New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1856-04-21
NUBIBE
a n. {. BalgsI'a T.eefrsIrs,.

E o n .
4 Before the Young Men i Christian ~
Baird delivered lecture iast j M III.
lows Hall, which was very IaresIv attendsd III
which was repete With interesting rseiala
ton andintelligence.
The subject was the state and prosperity or Fvar,.
geIical religion in Christendofn.
After some predatory remarks pertinent u itbe
topic, concerning the progress that true religion has
made in the world under coIstf tftutona governments
the lecturer stated that the day has passed away
when men lived in tents, and there is now greater
opportunity for the progress o education than there
used to be. The press has been powerful agent m
the dissemination Of sound theological opinions.
Commerce and improved inter communication have
tended to the same end. s N
In the United States there has been very wonder
full advance Dr. Chalmers, with all of his Iiberaty,
used to think that there could be no real Christian
growth becanse there is not the old English union Of
Church, and State. As proof Of the error Of his
notions tmay be remarked that, although he5popu-
ation of this country has advanced only four-fold
from 1900 to 1850 the churches have advanced eight
fold precisely swofold to tie increase Of popu1a
ton. In Ireland and Scotland there has also been
remarkable advance IN ls43 an immense number Of
people left the Church Of England, although only
France and Russia have similarly improved. Fifty
years ago there were not fifty orthodox cergymen in
al France They are now numbered BY thousands.
Al over the Protestant world the missionary spirit
has renewal. Even the poor Waldenses, who can
scarcely maintain themselves, and who are aided by
us, contribute something for religion elsewhere
The progress Of religious freed and Of means Of
access to those who ought to be reached were spoken
Of # is notable, moreover, how few missionaries
have lost their lives recently compared with the num-
ber who used annually to Tie sacrificed. Asia Africa,
and remote places in the sea have been opened for
missionary labor and christian exertion; the ahon,
edan world grows, daily more and more tolerant to
the missions Of disciples Of other faiths The lives
and conduct among them Of Christians has exerted
healthfnl influence, 50 that they willing to learn
the controlling course of such virtue goodness AMI
selfabnegation. In South America religion has pro
gressed rapidly and done an infinite amount of good
both personally and politically.
The lecture concluded with sketch Of Christendom
as it now is, and how relig stands in it, demonstra
ting the superior standing, both material and intel
ectual of religious nations over infdel pagan a1lt
5 catholic countries. 8
The lecture was lengthy, and very full Of importan
theological matter and listened to with the closes
attention by all present We should be doing an in
justice to ourselves, as well as to DR.. Baird were VI
not to note the remarkable evidences of observation
and intelligence, Of sound sense and good praetiea
Judgment, that shines from all he says. BY no mean
brilliant orator, he enchains his audiences BY til
interest of the subjecmatter and BY the very appa
rent interest he himself takes them the almoa
redundant knowledge whichEis constantly displayed
} concerning the subjects of which lie speaks Prt
founder classical scholars competent literateurs
more elaborate orators, have been here before, bu
rarely one who united ease and intelligence, intel
est and instruction. e.