This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1903 Excerpt: ... HOW RELIGION IS ORGANIZING ITSELF When we turn from the history of the triumphs of religion in the past to its manifestation in contemporary life, we are likely to be discouraged. The first impression is that of a decadent influence. Once all human activities were under the immediate direction of a spiritual authority. For the greater glory of God and under the rule of the church all that concerned the higher life was done. Pictures were painted, schools were established, books were written, works of charity were undertaken, all from one motive. There was close connection between prayer and labor. A great spiritual empire was acknowledged. The movement of the last three centuries has been away from this organization which had the church for its centre. The several arts and sciences have one after another declared their independence of ecclesiastical control. This process of secularization has gone on till it has included the two forms of activity which seemed peculiarly to belong to the church, --education and charity. A generation ago the president of a college was almost necessarily a clergyman. To-day the profession of teacher has no connection with the ecclesiastical order. The public schools and the undenominational colleges have flourished. The institutions under churchly control are likely to assume an apologetic attitude, as if they were more or less under suspicion. Modern philanthropy boldly criticises the methods of alms-giving which were practised by the saints, and it has established new standards of its own. What does all this mean from the standpoint of the believer in religion? If we identify religious organization with some form of ecclesiasticism with which we happen to be familiar, then it means that our civilization is rapidly drifting aw..