The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-03-07
MORAL SCIENCE.
The InteFnatIsnal ChEistIan Moral Science
AsssciatIOn-Bre ne the Continental


AsssclatIon- breakfast ne the CentiBentaI
Hotel.
Invitations to breakfast are rather novelty
In this country, although the custom lie quite
frequent in England, among the clergy espe-
cially. This morning ut o'clock there assem-
bled to breakfast in the Continental Hotel about
one hundred and fifty of our most prominent
citizens and clergymen, who had been invited To
hear explained by the Rev. Dr. Gather, the
Secretary of the Institution, the purposes OF the
association which has been established IN Eng
land. After breakfast religious exercises were
held. After which, the Chairman, W.6. Moor
head, Eco, arose and making few prelimi-
nary remarks introduced Rev. DIR. Gathers. DIR.
Gathers made an extended speech, going into
the details of the scheme, and commented on
it's Importance to the whole Church. He quoted
"A remark of Lord Derby to the effect
that the man who, in this practical
and busy age, asks the attention of his fellow
men to a subject other than what is absolutely
necessary, is guilty of aa impertinence IL not
crime. The speaker thought that the powers of
the Church have been too much distracted.
There has been fearful waste of force, waste
partly because the work could be done by Others
and easier and better done. He therefore de-
sired to- explain To them plan which would
render Others unnecessary. lie believed 1t
would be practical and also productive OF great
results. 1t will Intensity the work and will
bring to an end unnecessary societies. The OBJ
ject of the movement started In Eng
land is fret to deal with the proposi-
ton of the unity of the Church,
Catholic morality. DIR Gathers then went into
a minute explanation of the meaning of unity, a
word To which he gave broader definition than
Is usually accepted by that term. As commonly
understood IL means only uniformity. lie be-
ieved that the whole of the churches of God
combined make up what is meant blythe unity OF
the Church. There is diversity, and there
should be, for diversity is the order of nature.
In the works of creation harmony exists, but
yet there is The most Infinite variety, and this
law holds precisely in the same relation in reli-
gion a. in nature. He believed that there would
always he this variety in the churches, for il is
ordained of God himself but what is necessary
above al things is for the churches to define
with precision the faith that Is common to all
Lord Bacon said over two hundred and fifty
years ago that the Church wsHld never exert its
proper power until this would be done.
Tie other branch of the subject to which the
speaker directed his attention was what is
known in this country as systematic benevo-
lence." The speaker then defined with exact
uess why tie ASSOCIATION has taken for its name
| the Moral Science" Association. We wanted
| to revOlutinniZe the meaning of that word
| moral" He did not use 1t in its accepted or
classic sense but he referred to 1t as in its
wider, better, scriptural, and lasting meaning
The common notion is that morals are one
thing and religion aDother. They are both the
same Religion Is the experimental sign and
morals the practical sign. and it is the intention
of the association to reconstruct the meaning of
the word.
history Of the inception of the scheme was
given by the speaker. The orginators do not
seek 10 form legislative body, but merely have
III different parts Of the world members of the
association who would eXpound its principles for
The enlightenmento tof public opinion. DIR. Gathers
had a conversation with Mr.. Gladstone on the
subject, and that eminent statesman told him
that il was one of the greatest works of the
time, and that they were taking the most prac-
| tical and effective method of securing the ends
OF the association. viz, the formation of public
| opinion on the subject. Mr.. Gladstone, In con-
clusion, said, Public opinion directs ms, though
| II is thought we direct public opinion"
| 1be address of DIR. Gathers was exceedingly
well received, he having been applauded fire.
| quenily.
Addresses were made by DIR. Newton and
| otkers, concurrng i'm the views expressed ON
the subject of Church unity, after which the
| guests departed.