The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-10-17
Conversion OF the Chinesc-<;rat Movement
Among the Churches.

Among the Chuiches.
Whatever objections may be urged to religious
propaganlism ~ a system there can be no doubt
that ii has ever been the active instrument of
civilization. Whilst, therefore, we may not al
ways approve the steps taken by the different
Christie churches to diffuse their doctrines
amongst barbarous tribes and nations We cannot
help recognizing the benefits which, on the
whole. they have conferred on the commerce of
the world and upon the interests Of humanity
generally We, of course, in common with the
resi- of mankind have leaning towards a par
ticular creed; but we nevertheless regard with
satisfaction the efforts of all the various denomi-
nations Of Christians to open up new fields for
their labors amongst the vast masses Of human
beings who are sill plunged in the darkness
and intellectual sloth of paganism.
One Of the most promising results of the re-
cent treaties with China is the eagerness which
has been displayed by the different Christian
sects TO avail themselves of the opportunities
afforded by them of carrying the light Of the
gospel into the heart of that vast empire
The ink on those instruments was scarcely dry
when vast preparations were everywhere set on
foot 10 recruit missionaries for this great work
The Pope, alive to the importance of drawing
within the folds of the Catholic Church popu-
laton outnumbering that of Europe. and specu-
lating probably on adding something substantial
to its patrimony, Immediately set about organ
izing grand scheme of pccuniary contributions
all over the world with the view Of enabling
M, 81 =, , - 'r,,,aSsr army Of Catholic
facilitate the work of prosey tism the Jesuits al
ready established there, despatched four native
students TO Rome, in order that they may be cdu-
Gated for the priesthood and sent back to aid in
the spiritual regeneration Of their countrymcn.
France, to whose efforts the most important of
the religious privileges w.ung from the Chinese
are due. is also about to forward Immediately.
young priests. drilled under the SUPER
vision Of her archbishops, and who
win remain directly under their orders.
The mission Sill be protected by war vessels, and
viii necessarily BE- more OF less controlled by
the civil government. In Russia similar move
ment has been inauguratcd. and during the re-
cent visit u the Gar TO Moscow the Patriarch
Of that city in a sermon delivered before the Ero-
pcror ahjured-nay, almost communication to
Immediately march legion Of missionaries %
China to convert the people TO the Greek church.
Nor are the churchmen in this country behind
their European brethren in the zeal and promp-
titudc 4 their efforts. Already the Episcopal
Methodis,s of New York have sent ont the Rev.
Mr.. Baldwin and four female teachers. The
American Dutch Reformed church have also for
waIded 10 the old stations fresh reinforcement
Of three missionaries and their wives. aud IL is
only few weeks since the Rev. Mr.. vrooman, &c
the Canton Mission a-kcd the American people
for $4,000 missionaries 10 convert China 10
Christianity, and $4,000 yearly recruits to keep
The number complete. In addition to these he
demands 100000 Of teachers number sun
Client, we should think. to keep up the reputation
Of the church militant in case persuasive mea-
zures should fail.
The magnitude Of these preparations. backed a.
they will be by the authority Of treaties and the
presence Of numerous vessels OF war, leaves no
doubt a. to the proximate opening up Of this i'm
mcnse empire 20 tho purifying influences of
Christianity and the benefits OF Western civiliza-
ton. Whcr, he missionary once obtains foot
ing. we may reckon upon these results following
in biz train. But the missionary would be pow
erless in China, n elsewhere, without the presence
aud sid u the sword. Much ~ The profession Of
the soldier il decried and the reysgcs be i com
PEELED TO commit groaned over, II l. he who l. in
reality the pioneer of religion ~ well a. Of com
merce and civilization. In the march Of human
progress the soldier moves irst then the mis-
sionary, and after him the merchant. II Is
hopeful and cheering feature In the solution If
this Chinese problem problem which ha- vex
ell the world for centuries that these successive
conditions u progression are being vigorously
fulfilled. Once inundste China with missionaries.
and lie adhesion 10 Western ideas and prin-
cples will follow as a matter of course II isno.
simply the propagandi-m Of religious doctrines.
but Of the political and commercial systems of
their respective countries that they will carry
out. Some Of these political systems may and
undoubtedly will prevail, 30 the exclusion Of
others; but the lees favored nations nav console
themselves with the reflection that the CONNER |
cial advantages which will b. secured by the |
labors Of the missionaries can he monopolized |
10y none. and that the world generally must par |
ticipatc In their benefits
----. .--=--.44
CONVERSION or THE CHINESE -EcCiEsrlsrr- |
CAL ZEAr--The Bishop Of Exeter, with an in.
come o. more than $4,000 year has offered \