The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-09-13
The Religious Movements of the Time-SOme
characteristics.

The Religious Movements of the Time-SOme
characteristics.
Religiously the world is peculiarly lively at
the present moment. Socially and geographic
cally it is long leap from Water street, New
York. to the Vatican at Rome, from the homes
of Johnny Allen and Tommy Hadden to the
palace of Pho Mono; but wide as is the space
it is not wide enough to enclose all the re-
lgious manifestations and religious pecu-
larities of the hour. Religion rather than
war-religion rather than politics or progress
or trade is the dominant and all absorbing
question of interest, not in one but in many
lands. Never have the pastors returned from
their summer quarters to find 80 much food for
thought or such demands on their time and
strength. 1t cannot but be gratifying to the
religious world generally that the relgiosity of
the genus man is now 80 fully and unmistaka-
bly, confessed. The present condition of the
religious world is the best answer that can be
given to those atheistic revilers who ignore or
despise all religion.
1t is less, however, our object for the pres
ent to discourse on the religious nature of man
religious characteristics of the times Among
these characteristics we note first, the grow
ing disposition to disconnect religion from State
or national politcs-in other words, to sepa-
rate Church and State. Since the beginning
/ of time, rightly or wrongly, religion has
always formed an integral part of the ma
chinery of human government 1t was so in
ancient Egypt. 1t was so with those great
empires which once dominated Western and
Central Asia. II was 80 with the Jews of old,
with the Greeks and with the Romans.
Modern discovery has established the fact that
among all primitive races in all parts of the
world religion was the handspring of the gov
ernment machine. The introduction of Chris
tianity, while il changed the form, did not alter
the fact Constantine, in proclaiming the
Christian religion the religion Of the Roman
empire, did but yield to what was then deemed
necessity. For well nigh fifteen hundred
years Church and State have gone hand in
hand in governing within the confines of
Chrstendom. During those centuries the evils
of such an alliance were occasionally seen
and denounced. 1t was reserved, however,
for the founders Of the republic of the United
States TO sever this union and to teach the ma
tons that good civil government was posi-
BILE without the sanctions and supports of q
State Church. Ninety years of practical proof
have had their effect on the world, and the
example Of the United States is being extern
sively initiated. To take Great Britain for
tba Gtata Al, aa1
to form an element in her colonial govern
ment. State Church there is none in
Canada or Australia. II has just disap-
peared from Jamaica. II cannot much
longer exist in South Africa. It has
now for the first time in the history of Eng
land become vital question at the polls and
already the Irish Church establishment may
be regarded as doomed. The Scotch Church
will follow the Irish, and the English will
share the fate of both. DIR. Pussy, than
whom there is no more sturdy supporter of the
Anglican establishment, in letter written
few days ago to the London Times, says:-'I
certainly do believe that we are in q state OF
revolution, and that as part of that revolu-
ton, in all human appearance, the days OF
establishments are numbered, whether, in fact,
the disestablishment comes little sooner or
little later. have for some time expected
the Irish establishment to be modified or
abolished first, then the Scotch, then the
English" When men in the position of DR..
Pusey are forced TO such conclusions we can
not doubt the ultimate result. The condition
Of the Papacy, the Church in France, the
Church in Italy, the Church in Austria, the
Church in Spain, all read the same lessons.
The movements now in progress must result
finally In the complete emancipation Of the
State from the tyranny of the Church. The
example which we have held up to the world
for well nigh century will, at no distant day,
become characteristic of Christendom.
Another prominent Characteristic Of the
times Is the spirit of independence which is
being manifested in all directions. Time was
when the Churchs teachings were received by
layman aud by priess alike without question.