The New York Herald Newspaper, September 27, 1873, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1873—TRIPLE SHEET. A RELIGIOUS CONGRES Sixth General Conference of the Evangelical Alliance. ‘A PROTESTANT ECUMENICAL COUNCIL well as to Onristians, and claims to have helped in relieving Jews from unjust severity as well as to have been instrumental in causing the relaxa- tion of stringent restrictions upon certain sects of Christians, THE WORKING MEMBERS. The list of active workers in the preliminary ar- Tangements for the Conference includes many names most favorably known throughout the United States, The President of the American Al- hance, Hon. William E, Dodge, and his sons, Wil- liam E. Dodge, Jr., and Professor Stewart Dodge, of Beyroot College, in Syria, Asiatic Turkey, are devoting much time to the work. Dr, S, Irewnus Prime, editor of the Observer, is one of the mest active members of the Executive Committee, in Grand Cosmopolitan Conclave of | connection with Rev. pr. Thomas D. Anderson, Christian Captains. OCTOBER 2 TO OCTOBER 12, 1873 The Hosts of the Church Militant To Be Marshalled in Association Hall. WHO ARE TO BE THERE Delegates from Every Conti- nent and from the Islands of the Ocean. (CHRISTIAN SENTIMENT A UNIT. Pricws of Prominent Men on the Aims of the Alliance and the Promise of the Conference. (Now York to Entertain the World's Representatives. On Thursday, the 2d of October, there will be ypened at the Hallo! the Young Men’s Christian ciation the sixth general Conference of the vangelical Alliance, This organization has its ranches in Canada, Great Britain, Germany, 'rance, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Sweden, lorway, Denmark, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Italy and India, and its operations reach to every quarter and almost to every nation on the globe. It has been in active work for alittle more than a quarter of a century, and has already held its general con- Jerences successively in London, Paris, Berlin, Geneva and Amsterdam. This is its first general MDveting out of Europe, and it is looked forward to my the great body of evangelical Christians in America as a gathering of extraordinary interest _ Ain its promise of potential influence upon the relig- fous advancement of the entire world. Itis ex- Pected that this PROTESTANT ECUMENICAL CONFERENCE vill contaia in its membership -by far the greatest array of ecclesiastical learming and talent which has ever sat in council since the dawn of the Ref- | ormation. Its delegates comprise members of all the leading sects or denominations into which the Protestant worid is divided. Methodjats, Baptists, Lutherans, Retormers, Episcopalians, Presbyte- prians, Wesieyans, Congregationalists, Free Church: | fmen and members of the established State Phurehes will, in its sessions, discuss the tnter- @sts of true religion. English, Dutch, German, ‘French, Italian, Spanish and Danisn Cristiane will meet on its floor as brethren, while the del Bates from Asia, Africa and the islands of the pcean will not be omitted im the confraternal preeting. Our own land, in its capacity o1 wel- woming host for. this grand council 1 the ecclesiastical captains, who in all whe sections of the great battle field of truth direct the assault upon error, ignorance, Buperstition, heathenism and infidelity, is enlisted ito array its worthiest representatives, who will in large numbers be present to assist in conducting the proceedings of the Conference, which will last Shrough ten days. Besides the reguiar working Jmeetings of the Conference, which will be in As- Bociation Hall and several neighboring churches, | Bhere will be a number of popular assemblages, fadaressed in various languages, at the Academy of Music in this city, at the Brooklyn Academy and in Bome o/ our largest churches on Sundays and other @ays within the term of the Conference. OBJECTS OF THE ALLIANCE. With no intention to found a new sect or formu- Bate a distinct creed, and equally disclaiming the {intention or wish to break down or cripple any vexisting denomination, the Evangelical Alliance proposes to unily Christian action by bringing fall rauks of Christians into orotherly ac- yoord and sympathetic affection with one another. fit does not propose to interfere with ee slight differences good men may honestly en- rtain in regard to the nice shades of meaning to {Be found in certain controverted texts of Scripture, 40 change the unimportant variations in methods f conducting public worship, administering relig- a ordinances, or maintaining ecclesiastical cremate Ashuman minds are not all cast in ne mould, it leaves these unessentials where it nds them. As there are various arms in one ser- ice, jorming one army, though with varied uni- rm and drill, 80 the Ajliance proposes to join the | vewal sects in one army of righteousness, Thus jt hopes to utilize the united power of Christen- jom to repress intolerance and persecution, to jpread the true Gospel of Christ, and to avoid ose scandals which have heretofore arisen from he dissensions among Christians. Its promoters xXpect thus to open the way for therapid advance f that blessed day of prediction when all shall ‘now the Lord, and lead to the dawn of the prom- d millennium. THE COMMON PLATFORM. , AS a general enunciation of the principles of he Alliance the following summary of belief was jopted at the formation of the organization in don in 1846, and has been accepted by the vart- us branches which have since been established. ‘ { adirms :-— 1. The divine inspiration, authority and suff- Piencr of the Holy Scriptures, e right and duty of private judgment in the | Interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. 8. The unity of the Godhead and the trinity of he persons therein, 4. The utter depravity of haman nature in con- quence of the tall. | F torial intercession and reign. & Ele vandaag hs a ae sinner by faith alone, , work of the Holy Spirit in the ¢ Tecan ty Ld fener. - bean 8. The immortality of the soul, the resurrection f the body, the judgment o! the world by our Lord jesus Christ, with the eternal biessedness of the nteous gad the eternal puuiskment of the icked, 9, The divine institution of the Christian ministry nd the obligation and perpetuity of the ordinance f baptism and the Lord’s Supper. It being, however, distinctly declared that this rief summary is not to be regarded in any iormal r ecclesiastical sense as a@creed or confession, an assumption e the limits of race Within the Alliance. A VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION, ‘This Convention of Christian captains pretends to Po disciplinary authority. It is @ voluntary and wpen Society of Jesus whose members join it or ere twat thelz own pleasure and whose delibera- ions and opéFations Are all in the sight of the world, Ii seeks to cultivate peace, not sow dissension, @mong those who serye under the banner of Chris- ‘tian Geedom. It claims to combat all forms of feligious.oppression and persecution, and to labor fwherever’ there may be occasion for the pre- ‘wention and redress of governmental or Chured exacrious, which deny to all the ight to folion’ the dictates of conscience @ regard to regions belief or worship. It (holds itself bound to exert its influence in giv- $# ireedom of taith wo, Jews and Mahometans as . | anism, there the Alliance | power as a 8 Baptist church; Rev. of Trinity Baptist church; Rev. Dr. Willlam Adams, of the Madison avenue Presbyterian church; the venerable President McCosh, of Princeton Theological Seminary; Rev. William J, Buddington, of the Lafayette avenue Congregational church, Brooklyn; Dr. Noah Hunt Schenck, of St, Ann’s on the Heights, Brooklyn; Rev. G. W. Samson, D. D., LL.v., President of Rutgers Female College; Rev. Henry D. Ganse, editor of the Dutch Reformed Christian Intelligencer; Rev. George 8. Crooks, editor of the Methodist; Rev. H. B. Ridgway, of the Harlem Methodist church; Rev, Howard Crosby, Chancellor of the New York University; Rev, 8. W, Chittenden and Rev. Henry B. Chapin, Secretaries of the United States Branch of the Alliance, and Mr. Caleb T, Rowe, its Treasurer. Dr. Philip Schaff, the Acting Honorary Secretary, returned from Europe this week, where be has been pro- viding for the sending of delegations by the European branches, DURATION OF THE CONFERENCE. Ten days will be devoted to the sessions of the Conference, beginning with the evening of Thurs- day, October 2, and closing on Sunday evening, Octoner 12, after which it is arranged for the chief ofMficers of the Alliance to proceed, on Monday, to Philadelphia, with their guests, to enjoy the hos- pitality of the Quaker City, and hold there a grand public meeting on Monday evening, October 13, Alter this cenclusion of the exercises of the Qoun- cil there will be an excursion to Niagara Falls, on returning from which the European dele- gates will be sent on their return voyages, with the parting good wishes and benedictions of the many Christian acquaintances they will havo formed while here. Full prevision is being made for the éntertainment of all the delegates to the Conference {ft sue hgmes of New York sympathizers in the work of thé Adjiance. Several of the ocean steamship lines have tendered to the Alliance passage tickets out and reftrn for its European delegates aud invited guests af seduced rates, Liberal terms have also been accorded by Me yall- road companies for the excursions, which will form part of the entertainments, pastor Dr J. of the Firat Sanford Holme, A Leading Merchant's Views. A HgRatp reporter called on the President of the United States branch of the Evangelical Alliance, Mr. William E, Dodge, to make inquiries about the coming Conference. Mr. Dodge is the well- known head of the great iron and tin importing house of Pheips, Dodge & Co, He was found in his counting house hard at work. He looks about fitty years old, stands @ trifle below six feet, is firmly built and muscular in appearance, has gray hair and an abundant white beard, a pleasant, amtable- looking blue eye, @ mellow voice and a persua- sive manner. He is @ smooth, easy talker, and seemed highly impressed with the useful- ness to mankind of the aims and efforts of the Alliance. He said that it was de- signed to unite and utilize the common sentiment of Christendom. Broken up into sects and denomi- nations, its inherent power is liable to be wasted, unless there be some moral condensing apparatus like the Alliance, through which it can speak and act, The Alliance proposes specially to remove all ersecution, for conscience sake, the World over. herever a’ man is restrained of his right to enjoy | his own religion, even thot that be Mahomet- ready to bring moral | torce to bear for his eufranchisement. We nave, in | this way, been able to eifect much, in many lands, during the twenty-five years the Alliance has lived: It has worked for religious freedom in Russia, Italy, Austria, Turkey and many other countrics where conscience was enslaved. THE OZAR AND THE ALLIANCE. Russian law made very grievous religious re- strictions, Aman who, being born of Lutheran parents, saw fit to connect himself with the Greek Church, the State reiigion, acquired thereby cer- tain privileges; but if he sought subsequently to return to the faith and wership oi his iathers he incurred very severe penalties. This was ex- emplified particularly in the case of a German colony which many years became nominally ached to the Greek Church, tn order to secure a grant of the land in Russian territory on which they colonized. A few years ago their descendants resumed the Lutheran worship, and were at once rigorously punished. A committee of the Alliance, numbering seventy-five members, and represent- ing Ghristianity of various sects ip all the leading countries of Europe and America, visited St. Petersburg to make ip shear gi to the govern- ment of the Czar in haif of relaxing this legal ersecution, We had an audience with Prince jortachakoff, Chancellor of the Empire. He said:— “Our laws on this subject are on the statute book. ‘The Emperor exerts no special rigor against these culprits, It is impossible that offences against the laws should be overlooked, and though we must fully respect the delegation of the Alliance for its nonorable devotion to the rights of hu- manity, as well on account of the large bodies of enlightened Christians whom it represents, yet there isno way ta which I see His Majesty can grant the leniency you suggest. I will, however, present your request to the Uzar at my earliest op- gr and receive his commands in the prem- ses.’ There was no formal rogation of the oppressive laws, but a short time subsequently the German colony were quietly relieved from the | Preah hd of persecution, and they have aot since en molested. No doubt the Czar and his chief Minister concluded, on canvassing the matter, that it would be betier to remit the penalties under au old law, which from non-enforeement had almost become obsolete, and had im this case been putin force through the influence of the Greek bishops, without instructions irom the central government, rather than to incur the censure of combined Christendom as represented by the Alliance, SOCIAL BVILS. Added to the influence the Alliance exerts in favor of free conscience, it devotes itself largely to the reformation of the social ills which afflict mankind. It seeks the removal of intemperance, pauperism and all classes of vice. It endeavors, in short, todo all the good that is practicable, by uniting Christians in efMicient labor against error, ignorance, superstition, infidelity and vice, while it leaves all its members Iree to ney their differ- ing shades of personal religious belief, and to maintain the integrity of their several sects. It inculcates Christian brotherhood, while it leaves the various denominations unimpaired, and in- cites them to generous rivalry in efforts for the benefit of the human race. WHO WILL COME. At the approaching conjerence we expect the best men of our own country, and a large representa- tion of the piety, learning and wisdom of Europe. Many of the highest standing are either now ar- rived or are on the way. India, too, will be notably represented. had lately a letter from the Hon. G. H, Stuart, in which he informs me that a native of Hindostan from the highest caste, a preacher of the Scotch Church and an orator of the rare: type is to be a delegate. He is named Narayan Sheshadrt. He was educated for official service ; but, embracing the Christian religion, was ordained, and has for several years conducted a separate missionary enterprise with great ability and success, His aker of En ig) wit lec thepld something almost magical. No dou! ‘is con- ference, the only one of the kind likely to be held in America for many years, will be one of the most important events of this age. An Editorial View. Rey. Dr. S. Irenwus Prime, editur of the New York Observer, is Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements for the coming conference. He at- tended the last General Conference of the Alliance at Amsterdam as a delegate, was charmed with the | generous hospitality of our Low Dutch cousins, \ and is euthusiastically sanguine of the ability of | New Amsterdam to match the amenities of the | ancient capital city of Holland, He was hard at Work onan Observer editorial when the HERALD than called, bat quickly responded to the drait of @ fellow journalist ior information, He was ready to assist in any way in the reporter's search into the intentions and prospects of the coming council. Jn reply to the question whether it would be more largely g*tended by the Protestant leaders in the European churches than either of its predecessors, he said that could hardly be expected. The wide ocean Was more dreaded by the theologians and scholars of the Old World than by our more active and stirring peopie. They wil not, of course, come here in such Dumbers a8 gathered in Paris, Berlin, Geneva or Amsterdam, but — stil we will have a large and most eminent | representation of the learning and piety of 1 the Emropean nations. But our own H pos a will We much tuiler and abier in the aggregate than at any former gathering, and we may thereiore feel confident that the Conterence wiil be inferior to none which have gone before it im practical ability aad usetulness. ‘Kerokigu—l know, Doctor, pretty well what the | alttance proposes. It has now had a life of a quar- | ter of a century, wielding more or less the power of Protestant Christendom, Now will you tell me, tn a (ew words, WHAT IT HAS DONE? Dr. Priwe—It can point to a noble record of good service in the cause of Christian freedom. by its efforts oppression and persecution have ceased in Russia and Austria, It has opened Italy to the Bible and taken the temporal power from the Pope. It has brought tts influence to bear upon China and Japan, aac to-day there is not a nation on earth Where @ man 1s not free to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience, while twenty years ago there were many countries where it was not safe to do so. ‘The Alliance has dons, grand work in Europe and is dcing the same RerorTer—OChristianity has many missions tn India, but do you not know that in spite of their exertions and of the influence of English govern- mental and commercial supremacy the Mahome- tan religion is reported as gaining converts in that populous empire faster than Obristianity ’ Dr. PRimk—I have seen such ussertions and suppose they are true; but that does not dismay me; we will whip the Koran yet, We are only just learning how to use the Bible, and with it we will conquer the worid, Pastor Dreyer, of Bremen. Among the delegates to the Conference already arrived the RERALD reporter met at-the rooms of the Alliance Pastor Eaward Dreyer, of the Re- formed or “New Kirche,” Bremen. «He is a stal- wart old man, of fine personal presenée, standing over six feet in height, \broadehoni@ercd and heavily built. He. ap about ;aixty years of age, and speaks only stew ‘words of Roglish. The reporter learned trot vey that he is the repre- sentative here, ‘in fact, not alone of his own Church, the new or Reformed Dutch Church, but of all other denominations as well; as Bremen 18 fants Protestant, and, except one section of the theran Ohurch, the ‘Hi Church” section, hich claims to be the exolustvely true Church, Bll sects there join heartily. in the objects and labors of the Alliance, Family ties have joined with weal for the cause of Christian de at 1n inducing this venerable pastor to croga the sea. He has children here whom he is visiting, and says that he finds his city very are represented among the active business men of New York, A Representative from India. After thitty years’ service as @ missionary in India, a bale, gray-bearded man of filty-tive comes across nearly half the circumference of the globe to attend the Conierence and read an important paper before the Alliance. This is the Rev. Jonn Long, an Englisn Episcopal missionary from Bombay, He says that in British India there are none of those denominational dissensions which sometimes mar the harmony and beauty of religious professions among the sects of Europe and America, There ali work together against heatnanism and Mabometanism. ‘Even the Roman Catholics,” said the sturdy old preacher; “I get along well with them. They have very large mission establishments, especially in the south of India, and ace bighly successful. Im some respects their organization and method are better than ours, NOT ENCOMBERED, BY FAMILIE? They aretnaer better discipline ald have the ad- vafitage of superior mobility, They are ready to be placed where they can do most good. But so far as Nave observed no enmity exists in Jndia between of the branches of the Chrishaa Church. They\all work harmoniously, and have done wonders in iving to that benighted people the blessings of Cnristian civilization. india has a population of about 240,000,000, according to the recent enumeration, Which by far exceeds all the previous estimates, and it is of the most vital im- portance that they should be brought as rapidly as possible under the power of Christianity. Reporter—Is it true that the creed of Mahomet is rapidiy gaining converts in India? Mr. Lona—It is quite true that the census shows @ far larger Moslem popnisten, than is was sup- posed we had tn India, but I doubt if it isnow largely on the tucrease. The Koran has been very generally adupted by the pariahs and others of the lowest castes in some districts, for the reason that it frees them from the degradations and hardships of caste, and their condition as Moslems is, there- fore, decidedly preferable to their prior state under the rigors of Brahminical rule. AN ERRAND OF PEACE. For nearly a year I have been on a tour through Russia looking into the question of serf emancipa- tion, in which I am much interested and which bas been greatly promoted by the influence of the Alliance. Ifind it a great work in the best inter- ests Of Duman Inu this matter the enlightened sentiment of all who hope and labor for the eleva- tion of our race coincides. England is endeavoring vo civilize and Christianize India, while Ruasia seeks to ennoble and elevate the wild peoples of her wide plains and carry the culture and development of European civilization and religion into Asia from the side of the Caspian. We are in constant danger that the good understanding now extating between Russia and England may oe disturbed by the unautnorized acts of miktazy chieftains on the borders, where the two sovereignties approach each other. Nothing could be more disastrous than that war should break out between these two It would put tne civilization of (ol It_seems to me that this isa qpeetien in which the United States should take the deepest interest. A war between Russia, your early and constant friend and ally, and Great Britain, with whom you have the most intimate commercial and social ties, would be specially in- jurious to the United states. It would disturb her commerce, would interrupt her stream of immt- gration, and in a thousand Ways harm her and in- terfere with her unparatieled growth, THE MISSION OF PROGRESS. To these three nations, Russia, England and the United States, is given the great mission of civiliza- tion in this age, especially in Asia, with ber almost countiess populations. ‘They bring the forces of Christian development upon her trom three sides. virtually surrounding her. Each‘works by the meth- ods best adapted to the genius of their several peoples and institutions. Kussia, with her military power, trees the slaves of Khi nd holds the war- like hordes of the steppes in check. British rule in India uses all the industrial appliances of Western civilization with the moral force of regulated gov- ernment. America carries commercial enterprise to the Eastern coast, making China and Japan her near neighbors, with whom she interchanges pro- ducts, and communicates to those nations, hoary with the wisdom of antiquity, the fresh and pro- gressive ideas of the age of steam, electricity and the printing press. I hope the sentiment of Christendom, as expressed by the Alliance will make the occurrence of war between England and Russia an impossibility. A Delegate from Helland. A representative of the Hato found the ac- credited delegate to the Conference from the Prot- estant Churches of Holland tn the person of the reverend pastor, M. Cohen Stuart, of Rotterdam, Secretary of the Netherlands branch of the Evan- gelical Alliance. He Is the guest of the Rev. John Mason Ferris, Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Reformed Church, at the ancient home of an old Knickerbocker family in the quiet, shady village of Flatbush. The pastor is the son of aconverted Jew, who, on his marriage with the descendant of a Scotch emigrant, added her name of Stuart to his own of Cohen, which signifies “priest.” Thus his children bear the royal Scot- tish mame. Pastor Stuart isa stoutly built man, a little below our medium of stature, with straight black hair, dark bright eyes, @ com- plexion slightly florid and the aquiline nose of his paternal stock. His voiee, in the pronunciation of English, has a tone much softer than theGerman. He is an enthusiast on the subject of the Alliance, which, he says, ex- presses the sentiment of the Protestant ale tion of his country, who are thi itants, the other two-fifths being Roman Catholics, with a small proportion of Jews. He will present to the comierence a carefully pre d statement of the “Religious Condition of the herlands,” He was one of the active promoters of the last Conference, that at Amsterdam in 1867; and alluded with pride to the liberality of his countrymen in providing for ing the expenses of that meeting and the entertain- ment of its members. Though divided into seve- ral sects as here, the Protestants of the Low Coun- tries are a uuit in promoting the fundamental idea of the Christian Alliance, a thorough and ractical union of evangelical Christians for the spread of truth and the suppression of error aud superstition. They look with lively expectation of d resuits to this first general convention of the Alliance beyond the sea, held in the city which was first settled by men of their own race who transplanted the religious freedom of. Holland into tha wilds of a new continent, where the principles of ‘a free Church in a free State” have found @ much wider expanse and more perfect development ‘than was possibile among the dynastic and political interests and divisions of Europe. Besides his own message of hopeful greetii from Evangelical Christians in the motherlan: Pastor Stuart brings @ paper from Dr. J.J, Van Oosterzee, a Professor in the University of Utrecht, Holland, ‘The widespread fame of the author wiil secure for this essay an interested attention. HOLLAND BMIGRATION. From purely religious topics Pastor Stuart drifted naturally into social affairs. He alluded to the increase of popslesien, within the narrow limits of his native land and the pressing necessity for some of the best young. blood of the Low Countries to seek relief Irom the consequences of ver popula- tion, in emigration. He said governmeht, and those reat capitalists who are interested in manu- factures, ‘do not encourage emigration, But it is a necessity, and those of-us who look to the good of the people advocate it, and approve of the con- stant stream which is being directed to this coun- try. The people of Holland are peculiarly lovers of home. They dread the long ocean voyage and the adventures of new scenes among strange customs and a fore! langui But they areevery year coming to Michigan, lowa, Wisconsin aad Minne- Sota. There they settle, in groups or colonics mostly by themselves, perhaps too myok 80 for their greatest good. They bring their own teach- ers, their churehes and pastors; and each one Who does well in lis new home, as they as @ rule all do, is apt to induce others ina few years to /ol- low him here, where there is land without hands, trom our country where we have a population of 1,000 to the square mile, with, of course, very low wages. I hope, before I go home, to pay a visit to those sections of the United States where our peo- ple maluly go, that | may be able to tell the people ot Holland what conditions those who propose to emigrate may look for in their new homes, and what advantages they may expect for themselves and their children by the change. AFRAID OF LAND SHARKS, “7 also,” said Pastor Stuart, “wish to set on foot some means of protecting the emigrants when they arrive at New York. There is only @ small number of our country people in New York, and when the colonists come here they justly dread their recep- tion by the emigrant runners and other sharpers who live by preying upon the stranger. If there was ®& proper organization of Holland people in New York it would greatly benefit the emigravts and in the end stimulate the emigration to the aecided ad- vantage of this country by acquiring an excellent accession of population, and to the great gain of the people themselves in becoming the {ree owners of a8 much land as they need. Delegates from Ireland. Treland will be largely represented in the ap- proaching conference. There are already many names of Irish delegates on the lists of the commit- tee of arrangements reported as having arrived in this clty and gone to the interior to spend the few days before the opening of the councli in becoming acquainted with some of the natural and artificial celebrities of the Western Continent. Many have made the pi Niegara, some Nave goue to Chicago and the rairies, others to Canada, to the Catskills or to low England. After the conclusion of the Gonfer- ence it is @ part of the programme of the Commit- tee on Entertainment to make, with their trans- atiantic gue: te @ trip to the great cataract, Rev. T. Y. Killien, of Belfast, one of the delegates who came by the steamer Repubilo, is a fine look- cimen of the Irish Presbyterian pastor. He , strongly built, and speaks with a sweet brogue, such as General Scott professed special admiration for in connection with “the rich German accent.” He is making his first visit to America in connection with the Conference, and has gone with some old acquaintances to Niagara before the session. He represents the large Pres- Drterian, element of Northern Ireland, and speaks o ints Trish the Alliance and its works in words of eloquent ] @pproval A Talk with a Leading Baptist. Doctor Thomas D. Anderson, pastor of the First Baptist church in this city, is a finely built man of apparently sixty years, who standa about six feet in height, as erect asa West Point graduate and looks like @ military man. His hair and beard are abundant, and, especially tne latter, of remarkable whiteness and beauty. He ts one of the leading lights of his denomination, which is usually consid- ered very exclusive, as well as a chief worker in the ranks of the Alliance. He was found by the HERALD reporter co-operating with such Congrega- tionalists aud Presbyterians as Drs. Buddington, of Br Seopa Hig ao 1S or New a BC such Lins 3 ir, ehenck, o! ook i Bu earnes' fhodisis ae “eicewah: ol Bile, and other as proneuaess members of various other eee l working for the successful celebration of ‘his common love feng the approaching Confer- ence—the Protestant Ecumenical Council. On being asked for a statement of the objects of the Alliance, its work and promise, he claimed for it the miasion of BRINGING CHRISTIAN WORKERS TOGETHER and éxemplilying the powers of united action in Christian labor, Its members do not stand as rep- resentatives of churches or denominations, but as Christians, willing to work together for religious freedom the world over. They do not cease to be Baptists or Methodists, but they work here as simply Christians. Neither does the Alliance com- prise all Christians, nor all the members of the so-called Evangelical Churches. In them are some who are not disposed to join in the objects and labors of the Alliance, ‘To these we are entirely willing to accord that freedom for which we strive everywhere. We are willing to stand together as laborers in the cause oftruth and champions ef conscience. itis the aim of tne Alliance to exert the united influence of a@ great combination of Christian opinion to shield the oppressed and persecuted for conscience’s sake, Wherever they may be found and of whatever belief, We would even deiend THE BIGHT TO DISBELIEF, Already the Alliance has proken the bonds of per- secution and religious oppression in many cases, and its power is fast growing. The coming gather- ing wil! comprise some of the foremost Christians from all parts of the world, and from its discussions ‘and presentations of truth we expect great and lorious resuits. It will strengthen and encot Jhristians by presenti! agreat body of servan’ of Christ ready to affiliate with and march beside others of differing creeds in the good cause, and under the banner of a common leader, Views of a Reformed Divine. A HERALD reporter calied in relation to the Con- ference upon an eminent divime of the Dutch Re- formed, or, as it now styles itself, “The Reformed Church.” He modestly declinea to be “inter- viewed,” not wishing newspaper publicity. He, however, told the public servant of the press some of the good which he expected would be wrought by the Alliance and forwarded by this Conference. There were many reasons, he said, why it was not judged advisable for the various denominations, as such, to adopt or endorse this union, which wae Liberal enough te seek the PRACTICAL UNION OF ALL CHRISTIAN WORKERS. It promises to do great good by stay th sword of religious persecution, as it alr done, in rope lands. Wherever case: ference with freedom of conscience are reported the Alliance, by memorial or deputations, at once interposes to correct the abuse. In many cases it has already been the means of relief to Jews, as Weil as Christians. Should there be persecution against any class of people on account of their conscientious belief the Alliance would feel bound to procure its termination. No matter what re- ligious belief a man hold, the Alliance believes he has the absolute right to complete and full free- dom of conscience. A MORAL ENGINE. Not alone this, but the moral effect of a great body of Christians, not as members of one sect or another, but as todividual Christians, working har- moniously and eficiently ther for the good of Christianity, ia destined to have a most powerful and salutary effect. It degeead @ ready and most tisfactory answer to the sueers of unbelievers, as woll as the doubts of some Christians who deplore the existence and distinction of sects, The Alli, ance demonstrates that the common f agreement in Christianity is proad and compre hensive, while the points in which Christians hold diverse opinions and beliefs are but the minor and comparatively unimportant portions of the system, Here we have a large body of men whose c: and methods of worship and discipline differ, agrde- ing pod together, and working Secon for the peaceful a Broa eae of the reign of ri ousness, ‘This is the mission of the Alliance and of its Cons ference. In it we will see representatives of thé Church of Christ from all portions of the world, forgetting differences of sect, race and tongue, in their common love for the Saviour of all men, A Lutheran Minister’s Views. In pursuing the inquiry into the objects and working of the Alliance the HsRap reporter had a talk with Rev. George Wenner, of this city, a Lutheran minister. He is@ finely educated mad of about thirty, born in this country of Germia ancestry, and has learned the German language In, order to preach to those of his race who have not yet become enough Americanized to perfectly un- derstand the English tongue. He stated that of the German Protestants in this country all sympa: thize in the alms of the Evangelical Alliance, ex+ cept a section of the Lutherans styled ‘High Charch,” who consider their organization the only legitimate one and hold aloof from other sects. He Glasses the Protestant churches of Low Dutch and German origin thus:—First, the Dutch Reformed, the “Old Kitche" of our Knickerbocker forefatners found mainly in New York and along the Hudson, They number about 60,000, are very righ, and are almost precisely identical with the tres: byterians, with whom they will probably event ually consolidate, being now kept separate froi them mainly by considerations arising out of old endowments and other property rights and in- terests. Then there ure about 60,000 Germans of the Reformed Churen, which hold ‘much the same tenets as the Duich Reformed, differing trom. th Lutherans, whe hold that there ts an element ot positive grace in the sacraments over and their typical character as memorials and "08: sions Of faith on the part of the recipients. 0) erans we have in the United States about The Protestants form about sixty-five per the German immigration, coming mainly from th: Northern portions of the Empire, where there,iq far less Catholic pepulation than in the South, ‘A LACK OF PASTORS. ‘ bah po . resis AF very large and r gr rman: ing ula, tion Fiche is ME imost without rel ous teachers. There is nd Mao pe of pastors io the Fatheriand, The poor. le come here to make money and to enjoy the blessings of freedom, aud make no provision for the support o| churches. They are frugal, industrious, sober and moral, thaoks to the religious training of their youth. They earn money and saveit. They are rapidly acquiring a great share of tue land on this island; but while they grow rich their children are grow- ing up exposed to those evil influences only to be combated by proper religious Seocking. for which there are not pamtciont rovisions. Inthe country Of the Western States this is not the case. Tho: it costs but a small sum to build and church, and by a moderate outlay the fable to pas out from Germany young men cially trained for that duty at three several t logical seminaries. Thus vestant Germans at howe and in America generally unite tn fully en- tering Into the spirit and aims of the Alliance, Some of he most distinguished teacuers of gar seh wach as the University at Bonn, will be rs before the Conference, a8 Well as several of the most popular pastors and preachers of the German Empire. President McCosh, of Princeton. This eminent teacher and Biblical scholar has been hard at work with the committee who have in charge the arrangement of subjects to be dis- cussed belore the Conference. He brings to the labor great experience and a sound judgment, combined with a most useful Scotch tact, which is equal, at least, to Yankee ’outeness in guessing what is the most acceptable method a ee tuing to secure i success before ie puttic. tall, bony figure, marked features ana abun- and hair make him one of the atures of the meetings for settling the pre- Uminaries of the Conference, as he will, no doubt, be one Of the most popular speakers in ita public meetings. Evidently his whole soul is enlisted in the cause of tife practical union of Christians by Beans of the Alliance, The Swiss Delegates. Professor J. 8, Asti¢, of the Theologica! School at Lausanne, in Switzerland, is one of the delegates to the Conference trom the heroic little Republic among the Alps. He 1s 4 fresh-looking, active man, of about forty-five years, slightly but and viva- cious, a8 though he hailed from Paris. He speaks English with a stromg French accent and manner, and appears a thorough scholar, He is a decided champion of Christtan union, as taught and prac- ‘ised by the Alliance, on the plan of leaving all Christians free to choose their own creeds, churches and forms of worship, according to their own hon- est and untrammelled opinions, He is expected to read an essay before the Conference. Professor ©. Pronier, D. D., of the Theologica Seminary of Geneva, astout gentleman of fifty, is @ co-delegate with Professor Astie, who spent some weeks visiting our American colleges and is now staying at Princeton, N. J. He is an enthusiastic friend of the Alliance and will read a paper on the effect of the Syllabus and the new Catholic move- ment in Switzerland. Professor F. Boret and Rev, Eugene Reichel, of Neufchatel, and Rev. Fran! Coulin, D. D., of Geneva, are also in the delegation, Dr- Sehenck om the Conference. Dr. Noah Hunt Schenck, rector of St. Anne’s on the Heights, Brooklyn, is one of the foremost or- ganizers of the Conierence. He is @ large and very handsome man, with auburn hair and 4 slightly forid complexion, full of life and anima- tion, and with none of the Chadband in bis appear- ance. In fact, out of the pulpit, he would be more likely taken for an enterprising merchant, the master of an ocean steamship or president of a railroad company than a straight-laced parson. What he undertakes he does with his might, and his lavors for the Alliance are as eurnest ag his character. On being asked by the HeRaLp reporter whether his church, as a whole, endorsed the Alliance he said one sec- tion of it, known as the Evangelical branch of the Low Church, generally does, as dves another section called the Broad Church, while the High Church section lets it severely alone. RerorTeR—Do Bishop Potter, of New York, and Biahep Littlejoln, of Long Island, sustain the Ali- Buse ~ oS arog ey ENG Dr. SOHENCE—Oh, no! They have nothing to do with it, nor has Dr. Dix, of Trinity church, nor many men of their stamp, while Dr. Washburn, of Caivary, is a member and will read a pal er. Now Tam, in @ number of instances, associated in Chris- tian enterprises with the strict High Church party, but in such matters as the Alliance I do pretty much a8 Iplease. The Alliance will have are- spectable number of Episcopatian members from England and this country, and I look forward to it as promising to be eminently useful. Dr. Buddingten, of Brooklyn. Congregationalism is represented in the list of signers to the public invitation for the conference by Rev. William Ives Buddington, D. D., pastor of the Lafayette avenue Congregational church. Dr, Buddington is about sixty years old, tall, straight, with close cropped white hair and clean shaven face. He has travelled much in Europe, is a genial, sympathetic man, and a great favorite not only with hig large and wealthy church but also through a large circle of acquaintances in this country, in Great Britain and in Continental Europe. He has attended some of the earlier con- ferences of the Alliance, and is anxious that America shall not fall behind England, France, Holland, Switzerland or Germany in its session of the Protestant Congress. He speaks most hope- fully of the ‘darn seed and anticipates glorious re- auita from the labors of this Conference, represent- ng the harmonious action of combined Cbristen- om. Dr. Thomas De Witt. A Heeatp reporter called on the venerable Thomas De Witt, D. D., senior minister of the col- legiate churches of the Dutch Reformed denomina- tion of this city. He occupies a substantial house in Ninth street, and the reporter met him on the stoop, just returned from @ ride. He was dressed in a black silk gown, with large, tull sleeves, and a white cravat, with long, white ends hanging down over his breast. A tall man, over six feet high, he walks with the aid of @ cane, and looks like one who, by fully four score years of labor, had well nigh worn out his physical system, while his mental laculties remain unimpaired. When asked bis opinion of the Alliance he said he was present in London at its original organization, and most fully concurred in its objects. Like all great works, it requires wise judgment in its management. I have con- fidence that so far it has been prudently directed, and have faith that it will continue to be the means of great good. I shall have especial satis- faction in attending such of its sessions as my health will allow. The French Delegation. Professor Elie Charlier, of Twenty-fourth street, bas general charge of entertaining the French speaking delegates from France, Switzerland and Belgium. He has a large French boarding school in Twenty-fourth street, and told the H#RALD re- presentative that during the Conference he wiil for the time convert part of his establishment into a sort of hotel for the accommodation of those mem- bers of the delegation who may not be assigned to other quarters. He spoke in high terms of the standing and character of the foreign delegates, among whom are several men of great distinction as students and teachers. He said it is natural that New York should wish this session of the Conference to equal in point of num- bers, talent and fame, if it shall not excel, those which have preceded it in the great cities of Eu- Tope, and he did not doubt that the event will jus- ty the exalted anticipations which have been formed of the sixth General Conference of the Alliance: A Leading Presbyterian. Among the: prominent members of the Alliance: sealously laboring for the success of the Confer- ence is the Rev. William Adams, D. D., LL. D., pastor of the Madison square Presbyterian church, one of the oldest and most respected preachers, not alone of New York, but of his sect in the United States, When asked by a HERALD reporter his views ofthe approaching Conference, he character- wed it asa most important gathering of the first Christian teachers, scholars and philanthropists to be found ia the world. Its members belong to ail sects, though they cannot be said to represent » their sects, as the Alliance has nothing todo with denominational divisions, simply recognizing in ite. membership individual Christians earnestly Japermg tor the glory of their Redeemer and the vantage ol His children through all the world, It is far above ail sectarian or party names or divi- sions, and leaves all minor differences of belief and Organization as @ part of that ireedom to which it ggaeiers allmen have the right. Delegates will who belong to most of the great Christian (bodies, and the ag read before the Conference .wil embody the best thoughts of some of ¥ ie ablest minds Christendom. Already iance has been the means of pro- curing the remission of religious persecution its meet- maay parts of Kurope and Asia, an bringing together the adherents of various creeds and the advocates of various sectarian organizations, cultivates that generous sympathy them which is fast overcoming much of the jan bigot which has too largely overspread nity. e do not yet know precisely what will be read or what themes discussed in Members are arriving by every d the provisional programme is neces- ed in consequence almost ay Doctor Chief Secretary, has been for some road, to complete the arrangements for dance of Kuropean delegates, On his ii company with a large number of foreign nd invited guests, we shall be better gt the finishing touches to our programme ork of the Conference. The Dean of Canterbury. The Very Rev. R. Payne Smith, Dean of Canter- bury, England, is one of the delegates. He ar- rived in this city some weeks ago, and took the op- portunity before the session to make @ compre- hensive tour of Canada and a portion of the United States. He brings to the Alliance a letter of Chris- tlan greeting from the Archbishop of Canterbury endorsing the objects of the Alliance, and hoping for the speedy general prevalence of the spirit Christian unity and fellowship. Be Smith w fully with the 10 ce, and will read # paper on Christian union. i8 anxious for the ral adoption by the mempers of the Englist Church ofthe more liberal views of Christian charity and aeeY trate for all who endeavor to serve Ohrist, whether included in the establishmeat or attached to the various forma of dissent. He wilj labor in his participation in the debates of the 09 to WwOMote by every | a ed means that commanion of Christian sentiment, the idea of which ts the basis of the Alliance, ant he hopes for great good to result from the Con- ference, A Native East Indian Delegate. Narayan Sheshadri, a native of Hindootan, of the highest caste, has come as a delegate from Boms- bay. He stands about five feet ten inches in height, is erect, nearly black, with clearly cut features, keen black eyes and small hands and fect. He wears an oriental costume, consisting of a sort of frock of dark waterproof cloth, covering the whole person to the chin, while his head is wrapped in & large white turban, entirely concealing his hair. A HERALD reporter had a long talk with him on the subject of Brit India, with its popula tion of 240,000,008 souls, and found him most intelligent and entirely at home as well in the sub- eo ‘a8 with the English tongue. He was educated the best native schools and colleges, with the view of taking @ position in the Indtan civil service. Alter embracing Christianity he took charge of & separate mission, in which he has had tair success, A WHITENING FIELD. Mr.Sheshadri considers Indta a field for mission- ary labor, fully white for the spiritual sickle. Says he finds now among bis coanserman no violent Prejudices against pcb os | while some of the native converts display all the faith and devotion which in the earliest Christian ages marked the martyrs. Nearly all the chief sects have mission- ary stations tn India working harmoniously to- gee and winning many converts. The Estab- ished English Church have large establishments, Particularly in the south, where they have done Great good, WESTERN PROGRESS IN INDIA. We have in India about 5,000 miles of railroad, with fine cars, the Seeing coaches much better than I found in Great Britain or on the European Continent. The money to build these lines has mostly been raised in dip, thon h the enterprises are of English origin and the officials are in the main British. Bombay has @ population of 2,000,000, being probably next to London in size, and larger than any other Asiatic city. In it is a large degree of European cultivation, schools, churches, news- pavers aud governmental regulations like London or Paris. India is ripe for the rapid reception of Western ideas, and needs the Bible and the mis- sionary for its guide and teacher, The German Delegation. Most of the delegates from the German Empire are already in this country, being dispersed through the United States and Canada, visiting their countrymen who have found homes this side of the Atiautio and studying American institu- tions. Prominent among them are Rev. Dr. Dorner, of Berlin, ® member of the Ober-Consistorial Rath, the highest eccle- stastical organization in the Empire; his son, Mr. Dorner, a preacher of the State Church; Professors Krafft and Ohristlieb, of the University of Bonn; Professor Zimmerman, of Leipsic; Rev. H. Krum- macher, of Brandenb and Rev, Leopold Witte, pastor of Kother, Prussi This latter is a young divine of great talent learning. He talks English with very little hesitation, and in along talk with the HeRaLD reporter appeared thor; oughly conversaut with the ‘condition of irs in qe ative land relative to the e ve contest colon He thighs "the Protestant Church 1 inks the Protestan ur ? the Mabie Wout organizations of be better pleased if religious kinds could be left free to educate, choose and support their own pastors and teachers than tohave them subject to im- perial regulations, as sey, have become under recent laws. They are willing to recognize the jual rights of Catholics, in whom they see fellow Obristians; but see, as does the government, cause of apprehension in the unchecked wielding of religious power and patronage by the Ultramontane party, in the interest of the Papacy, against the Empire, under sovereignty of Protestant dynasty, The imperial government, moreover, holds that certain political and civil trusts are confided to the cleri- cal body, and it should therefore exercise its right to supervise their actions, and also that the charac- ter of the Roman Catholic Uhurch has essentially changed since the conclusion of the compacts be- tween it and the State, by which change the Church forfeited all its rights under those com- pacts, In North Germany about two-thirds of the population are Protestant, and fully sympathize in the objects of the Alliance. In South Germany the larger roportion is Catholic. Pastor Witte will address the Conference upon ultramontanism in Germany, which he con- siders ag the continuation of the same fight which through centaries has raged since Rome claimed supremacy beyond the bounds of the Peninsula. He thinks the war will be long, fierce and bitter, and that its result is beyona the ken of man. Pro- fessor Christlieb, who Ly sien English fluently, will also treat of a similar theme. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 d The delegates to the General Conference are to have a social reception by the chief officers of the United States branch in the parlors of the Young Men’s Christian Association on Thursday evening, at seven o'clock, After social introauctions and an exchange of greetings the company will partake of & collation, subsequent to which the foreign members will be formally welcomed in an address by Rev. William Adams, and responses will be made by one or more speakers from each of the na- tionalities represent Cards of admission to this reception will be on sale. PRIDAY, OCT. 3. Madison Square Church—Nine A. M.—Devotional ein ; and the same every morning at the same jour. Association Hall—Ten A, M. and two P, M.—Or- ganization of the Conference, and reports on the present state of Christendom. SATURDAY, OCT. 4. Association Hall—Ten A. M. and two P, M.—Sub- ject for the day :—‘‘Cnristian Union.” SUNDAY, Oo. 5. Prgeoulne: in various churches by foreign dele- 3. Academy of Music—Half-past seven P, M.—Ad- dresses by foreign delegates. MONDAY, OCT. 6, Association Hali—Ten A. M. and two P. M.—Sub-~ bape for the day:—“Christianity and its Antago- nisms, Association Hall—Half-past seven P, M,—Ad- dresses in the French language. 'UBSDAY, OT. 7. Association Hali—Ten A. M. and two P. M.—Sub- Jectfor the da; ‘Christian Life.!” Eroeaaay ‘abernacle—Half-past seven P. M.— Addresses by toreign delegates. WEDNESDAY, OCT 8. Association Hali—Ton A.'M. and two P, M.—Sab- ject .0r day :—‘‘Protestantism and Romanism,’* Brooklyn Academy of Music—Hali-past seven P. M.—Addresses by foreign delegates and others, THURSDAY, OCT. Association Halli—Ten A. M. and two P.M.—Sub- ject for the day :—‘‘Obristianity and Civil Govern- ment. Church of the Disctples (Dr. Hepworth’s)—Halt- past seven P, M.—Addresses by foreign delegates ‘and others, FRIDAY, OCT. 10, Association Hall—.en A. M. and two P. M.—Sub- Ject for tne day:—“Christian Missions—Foreign and Domestic.”” Association Hall—Half-past seven P, M.—Ad- dresses in the German lancuage. SATURDAY, OCT. 11. Association Hall—Ten A. M. and two P, M.—Sab- “Onristianity and Social Re- Public Meetings of the Alliance. SUNDAY, OOT. 12, Preaching in various churches by foregin mints- ters and others. elie § of Music, Half-past seven P, M.—Closi service of the Conterence, with addresses prayers in the several languages represented. To all the meetings the ad ton is free. A lim- ited number of reserved seats are sold. As admis- sions are necessarily restricted to tne capacity of the houses, tickets will be furnished gratuitously at the door in the order of application. The morning sessions of the Conference will close at one o'clock P. M., when refreshments will be served in the upper lecture room of the Associa- tion Hall, free to all members of the Conference. Others (ladies and gentiemen) may parchase tickets daily at the Hail. The afternoon sessions will begin at two o'clock and close at five. No legisiative functions tnhere in the General Conference, which is merely tor discussion upon religious and humanitarian topics. The appointed delegates will read their several essays or — upon their severai topics as arranged, after which remarks upon the subject will be heard from any member who may rise in his place apon the floor. If the speaker intends to continue to any consid- erable len; he will erally be invited by the Chairman address audience from the plat- form. Foreign Delegates Arrived. Rev, Wm. Arnot, D. D., Edinburg, Presbytertan. Rev. Joseph Anas, D. D., London, Baptist. Rey. Thomas W. Ardury, London, Congrega- tionalist. Rev. W, A. Aveling, London, Cougregationatist. ae | H. Smith Aubrey, London Congrega- jou Rev. L. &. Berkley, Lurgan, Ireland, Presbyte Rev. John Bain, Montrose, Scotland, Prosoyirian: Rey. Alex. Burnet:, Aberdeen, Scotland, Baptist. 4. D. Carnegie, Dubiin, Ireland, Presbyterian, ‘wee Chelsea, England, Congregation- Rev. John Evans, Liverpool, We Wesleyan. pe —- W. H. Fremantie, fondos, UbuFch ot and. Rev, J, C. Galloway, London, Congregationalist. Rev. 8. 0. Gordon, M. A. B. D., Reading, England, Congregationalist, Mr, 5, M. Greer, Dablin, Presbyterian. Rev. J. ©. Harrison, Lonuon, Congregationalist. Rey. Robert Hamilton, Brighton, England, Con. gregationalist. Joseph Hanan, Faq., Leicester, England, Congre- gationalis' Peat ‘iliam Harris, London, England, Metho. Rov. A. A. Isaacs, Lelooster, England, Episco palian. J. Harris Jones, Ph. D,, Trevaces College, Wales. Rev. Wobert Knox, b. ib, Boliast, Treland, Preshyterian, Roy. T, Y, Killen, Beles