The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1885-07-15
The Religious Condition of
E1rOne

Europe.
But while, through the empire gen
orally, dead orthodoxy prevails, the re-
hgious condition of Russia is an interest
ing study. The emancipation of the
serfs has been followed by educational
movements not unlike those of the last
twenty years among the Freedmen in
this country, and there can be little
doubt that the intellectual awakening
will be attended with religious progress.
In the Scandinavian nations, there is
spiritual activity. We have spoken, at
some length, at different times, of the
condition of the State Church of Sweden,
and of the Free Church" movement, as
seen in the organization of societies of
the Waldenstromians,' Baptists and
Methodists. In Norway similar move
ments are in progress. The meeting of
the Evangelical Alliance, in Copenhagen,
last year, turned the thoughts of many
to the Church affairs of Denmark, and it
is seen that there, also, in religion and in
politics, are movements toward larger
freedom and more earnest life.
In Belgium, where the Church of Rome
has had unusual power, there have &C.
Cured, the past year, exciting political
conflicts on educational questions, which
were intimately associated with Church
life. 1t may be expected that the fer
ment will result in broader views which
will be favorable to the progress of re-
ligious truth
In Germany, evangelical doctrine seems
to be making advances. The universities.
or M lOnc,a, A. r.
Rationalism but in nearly all Of them
orthodox thought has gained the field.
The number of students for the ministry
is increasing, and evangelical influences
are prevailing. The religious history of
Germany, in recent decades, furnishes a
powerful argument for the truth of the
evangelical system. For that record
shows that Christianity is strong-not
merely In the conservatism which adheres
to ancient ideas, but also in its own rea-
condolences, and that, when cast aside, as
1t was TO great extent in the prevalence
of RationalIsm in Germany, it can COM
mand a restoration as the only satisfac-
tory solution of the mysteries of life.
In Austria Romanism is still dominant;
but the power of the hierarchy is far
short of what it was twenty five years ago
The people are not less religious but it
Is God, not the priest, to whom they give
reverence.
In France there is connection in re-
hgion as we'll as in politics. The survival
OF the republic for fifteen years indicates
its permanence, and that the hierarchy
cannot hold political dictatorship
There is steady progress toward the
severance of the connection between
Church and State. The appalling pre-
valence of infdelity shows the utter fail
ure OF Romanism as a power fer proper
religious training. The hierarchy had
full control in France; it was the sole
teacher of religion and morals; but it
was unable to hold the confidence of the
people, and they broke away from the
guidance of the Church, and became not
merely Indifferent, but, to great extent,
bitterly hostile to Christianity. Had the
Reformation prevailed in France, the ma
ton never would have sunk into It's pre-
sent condition. But evangelical In
huences are at work in the land of the
Huguenots, and there is reason to hope
that Christianity, when presented in a
purer form, will win back the allegiance
Of the people.
Italy Is another witness to. the failure
of Romanism for Italy, like France, is
largely skeptical. With only the Papal
hierarchy to guide them, the people have
wandered away from the Gospel, and
very largely deny the truth OF Christiani.
ty. But as the last score of years has
seen the rising Of new Italy politically
few years more may see the develop
ment of new religious life.
The religious condition of the continent
OF Europe has many serious and perplex-
ing aspects but it is by no means discour-
aging. True Christianity is advancing.
The downfall of superstition does not
involve the decadence of the Christian
system but only gives it clearer field
in which it makes more rapid and a
sure advanoe.-Independent.
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