The Oskaloosa herald., 1911-06-29
BAPTIST DAY JUNE 2S|
Meaning of Day and Some History
of the Church.

that an effort is being made to have
all Baptist pulpits sound forth and
emphasize re-statement of Baptist
principles. This thought grew out OF
the great gatherings of Baptists be,
ing held in Philadelphia from June
1925, known as The Northern Bap-
fist Convention" The Baptist Al,
lance of the u. g." and The Worlds
Baptist Congress" There are more
Baptists gathered in Philadelphia at
this time than have met in any con.
ference since the days of Pentecost
These Baptists have come from the
ends of the earth to The city OF
brotherly love" 1t is fitting that
this great gathering should be held
in the city with so significant a
name, and the relation of Philadel'
phia to the cause of American liber.
ty makes Is historically significant as
the place of the present conference.
This meeting will be attended by
men from all parts of the world
Canada, Australia, New Zealand,
Great Britain and all parts of the
vast British Empire have joined
hands and touched hearts. The Re
public of France sent its messengers
to the Republic of America, men OF
all races and tongues have met there
in fraternal fellowship. 1t Is especial
ly noteworthy that Roumanians, Bul
garians, Bohemians, Let's, Esthon-
ians and Poles, and men from old
Russia sit, stand, speak and pray
side by side. Japan, China, India and
Africa kneel together at the throne
of God. Portugal, Spain and Italy
have s4nt meu Of the Latin race TO
meet their linguistic brethren from
Mexico. South America and Central
America. Swedes, Norwegians and
Hollanders from the home country
have greeted their brethren, who are
now American citizens. This meet
ing is, racially and linguistically, a
unique occasion, not only in Baptist
history, but in the history and exper.
fence of the U. s., and of the whole
world.
These men from many lands are
living witnesses to the miraculous
power OF the grace of God. The old
gospel has again asserted its divine
power. This occasion illustrates
anew the fact that the Gospel is the
power of God unto salvation unto
every one that believeth; to the Jew
al
truth Is most beautifully illustrated
by the delegates of the Slavonic
races. Some of these delegates have
come from the dungeons of Siberia,
and other Russian prisons. A new
day has dawned for civil and relig'
ious liberty in the Empire OF the
Car. These martyrs for the faith
have received a welcome of unusual
cordially.
This assembly emphasizes anew
the distinctive principles of our Bap-
list faith. These principles are
clearly taught in the New Tesla,
ment. The word of Cod" as the
only rule of faith and practice. is the
great slogan of Baptists. This has
been their slogan in all countries AID
centuriGS. They have dyed the
SHOWS OF Alpine heights and tatten-
ed the soil in Alpine valleys with
their blood. Men Of no other faith
have given so many martyrs to civil
and religious liberty as have the Bap-
lists. The Baptist who does not re-
joice in the share his fathers played
in establishing civil and religious lib
erty in this and other lands, must
have ignorance instead of knowledge
within his head and icicles instead of
healthy blood in his veins. The Bap-
fist has had ancestors who were an
honor to the human race and quite
worthy to Be termed Sons of God
and brethren of Christ" The Bap.
fists have led the world in loyalty to
Christ and fidelity to His word. And
repeat that this great gathering in
Philadelphia has given emphasis to
the grand part we have prayed in the
heroic past for all nations and ton
CUES.
Among the noted speakers at this
convention were such men as Rev.
J. H. Shakespeare, NJ. A., of London,
England. the honored secretary of the
Baptist Union OF Great Britain. DR..
John Clifford, of London, who is term
ed The uncrowned king of the Free
Churches of Great Britain" Rev. F.
p. Meyer. OF London; DR.. Newton H.
Marshall, OF London, the brilliant
preacher and friend of the oppressed;
the eloquent and brilliant Or. Forbes,
of Glasgow, Scotland; Rev. T. PHIL
Ups, a Welshman; Rev. J. E. Reid,
president of the Baptist Union of
Ireland, and speakers from every
country and tribe represented. 1t
has been truly cosmopolitan gath
ering. The American Baptists sent
over $4,000 to help defray the pas
sage expenses of those delegates who
were too poor to meet their own ex-
penses; and it is reported that the
attendance has passed the $500 mark
Now, word as to the progress Bap,
fist principles and practices are max.
ing in the world today. Some peo-
pie seem to have the opinion that
10 be Baptist means a small thing,
and look upon our denomination as
Of no significance; but let such pom
der these facts and consider. 1t is
n