The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-11-10
RQQt& AA g9.! MIN1es!e:.T HEM
y 30. Wva1u MAKE Y eE!cE.
EDITED BY ENOcH KNIGHT

The trend of the hoini:etic literature of
the present agc-we mi ght say the present
year-is as gratifying as its bulk 10 sur
prising. Never was SO much and SO
broad preaching to men. The whole SUBJ
icet of missions il being discussed and in
the m 3st earnest spirit OF enquiry. The
outlook is far away from being doctrinai
or scholastic truth, and almost wholly in
the line Of what is best for the masses of
mankind as a practical m cans of better
lines and higher civilization. The re-
lations OF Christianity to business, labor,
politics, reforms, etc., are discussed in q
truly commemorate spirit such preach.
ing and such teaching as must bring
nations much nearer to the kingdom Of
God in the world.
The general tone of the new books and
lectures on the general subject of mis-.
sions is hopeful, if not wholly optimistic,
while there is little said about the
heather, as the inhsbitant; of the Christ
less nation was once so universally de-
signated, the cause of the untaught
masses is held to be more important and
pressing than ever. Men VINO know not
Christ are brothers and friends who are
held to have the same chance of Gods
favor as if born amongst Christian in
stitutions-at any rate no curse is pro.
nounced upon in the latter light and the
milder heat of religious controversy.
The American board of foreign M is
sions appears to have straig b tened out
some OF its difficulties and to be going
on with less friction than for several
years. and the Rev. DR.. ThOmpsun's
latest WORK OF three volumes on The Rise
and Progress OF Missions is a satisfactory
work and great contribution to Amer
lean history, 1t may be incidentally re-
marked that never since the Ci usades
have there been SO many Christian pill
grims to the Holy Land any one year as
this one.
But there is curious and Unexpected
phase OF this question OF missions with
all the rest OF the years discussion.
Something has happened for which all
protesting Christians will hardly b.
prepared. 1t is said to be conte m plated.
IN the near future. by the various relig-
ionists in the east to make attem pts
upon Europe and America to gain con-
verts to Asiasic beliefs. One of the fruits
of the parliament of religions is said tn
have been the birth of this purpose. One
book has already appeared. entitled A
Buddhist Catechism. translated into
German and English, which is intended
for general circulation, containing the
outlines of tbs main features of ths Bud.
dhist system as applied to the conduct of
life. The author oil the work claims for
IL o power of example equal to that
shown by any religion.
Il 4 4
Whatever may be said of odern ten.
dency to inquiry and doubt, it can be
safely asserted that the true spirit of rev.
erenoe is still abroad IN the masses of
thong htful men. This is evidenced by the
greater NUN Dor of books upon the ir.
spiration and interpretation of truth
and their hosts of readers. It has been
Snany years since any book has been 30
widely read as Alden's Goa In His World,
now about two years old. and his Study
OF Death, just out. bids fair to be as
eagerly sought. In the last month six
line Of the higher oriticism, have found