Address by President Eliot.

President Eliot delivered an address at the first public meeting of the Harvard Religious Union in Holden Chapel last night. The chapel was well filled. President Eliot discussed religious union, saying that a clear idea is needed of what it must aim at, and of what it must be. Many serious mistakes have been made in the matter. A creed as a basis of a union has been tried. Many recognize it to be impossible. A creed is an expression of theological belief, in fixed phrases, but since theological thoughts change from generation to generation, a creed cannot be a basis for union. He spoke of the differences that have existed regarding the Lord's Supper, the marriage ceremony, and water as an emblem. The action of the Puritans in leaving the Anglican Church on account of its observances, is a striking illustration of the dividing power of religious observances.

In our country in particular, with its heterogeneous people, there is no prospect for unity in religion. Here, indeed, are many people who say they profess no religion. It is doubtful if the majority of the people of this country attend church. They must be taken into account when we think of religious union. They think Christ was simply a man.

President Eliot said that it seems to him there is only one ground for religious union. Through all religious matters there will be found a commonness of conception of human character. There is a tendency among preachers to leave off doctrinal preaching and to preach the following of Jesus, and even those persons who have no religious belief have a standard of living, which ideal cannot be divided from the idea of following Christ.

How can we do something for the advancing of this very precious cause? In the university are members of all denominations, and those outside of denominations. We can make progress towards religious union by bringing people of all kinds together. It need never be feared that religion is losing its power. It is a permanent motive. If we are to seek union, it may best be sought through the lifting up of one ideal of human character.