BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 April 1903, Page 2

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS.

Rev James Lyall's Mission. (r,Y AMICUS ) The doiiionof the various protectant churches to unito in holding an interdenomina ional mission in G-reyoioutli comes as a graceful and pleasing revelation to all concerned in the propagation of Christianity. For many jears the spirit of sectarianism and isolated denominational efforts has been gradually weakened until one is not surprised to note that a spirit of harmony exists among the churche-, nod the possibi.ity of union is not a ivuaote feature for divines and laymen io consider. The cognii-acce wh cii is extended to al branches of the Cha's'ian chtircb as agents in ono great cause will be the same motive power that Will breakdown the barriers of sectarianism and prompt men to seek the culmi .airon of all branches of protestantism in one mighty force that will h ad the world in its standards of love and good will. It is imnnssible to meaar.-e the ultimate eif ct such a union would attain in its inil jence but tha f . the future progress of Christian-

ity would be astounding is a forecast that needs no pre"dic'.ive genius. Perhaps the most comeivative body in unity with Prctestants is the Anglican Church. Its policy in times past his been rather to hold abof from non-conformity, but gradually the barrier has bsen lessened and that church can no 'longer refrain from acknowledgment of agencies whose results of labor b?ar the seal and approval of the Holy Spirit. In the Anglican Church one frequently meets with Ministers whose liberal rniodedness and utter absence of bigotry and conservatism do more to win non-conformists than any other moans of persuasion. O.i Sunday evening the Rev. G. W. York prcach?d an impre-sive sermon on the evils of prejudice. While maintaining that all true churchmen will ever regard the Anglican Church as being their spiritual horn", he inculcated the wisdom of association with nonconformist

workers, and admonished h<s parishioners to attend the Rev. James Lyall's mission and give it all the support they could. The outspokeness of the reverend gentleman's remarks, his consideration for the opinions of others, his overmastering passion for the success of the universal church, rather than any particular section, does more to keep members loyal than innumerable deductions of the priority and superior calling of any one Church. The mission of the E v. Jame 3 Lyall will prove a great blessing to all Churches. To be united in one purpose for the extension of Christ's kingdom cannot fail to resulo in much blessing. The Opsra House next week should be crowded every evening. Christian workers of every Church should endeavor to attend, and in true misionary spirit bring their friends with them. A united choir wi'l hi'.p the singing, and as the Evangelist is a rao.-t acceptable Rid powerful preacher, a treat is in store for all who shall listen.

To many the taking of the Opera House may seem a great matter, and the Committee be charged with over-san-guinity. But why should this be sop Why should a suffoca ing building of limited dimansions bo used in the proclamations of grand and glorious truth. Though the expense* of the mission will be borne by voluntary contributions, it is certain that if the work of God is at heart ample funds will be forthcoming. All Christian workers are requested to join in the mission, which will have most beneficial results ia cementing together all helpers in a common cause and the illumination of truth that must eventually rule the world. |