The Savannah morning news., 1900-12-30
rev. james Y. Fair. n. ~. Independ-
ent Presbyterian Church.


I emphasize che progress OF religion and
am confident in the belief that the world
is growing better. slowly 81 may be, but
nevertheless surely and steadily II seems
TO me that this optimistic view rests upon
a nrm and broad foundation. which s.
perfectly evident. even 20 the most casual
and superficial glance back along the
shining pathway Of the worlds progress
during the century Beyond all question,
u may be justly called the Erandcst cen
tury of history. Never Ia the same space
OF time, has the race progressed as rapid
~ or been lifted 10 50 high plane
In this spiendid march OF the age. religion
has caught step and kept pace with the
Intellectual and material progress OF the
world. In the beginning OF the century
u was predicted that Christianity was
about 10 die out. The long and exhaust
ing struggle 4 the Revolution had left
upon the infant nation the usual democrat
izing effects OF war
The chilling and whitening inau-
ence OF French inndehty hung
around its cradle Painc's Age Of
Reason" was the worlds textbook
Churches were few. Bibles ana reHpfous
books extremely rare IN many places the
sabbath desecrated. Public men Of most
conspicuous position and widest influence
we're not only protested sceptics. but Bit
ter and aggressive foes TO Christianity
The prospect for the church did indeed
seem dark; no wonder the hearts % many
failed them for fear. But In the close
OF the century. what do we see7 The set
ting sun every evening looks down uuon
a new church erected to the worshin OF
God.
80 far eror, a,., .
was never so alert 80 strong, 80 inHuen-
tal as to-day. Il IA multiplying itself
throughout the world at the average rate
OF one church for every day in the year.
In the long history OF tho church Il has
never, IN any age included within IT'S
told 50 many members. nor has so much
money been given for It's extension. This
century has Witnessed the rise OF the
great missionary movements. whose i'm
pulse. like the ocean tide. sweeps around
the earth and touches every shore. But
the progress OF religion Is Indicated not
only IN these great worldwide effects. 10
Is shown 10 less Dearly In les renextve
influence in our homeland. ~ the grow
ing spirit Of unity among Christians %
the various denominations in wise aud
practical Efforts for tho amelioratfon or
mans physical and social condition. in the
inception Of such Institutions as tho
Young Mems Christian Association. tho
Young Peoples Society OF Christian En-
deavor. the salvation Army and tho pow
er 81 the religious FTsss. J. g upon such
evident and gratifying facts I predicate
my belief that religion Is progressing and
the world growing better The church
steps across che threshold OF the new een-
fury with a lofty purpose a boundless
hope and an undauntod courage.
Many difficulties. no doubt Will
lie along its path: much evu and
many shadows sun linger. but be
yond the shadows the future &
allied with the sunshine 81 golden
hope. believe that. step by step. God b
leading the race onward and upward
through the slow. and at times. painful
unfolding OF his plan. lifting all che ma
tons to glorious contamination when
there will be but one nation. one language
one religion. one Heavenly Father. when
war will be- unknown. when the dream oi
the old Hebrew prophet VIII become a
glorious reality. and the knowledge OF
the Lord shall cover the earth as the wa
ter covers the great deep.
The ancient poets located the
Golden age Of the world In thu
past believe q Is IN the future
do not know many things. but one thing
I feel do know-eternal love a. enthrone-l
with eternal wisdom and eternal power.
lie doeth all things well"