Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1892-05-26
rnH RELIGION OF THE FUTURE.
An Interesting Sermon Delivered by the
Roy. William Henry JOiinson.

1.-THE Religion Of the Future" was the
subject of an enjoyable sermon which was
preached in the Unitarian Church Sunday
morning by the Rev. William Henry
Johnson. Gains words, "Am ] my
brothers. keeper" contrasted with Pauls
declaration. 1--WE are. every one, members
one of another" furnished the text.
First, will there be any religion in the
future or will there be only ethics left
The preacher argued that religion is one
of the indestructible elements of human
nature, quoting Herbert Spencer's now
famous words, that we are always lin
presence of an infinite and eternal energy
from which all things proceed" This
mystery will always form the basis OF
worship.
Religion remaining, what will be its
characteristics First, simplicity, All the
trend of thought Is in that direction. The
agitations in various ecclesiastical bodies
are evidence of it. A leading Episcopal
clergyman in Philadelphia lately asserted
that christianity has passed through a
dogmatic stage and a mystical stage and is
now entering on its final stage, of attend.
ing chiefly to conduct. This is very good
unitarianism. In time and infinite num-
Der of dogmas about apostolic succession,
sacramental grace, conversion, regenera-
ton. &c, will have dropped into oblivion.
Of the few things that will still be be
lieved, the leading characteristic will be
reasona bleness. The infinite variation of
beliefs has been produced from the errone-
Gus notion of an infallible revelation. con-
tanned in book. People at large are be-
ginning to cast off this error, and to test
everything by the simple question, us it
reasonable?"
From this will result growing unity.
The more you simplify beliefs, the easier
you make it for those holding them to
agree. 1t is a good sign, that the churches
are now overhauing their creeds and re-
dncing them to greater simplicity.
The religion the future will be one, not
many. 1t will consist of very few
not more than three or four--points, such
as the human reason universally approves
Instead of communities split up into q
number of feeble sects, there will be in
each town one strong society, the centre
of all its religious life and thought. Its
worship will be characterized by the sim
plicity of Unitarianism, the dignity of the
Episcopal service, and the heartfelt fervor
of the Methodists. Our noblest sacred
music will be rendered by great choruses,
and everything will be on scale OF stately
dignity which our present divisions render
impossible.
The religion that is to be will emphasize
the fact that God is the soul, and not the
carpenter of the universe 1t will dwell
on the eternal fatherhood and love in
which we continually move.
1t will touch life at all points. 1t will
| permeate even our international life.
| Governments are not at all Influenced. in
| their relations, by religious principles.
| Diplomacy is great game of grab No
considerations of equity weigh against
selfish interests, in shaping public policy.
| But, in time, nation5 will learn that they
cannot disregard the rules of honesty any
more than individuals can. Apart from
any higher considerations, it is fact that
it has cost our own government more in
money, to fight the Indians, in support of q
rascally policy than it would have cost ia
make them citizens and treat them kindly
The recently enacted Chinese Exclusion
act is another disgrace to our legislation
1t is based upon the assumption, that O
people can prosper by disregarding honesty
and breaking its pledges.
What blind folly il is for men TO fly in
the face of the eternal laws God ha.
written over the face of the whole uni
verse the great principle of unity. There
is no isolation, no exclusion i'll nature
All things are bound together. Across tn,
| gulf OF infinite space star answers TO star
Across the gulf of centuries soul speaks Il
soul. All is one.
Thus tod teaches us the great lesson o.
human solidarity, the same which Pau
taught in those memorable words, III,
hath made of one blood all nations Of mer
to dwell together together, not apart
1t is folly for nation to try to erect
public policy on isolation. We may def,
the eternal laws for a time, but they viii
wreak their own retribution. The religion
of the future will emphasize the colder
rule and the brotherhood of mankind.