The New York herald., 1879-09-07
GATHERING OF DISTINGUISHED TuEOLOGIANS.
Addresses on Christian Union, Mormonlsm,
Socialism, Infideliy.
AMERICAN DELEGATES PRESENT.
HOspitalities OF the Citizens
Of Basle.
icy CABLE TO THE HRRALD.1


BAsLE, Switzerland, Sept. 9, 1879.
The regular session of the General Confer
cnce of Christians of all Nations has just
closed. Tomorrow Sunday there will be SER
vice at the Cathedral, and the farewell service
of the Conference will be held in the evening,
in the Great Hall Of tho Vereinshaus, but to-
gathering. During the week tho churches
and halls have been constantly filed with audi
tors from all parts of Europe and from America.
Pastor Ecklin, on behalf of the city of Basle,
welcomed the; guests in the Great Hall Of the
Vereinshaus DR.. Philip Schaff, of New
York, represented the Anglo-Amcricans, and
Professor Vignet spoke for the French dele
gates. Councillor Sarasin, layman of Basle,
was elected president of the Conference. The
vice presidents were elected from various
countries.
PROTEsTANTIsM--MORMO
The first day of the gathering was devoted to
addresses on the religious state of Protestant
ism in various countries. Dr.. Van Oosterzec
spoke for Holland, DIR. Schatf for the United
States, and DIR. Godet, of Neuchatel, for
Switzerland. DR.. Schaff spoke ut length of the
vitality Of Professionalism in America, and
called especial attention to the fact that
the American Church was firm in its
adherence to strict observance Of the Sab
bath. DR.. Schatf also touched on the Mormon
question. He said that Mormonism, now under
legal restrictions, would go to- ruin but for the
constant immigration of its followers from
Europe. DR.. Schaff also called the attention of
the audience to the voluntary principles at work
In the American Church, which, lie sad were
faithfully applied to the support of all re-
hgious institutions.
soCIALIsM-sUNDAY SCHOOLS.
In the course Of the Conference there were so
many speakers and so much said that can only
give you brief outline Of the heads of subjects
treated. Rev. DR.. w ashburu, of New York, spoke
ct some length on the nature and dangers of
Socialism. He regarded Christianity as the
only source of relief for socialistic vagares and
disorders. Dr. I. d. Anderson, Of New York,
at the Anglo-American meeting delivered an
address on Sunday schools, showing their
Importance in regard to the general develop
ment of the life of the Church. The reports on
religious liberation exacted an animated dis
cussi0n Exposures were made of the persecu-
tions of Protestants in several European coun-
tries. The Rev. John Stoughton, of London,
delivered an address on the First Protestants
of Basle, and Professor Won Orelli spoke OH
current infdelity.
THE PRESS AND CHRISTIAN UNION.
DIR. dc Presscnse, Of Paris, discussed the
Christian and anti-C Christian influence of the
press on national life. The distinguished thco-
logan claimed that the press must be free in or
der to fulfil its mission DR.. Arthur, of London,
and DIR. Christlieb, Of tho University Of Bonn,
spoke Of the mission of Young Mems Christian
Associations, and the subject was further dis
cnssed by NJ. Fermand, of Geneva;
DR.. Pitt of Germany, and Pastor
Pallot, of Paris, spoke on Christian Union,
taking for his text the words of the official pro-
gramme, "what saith the Apostolic injunction
to the members of the Evangelical Alliance i"-
"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in
the bond Of peace"-Eph. iv., 3. The Rev. Dr.
Hurst, president of the Drew Theological Semi
nary ut Madison, N. j., delivered the closing
address on the subject of Christian Union ~ a
secessary factor Of religious progress and dc
fence
THE CLOSING DAY.
Communion service will be celebrated ut
tho Cathedral tomorrow Sunday and u SER
mon preaohcd by DR.. Stockmeyer. of Baslo. In
the great hall Of the "vereinshaus," when the
Conference will be officially over. The delegates
have receiveda generous hospitality from many
of tho leading citizens of Baslc Delegates
from tho remotest parts of Europe have
mingled pleasantly ut these social gatherings.
Herr sarasin, the president, bas been unweary-
ing in his courtesies. On Wednesday he in-
vited the entire Alliance to his villa ut Richen.
special train conveyed the delegates there,
where refreshmcnts wcro served in the cx-
tcnsivc gardens. Among the Americansprcscrt
were Drs Washburn, Schaif, Tiffany T.. s.
Porter, j. +. Hurst, r. d. Anderson and Bishop
Cheney.
THE BOHEMIAN PRoTEsrANTs
The most important action of the Alliance
was the appointment of delegation consisting
Of president and vice presidents for the pur-
pose Of soliciting the Austrian government to
afford relief to the Protcstants of Bohemia