Evening star., 1900-07-16
APPEAL TO CHDRCH PEOPLE
COOPERATION IN EFFORT FOR RE-
VIVAL OF RELIGION.
Higher Standard OF CitizenshfD and
Ptety the Objeet-Ehe Magnificent
Nineteenth n Century.

An appeal asking the people of the United
States to do all In their power to bring
about a great revival tof religion through
out the country at the beginning of the new
century has been issued by Bishop Doane
of the Protestant Episcopal diocese of Al
bany, N. Y; Rev. DIR. Strong, president of
the League for Social Service" New York;
Rev. DR.. George c. Lorimer of Boston and
Rev. DR.. GLADDEN. of Columbus Ohio The
appeal expresses the belief of its authors
that the end sought to be attained can be
brought about by the use of the following
means:
By prayer in churches, families and In
private for the descent of the Holy Spirit
upon and quickening of the spiritual life of
the people: that all Christians may be
bound together in love. peace and co-opera-
tive efforts to evangelize the world and
raise mankind to a life of righteousness:
that family prayer and Bible study may
become the custom in every household;
that the Sabbath day may be kept holy
and the Ten Commandments made the
law Of every life: that the family life
may be purified and children reared in hon
esty., justice. virtue and love. and that our
people may be raised to a higher type of
citizenship and patriotism through the
power of purer and higher type of Chris
tian life.
BY work and preparation. in the mid
week prayer meetings. the spiritually
minded and jealous members endeavoring
to bring in the apparently Indifferent. that
by the power of the Holy Ghost all may be
infused with the spirit and fervor of con-
Secration to the Master.
BY education, through widespread study
and reading of missionary histories and
biographies, and by lectures, that our peo-
pie may become better informed to the
missionary efforts and successes of this and
previous centuries. thus learning what
greater things could be done in religious,
moral. social and charitable reforms. II
amounts commensurate with the work We're
given not only of the abundant wealth of
the rich, but also of the mites of the poor.
Appointment of Committees.
1t is also desirable, it is asserted, that
ministerial associations, church clubs and
other like organizations shall endeavor to
arouse their respective communities and see
that committees are appointed to carry for
ward the movement and arrange for suit
able celebrations in their respective towns
and villages. Plans for such celebrations
are not now proposed. These, together with
the most advantageous time, VIII be de-
cidcd by the local committee of each place
1t is believed and desired that commence
ratiVe projects, already determined upon by
some religious bodies. and also others which
may be presented, will, with this one, assist
each other, and also a general religious
awakening.
A years preparation of this kind. it is be
lievcd. will result in a higher standard of
Christian life. manifesting itself in unparal-
leled enterprises of the twentieth century
for spreading the Gospel. and thereby ele-
waiting mankind to the exalted station for
which they We're destined
Never has the world celebrated the outgO-
ing Of such a magnificent century as the
nineteenth, the incoming Of one already
so full of wonderful promises, 1t is declared
especially of greater projects for evangeliZ-
ing the world and etevating humanity by
application of a spiritual and practical
Christianity to all phases of human life
The American people. so marvelCusly pros
pered in religions. political, industrial and
intellectual welfare and in national honor.
should. in the opinion of the committee, rise
to the full appreciation of their individual
and national blessings and celebrate this
unusual occasion with Thanksgiving and
praise.