RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1527, 24 August 1912, Page 9

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY.

CHRISTIAN MISSIONS. , striking article by sir harry JOHNSTON. ihe ro is in tlie July number of "Tho hast and tlio West" a striking article bv wr Harry Johnson, iv.C..M.G., on "Tli'u to tlin World of Christian Missi('iis. A public man i<»cently doprocatcd the spending of three million pounds on loieign missions as wasteful of our resources niul neglectful of our home people and homo interests. Sir Harry differs radically from such a view: • 4 On the contrary .(ho savs), I wish from e\ery consideration, oven the more mavenal ones of commerce, tho acquisition ol knowledge, tho opening-up of unknown countries, and Ihs extension of tho bot Kind of JJritish Empire, Uiat we spent not three millions a year, hut .six, knowing that such a small percentage even of t-ix millions on our annunl outgoings would yield 11s a rich return in every direction, ami most of ell in the cause of the best and simplest kind of religion and of that gradual building-up of a confederation of man which may some day realise the dream of a millennium." Christian missionary work, "Sir Harry holds, has been in recent times "the light antidote to tho wrong form of Imperialism.'" AY hen, despite the opposition of the East India Company, Protestant missionaries got into India, Sir Harry Johnston goes on to say: "They sowed those seeds of education which aro now producing such tremendous results in a desire 011 the part of' the natives of India to shake oil' tho blanket of ignorance under -which they have long lain stilled,-and to take a sliarc in the administration of their own affairs, of their own empire." lie adds: "If China is over to bo regenerated and made a powerful as wo 11 as a civilised people, it will be by her adopting tho 0110 religion which sets us free, Christianity in (I hope) a very simple and elementary form. Though Japan is not officially Christian, the teaching of Christian missionaries has really been the main cause of her re-birth. It is Christianity more than anything else which is saving the Black peoples of South Africa in their racial competition with the white man." Such results may not, Sir Harry remarks, be pleasing to white men of narrow outlook and racial intolerance. "i3ut the missionary, often "unconsciously, seems to be tho agent of some higher power that takes little heed of national or racial

limitations, l.nt is aiming as steadily now as it was a millon years ago at the perfecting of man." THE CHURCH OF IRELAND. "GEORGE A. BIRMINGHAM." The "Church Family Newspaper," says a Cnnonry of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, is considered by all Irish cliurcli-

moil to be one of tho highest honours in the Church. Some of tho Chapter aro appointed by the Dean, others by the Chaptor, the Archbishop of Dublin is an "exofficio" Canon, and tho remainder are selected by the Dioceses. On the vacation of his Canonry by the Bishop of Ivillaloe, the Chapter elected the Rev. J. 0. Haunay, Rector of Westport, to the vacant stall. Canon Hannay is better known by his pen-name, "George A. Birmingham,' and the many delightful volumes that have proceeded from his fertile imagination arc healthy and amusing reading. In his semi-political romances, he shows his sympathy with tho Nationalist movement, and his humorous books are as entertaining as they are extravagantly Irish. Canon Hannay has long taken a deep interest in the .Irish Agricultural organisation movement, and his pen has been freely placed at its service. At the last Synod ho was one of five who objected to the resolution ■ against Home Rule, and he is now elected to a position of ecclesiastical importance by Canons who are strongly opposed to bis politics. Canon Hannay lias been Donellan lecturer, and is an"authority 011 tarly monas-tic-ism. His wife is a daughter of the late Bishop Wynne, of Killnloo, and ho is the son of a lale Vicar of Belfast. Few men aro personally more popular among those who disagree with their political opinions, and his election proves thpt Irish churchmen, even at a time of great political tension, overlook what tliey consider to be political perversity, in their desire to honour personal distinction. An Ecclesiastical Journalist. The Rev. H. E. I'atton. whose sermon at the consecration of his old Rector, the new Bishop of ICillaloe, lias attracted much attention throughout Ireland, is described by a London journalist as one of the most brilliant, of ecclesiastical journalists. Son of the late editor of the "Dublin Daily Express," and brother of the late Arthur I'atton, well known as a politician and musician, from his youth he showed aptitude for journalistic work. As a lender writer in the sccuiar press 011 ecclesiastical subjects, and as edilnr of tho "Church of Ireland Gazette." ho wields a powerful influence in the Church of Ireland. His literary work is not confined to journalism. He has written the best. short history of tho Church of Ireland, and has gained (lie valuable piize offered in 1909 for a scholarly essay 011 "Methods of Appointment to the Episcopate." As a parish clergyman he carries with him the affection of his people, and he is one of thoso men who see'm able to accomplish the work of three without overtaxing his strength and energy. A NEW ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP. CONSECRATION AT GLASGOW. Considerable interest was taken in the consecration of tho new Roman Catholic Coadjutor-Archbishop of Glasgow, tho Jlost Rev. D. A. llaekintosh, which took place m the Glasgow Cathedral recently. J f cerc n ,on .V attracted a full attendance of the priests of the Archdiocese, and tho gathering also included a number of prominent clerical representatives from tho other Scottish dioco®(\«, n.s well ns several from outsido tho .Scottish border.*. His Graco has (says Um "Catholic Times"), during his long connection with tho priest-

hood, formed a very wide circle of friends, and it was not, therefore, surprising to i find a number of priests present from Ireland, England, and even the Continent. Nor was tho iterest confined to Catholic circles. His Graec has taken such an active part in public affairs in Glasgow, particularly in connection with educational matters, that ho has become widely known among all classes and creeds, and his straightforward methods and business acumen havo won him universal respect. The ceremony, therefore, attracted a crowded attendance, and long before the appointed time tho church was completely packed. Tn many who were present tho occasion, "brought, as his Lordship the Itisliop of Plymouth remarked, mixed feelings of jov and sadness. Whilo tho elevation of Provost Mackintosh to the high dignity of Coadjutor-Archbishop of Glasgow was bailed with intense satisfaction by all who knew him, tho circumstance which rendered it necessary—the ill-health of his Grace Archbishop Magtiire—is widHy deplored. Archbishop llayuiro had woii a high place in tho affection of (lie Catholics of the Archdiocese by liis kindly nature, his deep sympathy with human suffering, and tho close interest which he took in tho well-being of those over whom he exercised spiritual jurisdiction. Tho prayer of the Right Key. preacher that the appointment of au assistant might help towards his Graco's recovery, by relieving him of many of the cares of his high office, found a ready echo in the hearts of tho listeners. The Holy leather has given him as Coadjutor one whose qualities and knowledge malco him an ideal choice for the position to which lie lias been appointed. WESLEYAN MISSIONS. : ALL'S WELT/—WITH ONE ' EXCEPTION. In staling tho position of the Wesleyan Missionary Socicty at a gland meeting in tho Albert Hall, London,- the Rev. M. Hartley said—"The report of tho position of . the society to-day may, with one serious exception, bo summed up in tho simple words—all's well. With the work on the field —splendid work, wonderfully blest — progressing healthily anil ripo for de-velopment-all's well. With tho missionaries, true-hearted and loyal, devoted earnest, looking eagerly for tho order 'Quick Jlareh forward'—all''s well. 'With the membership of the llissionarv Church ever advancing and showing this year again substantial increase—ail's well. Tho notable exception is the financial position, llio year's accounts close with a deficiency of .£21)09 17s. .Jd. This, following upon repeated deficiencies for some rears past, is grave enough in itself. But the gravity of tho situation is enhanced by the fact that during tho last year a special amount of .£5900 has como into the hands of tho society, which has helped tho situation for ~x moment, but which can never recur. But for that the deficiency would havo been nearly J;9000." DR. AD'ENEY RETIRING. AN INSPIRING TEACHER.

Dr. M 7. F. A dcncy, chairman of the Congregational Union of England and Hales, has announced his intention to retire from the principalship of Lancashire Independent College at tho «,.d of next yeai'. He will then have completed ten years as head of tho college. This foreshadowing of Dr. Adcney's retirement was made public, at a recent meeting of tho College Committee. It was received with profound regret, and a sub-coimnit-tee wns sent to wait upon Dr. Adeney with a view to inducing him to reconsider his decision.- Tho deputation ccnsisted of the Hov. G. E. Cheeseiiiaii, the chairman of-the committee, and the l!ev. 13. G. Theobald, tho hon. secretary. Dr. Adeney, however, clearly indicated that lys decision was irrevocable. Dr. Adeney, who is sixty-three years of age, was Professor of New Testament Exegesis at New College, London, for fourteen years before his appointment to tlw principalship of Lancashire College. ..During his nino years in Manchester lie lias been closely associated with the university, and Taken activo part in the intellectual life if tlie city. Dr. Adcney's influence upon his students has been of a most stimulating character. As a teaclipr ho has never failed to interest liis men, upon whom tho charm of his personality has been a constant spur. The administrative- work of tho principalship has put a strain upon Dr. Adeney, and it is from this strain tliat lie no doubt desires to escape. His "relations with tho college authorities, the staff, and tho students have throughout been excellent. • A FREE CHURCH PILGRIMAGE. HISTORIC; SITES-01? NONCONFORMITY. On Saturday. July G, the Rev. B. NightI ilignle, 11.A., of Preston, president,of the

Lancashire Congregational Union, conducted another o£ liis pilgrimages from his church to historic sites of Nonconformity, the place chosen being Itiyington, near Chorley. Tho day was ideal for tho purpose, and over seventy persons, including members of the Cyclo Club, availed themselves of cho opportunity of visiting this placc,. tho ccntro of such channful scenery and historic interest, At li.ivington. they were joined by a considerable number of Adlington Congregationulists, under the leadership of their minister, the Kev, A. Lamb, and friends from other parts of the district. The Episcopal Church was inspected, whencc Samuel Newton was ejected after Iho Restoration, the incumbent kindly oxplaining some of the objects of interest therein. Afterwards the old Nonconformist chapel closo by, which is now Unitarian, was visited. Tho most striking object ill it is the marble tablet, v.hicli reaches from floor to ceiling, erected to the memory of the Willonghby family, who were long patrons of Nonconformity in the district'. Sir. Nightingale gave a brief addressappropriate to the occasion. Slost of tho company , afterwards made their way up tho Pike, which rises to the height oi' 1545 feet above the sea, and inspected the extensive and wehweS(|ue grounds of Sir W. 11. Lever, his permission to do so bavins been obtained. On the northern shoulder of the Pike is a considerable depression, whero tradition favs George Marsh, a Jlarian martyr, ami later the Ejected Nonconformists gathered their followers for secret worship, and a visit to this spot, which was part of the original programme, had to l,e abandoned for lack of time. THE LATE SIR WILLIAM ANGUS. The Baptist denomination has lost 0110 of its most eminent lay leaders in Sir

William Angus, who passed awnv recently :it Newcastle in his seventy-first year. The papers have dono full justice to Sir William Angus's devoted service to the Liberal party in the North, ami his work for the Baptist cause was 110 less remarkable. Oil his settlement-ill Newcastle be became a regular worshipper and worker ill Bewick Street 1 Baptist Church, and i'or many vears he served as a Sunday School teacher ill the branch school nt Arthur's Hill. In later life he was closely identified with the life and work at Wcstgate lioad. For upwards of twenty years ho served as vice-president and leader of fife lien's r.S.A. Society, and was a deacon ami also treasurer of tho church. He subscribed a large sum for the establishment of'the Baptist Mission at Bcnwell, ami another for tho Baptist Union Twentieth Century Fund. 111 IDOG he was president of the Newcastle Free Church Council—"British Weekly."