Page:The World's Parliament of Religions Vol 1.djvu/200

172 HISTORY OF THE PARLIAMENT. Prince Momolu Masaquoi, of the Vey territory, Africa, was received with applause. He said: Permit me to express my hearty thanks to the Chairman of this Con- gress for the honor conferred upon me personally by the privilege of repre- senting Africa in this World's Parliament of Religions. There is an important relationship which Africa sustains to this particular gathering. Nearly one thousand nine hundred years ago, at the great dawn of Chris- tian morning, we saw benighted Africa opening her doors to the infant Saviour, Jesus Christ, afterwards the founder of one of the greatest religions man ever embraced, and the teacher of the highest and noblest sentiments ever taught, whose teaching has resulted in the presence of this magnificent audience. As I sat in this audience listening to the distinguished delegates and representatives in this assembly of learning, of philosophy, of systems of religions represented by scholarship and devout hearts, I said to myself, "What shall the harvest be? " The very atmosphere seems pregnant with an indefinable, inexpressible something — something too solemn for human utterance — something I dare not attempt to express. Previous to this gathering the greatest enmity existed among the world's religions. To-night — I dare not speak as one seeing visions or dreaming dreams — but this night it seems that the world's religions, instead of striking one against another, have come together in amicable deliberation, and have created a lasting and congenial spirit among themselves. May the coming together of these wise men result in the full realization of the general fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, and the consecration of souls to the service of God. The " Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's '* Messiah " was then sung by the Apollo Club. Mr. Tomlins had promised that this sublime chorus should be given as it had never been given before, and the promise was fulfilled. It seemed as if the leader and singers entered into an inspired sympathy with the great composer and with the scriptural words which he had clothed with the majesty of the sublimest music. *' Hallelujah ! For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. King of kings I and Lord of lords ! Hallelujah I" The effect produced bv the Hallelujah Chorus on this occasion is utterly beyond the power of words to describe. To the Christians who were present, and all seemed imbued with a Christian spirit, it appeared as if the Kingdom of God