The New York herald., 1869-03-21
Christianity and Our Era-The New Mis-.
si0nary Agencies.


si0nary Agencies.
We have had occasion more than once in
these columns already to call attention to the
fact that in these later years Of the nineteenth
century the religion which proudly claims for
its founder Jesus Of Nazareth is in pecu-
liarly fourishing and hopeful condition. Nu-
merically it is far from being the largest
religious body. Compared with Buddhism in
this particular Christianity looks very small
indeed. Numbers, however, are not the only
nor the surest test of strength. Buddhism
makes no more conquests, and Is identified
with civilization which is doomed and must
soon pass away. Christianity, on the other
hand is full Of youthful energy. If Its follow
ers are yet in the minority, If it has much
work to do and many conquests to make, 1t is
also the most powerful force in the shape of
religion which the world now knows, or, in
deed, has known for many centuries. In one
sense it represents, in another sense it con-
trolls, the life, the pith, the enterprise Of mod
ern times. Whatever has right to be called
''modern" as distinguished from "ancient"
civilization is Christian in its origin and in its
main characteristics. Steam power, in its
manifold applications, the electric telegraph,
the printing press-these and all the other
forces which are rapidly changing the face of
the globe and Transforming and elevating hu-
man society-have been developed under
Christianity, and they are now her willing
handmaids.
Time was when the churches dreaded the
Introduction Of every new thing. Christianity
was always in danger when science made any
fresh conquests. 1t has at length been demon
strated that science, after all, il o more
powerful protector Of Christianity than all the
churches put together. II does not under
mine; 1t strengthens the foundations 1t does
not mar; IT rather reveals and enhances the
beauty and attractiveness. Our Sunday and
Monday HERALDs afford striking illustration
OF what one Of the most potent Of modern
agencies can do and what 1t Is doing In the
interest OF Christianity. The press can no
longerbe said to be divorced from religion.
On Sunday we spread out before our readers
full account Of the doings Of all the churches
in every section Of Christendom. On Mondav.
through our columns, the preachers repeat
their sermons to fresh audiences, multiplied
more than hundred-fold. II is q new mis-
sionary movement. large portion Of the
force at our command Is thus regularly and
systematically devoted 70 the help OF the
churches, to the service Of Christianity. We
yield up our space willingly; we grudge
neither the labor nor the expense. But we
shall not rest contented until we see more life
in the churches, more activity, more power
in the pulpit. Our example Is already
being extensively followed. The movement is
certain TO become more and more general
The press has thus 40 far come--it is coming
more and more-to the help of the preachers.
II will be their own fault IL they do not make
full use Of the opportunity. They never have
bad such an opportunity. Christianity can
not but gain. The churches and the preache rs
may not prove themselves equal TO the oc-
casion. Time will soon reveal the fact; but
the time Is precious.
The publicity which we have given for
some time past to ecclesiastical matters has
/ already produced fruit Il has always seemed
! 10 us that those immense gatherings which