Article April 7, 1906 Issue

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with contributions from George William Knox

As theological scholars recognize their essential oneness notwithstanding differing denominational names and deep differences of judgment as to important matters— because of their unity in purpose, spirit, and method, so will the Church come to an increasing unity — not because of compromises in dogma and polity, but because of the increasing sense of a vital oneness in purpose and in method. With this will come a simplification of essential Christianity, making possible unity in diversity. It will be the union of men of good will, inspired by the purpose which ruled the life of Jesus Christ. Questions in metaphysics and cosmology will remain, but they will be given their proper place. The Christian will recognize as Christian every one who takes Christ as Lord, and as co-laborer every one who seeks to hasten the coming of the divine kingdom and the doing of God's will on earth, and as brother each individual in all humanity who is to be brought to a consciousness of his divine sonship and to a participation in the blessings of our Father's house.

Prof. George William Knox.
The Congregationalist.

Frederick Denison Maurice, in speaking of the Church in America, more than half a century ago, said that it should be praised rather for its potential than for its actual accomplishments. He meant, of course, that its anticipated progress would not be measurable by its development in the first half century of our national history. It is an interesting question for churchmen to ask whether a critic as penetrating would not speak of the American Church to-day in much the same words as those used by Maurice two generations ago. The responsibilities of the Church are far greater than they have ever been before, yet it is more than doubtful whether the necessities and the outlook of a great Christian nation, developing intellectually and materially, are interpreted to-day by the Church in America more profoundly or more accurately than was the case when Maurice's criticism was expressed.—The Churchman.

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