The Truth’s Experience with the World’s Fair Congress of Religions

When it was first suggested that something should be done in behalf of the Truth in the World's Fair it was thought that to establish and maintain a bookstand, displaying, offering for sale and giving away the various Christadelphian works would be a good plan. As preparation for the Fair went on, however, it developed that such a plan would be too expensive, and that books given away to such a mixed crowd of people as would attend—most of them bent upon nothing but sight-seeing, and many of them not interested in Bible matters—would be a waste of time and money. The committee into whose bands the matter fell looked the situation over thoroughly and finally concluded that it would be better to ignore the Fair proper and concentrate our efforts upon the various religious elements that would be holding meetings in different parts of the city, and especially upon the Congress of Religions to be held in the Columbus Hall in the Art Institute. By this plan it was thought that we could be reasonably sure of reaching people religiously inclined, and thus bear a testimony for the Truth that would seem the most promising in the desired results. In this we were not disappointed, our experience convincing us that it was the very best course to pursue.

The next thing to decide was what means shall we adopt to get the Truth before the people? In what form shall it be presented? To distribute tracts would only give certain detached portions of the Truth that would not be of particular force in showing that Christadelphians are a body distinct from the many sects of Christendom and that their faith consists of the well-defined Bible principles that compose the one gospel. To give a variety of books that would in the aggregate contain the first principles would be too expensive and also too voluminous to expect many people to read. The only book that contained the Truth in a complete form was "Christendom Astray," and that was too expensive to be distributed by hundreds, while the demand was for a distribution by thousands. After looking the ground over thoroughly it was decided that a book giving an epitome of the Truth, with proof-texts written and arranged in a way to try to arrest attention and hold it till the book was read would be the most practical way of meeting the case, and so was prepared the "World's Fair pamphlet"' entitled "The Great Salvation, as revealed and elaborated in the Scriptures of Truth; designed to show that Christendom has forsaken the way of life, and to assist honest hearts in returning to the purity of the gospel of Christ."

On the last page of the cover of this book was an advertisement of “Christendom Astray," so that interested readers might know where to get the best book to help them more fully to an understanding of the way of salvation.

On the second page of the cover was the following appeal:

To World's Fair visitors: This edition of "The Great Salvation" is issued specially for you.

You may feel that you have not time to read it while you are visiting the Fair.

If so, please do us the kindness and yourselves the justice of taking care of it till you return to your homes; and then lay aside all prejudice and read the little book carefully.

Do you ask, Whence its source? We answer:

The Christadelphians of the American continent, believing that the way outlined herein is the only way of salvation, and moved by a sense of their duty to God and their fellow-men, extend this little work to you as an olive branch of love, in the hope that it may help you to obtain the blessings of the great salvation.

Do you ask, Who are the Christadelphians? We answer:

They are a people who believe the things set forth herein and try to faithfully practice the precepts of Christ, in the hope of realizing the great salvation.

Should you desire further particulars, address, in America, Thos. Williams, Editor of THE CHRISTADELPHIAN ADVOCATE and THE TRUTH GLEANER. 834 61st Street, Englewood, Ill. In Europe, Robert Roberts, Editor of the Christadelphian and author of "Christendom Astray," 139 Moor Street, Birmingham, England.

The work of writing and publishing this book had to be hurried along, as the time was rapidly approaching for the many meetings to start their machinery to work, and it must be ready for distribution or the opportunity would fly by. Notwithstanding the many other demands upon the editor's time, he snatched a few hours now and then and thus rushed the work through to completion in good time. The first order was for ten thousand copies. When the work of distribution had gotten in good running order it soon became manifest to the committee that the plan was a success and an order was given for three thousand copies more of the pamphlet. At this writing there is talk of printing an additional thousand, which will exhaust the funds on hand. This will be fourteen thousand copies of the little work that have gone out to the ends of the earth to witness for the Truth.

The work of printing, folding, making up and binding these has taxed our little office to its full capacity. Such an amount of work would have been impossible a few years ago, before we were so freely helped to add new machinery and type. Nearly a ton and a half of paper has been used in this edition—possibly the largest single edition of any work that has ever been published in the interests of the Truth.

From expressions from readers and orders being received it is evident that the usefulness of the book has only commenced, and that it will prove to be of permanent value as a work to place in the hands of inquirers.

The Art Institute, where the Congress of Religions was held, is about six miles from the grounds of the World's Fair. It is situated on the lake front near the heart of the city. It is a very large building, divided into between twenty and thirty halls of various sizes, the largest being the hall of Columbus, where the Congress proper was held; and the others were allotted to the many and various denominations for denominational use.

Simultaneously with the sessions of the Congress of Religions Mr. Moody, the famous revivalist was out in full force with his many apostles stationed in various parts of the city. So here was a wide field before us in which to sow the seed of truth in the hope that a few spots of good soil would be found; and for the work there were brethren who had volunteered to attend the meetings, the purpose being to distribute the books at the doors of the halls.

The first report of complaint came from a church, where a brother was on duty as the audience passed out. The complaint came from the minister's wife, who, upon seeing what was going on, protested, and declared, "This thing must be stopped," hurrying to bring her husband to carry her decree into execution. The ''Reverend" gentleman was not quite so impetuous as his wife and asked to see the book; but before he had time to render his decision a bystander exclaimed, "It is too late now, for the books have been given to the people and they are all gone."

Matters went along smoothly for several nights, until at last there was an outburst, at head-quarters - the Congress of Religions. Two brethren were on duty on the steps leading to the Art Institute, when a hatless, excited man ran out exclaiming, "Here, here, this must be stopped! Move off, move off!" "Who are you, sir?" the excited man was asked. "I do not propose to be catechised; move off. Here, officer, do your duty," was the answer. ''How am I to know whether you are a man of authority unless you tell me who you are? My name is Clement Williams, sir, and on the grounds of common courtesy I may claim the right to ask your name." "My name is Pipe. I am President Bonney's private secretary, and we are not going to allow this Congress to be used for the distribution of literature."

This episode being reported to the committee we were disappointed and the outlook was gloomy. What shall be done? Go down and try and get a permit from the Chief-of-Police to distribute on the sidewalk in front of the Art Institute. We went, but the answer was, "I have no power to give anybody such a permit. The letter of the law is against you; but we shall not interfere with your distributing that book unless we are ordered to do so by the Congress. They have all kinds of religion there and I do not see why they should object to a book of that kind. The law was passed to prevent the scattering of paper on the streets."

Now what shall be done? It will not do to risk ourselves outside the limits of the law; for we may expect no favors from those who smarted under the lash that the little book administered to popular religion. There was one hall to the right of the main entrance in which were bookstands, and through which the crowds in attendance at the Congress passed to and fro before and after each meeting. Space could be rented there and we could have a bookstand after all, and that, too, in the best place to suit our purpose. The gentleman in charge of this ball was a business man, no religious fanatic, and therefore we had no trouble in displaying many of our leading books for sale and keeping a large supply of the World's Fair pamphlet right before the people with a card on them stating, "This book free; take one." We now had possession, and being in the house the work of distribution was not confined to the stand; yet there was no further interference.

This stand was placed in charge of the editor, who was to be there himself or keep some one else there during the day time, and for the night meetings other brethren took turns. We gave as much personal attention as we could, and sent Brother Nungasser when we could not be there, Sister Williams also taking charge a good share of the time.

INCIDENTS AT THE STAND

It soon became evident that the book was being read, a fact that was shown by manifestation of pleasure and displeasure, smiles and frowns. To Sister Williams one gentleman returned for a new supply, stating that the preachers had asked for those he had previously been given—four copies—and he would like one more and would try and keep it for himself.

The discussions which frequently took place around the stand would sometimes attract too large a crowd, and it would become necessary to stop and let them disperse, as the aisles were being closed against the marching masses.

One day two ministers accosted us, asking if we were the author of the pamphlet, one of them holding a copy in his hand. Upon receiving an answer, he said, ''There is too much creed and not enough of Christ in this book." "Not enough of Christ!" we remarked. "Can you find a page in the book that has not Christ in it, and is not Christ the theme of the entire book? You cannot find a book on this stand, sir, that has not Christ on every page. As to the matter of a creed, this Congress is trying to frighten the people with the word creed. If you have no creed, sir, you have no belief; and what is a man who has no belief, no faith?" Changing the subject, the gentleman said, "This book denies the immortality of the soul." "Yes, sir, and so does the Bible. Can you find 'immortal soul' in the Bible?" “I do not want to find it. I find soul in the Bible and that is enough for me." “Then when you read, "Levy a tribute of the souls of the persons, the beeves and the asses," you are satisfied they are all immortal souls, are you? And when you read that 'every living soul died in the sea' you are sure that they are immortal even if they do die, are you?" ''According to you," the gentleman rejoined, "we have no spirit in us; but it is said that the spirit of Christ dwells in us.'' "True, the spirit or disposition of Christ dwells in the righteous; but if you quote that testimony to prove the immortality of the soul, you will either prove that only the righteous have immortal souls or that the wicked have the spirit of Christ."

Preacher No. 2 then broke into the conversation, saying, "You have given many texts of Scripture in this book, but when writing on the question of eternal life you never gave a single text from the Epistle of John. Why did you not quote the texts that show we have eternal life, now?" The book was open in the gentleman's hand at pages 22 and 23, seeing which we asked, “How can you say we have not quoted from John's Epistle, when the very first verse on page 23 is from there, and if you will read the page you will find your question answered? It is 'he that hath the Son hath life'—in Him, not in us; for Paul says, 'Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God; and when Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.'" This ended the conversation.

Three ladies and a gentleman, who were very impudent, attacked Sister Williams, and were not long before they manifested their ignorance of the Bible. We entered the hall just as they went out. In a few minutes one of the ladies returned in company with an old lady. The latter introduced herself by saying, "You have some books for sale, have you?" "Yes, madam; and here is one free—without money and without price." "Salvation!" muttered the old lady. "Do you believe you have salvation?" "Yes, I do—that is, in the sense Paul speaks: 'By which ye are saved if ye keep in memory.'" The conversation ran along, in which many portions of Scripture were quoted, and at last we found several points upon which we agreed—the restoration of Israel being one. The old lady seemed somewhat astonished and we could not understand the cause. At last she said, "Why, those people outside told me you were infidels; but I find you believe the Bible."

Thus matters went along. The wrath of the ministers was kindled and many of the people were reading the book, evidences of which we had to some extent by visits and by letters from some of those interested.

The Christadelphian Advocate. November 1893, pgs. 241-246