Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 156, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 July 1918 — SECTARIANISM. [ARTICLE]

SECTARIANISM.

There is a movement on foot to organize the churches of this county for the work to be done after the close of £he war. That this will be a great work for the church there can be no doubt. If it is done in the spirit of selfishness, having for its greatest purpose the upbuilding of the individual church, adding numbers and wealth to a certain demonination rather than the benefit that should come to those who need help surely no great good can come out of the movement. When a 'bishop says that he loves his church more than he loves his country he is aggrevating a large sentiment among people who already think of the church as narrow, fish and full of bigotry. There is a sentiment that many ministers and meinbers of denominations of the church are more concerned about the numbers to get gathered into their organization than they are about the real good the church should do. More real joy is experienced when some prominent, influential person come into the church than when some humble down trodden soul has been helped and saved from poverty and degradation. The real joy is often the ' greatest demonination, rather than saved from the ranks of those, who as the church sees it, are lost. Is it not possible that if this energy expended in rivalry was used in co-operation with all the great forces that should be at work for the uplifting of humanity that much greater benefits would accure. Is there a good and sufficient reason that there should be these hundred and one demoninations dissipating their efforts and energy and more loyal to some petty difference than to the great good that should be done by the church itself? It is the true conception of Christianity that the soul of the plutocrat is more precious than the soul of the plebeian? That the song of a great classical choir causes more joy above than the humble thanks expressed by some outcast that has been extended the helping hand? Are great sermons given higher value by the Master than deeds of pure unselfish charity. Will the reward in the hereafter be given because one belongs to the demonination wearing the best clothes, having the best trained choir, the most eloquent preacher and consisting of the select of the community? Why not the individual or the church receive the greatest blessing that has served humanity best? Can the Christian church meet the great needs of humanity in its present divided selfishness? Does not the exaltation of creed and class debase and divide humanity rather than to serve and help? In our own fair city are the best interests of the community being served by the unnecessary divisions of the church? Can any one where worship in spirit and in truth in palatial homes and grand church edifices while within the sound of the bell of that church, there is need for the hand of charity and the heart of love?

The young child whose environment, if not changed, will make of him a pauper or a criminal or both should be the object of greater concern than the addition to the dominational roster of some one whose admission into the chosen fold would add appearance and wealth. As long as churches fight each other they are sure to have less strength with which to fight the devil. The continuation of the conditions is surely pleasing to old nick, but hard on those to whom the church should reach a helping hand.