THE TREND OF THE TIMES.
By William N. Glenn
THE "enlightenment of the nineteenth century," of which we hear so much boasting, occasionally gets a telling rebuff. Our London contemporary, Present Truth, gives this significant item:— 'There never was a time,' said a physician the other day, 'when London was fuller of superstition than at the present time. We have palmistry, crystal-globe reading, Spiritualism, and fortune telling flourishing in our very midst, and frequently amongst the best educated.' It is a sad fact that much of the education of the present day, beyond the commonest branches, is not a barrier against superstition. As the student progresses toward what is called the higher education, he is led farther and farther away from the Word of God, in which are all the treasures of true knowledge. Any education that ignores or belittles the importance of the Scriptures of truth can only prepare the mind for the reception of superstitious ideas. Such education never can fortify the mind against error. The apostle Paul says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;" and "whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." If these admonitions be carried out, there will be no room for superstition. And in order to follow this instruction, the education must have a close connection with the Word. But here is another instance that shows an effect of the recluse idea of self-abnegation extensively practised in the Roman and Russian Churches. We quote from the Methodist Times:— "A peculiar story of the results of superstition comes from Russia. A number of religious hermits have been dwelling at Tirespol, and seventeen of them not long ago disappeared. It was supposed that they had removed from that point in obedience to some religious motive. However, another hermit has confessed that he walled them up alive in response to their earnest entreaties, so that, as they believed, they might obtain martyrs' crowns. The authorities made an investigation and found that the man's story was true." The comment of the Times upon this strange act is also worthy of note:— "That religious zeal can take such a peculiar form in these latter years of the nineteenth century, serves to remind enlightened Christians that there is a vast amount of work to be done in the world before the true meaning of a religious life is understood. Those whose conceptions of zeal lead them to seclusion and reflection rather than to activity in relieving the needs of mankind, spiritual, mental, and physical, must be led to follow the One who spent his time for and among others. We are our brother's keepers so far as we are able to send them a Gospel whose teachings are able to save from superstition and unbelief." One of the saddest features of this nineteenth century superstition is in the fact that so much of it is manifest among those who profess to be followers of Christ. If they would abide in him, and let his word abide in them, they would be kept clear of all Satanic delusions. But Christ can not keep those, no matter how zealous their profession, who attempt to work out their salvation by the devices of man. Nineteenth century wisdom, or nineteenth century ideas of salvation, not based upon the plain Word of God, are no better than those of the darkest ages of history. It is true to-day, as it ever has been, that "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." The commandment enjoins upon each of us, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart," and the inspired Word also tells us, "This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments." This is the only way in which the Word of God can abide in us and keep us from superstition.