THAT FEDERATION OF THE CHURCHES
By A. O. Burrell
THE State Board of the Federation of Churches for the State of New York was in session December 11, in this city—Syracuse. They formulated its policy relative to the constituency of the State council, by arranging to send information of its constitution and object to the highest representative bodies of all churches in the State, and to send invitations to the Y. M. C. A., and to the State Sunday-school Association, to send not more than three delegates to the State council. Delegates were appointed to the national council, which is to convene in Philadelphia, February 5 and 6. The next State meeting is to be held in Rochester. In the evening Dr. J. W. Hegeman, of New York City, explained the object and nature of the work. He emphasized the thought that the time for federation had come. He said: “Such an organization would become the servant of the churches in all things pertaining to the kingdom. It would be a clearing house for all church interests, a medium of exchange of facts, problems, and remedies, an organ of expression of the will of members of the kingdom, a tower of observation to give a bird’s-eye view of tendencies, situations, and changes affecting American Christianity, and a board of strategy to find out the strength and resources of the common enemy, and map out a plan of campaign.” One plan suggested was that, when the federation met, they should choose a topic for discussion; then let each minister speak to his congregation upon it; and have the editors in his city publish editorials upon it; and thus educate the public on that particular subject. He also said: “This would give to Protestantism that which it so much needs for efficient service, and which would realize the representative headship of the apostolic republic, and thus secure the advantages which the Church of Rome possesses in her magnificent organization.” This he calls “the apostolic republic”—and yet it has an organization similar to “the Church of Rome”! Evidently the organization which the Roman Church has pleases him; for he designates it “magnificent.” Such statements as the following fill my mind as I reflect upon what this church federation means: “The Sunday movement is now making its way in darkness. The leaders are concealing the true issue, and many who unite in the movement do not themselves see whither the undercurrent is tending. Its professions are mild, and apparently Christian; but when it shall speak, it will reveal the spirit of the dragon. . . . “Those who have access to God through Christ have important work before them.” “God has revealed what is to take place in the last days, that11His people may be prepared to stand against the tempest of opposition and wrath. Those who have been warned of the events before them are not to sit in calm expectation of the coming storm, comforting themselves that the Lord will shelter His faithful ones in the day of trouble. We are to be as men waiting for their Lord, not in idle expectancy, but in earnest work, with unwavering faith.”