New-York tribune., 1895-07-14

lands Great Britain heads the list With 26io
Australia follows with 1.5O9. There are organ
ixed societies in every European country except
Russia Italy, Iceland. Sweden and Greece.
Such, in brief. Is the history Of this remark
able organization How shall We account for 1t
in an age supposed to be given over TO material
ism? 1t would seem, first Of all, TO suggest that
our analysis Of the age must be faulty. 1t Is
true that matcrialism has come to be much
in evidence nowadays; but there Is no proof that
n purely materialstic philosophy OF life has In
1t the power to satisfy the cravings Of the human
heart. While we take note Of the anti-rellgious
tendency that undoubtedly exists to-day, We
should not fail to note also the equally marked
tendencies in the other direction The spiritual
deadness that marked Catholicism just before
the Reformation, and Professionalism in the eigh-
tecnth century, has almost entirely disappeared.
Christianity to-day Is characterized by an
Astounding zeal and vitality that find their ex-
prcssion In efforts for the bettermcnt OF the
race. This is seen not only in the stimulated
impulses Of parochial life, but in the growth OF
such movements as the Salvation Army, the
Christian Endeavor societies, and various de-
nomnational societies and guilds. The DOM
inant note OF these organizations is not so much
"
lifting Of lost and degraded humanity. They do
not deprecate belief; but they look upon beiief'
however true, as after all only means to an
end, and that end Is the promotion OF righteous
ness. The Christian Endeavor movement 1t
seems to us, is strong because II Is an I'M
pulse and an inspiration along the line OF prac-
teal endcavor, because 1t appeals not 10 ah!
scctarian. and therefore partial. conception OF
Christianity, but to those great fundamental
teachings Of ChrIsts religion that not even an
unbclicvcr In the formal creeds Of Christendom
can gainsay. While there are many evidences
that christianity Is readjustng itself to the new
conditions that confront it, just as 1t has done
I'm every age there Is no sign that It's appeal'to
the heart and conscience OF men Is less strong
and convincing than II ever was before. Indeed,
its success In this respect has been an apparent
source OF weakness to it.; for It's ethical teach
ings have been taken up and enforced by nearly
all the earnest thinkers who range themselves
outside Of It's pale. They are at one with the
most orthodox Christian In urging upon men the
paramount beauty and truth OF those principles
of life and conduct that Christ illustrated and
taught
The gathering of 10000 Christian Endeavor
delegates in Boston this last week Is In itself an
impressive fact. ,estifying to the essential catho-
lcity Of modern Christianity. These delegates
are Of many races. and come from many lands;
hut in their devotion to Christian ideals they are
all one. The Boston papers have noted the plain
and even poverty stricken air Of many OF the
delegates The fact speaks more for the strength
Of the organization than any gaudy trappines
OF wealth or power. These earnest. sclfdenying
Young men and women gathered together TO al
vance the spiritual kingdom Of righteousness
preach to the world sermon far more ehectlve
than the most polished effort Of the mere pulpit
orator