Page:The World's Parliament of Religions Vol 1.djvu/60

32 HISTORY OF THE PARLIAMENT. and of their confidence that it would advance the cause of truth and brotherhood. "I believe sincerely," wrote one, "that such a congress will be con- ducive not only to the better understanding of different systems of religious faith, but that it may also help the progress of religious truth among all nations and the promotion of the cause of humanity in general." Another said: The idea seems to me lofty and uplifting. What can be more impres- sive than an assembly of the representatives of all the diverse religions of all the world? The Rev. Yoshiyas Hiraiwa, of the Theological Department of the Methodist Seminary in Tokyo, believed that the Par- liament would have an immense influence on the religious thought of mankind, and "give a new, great impetus to the world-wide Christian evangelization movement." Following the advice of Rev. Dr. McGilvary, one of the Presbyterian missionaries among the Laos, the present King of Siam, the only crowned representatives of pure Buddhism now living, since the downfall of the King of Burmah, was invited, through the courtesy of our National Government, to attend the Parliament. He was not able to leave his country to visit the Exposition, in- which he had shown the greatest interest, but his brother. Prince Chandradat, contributed an important paper which was read before the Congress of Relig- ions. President William Miller, of the Christian College, Madras, proved himself one of the most faithful and efficient friends of the Parliament, engaging in a large correspondence, securing important papers, and generously contributing of his own funds to what he believed a most important and praiseworthy undertaking. A noble letter was sent to the Chairman by the Rev. Dr. N. J. Hofmeyr, Senior Professor of the Theological College of the Reformed Dutch Church in South Africa : It will be to the busy men of this industrial age a imique demonstration of the truth that, throughout all ages man has sought his true life in the supersensual and supernatural. It will be a mighty echo to the voice of God, warning man not to'barter away his true life for that which pleases and dazzles but for a moment. It may thus accomplish an incalculable good.