A plea for greater unity

Preface

This volume is the outcome of an experience through which the author passed in the uniting of two rival congregations in an over-churched village and community. He was the pastor of the larger of these churches and continued for a few years the pastor of the united church. His study of the conditions by which he was surrounded and how to deal with them was the occasion by which was specially unfolded to him a vision of a united church not only in his own community but in the whole of Christendom. His surroundings and experiences were a special incentive to him to make a new study of the ideal church as presented in the Scriptures, to find out what others had thought and were thinking on the subject of organic church unity, and to think the subject through for himself so far as he was able.

He has been rejoiced to find that many others have been thinking earnestly and deeply along these lines. He has found indeed that unity is considerably in the air. In the preparation of this volume he has felt free to use the fine and vigorous expressions of conviction made by others on special phases of the discussion, and has interspersed the volume with numerous quotations. He has done this not only because others were saying things better than he could, but also to indicate the vigor, breadth and scope of the movement. He wishes to thank all these writers for the help he has received from the things which they have written.

The author believes this movement toward unity to be the most significant movement of the present age, and wants to do

Preface his bit to help it forward. He has tried to be just and fair in his discussion of such phases of the question as seemed to him the most important, and is persuaded that his readers will peruse his pages in the same spirit. Whatever worth his thoughts may have is laid upon the altar of the great cause for whose sake he has written.

Seth W. Gilkey, High Ridge Parsonage,

Bridgeport, Ohio.

Contents

PAGE

Introduction 7

Greater Unity and the Church's Mission ... 54