The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-02-05
WESTMINSTER CHURCH.
President Andrews of Brown Univer-
sity Gave an Interesting Address.

sity Gave an Interesting Address.
The services yesterday of the West
minister church were conducted by DIR. T..
Benjamin Andrews, president OF Brown
University. He took his text from
Matthew, 16 chapter, Sd verse. so We hypo-
critics, ye can discern the pace OF the skies:
But can We not discern the signs of
the times" He pointed out that
the Hebrews in ancient times believed
that religious affairs had reached perfec-
tion under the Jewish dispensation. They
knew not the prophetic character OF
Christ nor understood his mission. They
could not understand that the
work of this man was the foundation
of the most stupendous religious revolu-
tion that the world had ever seen. To
apply the same thought to modern times,
might there not be signs of the times
which no one foresaw? IL was con-
fessed that the church fails
to accomplish what it ought, and there
is general feeling, perhaps not openly
expressed, but still existing. that as an
organization the church does not meet
the requirments of broader and
fuller religious growth as its
name and reputation implies.
1t has learning, it has
wealth; it has members by the hundreds
of thousands; it has magnificent temples,
and yet upon the masses outside its doors
it has little influence. 1t is doubtful IL
the heathen religions are less strongly
intrenched in the hearts of their men,
bers or have fewer converts than they had
80 years ago. Despite missionary work
they are growing. But aside from its
missionary work there are evidences Of
the failure of the c hristian church at our
own doors. There is large and numerous
body OF christians who live good and USE
full lives, but who have nothing TO do with
the church. They deny that the church
is the sole bearer of religious truth. Many
of these people today are working among
the lower classes with effect. They claim
that the church does not fulfill the teach
ings of Christ's religion, and there seems
to be truth in their claims.
Now, the trouble is that the church
places relatively too much stress on doc
trine and creed. True, no church pro-
claims the fact. The Presbyterians, for
instance, are far more interested in the
welfare of humanity and the growth OF
religious life than they are in the ortho-
doxy of DIR. Briggs, yet they are
on record as making far more out of his
general public for salvation. Whenever
there are great practical questions of
the day to be solved, the church
takes no part in them. But when
ever the question OF its creed or
the phrasing of sentence that would put
its doctrine on record is under considera-
tion the churches will muster the keenest
intellects OF the age and consume time
hon INIT haf fore bo
tion is decided. In short the church APP
parently relatively cares more for theology
than for Christianity.
Christ was ever teaching how TO do
good, how to make the world better
and how to make people happy.
He never said word about creed
or doctrine. He got at mems hearts.
He knew, IL he did that, doctrine
would take care of itself. The church to-
day would do well TO go back to the prac-
tices of Christ. The opening of its doors
twice week for service is but a
faint and unrecognizable imitation
of Christ's methods OF ministry.
The church needs to meet the
great practical questions of the life OF the
masses-questions of sociology, poverty,
wealth, good government ard municipal
issues. IL ought TO be more OF and among
the people and not confine itself TO SO
narrow lines.
The music OF the service was rendered
by the quartet with Miss Donovin, So
prano, who takes Miss Whites place hie
the latter is absent. Miss Donovan sang
solo, "Like "a Father" by Davis
with great sympathy aud feeling. Miss
Dean sang also the 'Invocation," a
sustained and solemn work by Mundy.
NJ iss Donovin was also heard in the even
ing TO great advantage in "Onc Sweetiy
solemn Thought" by Boex, n piece
abounding I'm rich harmony and admira-
bly, suited 20 Miss Donovin's mczzo
soprano voice. Mr.. Briggs sang
ale Counteth All Your Sorrows
from Hymns OF Praise. He has rarely
sung so well or with such artistic effect.
The anthems were, "The Lord Is Exalted"
by West; "a Saving Victim" by Tours
''frhc Radiant Morn Has Passed Away"
by Woodward; "rbe Lost Sheep" by
Jordan and the "Rock Of Ages" by shsi-
'ey.