The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-10
THE PULPIT And THE PEW.
The Sessions Of the Worlds Evangelical
Alliance in Florence.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION.
The Revolution I'm Italy with Reference to
Toleration-The Home of sa'onaroIa
Inyaded-Rellgious Notes.

It is perhaps not generally known that
"The Worlds Evangelical Alliance" has been
in session the past week in the city ct Flor
ence. Italy. This was gathering OF frotes-
tant Christians, representing the eVansehcai
element of every denomination and every ma
ton. Two Of our own citizens, Rev. Dr.
George Dana Boardman and Rev. DR.. j. J..
Graham. were chosenby branch OF the gen.
eral body to represent this part OF the Ameri-
can continent. The first-named was appoint
ed to prepare and read paper on "lnterna-
tional Christian Cooperation Inc SIMPLE
object of this Alliance IS TO promote the
work Of evangelization throughout the world
il invites help from those OF every name anu
every place 10 overcome tne 4oICeS % eiloI
bv the promulgatiOn of truth, and the use
of sucb forces as the lovers of truth may be
able and willing 10 command. The interest
in tins meeting at Florence Is scarcely what
miCbt have been expected. perhaps because
of two considerations: First, the past history
of the alliance has not developed any declued
practical results: second, 1t IS not known that
any new measures we're to be proposed or
even discussed that promised IN any eEecJiNe
way to promote the cause of Christianity
throughout the world. In this unitarian ago
the people tire of discussions OF ABSTRACT
questions however important III themselves;
the demand is not for talk, but for action
energetic heroic action. Hence II
is that conference held even
in Florence. Italy, composed OF
some of our most intellectual Christian men
meeting rs the worlds representatives IN the
interest of a broad Christianity. has attracted
but little attention from an intensely pacu-
eal constituency. II is. however. most sig
nifcant and noteworthy fact that sucn an as
sembly should convene IN the city OF flQr-
ence. not only allowed, but welcomed by
ltalv's King A quarter OF century ago
such an occurrence would have been lmprac-
ticoble Il not impossible Italy has been
reyolutionized. freedom of thought is en-,
couraced the Protestants Of their beautiful
ci+v omen their arms to receive and recognize
their brothers from every cline, ana get a
stimulating draft from over the seas
bringing with it suggestion and lnspi-
ration for themselves. and a"akenlne
hOpe and courage IN the hearlS u
their cOuntrymen. Nor have We any rea-
son to believe that the distinguished occupant
of the Papal chair at Rome would interfere II
he could Political and religious freedom are
in the air. and the Pope Is tOo.obserVlug hnO'
too sagaciOus not to feel and recognize the
atmosphere of liberty. The home OF SaE,o-
narola is invaded by those VINO honoT +, ms
work and his doctrines. and the city OF Flor
ence with its many historic associa1Sons ~
present beauties and attractions OF ART ana
nature. has opened its gates 10 n conference
which although well-nigh unheralded' many
may yet cause its impress 20 hnger as Dehe-
diction to Italy. a body whose delegates may
bear TO the uttermOst parts OF the earIh'
holy fire whose light and warmth snail DleSs
the world -Philadelphla Press