Under the heading, “Where Do Reforms Have Their Root?” the Pacific Ensign, the W. C. T. U. organ of California, recently published the following, signed by “Francis Willard.” Whether “Frances E. Willard” is meant, we know not, but hope not; but the little paragraph expresses a vital error held by many in these days. Here it is:— “I hold in highest dignity and most awful significance the laws of the descent of inheritance, of prenatal influence, of the determining of destiny before a human being has ever known an independent heart-beat or an intelligent volition. I believe that all reforms have their root here, and that a wiser, more thoughtful age, not very far distant either, will stand aghast as it reads of the madness of the present dance of delusion and death, in respect to the right of every child to be well born!” That there is importance, and great importance, to be attached to “the laws of the descent of inheritance,” and to “prenatal influence,” goes without saying; but this at its very best will never save men. The whole race of men apart from God are sinners, carnal, without hope, and by no plan or time can sin be evolved into righteousness. All true reforms have their root in the regenerating power of Jesus Christ and his Word received by faith. There is no other. All other foundations are but sand. “Ye must be born again” is God’s foundation of all true character and reform. It does not come by flesh and blood; it must be revealed by the eternal God.