The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1908-05-27
try in this nation show similar con-
ditions.
Christianity Declining Everywhere.

ditions.
Christianity Declining Everywhere.
Let us look at this great city of
New York. Fifty years ago there
were more than 400 churches. Now
there are 1900 But the population
has increased much faster. Il the
churches had increased in proper
ton we should now nave 1000 in
stead of 1900. Fifty years ago there
was one church in New York for each
2,200 Now there is only one church
for every 300.
The decline of christianity is uni
versal In England, in France, in
Spain, in Italy and Germany We hear
the same cry.
only lately l was talking to an
English clergyman. He told me that
not merely was there a great falling
that the class of people who fire.
quented churches was growing infe-
rior
What great field is here in
Fifth avenue for us, the center of
empire! Yet there are 100000 in
this city who are not Jews nor Ro-
man Catholics nor Mahometans, and
who must be Protestants.
But this million is entirely I'M
churched. 1t is not classed in any
of these Protestant denominations to
which it should belong.
THE spirit of the age has gone
ahead, but we have made no progress
in the old formulas, the old theolo-
gy, the old sanction When we do
so we speak with bated breath, apol-
Ogetically.
The Remedy.
I'VE want more teachers, more
schools, more churches and larger
ones to hold the 10000 Baptists of
this city. We want more money, |
more buildings, more young men to |
rain for the ministry. Look at the |
vast opportunities with every race
coming to our shore. We want funds |
10 erect an Italian mission. Here
n New York is the place to win Italy i
% Christ. Here we nave Italian an
archists and infidels and atheists |
providing to our shores as destitute |
If christianity as if they had come |
rom benighted Africa instead of |
professedly christian country. But |
when we make an appeal for money |
or the Italians Baptists close their |
)ocketbooks as much as to say 1.-The |
italians are not worth it," They |
IRE, and that the church which |
should look after them fails to do
50 is no reason why we should follow
is example
The Blame.
The church here is out of touch |
With the masses. Everything has
progressed except christianity. Many
and progressive young men |
md women have been driven from
he church by the stupidity of the
'rachers. The pulpit has too many
'igots, too many bores, too many
lell-tre screechers for the enlight-
ned thought of the day. Compelled
o a life of grinding poverty, tread
ng always the same old paths of a
thousand years, hidebound and re-
tricted the church of Christ has be-
ONE a laughing stock-parrotts of
lead church cries instead of preach
RS of the living Christ.
The Awakening.
The church is Obliged to accept
my applicant for the ministry who is
espectable. Even with this latitude
Baptist, Presbyterian and Methodist
OcatiOns show a remarkable falling
If in 25 years, while the needs for
n enlargiRg clergy was never felt
o much as now. There must come
n awakening when pious and God
owing men will see a paramount
uty in actively enlisting in the
EXPOSITION in preaching the gospel
nd in doing good to everyone with i
n the sphere OF their influence"