New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-09-24

on his shaven head, and croser in his hand
The nuns in their grated gallery sang chant,
while the father cut of the hair of the novice,
two dcOlytes holding towel TO receive 1t.
Then she was clad in her nuns robes, with
crimson veil and "a wreath OF flowers, and after
"a variety of intricate ceremonies, she was
placed OH thrOne-like chair before the altar,
and the whole of the monks, nuns, sisters and
acolytes Frustrated themselves before her, and
rs they kissed the hem of her garment she
placed her hands on their heads. After the
procession she was laid on the bier and covered
with pail, and the abbot and acOlytes came
forward in maspie-like costume of black and
white, the father with high. caul-cap-like
linen mitre on his head. Then the funeral
service was chanted, a mutiled bell sounded,
and the monks bore away bier and nun behind
the gratings.'
DECLINE OF CHRISTIANITY Many of the
ellglOus papers both III Europe and America
are loudly bcwalliDg the fact that every year a
larger number OF people are drifting away
from the influence of the Church, and much
ingenuity is displayed in accounting for the
fact. 1t is undoubtedly true that there are
vast numbers OF men and women in Christian
lands who are living practically pagan lives.
and who, II not openly hostile, are profoundly
Indifferent, to the claims Of Christianity. The
Churches Become aware Of TINS fact not only
by the decrease in church attendance but IN
many other ways. 1t is said that the ministry
does not now attract Young men of great intel
lectual ability, and a ell-knOWn theological
professor of Ireland has recently written a
book deplOrng that fact. 1t is also said that
the contributions for Church work and missions
have seriously fallen Oft in the past few years
Foreign missions are notably weak, and the
work they report Is medgre. These are some
Ct the reasons which have led many TO ask IN
alarm il the Christian religion Is about TO
suffer an eclipse. But while these facts are
serious it cannot be said that they Indicate the
failure Of Christianity. What they do indicate
Is general and popular distrus, OF the sec-
taIian methods and machinery by which Chils-
tianity Is 80 frequently prOpagated. Preachers
too often spend all their time and energy IN
building up theological distractions, and split
ting theological hairs. The busy and practical
men of the world are conscious OF an unhealthy
about many pulpit utterauces that repels them.
The philosopher ard the scientist are driven
away by the failure of the Church 10 recognize
and accept the new learning of this age IN ITS
Interpretation OF old truths while The myrlaGs
OF the worlds workers listen in vain for some
practical exposition of Chrl>t's teachings from
the ecclesiastical organizations which Will
| touch the problems of the day. II there Is q
decline at all. IL il the Churches which are de
clining. But even though all the ecclesiastical
organizations should, for these causes, fail
utterly Christianity rs potent factor ID men 5
lives will still remain, not a. preaching Or
money getting machine, but a. an al.-peryad-
ing influence The decline of Church Organ-
cations would therefore be better theme tor
the press than the decline Of Christianity