we must turn to those venerable nations of Asia, whose masses of humanity follow their ceaseless routine uninfluenced by the thought of the rest of the world. If religion is responsible for their apathy, its ideal is a death-like somnolency not acceptable for an instant by our active cravings; and yet China is the only one of all the ancient nations to preserve its entity into the twentieth century, thus proving the existence of some sound basic principle for which Confucius may very probably be responsible. Even Buddhism, so excellent in its moral precepts, lacks the spark which spurs a race to creative effort. The enthusiasm of Mohammedanism, instead of conducting to progress, simply spends its force in lust of spoils or sensuality. The advance of Christian nations would serve as an antithesis were it not for certain exceptions of so marked a nature as to call Racial Traits to account for much of their superiority. Numbers will not decide the question of choice for the individual, as they are fairly equalized among the principal beliefs. Intellect is no fair test, for many of the wisest deny all regular creeds. Civilization is discredited as a standard by records of a time when present religions were not known, and the culture yet superior to that of to-day in many lines. Morality will not judge for us, as it has n t identified itself with one belief more than another to any degree of prominence. Fervor is no distinguishing mark, as its reign is fitful and its fancy insecure. Respect for Age would give precedence in the claim of authenticity to the Jews, who trace their authority back to creation itself. Self-denial would strengthen the claim of consistent Mohammedanism; outward manifestations would warrant consideration of the heathen savage; the test of obedience would practically leave Christians at the post, as none other so flagrantly outrages its accepted standards; Evolution might seem to favor some new philosophy or recent fad. Thus we see comparison lessens the perfection of each, mortifying the devotee's pride. All conceits must yield in time to conquering knowledge. Loyalty is praiseworthy; but the Christian who would uplift his faith, must win his place by sturdy mental struggle, rather than by relying on the fragile prop of mere assertion. The critical, unbiased thinker judges this claimant by his tarnished record. He notes his domination of a world by power of wealth and armed force, instead of by the generous charity and all-embracing love taught by his creed. His proffered hand is nerved to clutch rather than to clasp. The continued expression of Christian energy in war, torture and persecution, while fading now into petty dispute and jealous detraction, still exposes the need for something grander and more stable. Its former sway found expression in all manner of excited excesses. Human waves of feeling are now kindled by patriotic sentiments or the devotion to something near at heart or hand. The modern churchgoer can well be judged by the scale of his financial contributions. Religion would be glad to trade its income for our liquor expenditure; and theatres might also give it an inviting comparison. The entire yearly salary and expenses of the usual church would not build many in the congregation a satisfactory barn, pay for one foreign trip or purchase playthings for the children of one wealthy family. In spite of these facts, however, Christianity is the Typical Religion of the strengthened races, and may not be brusquely brushed aside by bare mention of its fail ings. It is only just and logical for the wavering to clearly refresh their knowledge of its familiar precepts, and assure themselves that their distrust may not be due, perhaps, to the personal defects of its adherents. There must be some profit in any intelligent search, and the value of much of it all will admit. When fully reminiscent of its popular interpretation, turn in fairness to another view, of which a restricted exposure is now made. These past ideals can be subjected to so ruthless a criticism as to allow a frank and definite attempt to prove that Christianity is false in all that marks its individuality, and correct alone in that which it has adopted from the vast experience of human life-the heritage of all, the harvest of no single man, or clan, or race or age. So then we find that : Religious instinct has governed the world. Its cause is probably illustrative of the awe of ignor ance. It divides population into perplexing sections. But Christianity demands first notice. |