A New Religious Era by H.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, Cal. · Dec 16, 1908

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 35, No. 20.

"A New Religious Era."

By H.

DECEMBER 2 the Inter-church Conference of America meets in Philadelphia. Three years ago representatives of these churches met in New York, and there outlined a program of church federation. That program was to be submitted to the respective churches from which these delegates came. Since that time these churches have held their great conferences, synods, councils, and large representative meetings. Nearly all of these denominations have approved of the plan of federation; and on December 2 they will meet in Philadelphia, not as they met in New York to endeavor to come to an agreement, but agreed as regards the plan of federation.

The Independent calls it "A New Religious Era," and declares that from that day of meeting there will be "one Protestant church of Christ in the United States; separated into denominations it is true, but vitally one, meeting in a Council without legislative or judicial authority, but carrying a tremendous weight of influence and power. Thus united, these churches can and should control the sentiment of the country, for they represent the bulk of its population."

The Independent further states that the Council "ought to guide and lead the activities of the churches." But it looks beyond even church work. It tells us further that "the purpose is to line the churches up for a united advance in the interest of earnest evangelism and civic righteousness." But The Independent looks beyond this; it tells us that there are now "two great religious forces in this country; the one the Protestant churches, and the other the Catholic Church." "The former is the larger and more aggressive," but "the two are less mutually hostile than they were. Protestants forget to protest." "The two agree more than they differ." "They will come closer together;" and The Independent looks for the time when "they will recognize and affiliate in good work, as now Presbyterians and Methodists do." "Even federation may yet come, for we are all Christians." And when that time takes place, the federation will be made over those human traditions which make void the word of God, and the great essentials of the Christian faith will be suppressed. Then will be fulfilled the prophecies of the word of God which speak of the elevation of great Babylon by the kings of the earth, and the persecution of those who are unconventional and old-fashioned enough to still believe in the simple truths of God's word. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES will have a report of the Inter-church Federation in Philadelphia.

Make It Personal.

WE look complacently on the destruction of the wicked. We pity, and yet make so little effort to warn others of impending danger. How easy it is to apply all these things to others! Do we ever consider how slender is the thread that keeps us from the same fate? Do we realize that the slightest wandering from the path of duty and right will lead our feet to the pit? Why, only one cherished sin is enough to bar us from heaven. One need not be a hardened, wilful sinner to merit eternal death; indeed, one may be the very best of "moral" characters, and failing in one thing lose all.

Again, we read of the joys of the ransomed; we picture the scenes of heavenly bliss and comfort and joy, and exclaim, "What must it be to be there!" Do we plan to be there? Is it the purpose—the one purpose—of our lives? Or do we picture it all as for the "saved," and fail to definitely include ourselves? It is a serious question in either case, and should be thoughtfully considered and applied personally by every one. Eternity is the goal—eternity of life or eternity of death. Dare I let one sin—a little sin—keep me from the kingdom?