The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-24

| more worried and vexed by the inroads Of
European civilization than have been the
religious authorities of Europe and America by
the sensible decrease Of their power. The
cry Is general for liberty; the tendency ID
| Enthusiastically onward and upward, and what
the people gain the religious rulers lose. II
is natural, therefore, for the old to battle with
the new aud TO do its utmost to maintain
its hold The world is in q condition
not dissimilar to that in which it WAS when
Christianity was arst preached. 1t Is tired of
what has been. 1t longs for what is not, 1t
waits and is ready to receive something new.
All old things are passing away But the
change threatens existing interests.
Hence our Eoumenical Councils and our
Evangelical Union Conventions OF hoe genus
omne. The Pope aud his bishops see the
world passing from them; but they cannot
make up their minds to let it go. The Pro-
testants of Germany, Of Great Britain and
America are equally alarmed at the freedom
Of thought and practice which has grown up
under the Protestant banner. The Pope
strives to stem the swelling tide by proclaim
ing himself infallible and by practically deny
ing us the right to think for ourselves. Henry
Ward Beecher, with similar object in view,
gives his brethren lessons in the art of preach
ing. The perturbation Of the Christian author
ties helps "a TO form an idea Of the state Of
mind into which the progress Of modern civil
ization has thrown the high priests Of Islamism,
of Brahminism, of Buddhism and tho others In
spite however, Of popes and councils, Of
evangelical synods and priestly protests and
plans generally, the world will persist in going
on and on. We do not despair Of arriving at
grander religion and purer faith. What we
want is simple creed, not 4 multiplication of
dogmas. In our worship we need more of
less Of his servants The unity Of the Church
and the world may get be accomplished by
going back to the simple but sublime teachings
of the Sermon on the Mount. In any case we
must move on; aud those forms of religion
which cannot be adapted to the requirements
of advancing civilization must remain behind.
Departure OF Dmr New Minister 60 CANA.
There is TO be no unnecessary delay in hav-
ing the United States represented at Pekin.
The President appreciated the Importance Of
this mission, and soon appointed successor
10 Mr. Browne. The gentleman thus
appointed, Mr. Low, who il also Californian,
appears to understand the necessity of being
at his post a. soon a. possible and Of prepar-
ing himself fully for the duties he has to per-
form. We learn from Washington that he is
soon 20 be in that city, that he will receive his
instructions Immediately, and that he will pro-
coed at once TO Asia by the way of Europe
and the Suez transit. His object in going to
Europe on the way is to confer with Mr.. Bur
iingame and others of the Chinese Embassy.
Mr.. Browne was stupid enough to identify
himself with the British opium traders and
smugglers in China, and TO act in direct oppo-
sition to the views and policy Of the United
States, which he was sent to represent. Mr.
Low begins In very different way, and,
knowing that he is to give force in every par
ticuiar to the treaty made with China, he
wisely seeks Information and advice from the
representative OF China, Mr.. Burlingame, who
is at the same time an American citizen and
Chinese ambassador. This is a good begin.
ming, and if Mr.. Low will keep aloof from the
old tory British opium traders in China and
make the interests of his own country the para
mount object of his mission he can make q
splendid position and future for himself
In general we are very weak in our diplo-
macy and diplomatic agents. While other
nations send their statesmen and those
thoroughly educated and experienced in the
business, we send to the most important mis-
sions small local politicians, who have no
ideas beyond those connected with American
party politics and the little affairs of their
own localities We pride ourselves in plain,
blunt and direct treatment of international
subjects, which, in the ordinary acceptation
of the word diplomacy, is in direct opposi-
ton to it. This, no doubt, is a sound prn-
ciple TO go upon, and is consistent with our
republican institutions and character. But
the inexperience and want of knowledge in
our representatives abroad places us under
serious disadvantages, makes our ministers
timid and uncertain az to how they should act,
and causes weakness and indecision in the
government. Our public men do not realize
the grandeur and power of the United States.
They are contracted in their vision, see not
the future and the policy which leads to It,
and only look at temporary expedents or
measures for the present. This is seen in the
case of Cuba and other questions peculiarly
American in their character and bearing.
With regard to China there is a magnificent
prospect before us We have prestige there
that no other nation can boast of, and the
Intercourse and trade with that vast and rich
empire can be monopolized to great extent
by US If we be properly represented there and
we take advantage Of our opportunity. Let