p. 5 | A Restless Age by C. H. Bliss

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 15, 1911

A Restless Age

By C. H. Bliss

C. H. BLISS

All observers who mingle more or less in society to-day, easily recognize the increasing nervous, restless disposition of the masses; it is not uncommon for one who distributes reading-matter among the people to be asked for new and startling literature. Old men, old ideas, and old beliefs are relegated to the rear. The churches are seeking young men, fresh from the colleges, to serve them as pastors. Many of these are entirely lacking in reverence for the Bible and for the God of the Bible; and the patriarchs and prophets of olden times are by them considered but a few degrees above the ape or baboon from which they say all men have ascended. One minister, a graduate of a theological school, remarked in my presence that “Solomon, if living to-day, would be considered an old fool.”

Most of the old men are gone, at least from the churches. Occasionally one or two old, gray-haired veterans are seen sitting in the amen corner; but it is remarkable how quiet they keep. The hearty “amens” and expressions of approval, once heard, have largely gone. The sermons seem to have little effect, and one seldom hears the remark, “That sermon did me good.” The old-fashioned class-meeting has also nearly passed away.

On Sunday afternoon, many church-members are seen at the theater or the ball game, or they are at home reading fictitious stories in the magazines. The Sunday shows, the parks, and a thousand other attractions in the cities satisfy the restless cravings of a restless age. Not long ago the pastor of a popular church was requested to deliver a series of up-to-date lectures for the Sunday morning services; but he preferred to give a few practical discourses, hoping thereby to give an uplift to the moral standard of his people. He was soon informed, that his services were no longer desired by that church. Another minister told me that he had lost his pastorate because he spoke against the saloon; another failed because of his age and build, his congregation desiring

a tall, slender-appearing man for a pastor.

We are living in an age when men are deified, receiving the honor which should be given to God. Saul was great in the eyes of the people, but he proved a failure. So it was in the days of Christ. To the Jews he said, “How can ye believe, which receive honor one from another?” It is God who takes men and uses them to glorify himself. We are but clay in the hands of the potter. Even Christ glorified not himself. Only he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Peoria, Ill.