Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-10-21
REV. J. ". BUCKLEY.

Is not maintained as il should be among Christ
ians; self-denisl received comparatively little
attention; extravaganza is noticeable in most
Christian denominations in modes of living ard
entertainments; the church. with here and
there exception. has relinqui.Eed the
Sabbath in large part 10 the world;
the power of discipline seems to have been
almost abdlcated; less importance seems 10
have been attached to secret PRAYER and family
worship, the relation of children 10 the church
has undergone great Change. and with many
good results the Sunday school has LED many to
substitute an attendance upon the sabbath
school for the church. and tempted IadOlent
parents TO trust the school. with its half hour
OF lesson and many distractions. tC give the
children all necessary religious instruction: the
substitution Of machinery for the actions which
spring from spiritual life, until now the church
threatens tc become vast system of wheels
within wheels. with the minds Of people so cen
tered upon the numerous little wheels a. tofor-
get TO seek Tor the power which moves the great
wheel.
TENDENCIES OF HOPEFUL CHARACTER
But this is only one side OF the shield. and
there are numerous tendencies OF "a hopeful
character. The genuine sympathy between
s:iferen: denominations; spread of total aLs;i-
IeEee PRINCIPLES; the erection and supper: cr
institutions for the blind. orphans idiots
raupers and hospitals for the SICK and insane.
the spread OF the revival spirit to denomina-
snons until recently without 1t: Christian indy
ence upon education; the Number OF COLLEGES
and academies under the control OF churches.
the organization Of young men for Christian,
work; the activity of Christian women: the
Increasing influence Of the evangelical alliance
gradual abolition OF slavery; arbitration
between nations; increase OF religious freedom
an many parts OF the world, the power OF the
voluntary system, whereby the dissenting de-
nominations IN Great BTitsin and Ireland and
al the churches of this country canada and
Australia demonstrate that the visible church
rests more securely upon the hearts of true
believers than 1t ever did upon the arm of
power.
Concerning the immediate future il would
seem that the church has catered upon 4
period of outward prosperity accompanied by
we overthrow Of false religions. The
rise OF new denominations seeking after spirit
1al piety may be expected. No union Of
frotestantism anu kouianiSn. is possible
turning from the immediate to the ultimate
future OF the church. We may at once dismiss
al Tear Inc ultimate church will enforce no
theory OF inspiration; the church will then
nave simple yet comprehensive creed reveal
ing the essentials OF salvation. The ruIes of the
ultimate church viii be few. The mania for
making new laws for Coils people upon points
upon which inspiration has not spoken will
give. place to the Christian liberty exhibited by
81 James and Endorsed and illustrated by
bt. Paul caste and cant viii disappear.
Christian living Will be midway between
asceticlsm and luxury: stratagems and
appeals to carnal motives to raise money
will no longer be needed. knowledge will not
be found without zeal or zeal without know,-
edge; discipline will be helpful TO the penitent.
but not tolerant to the incorriglble; science
and religion will walk hand in hand though
till to the last there may be irregious scientists
and some Christians ignorant or timid as to
fear that the increase of knowledge in the
sphere Of nature necessarily implies the de-
Struction o. faith in the realm OF knowledge.
The evils which vex and Cypress society SO Tar
~ they are the result of unchristian principles
and spirit viii have faded away
More liberal in It's tone, probably, than any
other address delivered before the conference
vss thas which epaanatsd from the Rev. W. j.