Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Nov 26, 1903
Publishers' Page
Conducted by the Department of Circulation of the Review and Herald Publishing Company
What Others Say of Paradise Home
I HAVE read “Paradise Home,” and am much pleased with it. I thought as I read chapter after chapter, “Well, this book is filled with gems of truth.” I can gladly recommend it as a book well fitted to find a welcome in many homes where this blessed gospel of the kingdom has not yet entered.
I have also shown it to one Bible worker and one canvasser, and both are much pleased with it, and will use it in their work.
O. O. FARNSWORTH.
“Paradise Home” is a nicely written description of a tangible home, the home long looked for. This home was once lost, but has been purchased, and will soon be restored. The book will have a large sale, and can not fail to do good. May God bless your efforts and crown them with abundant success.
R. A. UNDERWOOD.
The new book, “Paradise Home,” seems to be meeting with considerable favor among our people and canvassers in this conference. We trust that it will have a large sale. It is brief, concisely written, and to the point. It contains many points of present truth.
A. J. BOURDEAU,
Secretary California T. & M. Society.
Patriarchs and Prophets
An excellent and authentic commentary on Biblical subjects from Adam to the close of the reign of David. Especially helpful in the study of the present International Sunday-school Lessons, and also an unerring counselor in the study of the Old Testament Scriptures.
Thousands of these books have been sold to Sunday-school superintendents and teachers during the past two years, since the international lessons have been upon the Old Testament history, and the following unsolicited testimonial from a Sunday-school teacher is a fair sample of the many which are coming to the publishers of this appreciated book:—
I have a copy of “Patriarchs and Prophets,” and it has been a source of wonderful information to me during the past year. It has proved to be a key that has unlocked many, many Scriptures, and unfolded them, and made them plain and comprehensive. I found it of great assistance in preparing the Sunday-school lessons all last year, when they were in the Old Testament. I am very thankful for its great help.
L. D. SMITH, Biggs, Mo.
Copies of this book can be furnished in the following bindings: cloth, gilt edges, $2.75; library, $3; full morocco, $4.50.
The Bible Text-Book
BY ELDER O. A. JOHNSON
A COMPENDIUM of Bible subjects, bound in a neat and attractive form, and easy to carry in the vest or coat pocket.
The book contains forty-nine tersely written Bible readings on as many different subjects.
There are five charts, explaining difficult Scripture subjects; such as, “The Weekly and Yearly Sabbath,” “The Two Laws,” “The Week,” “The Seven Seals,” “The Seven Plagues,” and “The Millennium.”
Every minister, Bible worker, and church member should procure a copy at once. This book should have a wide circulation.
It contains 208 pages, table of contents, and general index of subjects; is bound in two styles of binding.
Price, in cloth, 30 cents; in leather, 50 cents.
What Others Say of the “Bible Text-Book”
OAKLAND, CAL.
Review and Herald Publishing Company.—Bible students will find the new work, “Bible Text-Book,” a great help to them in the study of the vital topics of the Word of God. Although small in size, the work covers an extensive scope of Bible subjects, and develops present truth in a convincing manner.
W. T. KNOX.
Review and Herald Publishing Company.—As a suggestive text-book for ministers, Bible workers, and Bible students, we know of none superior to “Bible Text-Book,” by O. A. Johnson. It covers a series of topics embracing nearly every doctrinal subject of the Word of God, as well as many practical lessons. It will be a great help to those who are either teaching or making a special investigation of Bible questions. Every seeker after truth should own one.
I. H. EVANS.
The “Bible Text-Book” is indeed a work of rare merit.
S. H. LANE.
BALTIMORE, MD.
Review and Herald Publishing Company.—I have taken pains to examine “Bible Text-Book,” and find it an up-to-date work. The readings are the most practical that I have seen in any volume of Bible readings. It is a work that will have a good sale.
CHAS. D. ZIRKLE.
The Stomach
Its Disorders, and How to Cure Them
BY J. H. KELLOGG, M. D.
This book presents in a nutshell what every person ought to know about the stomach,—its functions in health, the symptoms produced by disease, and the best methods of cure.
The work is thoroughly practical. It contains an explanation of the new and elaborate method of investigating disorders of the stomach in use at the Battle Creek Sanitarium, and largely the result of researches undertaken there. The following is a list of the leading sections of the book: The Organs of Digestion; Foods; The Digestive Fluids; General View of the Digestive Process; The Maladies of the Modern Stomach; Important New Discoveries Relating to Digestion; Symptoms of Dyspepsia; The Symptomatic Treatment of Indigestion; Remedies for the Home Treatment of Dyspepsia; Quacks and Nostrums; Explanation of the Author’s Graphic Mode of Representing the Results of Stomach Work, Obtainable from Examination of Stomach Fluid by the System of Investigation employed in the Hygienic and Research Laboratories of the Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich., U. S. A.
The work contains over one hundred cuts, including eleven plates, several of which are colored. Price of the work, bound in fine English cloth, with embossed cover, $1.50; half buffing, marbled edges, $2, postpaid.
Bell’s Language Series
In Five Books
This series gives an outline study of the English language, adapted to the training of the child from the nursery till he is graduated from college. These books claim the attention of practical educators everywhere. Based upon the natural method, giving and illustrating principles rather than rules, they are particularly suited to home study. This unique series consists of—
Book One, primary Language Lessons from Life, Nature, and Revelation. 227 pages. Cloth……$ .65
Book Two, Elementary Grammar. 224 pages. Cloth…… .65
Book Three, Complete Grammar. 281 pages. Cloth…… .80
Book Four, Rhetoric and Higher English. 375 pages. Cloth…. 1.25
Book Five, Studies in English Literature. 599 pages. Cloth…. 1.75
Bell’s Series of Bible Lessons for Sabbath-Schools
Full Set Complete
The lessons are “progressive,” not only from their progression in the order of events, but from the fact that they are graded to correspond with the usual growth and advancement of the pupils intellectually as the study proceeds.
No. 1. Adam to Moses. Adapted to the capacity of the youngest pupils. 84 pages, 18 mo.; 15 cents.
No. 2. Egypt to Canaan. A continuation of No. 1, in a style for pupils more advanced, and opening with a review of No. 1, for the benefit of pupils who have not studied that book. 120 pages; 20 cents.
No. 3. Moses to Solomon. With a series of maps, and other new and interesting features. 132 pages; 25 cents.
No. 4. From the beginning of Solomon’s reign to the rebuilding of the temple after the captivity. 159 pages; 25 cents.
No. 5. From the rebuilding of the temple by Zerubbabel to the sending out of the twelve disciples by their Lord. This number brings the student to the close of the Old Testament and the opening of the New, thus connecting the two dispensations, and showing their intimate relation. 172 pages; 25 cents.
No. 6. From the sending out of the twelve disciples to the week of our Lord’s passion. 174 pages; 25 cents.
No. 7. From our Lord’s passover to the sending out of Paul and Barnabas to the Gentiles. 101 pages; 20 cents.
No. 8. The Acts of the Apostles. This book contains 69 lessons, adapted to advanced pupils. 131 pages; 20 cents.
Order of State Tract Societies; Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich.; Review and Herald, Washington, D. C.; Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.; Kansas City, Mo.; Southern Publishing Assn., Nashville, Tenn.
The Essential Thing
By Editor
Editorial
The Essential Thing
WHAT the world most needs to-day is that it should come to its end. It can not be saved; it can not be stayed from the down grade which marks its course year by year. That “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived,” is a prophecy of the Scriptures which is being fulfilled, and will be fulfilled to the end. “The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together,” waiting for the redemption. The future world of peace and righteousness can come only through the end of “this present evil world.” The earth is weighted down with sin and misery, and the dark burden is ever growing larger. War and oppression, famine and pestilence, poverty and crime, reap a world-wide harvest of victims. What an appalling picture, could it be presented before the eye in its entirety! What is wanted now is not something to make this world tolerable, but to end it; not merely something to ameliorate its ills, but to terminate them. In other words, what is needed on the part of the Christian church is not merely humanitarian and philanthropic work for the people, but the earnest doing of that which must be done to bring our Lord’s return. Sanitariums to treat the sick, and other benevolent institutions to assist those in misfortune are necessary, and do a truly Christian work; but so far as mere philanthropy is concerned, this world with its load of ills might go on indefinitely. The popular churches are doing much Christian work of a humanitarian kind, but they are not doing the one chief thing that the Christian church should do, the thing which will answer the prayer, “Thy kingdom come.” “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” The third angel’s message, warning against the worship of the beast and of his image, must be proclaimed throughout the world, bringing its inhabitants to take their stand for or against the truth, and then it can be and will be said in heaven, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: . . . and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still.” The mission of the church now is not merely to combat the reign of sin and Satan, but to terminate it. There is nothing so important now as that which is to bring the world to its end.
L. A. S.
The Message for This Generation
(Continued)
I REFERRED in the beginning of our consideration of this question to some peculiarities of the time. “In the last days perilous times shall come.” This message should point out these perilous times and the cure for them. “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” This message should point out what constitutes iniquity, and how the love which is becoming cold may be renewed. The Scripture warns us against being spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit. This message should point out the true, divine philosophy, and that which will be the cure for all this deceit which is after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Approaching religious truth from the side of science and a purely scientific investigation, rather than from the side of the Scriptures, and the revelation that God has made of himself in the Scriptures, scientists in this day have formed an idea of a power which can not be explained simply as a natural law, and to that power which some have spoken of as unknowable, they give the designation of God, but that idea of God is practically as far away from the true idea of God as were the pagan ideas of old.
And it is just as essential that there should be a clear presentation of the true conception of God, the true character of God to-day, as when the disciples preached to the heathen in their day.
And furthermore, it requires a most clear view of the teaching of the Scripture,—and that not simply on an intellectual basis,—it requires a most clear experience with the principles of the Scripture concerning the revelation of God, in order to preserve us in this generation from being swerved aside from the true idea of God.
In this scientific idea of God there is no salvation. In this scientific idea of God simply as a force, simply as a power, even though it is a purposive force, a force acting for certain ends, and in an intelligent way, there is no salvation from sin. In salvation from sin we have to deal personally with power. Now, granting that it may be the very same power that is displayed in the works of nature, yet there must be an acquaintance with this power and with the revelation of this power, apart from the works of nature; that is, it must be dealt with through the gospel fact, and the gospel truth of God manifest in the flesh.
I may see and acknowledge the working of power in the things about me, and I may call that God, yet that power must come to me through the ordained channel of the gospel, and that is in Jesus Christ in the flesh, and there is no other channel to God and his throne except through Jesus Christ in the flesh. Now to distinguish this truth clearly and correctly, and to be able to deal with it, and to help others to deal with it,—that is the gospel of salvation, and that gospel of salvation is in this message.
I do not regard it as in any way boastful to say that God in his providence has connected us with such a message as this, and that he has committed such a message as this to us with the privilege of proclaiming it. Not many wise men, not many mighty men, are chosen; it is not in the instrument, it is not in the organization, it is in the one thing—and that is the truth itself. That is the thing to be exalted, and God is to be glorified for such a wonderful truth as he has given to us.
To this people, to us as a part of this people, God has committed a most wonderful truth. I do not think we half4appreciate the real nature and value of this simple, heaven-sent message. Are you willing to take the ground with me that this is the only complete message of salvation to the world in this generation; and, with so many false teachings in the world as there are, with such an influence tending to sweep everything before it into paths of error, that this message is the only complete message that is to save people from all these things, and to prepare them for the immediate soon coming of Christ?
This message means something; and it is a wonderfully solemn responsibility that rests upon those who profess to believe this message, and have received it to give to the world.
The greatest power that this message will have in its work among the people, will be found in the simple foundation truths that called out this people. And it will be, too, not in some wonderfully striking, intellectual, far-fetched way of presenting the message; it may be in the simplest way, in a way that a child will understand it. But when it lives as a real thing in the hearts of those who give it, there will be a power that will convict of the truth; and apart from personal experience with it, the most intellectual presentation of it will not save people from sin. And as we come into these days of difficulty, and to the time of this wonder-working power against the truth, more and more shall we see our utter helplessness with this message, except it is a part of our very life, and the power of God is with us.
My hope concerning this work, and the teaching of this message in this generation, in order that it shall triumph and prepare a people for the coming of the Lord, will be in the personal experience of the messengers with the fundamental gospel truths of the message. Let us be practical in the application of it. There should be in the experience of this message, by every one of us professing it, that power which will save us from the exhibition of evil traits in our own characters and experiences. If there is not in it as a practical experience that which will enlighten and quicken our minds, that which will give us clear views of the present situation, as set forth in the prophetic word, that which will give to us a spiritual perception that we may discern between the true and the false, and that which will give us a personal power that will preserve us amid all these experiences of temptation, difficulty, and every wind of doctrine blowing,—if it will not do that for us, on what ground shall we present it to others? I believe, first and foremost, that we ourselves, ministers and people, need to have a new experience with the truths of this message. Consider our situation, and our experiences of the last fifteen years, which have culminated in our experience of the last year, and let me ask any one who knows about this matter if it does not speak in very loud tones to us concerning our need of a new experience with this message. There certainly needs to be a new experience among ourselves over this matter, else how shall we be able to go with positiveness and with assurance to carry God’s special message for this generation to the people?
I would like to say in this connection that my thought concerning this heaven-sent message, and our taking it to the people, goes beyond the idea of learning to present certain views from a book, and learning to adapt text to text, making it teach a certain doctrine. And in saying that, I do not mean to say a word against adapting text to text, and teaching certain doctrines with assurance and plainness; but I do mean this, that this message is a living entity; I mean that it is more than to present uncommon views of fact or truth. I mean that it is an experience of the life which we are to minister; it is to be ministered in these truths. That certainly is so. That is the divine setting given to it, and the experience is to be ministered, in these truths, and through these truths. But when we limit our ministry to the work of ministering to the intellect, to convince the intellect of the teaching of a book, we do not teach the third angel’s message to the people as God would have us teach it.
Now let us look a little further. I would like to follow up with you that thought about the sanctuary question, and its relation to this message. Of course we know that those words in the fourteenth chapter of Revelation are not the only words that are to be used in presenting this message to the people; and we know that every phase of truth is not specifically mentioned in those words. But that threefold message in its very words gives a setting to this message, and, in the words spoken, involves all the truth of this gospel, in the very setting that is given to it in the sanctuary question.
You have doubtless asked yourselves this question, Is there any other body of Christian teachers who teach the gospel from the standpoint of the sanctuary, as the Seventh-day Adventists teach it? There are others who use those texts, and who talk about the sanctuary; but is there any other body that presents to the world a message of salvation, which is based upon the gospel of the sanctuary and its services?—I do not know of any. Beginning back after that time of disappointment in 1844, this people were brought out by that question. It was when the sanctuary question was presented, and the law of God was seen in connection with it, that the Sabbath question came forward.
Now see how the facts of the experience of this people fit into and have a relation to the facts of the sanctuary teaching. The experiences of the gospel work in heaven and the experiences of the gospel work on earth have a very close relationship. It seems to me that no one can intelligently do the work of God as a minister for God on earth now who does not understand and act in harmony with God’s great Minister in heaven, the Minister of the true sanctuary, which the Lord pitched, and not man. That is, I do not see how the true gospel for this time can be taught as it should be taught, and leave out of the question the ministry in the sanctuary above; because we are not doing a work of ourselves, and we are not the only ones connected with this work of salvation. We are simply the humanity through which other ministers reach humanity. We stand, as it were, between heavenly beings and men and women on the earth to make the connection; and humanity is sent to humanity to bear the heavenly message that heavenly beings have provided and minister to it.
To carry forward this work, as intelligent ministers of the gospel, we must take into account the work of our great High Priest in this generation; and it appears to me from the study of the Scriptures, that that wonderful day marking the close of that long, prophetic period when the twenty-three hundred years came to an end, and when the ministry in heaven changed from the holy to the most holy place, marked a change that every true minister of the gospel on earth must take into account in his ministry; and that one who knows of that, yet who ignores it in his ministry, is not prepared to, and in the very nature of the case can not, teach to the people in this generation the gospel, the heaven-sent message that God would have to go from his throne in the sanctuary, to save sinners in this generation.
Then note the connection between these things in heaven and things upon the earth. Previously to 1844 there was sent forth a message spoken of as the first angel’s message; and the cry was, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come;” and the immediate personal coming of Christ was taught; and the day was set definitely when he would appear. Was that movement of God? Do we cast aside that movement in the teaching of the third angel’s message in this time?—No, not by any means.
The second message followed, saying, Babylon is fallen, and the midnight cry joined that in that summer, and the disappointment followed on the tenth day of the seventh month, 1844. Do we cast that aside? Is not every step of it an integral part of this very work that we are doing now? Do we not come in to5build on that, to give the right interpretation to that, and to unite it all in one straightforward message? Is not that the work that we are to do?
These are facts of history; some here have known them as experiences. But is there any connection between those experiences and the work of this message and the ministry in heaven? It seems perfectly clear that these steps on earth fit into the work of Christ, our High Priest in heaven; and even though those who were doing the work did not understand with clearness the full bearing of their work, nevertheless God was directing that work to accomplish his purpose; and looking back upon it from our standpoint, we can see how it moved along under the divine guidance.
What was the personal effect of the first message upon the people to whom it was taught? That message was not simply to prove by figures that Christ’s coming was near. It taught that, but it taught a blessed personal preparation for his coming; and those who know of the experiences of that time know that there was wondrous power to lead men to repentance for sin,—a power which broke down barriers before it,—a power in the simple presentation of truth by unlearned men which brought conviction to the hearts of people, and led them to repent, to confess their sins, and to be right with God. That was the force of the message in its personal relation to their experiences.
Every message and every step was the same. What was that experience doing?—It was preparing those who received it for the further development of divine truth under this message; and those who gave themselves up to confession of sin, and received the Holy Spirit as the reprover of sin, were guided in a way that they knew not, so that every step they took fitted in exactly with changes in the heavenly ministry, and a people was brought out ready to build upon that work in harmony with the heavenly ministry.
And here we have the third angel’s message. What does it mean?—It means that each of these different steps has its relation to this teaching of the sanctuary question, and can not be separated from it; that while these different movements, or different steps in this one movement, were not fully understood by those who were teaching them, yet it was doing for this people such a work in their own experience as prepared them step by step for the fulness of divine truth as it comes out in the light of this message. And so it is that they were led along in their teaching where they were prepared to receive the truth of the change of the ministry from the holy to the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary; and in this generation, and under this specific movement, that teaching and the light connected with it have brought out the people called Seventh-day Adventists.
(To be concluded)
Some Reasons for a $50,000 Offering
By W. A. Spicer
THE fact that the whole world lies open before us, and that the angels of God are waiting to speed with us through every land with the message, is sufficient to inspire an effort that might produce twice $50,000.
But there is evidence in the things we have not done, in the specific calls that we have this year refused, that ought to lead every soul to pray and work for the $50,000 offering during the week of prayer.
By the ordinary sources of income we must come short of supplying what Europe asked for on account of current work by eight or ten thousand dollars. Europe sadly needs the full amount; the very progress of their splendid work demands it. The lack of it means a cutting down of effort, and the withdrawal of the helping hand from hands outstretched toward us.
The mission fields generally — abroad and in the South — have received less than the estimates called for. The estimates were based on the actual demands. The shortage comes out of the workers, who loyally push on with the facilities provided; but the annual offering is looked to from all the ends of the earth as bringing the word either of advancement or retrenchment. Which shall it be?
Africa has called for new stations in Barotseland and Khama’s country. Early in the year workers were ready to respond. But it was seen that the finances would not permit the effort. A schoolhouse has long been called for in the Basuto Mission. Still the plea comes.
Ministerial and other workers are called for in the South African colonies, but we must wait for funds to pay transportation.
India has been left to itself since early in the year. At least one additional ministerial worker was earnestly called for to enter cities ripe for public effort, but it was impossible to send. A teacher was called for, and one was ready to go, but we have had to let the year pass by without response.
Polynesia asked for a teacher for Fiji, where there is splendid progress. It was impossible to authorize it.
To provide Utila, Bay Islands, with a teacher, one worker was transferred from the needy land of Spanish Honduras, where we had two laborers.
British Honduras asked in vain to be allowed to employ a native laborer in house-to-house effort in up-country districts.
The territory now composing the new republic of Panama has called for one more worker all the year — and is still waiting in hope.
The whole west coast of South America is left with one American worker. A brother who spent years there in successful book work is now ready to return from California as soon as funds are available. Other workers are praying for the way to open for them to go to that region, for which their hearts are burdened. Our little force there feel that surely we do not understand the need of reinforcements.
The brother who has stood alone in the truth long years in the republic of Hayti is still hoping some worker may come to that island.
Porto Rico is earnestly desiring a worker qualified in Spanish, to push the literature. We could send one there with money.
Several have volunteered for Cuba, which still lies at our door — unentered.
Spanish books are needed, something small and illustrated, and sounding the message of the Lord’s coming and the preparation to meet him. The vast Spanish Catholic field is waiting for this literature. The work should ere this have been done, but it requires considerable outlay before returns can be expected.
Our Mission Board letter-files would show many another request. The spreading forth of our work has touched the crying need of earth’s vast millions. Last year several conferences gave largely of surplus funds for missions. Not so many have been able to do it this year. More attention has been given to home enterprises this year, also. As a result the regular income for missions has been less than last year, and with the new work undertaken already, it has been impossible to respond to many a call that is so reasonable and so pitifully urgent. But it has been a year of most cheering progress. We have never received better reports. The truth has taken root in many a new center, and will grow and increase. But a $50,000 annual offering to close up the account for 1903 and open that for 1904 is surely a thing to work for and pray for.
In such a work there should be none of this giving “without feeling it.” Let us give till we feel it, and then give till we don’t feel it. For the cause of Christ and the carrying of this message to the world, the only hard thing is to have nothing to give. For such is the blessed privilege of prayer to the Lord of the harvest. The field is large and white unto harvest, but we can cover it before the night comes, and the storm breaks. There is grace sufficient. Let us rise up and do the work.
W. A. SPICER,
Secretary.
Calling for the Message
By L. A. S.
THERE is a call for a religious revival. It is not alone those who believe that we are living amid the evils of the last days, who are sounding this call. The realization of the world's downward trend is felt not alone by those who believe it is near its end, and who are accused of speaking with a “pessimistic” bias. This is evident from such statements as the following, which is taken from the leading editorial in The Independent (N. Y.) of November 5:—
No close observer of social affairs in America or in the Old World is able to believe that at this moment “all's well with the world.” If physical comfort, or even luxury, were the chief object of life, we might be fairly well satisfied with the present condition of mankind. If national power and splendor could satisfy the human spirit, the spectacle of half a dozen nations, each more powerful than Rome in her most glorious days, would be superb and inspiring. If mere intellectual activity, divorced from the peace that wisdom gives, could sustain the soul, we could say that our age is exalted above all others. But if none of these things is sufficient either to establish social order or to fill the individual heart with an unfailing sense of “the joy of living,” this busy generation in which we have our part is too much restless and adrift.
It needs no close scrutiny of the churches to discover that much which our forefathers regarded as vital faith has perished beyond hope of resurrection. Theological dogmas no longer hold or even interest the people. Clergy and laity alike frankly confess their disbelief in one or another doctrine, or apologetically defend it, as if half ashamed of being known to confess it. As an organization of social and philanthropic activity, the church was never more alive and successful than now; but its most devoted priests would hardly claim that it is burning with ardor or toiling without rest for the saving of souls.
It is not power, it is not wealth, it is not magnificence, it is not scientific achievement, that can fill the world's great need. The world has all these to-day in a greater degree than ever before since time began; yet it is painfully apparent that all is not well with the world; it is apparent, indeed, that things are all wrong, and going from bad to worse. With all its power, all its wealth, all its marvels of scientific discovery, the world was never more controlled by selfishness. That is the trouble. An antidote for selfishness,—that is the one great need. And this is why there is such need felt for a revival of religion; for Christianity—the new birth—is the antidote for selfishness, and the only antidote that has ever been or can be found.
Formal Christianity is not enough. There is more of this in the world to-day than ever before, yet the world is perishing. It is life, life, that is needed. True Christianity is the religion of life, a message to the soul from the Life-giver, which, when it is received, makes alive the one that before was dead in trespasses and sins, and makes him active in extending the kingdom of God. To quote further from The Independent:—
Every religion worthy of the name has made the awakening, the saving, and the upbuilding of the soul its persistent aim; and when this aim is forgotten, the religion is for all practical purposes dead. It may persist as a social cult, an imposing ritual, a formal assent to authority, but at best it is only a beautiful shell from which life has gone. We need to-day in this great wealth-making country, in this land of power and success, in this age of comfort and physical enjoyment, a revival of that religion which takes hold not only of social masses and their problems, but of the individual man. No madness of emotionalism, no running after the strange gods of faith-healing or of mysticism, will achieve this supreme work.
There is a message from God for this generation, a thrilling message which would bring the strongest revival of religion if it were only heeded. But the churches missed this message; and because they missed it, the world has missed it; but it is to go to all the world in this generation. Every call for a revival of religion is a call for the proclamation of this message. Nothing else can take the place of this message in the world to-day. Then let the hands be strengthened, and the steps hastened, of those to whom the proclamation of this message to the world has been committed. L. A. S.