Article April 8, 1905 Issue

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with contributions from Washington Gladden

The arguments which are made against the sacrifice of principle in this matter of union are true and have great force. But it is certain that no one truth can ever conflict with any other truth. The whole realm of truth is everywhere consistent with itself. Admitting, therefore, the truth of Christ's words, it is clear that there cannot be anything really true and important which will stand in the way of the realization of the prayer of Jesus [that they may be perfected into one]. Since this is of supreme importance, if the world is to be brought to submit to his rule, the proper attitude of all Christians is, not to emphasize the things on which they must insist, but to search for those points of difference which they will be able to yield in order to aid in bringing about that unity of his followers which Christ declared would in itself achieve the reception of his love by the world.

In view of what has been said, it will at once suggest itself that much Christian effort is at present misdirected. The extension and establishment of the kingdom of God on earth is being attempted under impossible conditions. No thoughtful person can contemplate the immense expenditures of sincere and earnest labor and of money in Christian work to-day, and the utterly inadequate results, without a feeling that there is a serious error, somewhere. May it not be that the followers of Christ are not only sapping their energies and resources by their divisions, but are rendering complete success impossible by failure to comply with the fundamental condition on which Christ himself hung the triumph of his gospel in the world? If this is true, the supreme effort of Christians should be directed toward effecting a real unity among themselves, that they might go forth a single army with a soild front to win the whole world to the love and service of their Lord.
The Watchman.

One of the indications that the revial of religion in Wales is genuine, is that Mr. Evan Roberts, one of the prominent leaders in the movement, warns his fellow-workers of the danger of trying to frighten people into conversion. He says, "Do not say anything about hell and future punishment to the people." He also protests against preaching against the theatre and the public house. His belief is that, if the right spirit is in the hearts of the people, they will show works meet for repentance. In short, his methods are exactly opposed to those of the professional revivalists, who always begin by denouncing the sins of church members and prosperous people. Such preaching is always attractive to the rabble, but is not a sign of spiritual power. The signs of the genuine revival, which comes only once or twice in a century, are spontaneity, gladness of heart, rejoicing in the love of God, the presentation of the glorious aspects of the righteous life, with faith, hope, and joy in believing.—The Christian Register.

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