Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1852-02-05
The State of Religion in Europe.

The State Of Religion in Europe.
On Thursday evening rather numerous
audience assembled in the Broadway Taber-
nacle, for the purpose of hearing report,
which was read by the Rev. DIR. Baird, re-
specting the state of religion in Europe,
and particularly in Ireland, Germany and
Italy, from which countries he had lately
returned.
Rev. Mr.. Baird said the meeting was
called to hear something about religion in
the old world, most Of the nations which he
had visited within the last five months, du-
ring which time he had many opportunities
Of observation. He proposed to give gen.
eral view of the state of things there, the
progress of religion, and what has been
that progress for the last few years. Itwas
sixteen years ago since he visited Europe,
and since then he had visited it six times.-
The grand desideratum of the present day
was, that the nations of chrisendom should
become truly Christian-that the primitive
Christian religion, such as was worth the
preaching, should prevail throughout chris
endom, was the grand desideratom of the
age.
The Christian religion was professed by
about one third of the human race. In Eu-
rope alone, 260 millions (its whole popula-
tion) with the exception of 10 million were
| I
made mp of Mahomedan, Jews and Heath
ems. About millions were Mahommedan,
3 millions were Jews, and about one-third
of million Heather. Also in North and
South America there were a few millions of
Heathen-the Indian tribes of North Amer
lea, and aboriginees of South America
About 60 millions of people lived on the
American continent, 81 or So millions of
which were nominal christians. Europe,
Asia and Africa were invaded by christian
ity, the influence of British commerce was
felt in Asia, and every part Of the globe
France was endeavoring to appropriate the
North of Africa, and England the South
The day was coming when christianity
would embrace the whole world, even if the
Church did not make any efforts to facilitate
the progress of civilization, which result
will be reached simply by the process Of
time. 1t was an extraordinary fact, that
those nations which were the most Chris
tian, advanced the most-look at England
swaying sceptre over 1876 millions of peo-
ple--the United States "a millions, and in
80 years will number 100 millions those
two countries who were most attached to
christianity were the most powerful nations
in the world, while those nations which were
only nominal christian were every day ret
regarding. What was now wanted was an
effective christianity, which, when it had ta-
ken proper root would alter the face of the
whole world. 1t was the object which the
society to which he belonged wished tc
bring about--to bring the Catholics, who
were daily arriving in this country, to {
knowledge of the Gospel, was their object.
The first placed he visited was Ireland
and conversed with the most intelligent per.
sons in Londonderry and Belfast, as wei
as in Limerc, and the southeren cities 1t:
population amounted TO six millions, Al mil
lion of which were Roman Catholics, ant
two millions Protestants. Episcopalian'
numbered 100000, and the Presbyterian
100000 or S00,000-the former resided il
E the South, and the latter in the North
f Both denominations were making the great
est eforts-they employed 81 missionaries
and 200 bible-readers. Within the last five
years between 25, 900 and 10000 had beer
converted. In Scotland, they were strug
, Cling to convert the poor Irish, who yearly
arrived there, and several hundreds hay,
lately been converted. In France affair
were also cheering. The greatest efforts
, were making 10 spread the truth, and up
wadrs 600 efficient laborers were employed
: Having described Belgium and Germany
E he proceeded to Hungary, where there wer'
three millions of Protestants and 81 o
:, Catholics, 2,SO5 churches and as many
schools. Having briefly glanced at Italy
! and its various nations, he concluded amic
, the greatest applause. The meeting having
2 been addressed by the Rev. DIR. Bethune, de
parted shortly before 10 o'clock.-[N. Y
| Express, 7th.
5 a5-The editor of the New York Tribun,
is opposed to any Wing Convention to nom
/, mate a candidate for President and Vic
r President. He proposes that the State
4 shall vote for Wing electors, and indicate
n their preferences for the men of their choice
When the electors oct innelhcr the mn,