The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1894-12-15

o.
we are informed that, even at this
day, when an idol is unearthed in
Mexico, some loving soul by night
steals up to it and offers votary of
flowers.
Many years ago Professor Agassiz
pointed out the fact that every type
of man had it's corresponding fauna
and fora. He should have added re-
ligion also. There are marked lines
of difference which characterize the
various tribes of mankind. Their
methods of reasoning, religious ex-
preston, humor, ETC., vary. The peo-
pie of Europe do not belong to one
tribe, although nominally called the
IndoE European, back of the Slav, the
Teuton, the Kelt, the Lapps and
Fins, and the Basques, there was an
older tribe, all of which, to greater
or lesser degree have amalgamated,
which has resulted in line of de-
velopment more or less incoherent,
displayed in their manners and Gus
toms. America, receiving all manner
of emigrants, inter-marrying before
distinctive type has been formed, but
adds to the discord. These people
are religious, and each one is con-
vinced that his expression of it is the
only true method, and all others are
arch -heresies.
Is it any wonder that there are SO
many sects? A certain class becomes
convinced that certain special things
are infinitely important, while other
enthusiasts, equally intelligent and
religious, fail to discover anything
relevant in their views and not infre
quentIy declare them to be contrary
to New Testament doctrines.
There is a marked difference be-
tween some of the forms or beliefs in
the Christian Church, which cannot
be bridged over, at least, not until
there is wonderful degree of modi-
ficstion. Nor should it be overlooked,
that in every community there is a
reactionary class whose influence is
difficult to overcome.
Although we may have our COM
mon schools and free colleges, there
is an educational consideration in
volved. The sectarian colleges, like
each and every denomination, repre-
sents certain grade of intelligence,
which, taken as whole, is decidedly
marked Ambition, church pride, and
rivalry keep these colleges alive. In
social and intellectual economy these
institutions perform definite work.
Without an incentive back of them
their mission would become paralyzed,
and certain grade of intelligence
would not be reached.
The experience of the ages teaches
us that form is connected with reli-
gion. There are those who firmly
hold to the conviction that we must
wait for tie gentle action of the
spirit, and still others who would
mercilessly drag us through scraps
of litany and prayer books, before
giving us the treasures of their
thought. l must confess that the
liturgy of the Church of England
and of Rome, however solemn and
spiritual it may be to its devotees, is
repugnant to my ideas of worship.
To me it is useless form and takes
away the true idea of devotion. To
the same class the stated worship of
the greater number of the Protestant
sects may seem too severe and frigid.
These asthetical reasons must have
their bearing or weight.
Doctrine of federation.
We boast of our civilization and
freedom. We live in country which
guarantees equal rights and laws to
its citizens. With all our advantages,
which should make us broad and
generous, yet we should blush at our
religious intolerance. In the cool re-
fecting moments in the quietude of
our study we may accord to every
one his right to his own opinions,
and the honesty of his convictions,
yet dove not too often exhibit toward
others who do not see as we see, an
ungenerous, un-American and un-
christian spirit' No nation can
boast of man SO great, so true, SO
broad and 80 patriotic as America.
Even Lord Brougham was forced to
indite that Washington was "the
greatest man of this or of any age"
Unfortunately, although nearly a
hundred years have rolled away since
that great man closed his eyes in
death, there are many influential
men, now living, who fall far below
his standard. Intolerance, bigotry
and social ostracism were not part