INTERNATIONAL BAPTIST CONGRESS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 312, 26 September 1908, Page 17

INTERNATIONAL BAPTIST CONGRESS.

Widespread interest lias been taken in tho International Baptist Congress that has been sitting in Berlin. Tho object of'tho gather-ing-was to Unite European Baptists into one great union l . Tho. gathering was held under the auspices of the Baptist World Alliance, of which tho Itev. Dr v Clifford is tho president, and Rev. J. H. Shakespeare the secretary. Tho idea of holding the congress in was probably tho outcome of a deputation ■ that visited Hungary not long since. Tho Baptists of that country are among the poorest people on tho Continent, and when tho English delegation arrived the Government of tho country was surprised to find them .wearing ordinary apparel, sinco many of .the local "dissenters" covered their nakedness in- sheepskins. There had been dissension in the Baptist ranks. There has.been,a distinct Baptist revival in European countries,- and this ' opportunity was seized upon to bring all tho Continental Baptists nearer together. , Tho fact that 1500 delegates wore in attendance emphasises the intense earnestness of the. denomination, seeing that when a similar congress was held in London—tho hub of tho universe—about three'years ago,',looo delegates only were present. The committee of tho Australasian Congress forwarded greetings to Berlin, and received a courteous acknowledgement.