The Huntington Argus

For the Argus.

TRUE BASIS OF CHRISTIAN UNION.

Without we make a difference between Faith and Opinion, we will never make any progress toward Christian Union. There is a difference between the Revelations of God and opinions of men. Hence it is that matters of belief and speculations on religious subjects are classed together as 'religious opinions;' and by this the Holy Writ has lost much of its authority and respect, by being reduced to level with human opinions. It is not claimed that men will agree in opinions. It is nowhere commanded in the Scriptures that men should be of one opinion. It is declared there is One Faith, but is nowhere said there is one opinion.

Then the difference between Faith and opinion is this: matters of Faith rest entirely upon a Divine Warrant. Matters of opinion do not rest upon a Divine warrant, but are simply speculations upon subordinate questions. Where the Bible speaks, there is no place for an opinion; if any one offers a declaration of Holy Writ, it is nothing more or less than disbelief.

All Protestants assert that the way of salvation is clearly defined in the Bible, so as to be plain to any one; then, if erroneous views be formed, it is not the fault of the Bible, but in the mind of the errorist; he comes to the scriptures as an advocate of preconceived opinions; thus it is plain to be seen how we have so many different denominations, each of which had a founder whose opinions were peculiar to themselves. Sectarianism is a prolific source of opinions. If we had but one church, we would have less religious disputes.

But says one, the different branches of the churches will convert the world, because men's opinions will find a home in some of these branches. I would say to that man, that the Church that Jesus Christ founded does not branch; there is but one Church known in the Scriptures; and further, the creeds and institutions of the different sects are utterly unknown to the Bible.

In order that these sects may unite is the object of these letters. Upon what common ground can all Christians unite? This question is of vast importance, if we ever expect the Union of God's people. It is not upon the speculations and opinions of men, nor is it upon that sect or association that has the greatest or least number of members; the basis of Union contains nothing that is human in its origin.

As the lofty oak was originally contained in a single cell of an acorn, upon which was impressed all the laws of development that would finally be the mighty monarch of the woods. So it pleased God to wrap up in a single proposition that vast remedial system which may overspread and the ter the whole assembled family of man in it is the good seed of the kingdom.

The same infinite wisdom dictated the arrangements both of nature and religion. In both means, the most simple produce the grandest result. In both, the processes are slow and gradual. The proposition 'that man cannot save himself' dare not contain too little nor does it contain too much. Let it be the proposition that God first made the divine 'He prayeth best who loveth best.' This proposition, and this alone can all Christianite amite all that we are al thate cnte 0 ti ev c4n oe on thep i. . r : . . · I te a dieentingero .'.is.:t. t.1.1 the gm aIo hae fomlat chmnn ft that a luud lik toethehrt It will be noted that God speaks to man directly, but when He lays aside, the ordinary method, we may be sure that the communication is of most transcendent importance. Such was the