New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-10-07
THE SCOPE or THE ALLIANCE.

DIR. HALL ON IT'S AIMS AND ACCOMPLISHMENT.
To the Edft0r Of The Tribune.
SIR You deslfe me to g1yo your readers some in
formation regarding the Conference Of the Evan
gelical Alliance; assuming no doubt chat l shall
represent it as it is regarded by those who have felt
lively interest in all connected with the meeting
in New-York.
The success-in the ordinary sense Of the word
of the Convention may be regarded az assured. The
response Of Protestant Chrstendom as indicated by
delegates is beyond our expectation, and any en-
barrassment that threatens the Committees arises
from the abundance Of resources The American
friends who have come, many from great distances,
are also far more numerous than expected, and
in many instances, branches" seem to have been
extemporized in order to be able to send delegates
1t illustrates the difficulty of getting an idea into
the public mind, that connection with the Alliance
has not always been thought necessary in order to
representation in its Conference
Judged by the enthusiasm of the people Of New
York, the meeting must be regarded as signay eff
fective. Few assemblies have been hold here
marked by the fervor. animation, and elevation of
tone noticeable in Association Hall, aud in the
neghbOring churches into which the crowds have
oyeriowed. For, be it remembered, no party, or
sectional or local cry drew the people together.
They were entertained with accounts Of moral and
religious movements; and their satisfaction the
greatest when they heard of spreading light and
deepening love. If any reaction against selshness,
and any conquest over narrowness, is desirable,
surely we should be glad over any such exhibition
of public spirit.
For probably the most important element OF these
gatherings is in the communications that have been
made Many of these have been clear, emphatic
sertions of truths generally admitted in such circles
but for practical purposes often forgotten Some,
like the remarkable address of DR.. Hodge Of Prince
ton have been close arguments, and many have
been no more than warm assurances of friendly re-
gard, founded on common Christian sympathies.
But the tendency Of all has been to draw cOmmuni-
ties widely apart locally historically into closer
alliance, and to produce the mutual respect and in
terest founded upon mutual knowledge.
For while, as DR.. Payne Smith, Dr. StOughton, and
others took pains to show the Alliance is meant TO
manifest, not TO make unity, yet it cannot be
doubted that close contact aud friendly intercourse
will deepen this sense of unity and prepare it for
being turned to practical account just relatives
at distance whom we have valued abstTactly be-
come new persons to us when we have learned 10
know them and have exchanged with them good
offices.
For Just as militia is maintained in many coun-
tries, and occasionally embodied and put through
Autumn maneuvers" that it may be ready for
service if needed 80 these meetings keep the
Christian communities in readiness for common
action, when exigeney arises rs has been the
case, and may DO again, in the cause of religious
liberty.
From the number Of addresses and papers at the
disposal of the Programme COMMITTEES, one OF the
objects contemplated by the meeting has not yet
been attained namely. expression of views regarding
tho topics introduced. The audience listens to
thoughtful address. is stirred as by Dr. Conrad.
on exchange Of pulpits," and is then switched Oft
To another line The effort TO remedy this by bold
ing two or more concurrent meetings and giving OPP
portuniGy for members romarks not exceeding ton
minutes in length it is 30 be hoped, will reduce this
infohcty to minimum, and give opportunity to hear
tho voices Of members not appointed to mako
formal Hddressea because SGT communication from