The American Church and Social Spirit
THE following testimony according with the predictions of 2 Tim. 3: 1-5 regarding the religious conditions which would be characteristic of the last days, comes from the Rev. G. Campbell Morgan, who has been filling the place of the late D. L. Moody at Northfield, Mass.:— The American church does not seem to be much more than a social organization now. Its members spend more time developing along social lines than they do along spiritual lines. The business men, the influential Christians, and others do not do their duty. Wrapped up in their own affairs or busy in the pursuit of pleasure or frivolity, they lose track of the way, and forget the pledges they made to their church. The old fire and the old-time spirit are lacking, and without this what can be expected by social clubs but a leading away from God and the path? How can a business man expect to have an influence with his employees when they know his life, his methods, and just how far he practises what he preaches? What the churches want is more of God and less of dress and social position; more of the spirit of the Master and less of a strife for place and money, and more religion by example and life than by preaching and talking. QUITE out of the ordinary, but attractive, in appearance is the announcement of the Southern Training-school. The mission of the institution is thus stated:— To furnish young people with a comfortable home where Christian influences prevail; to provide for the harmonious development of the threefold faculties, physical, mental, and moral; to seek to fortify students against the evil influences of the world, and to co-operate with divine agencies in assisting them to lead pure, upright lives, honored of men and blessed of heaven,—these are the objects of the school. Every one who is interested in helping young people to get a right start in life will feel in hearty sympathy with such aims as these, and we wish the Southern Training-school the fullest success in its efforts to attain them. Full information may be obtained by addressing the principal, Prof. J. E. Tenney, Graysville, Tenn.