Last week we noted the similarity between the theological professors of this age and those of the third century, and pointed out the rapid progress that is being made toward a new Papacy. We showed how the inevitable result of the loose theological teaching that is becoming so popular, is to banish the Bible entirely from common life. This, of course, is naturally followed by a loose state of morals, because, the people being deprived of the Scriptures, there is nothing to restrain them. Even if the Bible is not wholly removed from the common people, its sanctions and prohibitions are nullified in proportion as such teaching as that to which we call attention becomes popular.SITI May 4, 1891, page 130.18

This week we have to note another step in the progress toward setting the Bible aside, and substituting for it the teachings of man. The following, from the literary columns of the New York Independent of March 12, will set the matter quite clearly before the reader. It is concerning a little pamphlet, entitled “Easy Lessons in Christian Doctrine. Prepared for Use in Mixed Schools.” (Stevenson & Foster, Pittsburg, Penn.) The Independent’s notice in full is as follows:—SITI May 4, 1891, page 130.19

“With the approval of the managers of the Pennsylvania Reform School at Morganza, near Pittsburg, the chaplain of the institution and the vice-president of the board prepared this little manual of fifty pages, which has been in use long enough to justify the high expectations entertained of its usefulness. It is not a colorless, emasculated system of doctrine, which might be accepted by all simply because it contained nothing positive. It follows a broad and truly Christian path, teaching nothing militating against the doctrines of any church that retains faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is simple language, convenient in arrangement, clear, concise, positive in the general treatment of the essential truths of the Christian religion, and neither goes beyond the Scripture nor brings up the mooted points of Scripture. As the Pennsylvania school contains many Catholic youth, a copy of the catechism was sent to Bishop Phelan, of the Diocese of Western Pennsylvania, who, after examination, wrote as follows to Mr. J. A. Quay, superintendent:—SITI May 4, 1891, page 130.20

“‘The book, “Easy Lessons in Christian Doctrine,” is the only book of religious instruction that has come under my notice which claims to keep within lines of belief common to all who profess faith in Jesus Christ. It is, therefore, well suited for a text book in public institutions, where Catholics and Protestants at all times receive instruction. Catholics can accept all that the book contains, and the important truths of the Catholic religion which it does not contain can readily be supplied by the priest who conducts special services for the Catholic inmates of the institution in which the book is read.’SITI May 4, 1891, page 130.21

“The bishop here suggests an important point. The manual, while teaching the fundamental truths of Christianity, can for the rest be supplemented by pastors of any denomination. Methodists, Baptists, Episcopalians, or Presbyterians will find in the minds of the students a scriptural basis of truth upon which, if they please, they may build up the distinctive dogmas of their various creeds. The Rev. James Allison, D.D., of Pittsburg, a ‘pillar of orthodoxy,’ a hearty believer in, and a staunch defender of, Calvinistic doctrine, connected with the Morganza Board for many years, and much experienced in this difficult field of labor, writes to the superintendent:—SITI May 4, 1891, page 130.22

“‘As you know, I am a Presbyterian minister, and editor of the Presbyterian Banner, as well as chairman of the Committee of Instruction and Discipline of the Pennsylvania Reform School. After careful examination of “Easy Lessons in Christian Doctrine,” I am happy to say that I believe this little work to be admirably adapted to be useful in reform schools and similar institutions, and also that it contains nothing to which anyone can reasonably object.’SITI May 4, 1891, page 130.23

“In these days of church unity and plans for reuniting the separated fragments of the church universal, there is an earnest desire to remove the practical barriers existing between churches which hold much in common. The use of the little book, “Easy lessons in Christian Doctrine,” is evidence that there is, and that there may always be, a comprehension and an acceptance of the fundamental truth of pure Christianity, separate and apart from the denominational theories and practices which have divided the church catholic. We bespeak for the collection careful examination on the part of teachers, and considerate judgment on the part of ministers and prelates.”SITI May 4, 1891, page 130.24

We do now know of any seemingly trifling thing that has more significance than this notice. It shows that the way has been found for the long-looked-for union of Catholics into practically one church. Surely, when Presbyterians of “the most straitest sect” can unite with Catholics in studying Christian doctrine from the same book, a union of all denominations is not a Utopian dream. The union has already virtually been effected. The Independent says that this book contains all the essentials of the gospel, and all agree that no reasonable person can object to anything in it.SITI May 4, 1891, page 130.25

But does not the reader see that this takes away the only argument that “National Reformers” and their allies have ever raised to show that there cannot be in this country any union of Church and State? They have claimed that for such a thing to be effected the State would have to make an alliance with some one denomination, and that all others would object to this. Here, however, we have the way all cleared for just what we have all the time said would take place. All the denominations will agree on the “fundamental truths” which are common to all, so that there will be no more real separation and division in “the church catholic.” All, therefore, that is needed to effect a perfect union of Church and State is for the State to recognize, protect, and support the teachings and practices of this “church universal.”SITI May 4, 1891, page 130.26

And this is already done, to some extent, at least, for we find that this catechism has been for some time in use in a State school of Pennsylvania. With this start, and with the fact that many churchmen and statesmen have been looking for a book setting forth the “nonsectarian principles of Christianity,” which could be used in the public schools, it will readily appear to the thoughtful reader that the question of Church and State in the United States is rapidly approaching a settlement on the basis of an effective union. E. J. W.SITI May 4, 1891, page 130.27

(Concluded next week.)

April 27, 1891

May 11, 1891