New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-08-03

OF oil churches. The English contingent of the
CounclI put the Americans under the fire of q
series OF questions calculating the working Of the
American system. Doubtless in due time some
such system viii be introduced into England.
one OF the strongest papers was that Of Or.
Bradford, Of Montclair, n. j. on Doctrinal Terms
of Admission to Church Fellowship. lie showed
most conclusively that the American churches Of
the Congregational order stand almost alone in
all the world in their insistence upon subscrip-
tion to elaborate creeds on the part of those
who simply seek admission to church member
Ship. While all bodies of Christians are right
fully careful of the BELIEF Of those who stand in
the place of instructors f. is quite another mat
ter TO insist that unframed minds. and especially
children, shall assent 10 creeds which they can
by no possibility understand, as a condition TO
simple membership in bodies Of Christians There
is no man Of the whole American delegation who
is more widely known, or who is more thoroughly
respected for high qualities Of both head and
heart and for practical sound sense in all depart
ments of church life and work than Dr. Bradford
He has been in England O good deal off and on,
and has won for himself warm place in the hearts
Of many English churches Were he willing 10
expatriate himself, there is hardly vacant church
in England of the Congregational order in which
he could not have call. He was followed by
the Rev. Thomas Green, Of Ashton under LYME
who gave one Of the brightest papers of the Coun-
Gil, on the subject Doctrnsl Schedules in Trust
Deeds" 1t was a most trenchant denunciation of
the unwsdom of one generation binding It's
opinions by the fetters manufactured by men Of
a former generation. 1t brilliantly pene-
trating remark Of this speaker that we might
more willingly agree with them, if we had any
means OF finding out what they think now" Inls
discussion on theological thought brought most
clearly into view the fact that our English cousins
have finished a generation ago battles that are
yet raging in America | am interested TO ex-
press no opinion n whether the English solution
of the difficulties and the state of thought on
these subjects in England will ultimately prove
itself to be the hest; that time alone can deter
mine, and good deal Of 1t is likely to he needed.
One evening was devoted to the relation Of
the Church to social ethics. The Rev. George
Gladstone. of Glasgow, Dr.. Washington GLADDEN..
of Colusbus, Ohio, Mr.. Ben Tillett and Mr..
Albert Spicer of London and Dr. Richard Cord
iey, Of Lawrence, Kansas. were the speakers.
Certainly If the papers of that evening were
fair representation of the attitude of the churches
toward the burning social questions of our time,
mankind will not look IN vain to the Christian
Church for help in these times of need. Mr. Ben
Tilett is a schoastic-looldng little fellow, whose
fine appearance and able use of language make
one almost hesitate TO believe that he was a COM
mon dock -laborer five years ago He and Mr..
Tom Mann are president and secretary of an or
ganization representing nearly 100000 British
workmen. Having looked into their work some
what carefully myself and seen some of the
spirit of these young workman-leaders of the
working men, believe there ore few men in Eug-
land who are rendering more stalwart help in the
uneasy relations between employers and employed
They are strong Christian men, who tell the
rough dock laborers I'VE have as much right
to go to church as you have TO get drunk.
Though they mas lack little in the training Of
the schools, yet their spirit is of the best. They
are gathering about themselves many similar ones
Mr. Albert Spicer's paper took strong Henry
George ground, and naturally failed TO command
the assent of all. He has, believe, been mem
Der of Parliament, and belongs to family that
have always been leaders of English COngrega-
tionalism One of the pleasantest features Of
the week was an immense garden party TO which
the Council and their friends and entertainers
were taken out by two special trains to Mr..
Spicer's fine estate at Woodford. About 700
sat down 20 an elaborate dinner under tent on
the superb lawn.
Another evening was devoted to a question of
the Federation of the English-spealting Peoples
for International Arbitration, Universal Peace and
the Furtherance of National Righteousness" The
speakers the Rev. F. Herbert Stead, the
Editor Of The Independent brother of the we'll
known Mr.. w. T. Stead, the Rev Newman Hall,
and James w Patterson, of Hanover, " II. Such
theme required the large and statesmanhke
treatment which it received from all.
Principal Fairbairn, of Mansfield College, Ok
ford, made two short addresses before the COuu-
Gil, and one more formal address at an evening
meet\lg on the subject Congregationasm and
the Church Catholic" He is a sturdy Scotch
man of most remarkably forceful utterance. He
speaks entirely without notes. and for compact
ness of thought precision of statement and philo-
sOphical accuracy, has perhaps few equals ard no
uperiors He is a man of extraordinary power.
His appearance always the sign for great APP
plause and he listened TO with intense at
tention. One Of the most vigorous speakers was
DR.. L. Heber Evans chairman Of the COngrega- |
tional Union of Wales. His subject was Congre-
as Affected by the Relations Between
Church and State" 1t is difficult for American
COngregationalists to appreciate what il means 10
live where there is a State Church, but if any
thing could help the American delegation into |
such, appreciation, the tremendous indignation
and the setting forth of grounds fully adequate
for it of this fiery Welshman ought 10 do
The last afternoon and evening were devoted to |
the consideration of foreign missions Reports |
full of high courage and hopeful outlook were |
given by representatives Of many fields. The |
Rev. Tasuku Ilarada, of Japan, made striking |
impression Educated in America, he speaks the |
English language with almost classical precision. |
His appearance is that of cultured Christian gen
tleman. The future Of Japan is perfectly safe in !
the hands of such men. The last evening Of the |
Council ! CHANGED TO sit beside the venerable
DR.. James Morrison, seventy-tive years old, who
was present at most of the meetings of the COun-
Gil He is well known wherever there are students |
Of the Bible in the English language. His COM
mentaries of the first rank. lie is the father |
Of Scotch Independence The universal esteem in
which DR.. Morrison is nov held by practically all.
even the EXTREMIST, conservative bodies of Chris
tians is striking commentary on the fact that