Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-10-15
TIE EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.
New YORK, October 10th.

NEW ORk, OClUptF 1OtE'
To the Editor of the Journal:
The Conference of the Evangelical Alliance
now progressing in this city, is the most nota-
BILE religious meeting ever held on this CONT
nent. The Alliance was formed in London,
in the year 1916. The object of it is to unite
the various evangelical denominations of
christendom in society which shall manifest
their essential unity of belief and increase the
spirit of charity among them. The meetings
are held in different countries at intervals of
years-the last preceding the current one
having been held in Amsterdam.
The present meeting of the Alliance is the
first held on American soil. Vast numbers
of people are present from every part Of
the largest halls and churches of the city are
filled from day to day, while still hundreds
turn away unable to gain admission. The
central meeting is in the noble hall OF the
Young Mems Christian Association. 1t has
been beautifully decorated for the occasion;
around the galleries are hung the flags of va
rious nations, behind the platform are notices
expressive of Christian unity, together with
the names of the great reformers of the
church. The venerable DR.. Woolsey presides
over the assembly, and around him are men
Of the highest learning and fame from many
parts Of the world. Here are Professors from
German Universities, distinguished preachers
from Paris, London and Ednburg, mission
aries from many nations. One notable per-
sonage is a converted Brahmin from India,
whose dusky face surmounted by huge white
turban, attracts much attention. He makes
frequent addresses, speaking our. language
with an accuracy and distinctness that put to
shame many of our English and American
orators.
The sessions are occupied with essays and
speeches, deliberately prepared for the occa-
sion. Each day is taken up with special
topic-such as 'sThe Infdelity of the Day,
"The Relations of the Church and the State,
"The Roman Catholic Church" "Protestan'
Missions" etc. Many of the papers and ad-
, dresses are of very high value and power
= We have no reason to be ashamed of oul
, American orators and scholars, in compar
r son with those whom the old world has sen
: US. There have been no speeches that have
, equalled in eloquencc those made by Beecher
, Storrs and Adams. The great throngs rusl
from one hall or church to another as attract
ed by special announcements. Sometime
a they are caught with long and learned dis
~ cusson from German Professor who
, thoroughly exhausts both his subject and his
hearers. In general the discussions are OF a
+ popular character, and the enthusiasm of the
audiences is kindled by stirring eloquence.
One most valuable result of this conference
will be the increase offraternal feeling among
the churches of different names. Their rep
resentatives here look into one another faces,
and join in discussions upon topics of common
interest. They learn to think less OF the
minor points in which they hold different
opinions and to make more of the essential
truths in which they agree.
The foreign delegates have been the recip-
tents of profuse and munifcent hospitalities,
from the city authorities, from railway com
panies and other sources. They cannot fail
to take home very favorable impre sions of
American character. G. Il. M.