Page:Scriptural Basis of Christian Unity.pdf/10

 Conscioust or unconsciously, the dogma that the organization is the church rules their thought and directs the procedure for attaining the desired goal. It seems almost impossible, under present conditions, for people to think of Christianity in other than denominational terms.

If the denomination should be the unit, if the prayer of Jesus will be answered when all denominations are united in one organization, of whatever sort it may be, then we should do everything in our power to hasten such a consummation. We should federate, compromise, broaden terms of fellowship, all agree to submit to majority rule, or bureaucratic control—in short, make any and every sacrifice to perfect a visible corporate organization, embracing all Christians in its membership, from which none could withhold himself, or withdraw, without schismatic guilt. Perhaps 90 per cent. of present thought is directed toward the accomplishment of such an arrangement.

A typical attempt along these lines in Philadelphia a few months since will illustrate the tendency. It is perhaps the most pretentious of recent plans, heralded by its sponsors as furnishing a working basis for further procedure.

It is modeled largely after the Federal Constitution of the United States.

Its aim is to provide for the co-operation of all denominations, leaving each free to manage its own denominational affairs in its own way, retaining any polity, employing any form of worship, teaching any doctrine it may desire. Each cooperating body would choose representatives to sit with similar delegates from other bodies in directing or 10