The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-12
CHIEF FORCES OF RELIGION
Great Britain and Germany Conserve
the Interests of Christianity.
DIR. Gilbert Speaks on the EmperOr's Death
and It's Influence on the Cause Of
Christ-0ther Sermons.

Glou, &c Mer1dlan-StFeeE NJ. "a. 1HhAsA' 80
theme in the morning was 1.-THE Death OF EN-
reror Wilhelm aud It's Influence on the Cause
of Christ The text was from Gen. X ~,
st5od shall enlarge Japheth, and ne snail owen
in the tents of Shem, and Canaan shall be his
servant" A hasty sketch Of the three sons OF
Noah was given. The Scientific family. preserv-
ing knowledge of the true God. developed the
Israelit,sh nation. and gave to the world great
treasures OF religion IN the two systems of
Judaism and Christianity. The posterity OF
Japheth spread abroad southeasterly, as far as
India. northeasterly over the north
part of Asia, and rorthwesterly through
Europe thence to America and all parts of th .
world. By rejection Of Christ the Jews. the best
remnant Of Shem, ceased TO be the chosen peo-
pie, and Christianity passed over to the Japhet-
ties. resulting IN their elevation and civiliza-
tion. This is the Japhetic age, and Christen-
dom means the dominance of the gospel among
the children Of the third son of Noah. The
purpose lie TO inquire concerning the cond-
ton and prospects Of the Japhetites the Indo-
Europeans
Having laid this foundation Or. Gilbert then
proceeded TO discuss the state of religion IN
Europe For this purpose he divided the ma
tions into four great parts, the southeast
ern. southwestern, northeastern and
northwestern. He described the ethnic
and social influences operating in these sections
when Christianity was introduced. giving rise TO
four distinct types of religion. These were de-
scribed and the conclusion reached that IN all
Europe outside of Great Britain and Germany,
there was no nation that could rise to better
religious state by any force within itself; that II
j in Russia. France Spain. Portugal. Italy,
Greece. Turkey Austria there should come a
better day. ii must be by some foreign influence.
Believing that Germany and Great Britain were
the chief religious forces. the Doctor spoke next.
at considerable length. concerning them. discus-
sing their political state in so far as was neces-
eary to comprehend their religious in
terests. He belleved that Great Britain could
have little Influence on the continent that her
mission rather to be an evangelizing agent
among other nations in various parts of the
globe. She ought therefore compose her diff
hculties by abolishing landlordism in ireland
and granting kome-rule in some form TO that
distracted island, and by dlsestablIshmrnt OF the
state church. This done she could unity and
strengthen her empire. and then with great
earnestness carry the gospel round the globe.
He believed that the mission of Germany is to
control the affairs of continental Europe. pre-
serving the peace as long as possible and in
case OF war so influencing the course of events
as TO lead to higher state OF things. He regard
cd Gladstone and Bismarck as the men OF dss-
tiny The former will obtain what the latter now
has. the support and leadership of his people.
The death OF Emperor Wilhelm affects the
cause of Christ only in this, that it places the
German empire more fully in the hands of Bis
marck. who, as the chief dpomafist of Europe,
will be the leader in those events which prepare
In the evening Dr. Gilbert's theme was,
"The Balancing OF Forces in Americas and the
Preparations for the Twentieth Century" His
text was from Rev. xii, 6: THE woman fed
into the wilderness. whore she hath place pre-
pared OF God, that they should feed her there.
The woman is the church. TIE wilderness lie
North America. The migrations of the
people FOR religious reasons to Amer
lea was the flight The favorable
situation OF this continent
asylum was shown. as If prepared of God for
this purpose. The body Of the discourse was
occupied with the thought that in this country
the true church is to be nurtured aud prepared
for it's grandest and fullest work. THIS idea
was developed first by sketch of the colonial
history, by which 1t shown that all Things
tended TO produce an ideal state to be the body
for the soul of Professionalism. The events of
the national life were also reviewed tending
more aud more to bring forth the essential
spirit OF the reformation. Every agitation in
politics had its root thought in religion, and
every state question forced the people to exam
Inc anew the doctrines of the New Testament.
And, finally. the obstacles thrown in
the way of q pure faith, as well the
strifes OF sects tended to help the religious life
of the Nation by q more careful investigation of
fundamental truths. Thus, there has been
balancing OF forces, until now they come under
and secularism-each striving to gain the as
tendency. The question of the hour is, which
or these three forces shall rua2
DIR. Gilbert feared the Protestant church did
not understand the Importance OF this issue.
There is too much aDatny. Nevertheless,
divided Professionalism is seeking an affiliated
union, destined to become more valuable than
organic union. The outcome will doubtless
be complete triumph by the American method
of evangelical Christianity. This Nation has
not yet attained it's stature When the church
has come to the fullness of her measure her
influence will be felt in all the departmenta of
society. The twentieth century will open with
vastly brighter prospect. and America will vie
with England ia her eyapgelistlc movements.
This has already been commenced. The Ameri-
missionary enterprises, now established in
Europe, pushed vigorously for half century,
will furnish that foreign force necessary for the
redemption of Europe. The Doctor closed with
an appeal to his audience to consecrate them
selves more fully TO the work of making this
Repub bic the home of pure religion it is
the asylum of the oppressed and the land of the
free.