The Washington herald., 1907-05-27
RELIGION IN RUSSIA
BaptiSts Listen TO Baron
Uxkull's Appeal.
ASKS AID FOR HIS COUNTRY
Tells of Prosecutions of Christians
Who WOrShiped Even When the
Police HOunded Them-People Now
Free to Get Help from America
or Any other source.

Prosecutions in Russia. stories of the
martyrdom endured by those not of the
Greek Orthodox Church before the days
Of religious freedom. and the opportuni-
" that Is now given for spreading the
gospel Of Christ throughout the empire
Of the Car. formed the basis of an ad-
dress by Baron Uxkull a member Of
the Russian nobility, In the First Bap-
tist Church yesterday morning.
Baron Cxkun is devotlng his life and
fortune TO The teaching OF the word OF
God among his people, his mission to
America being to raise 100000 for the
building Of a seminary at Reval.
In his sermon he told OF the secret
meetings held in a darkened room, where.
by the light of a single candle. the mes
sage Of Christ was read in hushed tones;
Of the departure Of the congregation one
by one. so as to avoid the suspicion Of
the police; Of banishment TO Siberia for
daring 10 preach the Word; ana now. that
the ban is lifted. he appeals TO the church
Of America for aid in bringing to his
people the happiness that is to be found
in the worship Of God
Religious conditions have greatly
changed within the last two years. said
the baron "ro leave the Greek Orthodox
Church meant banishment to Siberia, the
conf1scation Of ones property. and the
taking away OF ones children. Meetings
were always held in secret and In fear
and trembling Of the police. In one in
stsnce-and there are many such-a
preacher was taken from the pulpit and
consigned TO prison. His sister, a coun-
tess and the wife Of an ambassador. tried
to save him. but the influence Of the
priesthood was greater than even she
could invoke. l visited him in prison and
sought 10 comfort him, but could do
naught but weep, and II was he that was
the COmf'rter
Soul Free in Prison.
In prison his soul was free. and he
was flled with the happiness that is
given only 10 the righteous. The glory Of
God shone in his face. and his very pres
ence was a blessing and a comfort TO his
fellow-prisoners.
To-day Russia IS open for the light and
the gospel There were many converts az
the time Of the prosecutions. when the
worshipers felt that they might be sent
10 prison, and now a glorious opportunity
presents itself There are many religions
in Russia-the Greek Orthodox Church.
the Catholic. Protestant, Mohammedans
Buddhists, and even fire worshipers. The
Baptsts number 10000 the Methodists lbo
and the Presbyterians have one small
congregation Of 25 members.
In former days missionaries were turned
back from the frontier. but to-day there Is
religious freedom. and the people. unedu-
Gated as they are. are hungry for the
| teaching Of the gospel They have heard
81 the mighty nation across the sea, Of the
generosity Of its people. and they have
sent me as a delegate TO ask their aid
They ask for little, only that they may
have a place 10 worship God in peace.
Fine Churches Scarce.
We have no magnificent churches. In
nine provinces there are nineteen churches
whose total value IS $4,000. but these un-
pretentioUs structures are crowded 10 the
doors. the congregation standing in tho
/ aisles and outside the windows that they
may hear and learn Of Christ. To then
| this consolation should surely be given
ask your sympathy and prayers foi
Russia"
Baron Uxkull Is OF German descent
/ though born In Russia. He has devoted
I the larger part Of his fortune 10 religion:
work and has sent a number # youne
men to the universities Of America and
England TO be educated for the ministry.