A FAST-DAY PROCLAMATION.
By T.
A FEW days ago Governor Rollins, of New Hampshire, issued a fast-day proclamation, in which is contained the following significant paragraph:— "The decline of the Christian religion, particularly in our rural communities, is a marked feature of the times, and steps should be taken to remedy it. I suggest that, as far as possible, on fast day union meetings be held, made up of all shades of belief, including all who are interested in the welfare of our State, and that in your prayers and other devotions and in your mutual counsels you remember and consider the problem of the condition of religion in the rural communities. There are towns where no church bell sends forth its solemn call from January to January; there are villages where children grow to manhood unchristened; there are communities where the dead are laid away without the benison of the name of Christ, and where marriages are solemnized only by justices of the peace. This is a matter worthy of your thoughtful consideration, citizens of New Hampshire. It does not augur well for the future." The governor also stated that he thought something should be done to awaken the religious interests in the rural towns throughout Maine and Vermont, as well as in his own State. But why should the governor be the first to feel the need of a religious awakening? What is the matter with the ministers in New Hampshire that they are not looking after their work, and allowing the governor to confine himself to his legitimate affairs of State? It is a serious condition of things if Christian worship is on such a low plane in New Hampshire as is indicated by the governor's proclamation. But it marks the spirit of these times. The church as well as the world is given to the frivolities and follies of the age. And is it to be wondered at that so many, in consequence of the manifest worldliness of the church, should throw off the religious mask entirely and devote themselves wholly to the vanities of this life? But when the State steps in and attempts to revive an interest in spirituality by proclaiming fasts, it is only making bad matters worse; for the end of such a course is a still worse formality than already exists. The forms of religion are not what are needed. A Luther, or a Jerome, or a Wesley, filled with the power of the Holy Ghost, is what is needed. The world has been cursed enough with religion promulgated and fostered by the State. Let us rather seek the Lord for His power because it is right that we should, and not because the State proclaims a fast. Some of the religious papers, in commenting on Governor Rollins, proclamation, say that the deplorable lack of spirituality that he mentions is not confined to New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, but that it is very general throughout the country. Did it ever occur to you that there was a vital connection between this lack of Christian life and the Saviour's statement, "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8. The subject is worthy of serious thought. T.