in both the South High
lands and the Independent Presbyterian
church, have heen closely in touch with
both congregations, and with no desire
to reopen question upon which 1 am
neither competent nor called upon to
speak; yet as loving peace and harmony
hope l will be pardoned for the wish
which is backed up with my prayer that
the action of Presbytery may be but the
forerunner of a Gay when all differences
will be adjusted in the light of the spirit
Of the Master and for the purpose OF
better carrying on his blessed work, not
only here but abroad, through the consti-
tuted agencies of the great Presbyterian
church
1 speak my mind freely, not merely be-
l
but from the further fact that 1 have
such a high regard for the two ministers
who are shepherds of the two churches
to which l have referred Neither
one of them needs my commentator, for
both have more influence than l have,
yet 1 believe that Drs. McNeill and Ed
monds will permit me to speak of them
in an appreciat:ve and friendly way, for
1 consider that the Presbyterians are hon.
ored in having two such strong personal
tiles in this district, and am sure that
:; Birmingham is proud of them BOTH
1t may be of great interest and moment
to the Presbyterans to know of how the
differences were composed, but the conf
! fnuHlIy Is IlOTS liitcTcSlcQ III Tic oPSCus
healing of any wounds that may have
been made by the separation. 1 am say
ing this with full knowledge that it is
abou. as dangerous for outsider to
mix up in religious controversy as it is
for a stranger to take hand in family
row without getting considerably
scratched up for meddling in affairs
where his advice or assistance had not
been sought but volunteered.
I suppose the reason l am so venture
some as to write as I am doing comes
from the fact that am a born amalgam.
Just naturally want to see people happy
and working together. 1t Is my nature
and it is one of my hopes of heaven, for
to me personally the beatitude of the
Savior which gives me the most comfort
and hope is the one which says: Blessed
are the peacemakers, for they shall be
called the children of God" 1 belong to
that class which finds its joy in trying to
bring those who are at outs together.
hope the members of both congrega-
tons will not take it anliss or consider
that 1 think that I am worthy to preach
to them, but having been a pastor l beg
hot bo ,tar nj