EFFECT OF GERMAN LIBERALISM.
THE Congregationalist says that "during the last six years the theological students in German universities have decreased from 4,527 to 2,956. The causes seem to be a weakening of faith through extreme liberalism, the overcrowding of the ministry, and the very small salary paid to pastors. In Prussia a minister at the beginning receives $450, and can not expect at any time to receive more than $900. It is significant that the only two universities which report increased attendance of theological students are Greifswald and Erlangen, which are among the less famous, but which are most conservative." It is a remarkable coincidence that while in some countries there is an "overcrowding of the ministry," there is everywhere a scarcity of "ambassadors for Christ." "But when He saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest." Yet with all the priests and scribes of that same country, there was an "overcrowding of ministers" of that particular kind. And so it is to-day, in more countries than Germany. But the Lord wants witnesses whom he can send.