Page:The World's Parliament of Religions Vol 1.djvu/201

THE CLOSE OF THE PARLIAMENT. 173 was descending visibly before their eyes and many thought of the Redeemer's promise — "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." Thousands felt that this was the great moment in their lives, and will never be unmindful of the heavenly vision granted them in that hour. The eminent musical leader, Mr. Tomlins, must have felt, when the last note of the Hallelujah Chorus had been sung, that he had struck a chord of prophecy and of Christian hope- fulness which would long vibrate in the minds of men. Three thousand men and women rose to their feet, waving their handkerchiefs and cheering, and not until the chorus had sung, "Judge me, O God " (Mendelssohn) was quiet restored. President Bonney was .then introduced by Dr. Barrows as the man who had done more than any other to achieve the great success which had come to the whole series of World Congresses. An eye witness reports : It was a great moment, the culmination of a great achievement, and when Mr. Bonney came forward the vast audience stood up, waved their hats and handkerchiefs, and poured upon him a flood of gratitude. Mr. Bonney then announced that having listened to the representatives from the far-away countries, the audience would now be addressed by speakers from America in two-minute addresses. The Rev. George Dana Boardman, D.D., of Phila- delphia, who had been in constant attendance and service at the Parliament from the beginning, and who had spoken the noble closing words of the afternoon session, was presented by Mr. Bonney, and simply said : Fathers of the contemplative East ; sons of the executive West — Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. The New Jerusalem, the City of God, is descending, heaven and earth chant- ing the eternal hallelujah chorus. Dr. Emil G. Hirsch of Chicago was then introduced, and spoke with great eloquence as follows : The privilege of being with you on the morning when, in glory under God's blessing, this Parliament was opened was denied me. At the very hour when here the first words of consecration were spoken I and all other rabbis were attending worship in our own little temples, and could thus only in spirit be with you who were come together in this much grander temple.