The Washington times., 1895-05-20
FAITH OF The RIGHT SORT
DR.. Kent SAYS 1t Must Be Built
Upon Broader Foundations.
More Intense Sociological Phenom'
ena Must Be Shown by the Church
That Shall Appeal TO Reason.

Faith as distinguished from a species
of superstition that is sometimes misnamed
faith was the Rev. Alexander Kent s
theme at ttheP eople sChurch yesterday morn
ing. He said some believe there is a decline
of faith among men, but the truth is there
is a rapid growth ofthat confidence in Gods
power to rule His universe forthe good of his
creatures, which has a right to be called
fait h.
Proof OF this be found in the fact that two
congresses of religious leaders who hold to
this sort OF faith and reject superstition
are to assemble this summer. The super
stition referred to is the belief that God has
not powerto control the affairs fthis world
so that his creatures may live together in
love and happiness, but must wait for death
asthe onlyTelieffrom selfishness and misery
The religious gatherings are to be held
at Chicago on June 4, . and 6, and at
Toronto, Canada, July 1S to 20.
The Chicago meeting is the congress of
Liberal Religious Societies Il will be
made up of delegates from Jewish, Uni
tartan, Universalist, and independent
religious societies. The Peoples Church
is member OF the organization and expects
TO send Dr. Kent as a delegate
1.-The proceedings last year." said the
pastor yesterday, ''were marked by uni
versal fervor and harmony of spirit There
was high degree of moral and religious
enthusiasm This year it is hoped that
the scope of the congress will be widened
lnnEimQv tn ha full
ton of the great ethical principles which
have TO do with our human relations. DR..
Heron VIII probably be there and i'm
portant truths too long obscured, will be
brought 10 the front in a way 10 make it
difficult again TO retire them.
The better theology which we claim,
must vindicate itself by revealing a better
sociology. Tie Western people are getting
pretty tired of theology that is tmid about
exhibiting its social bearings. They want
relief from present wrong. Ny belief
is that a church which will lsetitself squarely
against the continuance of this competitive
regime, which viii urge persistently an
organization OF society recognizing practi-
caily the principles of brotherhood we have
so long asserted, would have an immense
following in the West.
THE topics of the coming congress show
strong sympathy for this object Plans
OF Confederation of the Various Liberal
Forces of America The Dangers aud
Abuses of Wealth. Various Sociological
Problems as They Press Upon the Churches
of Today all these indicate that the men
at the head are not blind to the issues OF
the time''
The Toronto assembly is called the
"a Pan-AmeTican Congress of Religion
and Education" Rev Samuel G. Smith,
OF st. Paul, is TO be president. 1t is TO be
composed of representatives from every
country, province and State in North and
South America, including Protestants
Roman Catholics and Hebrews II is 10
consider the great moral and social ques
tionS of the day.
Many OF the highest diguitaries OF
Church aud State, as well as prominent
philanthropists, have promised to be pres
ent. The congress will have six sections
First, authors, editors and publishers
second, education; third, philanthropies
hospitals, asylums, etc. fourth, woman's
work, temperance; fifth, denominations
section; sixth, young peoples societies
Sunday schools, etc. seven thousand del.
egates are expected