Signs of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 8. (2/22/1905)

Signs of the Times

Feb 22, 1905

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Feb 22, 1905

THE SHEPHERD PSALM

By Llewellyn A. Morrison

Bible Study Outline, by LLEWELLYN A. MORRISON.

Confidence— “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

Rest— “He maketh me to lie down

Sustenance— “In green pastures;

Guidance— “He leadeth me

Peacefulness— “Beside the still waters.

Regeneration— “He restoreth my soul;

A Guide to Holiness— “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness

His Mercy— “For His name’s sake.

Deliverance— “Yea, tho I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;

Comradeship— “For Thou art with me;

A Comforter— “Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.

A Provider— “Thou preparest a table before me

A Vindicator— “In the presence of mine enemies;

Triumph and Fulness of Glory— “Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Confidence for time and eternity— “Surely goodness and mercy Shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Bibles

By Editor

FOR more than twenty-five years we have made Bibles a specialty. We have not confined ourselves to the publications of any one firm, but have selected from different makes those we have found most satisfactory. A catalog of a portion of these will be sent on request. A few selections are given below.

Illustrated Bibles

Here are two Children's Bibles with colored engravings:—

No. 1. Red cloth binding, pearl type, chapter numbers in figures. Price, 60 cents.

No. 2. Same as No. 1, but with larger and clearer type. Price, $1.00.

Small Reference Bibles

Size, 5 3/4 x 3 1/4 inches

No. 3. Leather cover, over-lapping edges, linen lined, pearl type. Price, $1.00.

Cheap Concordance Bibles

Size, 5 1/8 x 4 inches

These two Bibles have concordance, subject index, and maps.

No. 4. Leather cover, over-lapping edges, ruby type. Price, $1.10.

No. 5. Same as No. 4, but with leather-lined cover. Price, $1.40.

Large Type Bibles

Size, 6 x 9 inches

No. 6. Cloth covers, red edges, maps, small pica type. No references. Price, $1.50.

No. 7. Leather covers, gilt edges, small pica type. No references. Price, $2.00.

Teachers' Bibles

No. 8. Thin leather covers, leather lined, over-lapping edges, red under gold edges, full teachers' helps, minion type. Price, $1.50.

No. 9. The above book with index, $1.85.

No. 10. Leather covered, leather lined, silk sewed, with concordance, references, and long primer type, $2.60.

No. 11. Levant morocco, calf lined, over-lapping edges, silk sewed, round corners, red under gold edges, thin India paper, minion type, Facsimile Series. Price, $6.50.

Correspondence concerning Bibles gladly received and promptly answered. Catalog sent on request.

Pacific Press Publishing Co.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA

285 SALMON STREET, PORTLAND, OREGON

18 WEST FIFTH ST., KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

306 SAN PABLO AVENUE, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

UNCLE BEN'S COBBLESTONES

Suits the children. Contains 222 pages, beautifully illustrated. Price, 75 cents.

ADDRESS PUBLISHERS OF THIS PAPER

TEN THOUSAND INCREASE

By Editor

Our Friends Have Not Forgotten That

TEN THOUSAND INCREASE

As evidence of the fact that our friends are in earnest over the proposed increase in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES family, we give a few quotations from their letters.

ST. JOHNS, ORE., Feb. 2, 1905 SIGNS OF THE TIMES: It is nearly fifteen years since I read the first copy of the SIGNS, and I am free to say it had much to do in leading me to a knowledge of the truth for this time, and now, since I have disposed of my ranch to enable me to devote my time to spreading the truth, I expect to work part of the time with the good old SIGNS, being assured there is no better missionary paper published. Will you kindly give me your rates on subscriptions, also prices on the paper in clubs? Of course, I have to make my work self-sustaining. Also kindly give me any information you think might be helpful in this work. Kindly change address on papers from Wilhoit, Ore., to St. Johns, Oregon. Sincerely yours, J. M. MEIKLEJOHN

SIGNS OF THE TIMES: Please send one copy of the SIGNS to Mrs. ——. Let subscription begin with first of new year. This came by simply handing an old copy of the SIGNS to a lady sitting near me on the street-car. Bless the Lord for His leading hand. Pray for us. Enclosed find 75 cents for six months' subscription. Yours in the faith, MRS. H. S. ACKERLY, Church Clerk. S. D. A. Church, Richmond, Va.

DENVER, COLO., Jan. 30, 1905 SIGNS OF THE TIMES: Dear Brethren: Enclosed please find draft for $6.50 for two SIGNS subscriptions for one year, each with the premium Bible. Please send same to the following names and addresses. . . . I am trying to do all I can for the SIGNS, because I think it deserves it. G. W. ANGLEBARGER

Brevities

Mrs. W. H. Proudfit, Librarian of the Capitol Hill Missionary Society, Denver, Colo., sends in the names and addresses of eight persons each for a year. This is in addition to several lists of names already furnished. Mary B. Craig, Decatur, Ill., sends five yearly subscriptions. E. M. Smith, San Diego, Cal., sends seven yearly subscriptions. Albert P. Daniels, Clarks, Neb., sends five yearly subscriptions. W. S. Sargent, Hurricane, W. Va., sends four yearly subscriptions. Thos. R. Cox, Lenora, Indiana, sends four yearly subscriptions. Mrs. M. S. Cramer, La Luz, N. M., sends four yearly subscriptions. T. Kloss, St. Peter, Minn., sends sixteen yearly subscriptions. PUBLISHERS

From a Blind Sister

It is now time to renew my subscription to the SIGNS, which I usually do by sending in a club of five or more, but as the weather has been so bad during the last few weeks, and as I am now blind, I have been unable to get out to secure my usual number. I have been a constant reader of the SIGNS for seven years, and could not get along without it. Enclosed you will find my subscription, and just as soon as the weather permits, will try to procure my usual club. FANNIE EMORY

RATES TO AGENTS

A commission of fifty cents each is given to those who secure four or more yearly subscriptions. This commission may be deducted when the order is sent in. Sample copies will be gladly furnished free of charge. Address orders and inquiries to SIGNS OF THE TIMES MOUNTAIN VIEW, CAL.

True Unity

By Editor

True Unity.—A blessed result of unity is strength. "United we stand, divided we fall," is emphatically true religiously as well as politically. But this unity does not come by compromise, by a set of resolutions, nor by voting it so. Resolutions are proper enough in expressing what is, and what it is one's purpose to do, but they can not make union. Unity of purpose and object is the only way to effect true union. If two men come together, each seeking to advantage himself, they will remain together only so long as there is hope of serving the selfish purpose of each. If two are united with the sole purpose of glorifying God, sinking all selfish considerations out of sight, they will remain united to the end, or so long as the purpose is the same. True union with each other is true union of each individual with God through His Word first of all. Christ and His truth, then, form the bond of union, the only effectual union, the only living union, the only union taught by the Bible.

A JOY-GIVING POSSESSION.

THE Christian's heritage is peace. He can have that peace in the midst of the greatest turmoils of this world; peace while strife and contention are around him on every hand; peace while the world is at war. Not only that, but he can be the means of bringing peace to others in such times. When the storm lashed the waters of Galilee, the Saviour lay peacefully sleeping in the tossing boat. He had the peace that passeth understanding; and He imparted it, not only to the elements, but to the hearts of His frightened disciples. The worries and afflictions of the world are like the storm-tossed waters of Galilee.

No matter how threatening the billows may be, the Christian's heart may be the citadel of peace. Christ spoke to the raging waters and the howling storm, and they were still. The Christian can, in Christ's name, speak to the storm that is tossing a human soul, and be obeyed. The storm has lost its power to toss the soul, when Christ has spoken peace. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27. "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts." Col. 3:15. Let it; but remember that the peace of God comes only to the heart that is submitted to the will of God.

The cry of "peace and safety" from the lips of the wicked and careless is the cry of delusion. Their peace is not the peace of God—it is not peace. The safety for which they look is not the safety which God guarantees to His children—it is not safety. Their cry is a false one, for it arises from a heart prone to its own desires. The cry of "peace and safety" brings "sudden destruction" upon the criers and the believers in the cry. The "peace of God" comes as a result of righteousness, of obedience, faith, and belief in God's Word. It is a harbinger of heaven, a foretaste of the blessings of the redeemed. Let it "rule in your hearts."

TO WHOM DO MEN BELONG?

By Editor

IN another column is a quotation from Bishop Brent, whose diocese is the Philippine Islands. Comment sufficient is made on the quotation in general in the article which contains the quotation; but there is one clause in particular to which we wish to call attention. The bishop says, in speaking of the Filipinos:

We have our duty to perform. It is to give these people—for they are ours now—all that we are capable of giving them.

It is to the parenthetical clause, which we have italicized, that we call attention. The importance of the thought in the bishop's mind is clearly indicated; he felt that it could not be left out.

But what an assumption it is! What a low view of the Gospel ministry it is! What a narrow conception of the great commission!

1. What an assumption it is, in the light of American principles, for even an American to say, "These people are ours"? The Philippine Islands may belong to the United States, according to the rules of barter and trade in the commercial world; but who sold to this country the Filipinos, the people? Where is the bill of sale for the flesh and blood—the living souls of the millions who inhabit those islands? They are ours no more than the nations of Greenland, Liberia, or Madagascar are ours. They belong to God by creation, by redemption; and low indeed is that American's conception of human freedom—not to say Christian's—who would count these people, or any other people, as belonging to us.

2. It is a low conception of the Gospel ministry to simply give to our own. Before the people were ours, no particular duty rested upon this political Christianity; but "they are ours now," therefore we have our duty to them. The Christian owes duty to all of every land and race and clime. Paul, recognizing that all were blood-bought candidates for eternal life, himself included, Jew tho he was, born in strong Pharisaic prejudice, could say in the freedom of the Gospel: "I am debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel to you also that are in Rome," where the loathsome dungeon and the martyr's death awaited him.

3. The bishop's words express a low conception of the great commission. Jesus said: "All authority hath been given unto Me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and

make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the consummation of the age." How the Master's words obliterate all national and international lines! If the bishop is an ambassador of Christ Jesus, he is more than an American citizen, more than a governor, more than President of the United States. He is plenipotentiary of the Court of Heaven to declare the Gospel, the terms of Heaven's glad message to a world enslaved in sin. While physically limited in ability, in field, in time, his heart-love and heart-mission should be as broad as the Master's orders. His duty is not to civilize, but to preach a Gospel in the power of God, which, received, will bring all other blessings in its train. "Preach the Word." "Preach Christ." "Preach the Gospel." Preach it to all men—"to every creature."

The Inward Life of Christianity

ONE can not live a Christian outwardly unless he lives one secretly. It is in the inward life that Christianity dwells. But it does not remain secret. It does not embalm the soul and wrap it in costly cerements; it is a living, active principle, which causes the inward man to grow and put forth fruits which all who know the life of the individual may see. He does not bear fruit that he may be a Christian, but he bears fruit because he is a Christian.

Comforting Realities.

God has revealed no dry, empty, and abstract theories concerning Himself or man's duty to Him. The divinity and humanity of Christ have been made by many purely speculative or dogmatic; and yet there are no more precious and comforting realities. Christ is human; therefore He realizes all our weaknesses, wants, struggles, temptations. He can be touched by the feeling of our infirmities. He is divine; therefore He can help us; yea, save even to the uttermost those who come to God by Him.

Loyalty to God

WE do not read that Caleb the son of Jephunneh or Joshua the son of Nun were exceptionally brilliant men. They had no power as orators to move the people. The only time they ever attempted such a thing in their early life (up to forty years of age) they came very near losing their lives in the attempt. And yet no two men were more highly prized of God than were these two. They had one quality worth more than all else. They were loyal to God. They may have failed and slipped and stumbled over perverse dispositions or inherited appetites the same as other men, but they did not lay their sins at God's door, nor did they murmur at Him on account of difficulties. Whatever others did they were loyal to God, they "wholly followed the Lord." It is Calebs and Joshuas that are needed in the church to-day.

The Bible

The Bible.—The Bible is merely a conglomeration of myths and morals, or it is everything it claims to be. Many will accept of Christ who reject a large part of the Bible, such as the prophetic portion, the doctrines of the resurrection, miracles, etc. But the very mission and work of Christ are inseparable from the prophecies, from the resurrection, from the miracles. If these fall, He falls. If these are false, in all probability so is all that the Scriptures say of His divine power and Godhead. But the mighty evidence for the one thing proves the other, and the attestation of the divine mission of Christ is the attestation of the whole Bible. God is one; so is His Holy Word.

A VALUABLE LESSON.

By G.

The apostle Paul was what the world would call a learned man (Acts 26:24). Even from the standpoint of the orthodox Jews he was reckoned as learned (Gal. 1:13, 14). But there was one simple lesson, more profitable than all this, that he did not, in fact he could not, learn until he was taught of Christ. That lesson was contentment. As Moses, who was "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds," could not, or did not, learn the lesson of meekness until he had spent years as a common shepherd, so Paul did not learn to be content under all circumstances until he had passed through bitter experiences in divers conditions.

Relating his experience to the Philippian church, he says: "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." Phil. 4:11-13. The ground of this contentment is indicated in the next expression, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

When a man comes to the point where he can realize that he is possessed of a power by which he can do all things, and is willing to be guided by that power, he has a good foundation for contentment. Paul says he "was instructed" how to be content, both when he had plenty and when he was in great need. From whom did he receive this instruction? Evidently from one who had passed through that experience. No other would be capable of imparting such instruction. But we read of Christ, that, "tho He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor." Tho "by Him were all things created," yet He had not "where to lay His head," and often suffered hunger—all for our sakes.

With all this, to us, incomprehensible change, He was content, for He made the change voluntarily because of His great love for us. One is usually content to do that which he loves to do. And it was Christ Himself who taught the lesson to Paul. No man can learn such a lesson without the Spirit of Christ, and that is implanted by the Gospel, of which Paul says, "I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Gal. 1:12.

Some will incline to say that it is nothing to be content when one has plenty. But that is a great mistake; the natural man becomes more grasping and covetous and discontented as his possessions increase. It is fully as hard to be content with an abundance as it is to be content in penury. And this fact is plainly discernible by noting the actions of people in the various conditions of life. The Spirit of inspiration that indited the apostle's words would not have spoken of his learning the lesson of contentment when he had plenty, had it been a lesson that could or would be naturally learned.

The spirit of contentment, in whatever condition temporally, is a most valuable acquirement; therefore the scripture says: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." 1 Tim. 6:6-8.

To this excellent admonition is added a most solemn warning: "But they that will be rich [whether they be already rich or poor] fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts." "For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

It is so much better, in all conditions, under all circumstances, to be content. "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." Ps. 37:3. G.

A HEAVY CURSE.

By Editor

NEXT to their intimate companions, what people read has more influence over them than aught else. It is a true saying that a man may be known by the company he keeps; and it is no less true that one may be known by the kind of reading he enjoys. There are few evils of like magnitude to that of evil and vicious literature. Evidences of its withering, blasting, blighting influences are seen on every hand. No other evil is so widely extended in Christian lands as that of light literature in the form of serial and sensational stories, love-sick romances, thrilling adventures, seaside libraries, dime novels, etc., etc. It is utterly impossible for one to keep note of them as they fall from the press. They enter many homes where the wine-cup has never been seen.

True, we do not find the "yellow-covered" dime novel nor the cheap serial in the gilded mansion of the rich, nor the last popular novel in the beggar's hut, but similar matter is found in each, with the same influence. This literature of fiction, with its covert sneers at religion, its low standards and false standards, its unworthy motives, creeps into the houses of Christians; it comes to us through the religious press; it finds a place in Sunday-school libraries—different, it is true, in degree of evil, but the same unreal, fictitious literature still. We see its well-thumbed pages often beside the neglected Bible, these pages intently perused by the children of those who are looking for the soon-coming of Christ, and not a protest uttered by either father or mother, whose duty it is to protect and care for the intellectual and spiritual welfare of the child, as well as to provide for its physical needs. Alas, that these things are so!

The danger, however, lies not in its mere purchase and presence, but in its tendency and influence. We know not words to express its banefulness in this direction. It takes a quicker possession of the youthful mind, and lures and fascinates and holds with grip more tenacious and deadly, than that of the wine-cup. In fact, its influence tends to physical intemperance. How many youth have become users of the vile weed tobacco, by reading how gracefully curled the smoke of the fragrant Havana from the lips of the hero of some wonderful story! How beautifully is pictured the pleasing (tho frequently corrupt and filthy) reveries which come in the hour's indulgence of an odorous cigar, by pens that might be a power in a better cause! How many have been led to taste the mocking wine by reading a brilliant account in some popular work of fiction, of how charming and fascinating was the exquisitely-beautiful heroine as she delicately poised the sparkling glass of blood-red wine, and sipped its exhilarating contents! How many, the judgment of God alone will reveal.

How many girls who might have been ministering angels at home, blessings to father, mother, brothers, and sisters, have left all, to mingle in the unreal and abandoned life behind the scenes of the theater or opera—lured there by the brilliant descriptions and talent-worship of prominent actresses, as set forth in the light literature of to-day! How many a promising boy has forsaken his father's roof, and the useful, honest pursuits of life, to endeavor to become a second "Claude Duval," "Jesse James," or some other noted desperado, whom some novels have characterized as a hero! Many instances come to public notice every year through the press. Then, there is the great mass of whom the world takes no account who, if not utterly ruined, become mental dyspeptics, crippled in life's work; who become men and women of small mental caliber, at best,—dwarfs in mind and soul.

This kind of literature presents before us nothing real or tangible. The pictures of life are either overdrawn or lacking in necessary features. They present before us utopian views of life, which have existence in this world of ours only in dreams. Thousands enter the marriage relation thinking it one long, happy honeymoon, who become soured as soon as the stern realities of life are encountered. Following this come misery, wretchedness, unfaithfulness to marriage vows, intemperance, divorce. Such are educated to a large extent by the romances of the day. Were it not for this false education, we verily believe that there would be less divorce and crime against marital law. Looking for perfection in their ideal, unreal, selfish fancies, the common duties and realities of life make a yoke irksome and grievous to be borne.

Novel reading takes from its devotee, energy and zeal in the stern duties of life, deepens selfishness, and leads to distrust of everything that does not pander to the selfish heart and unreal fancies. To be considered heroes or heroines is the acme of the aspiration of the slaves of light literature, while the work of real

heroes lies undone on every hand. They grumble and find fault, they are sickly, simpering, peevish, impatient. They will weep over the abnormal, slighted love of one who never existed, and sneer over the wants and woes of those who surround them. Their own selfishness and the love of Christ never cause a pang or feeling of gratitude. How many times have we seen a sentimental, love-sick girl weep over the fate of a pen-picture, when the poor, tired, discouraged, heart-sick mother, and toil-bent father, could not even call forth a word of sympathy! What rays of light these sons and daughters might be in the days of cloud-gloom and darkness! what a power in the church of Christ, if they were willing to grapple with duty, and, in the strength of God, fight the real battles of life!

There may be good things said in novels, words which appeal to the purer, holier emotions of our natures, but words, nevertheless, which often make the novel all the more dangerous. They are the gilded bait which hides from the minds of the well-disposed the poisoned, fateful hook. They are the beautiful flowers which hide the snare. It is this novel-reading which oftentimes leads boys to speak of mother as "old woman," or "the old lady," or father as "the old man," or "governor." How many are led to look back over the past and regret the brightest years of life, which have been given to such reading,—years when memory was most retentive, when character was forming,—and what would they not now give if they could but recall them! How the memories linger! How the habit of hasty, rapid, unreflecting reading remains! How hard it is to efface their impression! What struggles has it cost to resist their influence—the blighting, baneful influence of this corrupter of minds, this destroyer of memory, this feeder of selfishness! It is called light literature, but it is one of the heaviest of curses.

Parents, do your duty. Place before your children the Word of God, and truthful, mind-building reading. Novel reader, be admonished before you become a mental wreck. Dear youth, shun such reading, and, as companions, those who prefer such reading. Be real men and women. The greatest heroes and heroines are those who conquer sin and self, and lovingly labor for others' good.

OUR MISSION NOT POLITICAL.

By S.

WE are hearing more and more of the civil and political duties of the clergy of to-day and less and less of the Gospel phase of the work to which they are called. Preaching the true Gospel recedes from view as the political duties of the representatives of the cross of Christ loom up larger before them. In not every instance is this seen; but the great popular trend and drift are in that direction.

An instance in point was seen in the address of Rev. Chas. H. Brent, of Boston, bishop in the Philippines, when he made declaration of his policy and purpose. That the new bishop is a convert to the idea of the union of church and state, in effect, if not in outward form, is seen from his published declaration, which reads as follows:

The bishop who goes to the Philippine Islands goes to stand for righteousness in civil life, to make civil service what it should be there, to promote Christian education, to further the interests of American civilization in that country, which is now our responsibility, and foster the true elements of our own civilization. It is no longer a question of imperialism or anti-imperialism. We have our duty to perform. It is to give these people—for they are ours now—all that we are capable of giving them.

It has been argued by some members of our church that because the Roman Catholic Church is established in that country, we have no business there. Do not think that the bishop goes to the Philippines as the enemy of the Roman Catholic Church. He goes as the enemy of their enemies—of lust, extortion, dishonor, and oppression.

If the last sentence of the quotation could be shown to be true, the "lust, extortion, dishonor, and oppression" must all have been perpetrated by the Filipinos. But we had understood that those were the things from which the Filipinos have been struggling for release for centuries; that they were the ones who had suffered those things, suffered them at the hands of a religious despotism. It is difficult to understand how the bishop can go there as the enemy of that despotism’s enemies, and still be the friend and well-wisher of the Filipino. It was the oppression, distortion, and dishonor which the Filipinos suffered at the hands of the friars that finally resulted in the loss of the islands to Spain. The church used the state for its own ends, for the enforcement of its own demands. The result was continued rebellion against the government, and its final expulsion; but the "church" is still there—and so are its enemies. The bishop who goes there as the enemy of those enemies goes there as the friend of Rome, an apologist for all she has done in those islands, standing for the principles that lost those islands to the Spanish crown.

This bishop will stand for "righteousness in civil life," and will seek to "make civil service what it should be there." But how about the "great commission"? There is no word in regard to that. How about preaching the Gospel there? Purifying the civil service would seem to take precedence over that. The idea of promulgating the Gospel seems to have been buried under the glittering phraseology of a political religion. It is the "civil service" and "American civilization" that are to be the burden of the bishop in his mission to the Philippines—the very duties which the government has placed upon its accredited representatives there.

Thus, gradually and almost imperceptibly, the doctrine of the duty of the church to interfere in political affairs is gaining adherents and influence throughout the country. The great church body is being swept from its moorings on the rising tide of a political religion. Here in the home land "civic righteousness" and "American civilization" are usurping the place of the true Gospel in the popular pulpits, till almost every religious duty is given a political turn by such misguided teachers. The truth of God is thus smitten in the house of its supposed friends. The kingdom of God, which Christ declared was "not of this world," is made to appear of this world wholly, with a bare tinge of religious sentiment.

It is hardly supposable that a missionary who goes to a foreign people with such a commission in one hand and flaunting a deed of ownership in the other will ever fitly represent Christ, or win for Him the sincere worship of that people. The "missionary" who goes forth with that idea of a missionary’s work is unfitted for the high calling, and might better ask the government to do the work while he remains at home and seeks to learn from the Word of God what his duty is. So with the clergyman who is imbued with political ideas. It were better for the cause of Christ that he remain out of the pulpit until he be endued with a power that is not human and has a message that is not political. There is nothing to indicate, however, that the popular trend will ever be in that direction. The form of godliness is retained; but the power to convert souls is lacking; and the message of God is not in the message that is given by such teachers. It is a sign of our times, and it has its lessons for us.

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