p. 10 | Review and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 41. (10/12/1911)

A Noteworthy Prediction

By W. W. P.

THOSE observers of present-day occurrences whose minds are not blinded by an optimistic creed are being convinced that moral and spiritual standards have been lowered in America, and that the last quarter of a century has marked a considerable disintegration of American civilization. Those who during the same period have steadily maintained that such a state of things would be the inevitable result of the rejection of the warning message sent to this generation, and that the prophecies foretell this very thing and accurately delineate present conditions, have often been stigmatized as pessimists and alarmists. Their interpretation and application of the predictions of Scripture are now so clearly justified by the facts that the man in the street is beginning to agree with them, and some men of affairs are raising the note of alarm.

Recent publications give emphatic testimony to the truthfulness of these statements. In its review of the week the Outlook of September 30 devoted nearly two pages to the unrest in the Old World, enumerating ten countries in which political and economic disturbances were to be noted, and mentioning three in which the conditions demanded the proclamation of martial law and the intervention of an armed force to quell rioting. In its issue of September 28 the Independent (New York) published an editorial of such a striking nature that we feel justified in reprinting nearly all of it. That a liberal journal whose evolutionary creed proclaims the regeneration of this world by the inherent forces that make for good, should give publicity to the sentiments expressed in this article, and should endorse the severe indictment brought against American life, is of the greatest significance. It indicates that the facts are too patent to be denied by candid observers, even though they do militate against their preconceived ideas. The major part of the article in question follows:—

“The next twenty-five years will determine whether the United States shall go on as a republic or become a monarchy.” This remark was made a few days ago by a distinguished American scholar who, for forty years or more, has enjoyed an international reputation as an exceptionally sober-minded and conservative writer on public questions.

Looking back twenty-five years, he explained, one is compelled to admit that American civilization has been disintegrating. The economic struggle between the powerful rich and the wage-earning classes has extended and become acute. The powerful rich have not shown an interest in intellectual things commensurate with their opportunities, although individuals have made large bequests to institutions of learning. Even art they have not appreciated, and the picture dealers will tell you, as the book publishers have been telling us, that the automobile and the purely material pleasures that go with it have nearly ruined their business. The wage-earning masses, whether because their lives have been too poor and barren to permit them to care for such things, or for whatever other reason that may be alleged, are not interested in the advancement of knowledge or the creation of beauty. Whether it be due to their nature or to their circumstances, they care little for learning, or for cultivation in any true sense of the word. The pleasures of rich and poor alike have been vulgar, and are now becoming unmistakably brutal. Only the small class professionally engaged in intellectual pursuits has been doing anything to save our civilization, and this class is now being crushed between the upper and the nether millstone of our economic system

Lawlessness in every form has been increasing. Corporations have set the example of preying upon the public domain, the stockholder, the taxpayer, and the wage-earner. Mobs burn Negroes in the North, as in the South. We have the reputation of being a country in which murder goes unpunished. The kidnapping of children has become a commonplace crime; the wrecking of shops and tenement-houses by bomb throwers an almost weekly occurrence. Hoodlumism in the streets and in public

conveyances has made our every-day going and coming an experience to be dreaded.

Democracy shows neither the disposition nor the ability to grapple with these evils. On the contrary, it is year by year making government more inefficient, by multiplying elective officers and continually shifting administrative officers, so that no official, however sincere his desire to serve the public, can become a true expert in his business, or feel that his efforts will be appreciated and backed up by the voters. There is no reason to expect, therefore, that life and property will, under these circumstances, become more secure. Labor disturbances will more and more interfere with the regular course of business. In the end the thing will happen that invariably has happened at this stage in the evolution of a people, since civilization began. The classes that care for civilization, and are not ready to see it overwhelmed by barbarism or destroyed by social chaos, will rally around a strong man, a military figure, and will set up a monarchic government.

This, in substance, was the social diagnosis and the prediction made, not in any public utterance for sensational or for political effect, but quietly, and, by the way, in a conversation among friends, as a matter-of-fact expression of personal conviction.

The prediction is one that we are not prepared to endorse, but the account of American life, upon which it is based, unfortunately is substantially true. No competent observer can impeach it in any important particular. The American social system has been disintegrated. A wave of barbarism has swept over the country. Overshadowing every other issue is the imperative necessity to rally the intellectual and moral forces of the nation, not merely to achieve this or that reform, but to preserve the essentials of civilization.

The title of this editorial as it appeared in the columns of the Independent is “The Menace of Barbarism,” a striking phrase to be used in such a connection.

There is thus being worked out before our own eyes the old but ever new principle that the only enduring basis for character is found in the law of God, and that the rejection of his warning messages means disaster. How suitable to the needs of man at this time is the entreaty to fear God and keep his commandments! This is the only way of escape from the impending ruin which will involve the whole world.

W. W. P.

Some Things the $300,000 Fund Is Doing in India

By William Ambrose Spicer

In the little workers' paper of India, Eastern Tidings, Elder J. L. Shaw addresses a “Letter to Our Workers and Believers in India,” telling them how the portion of the $300,000 Fund thus far sent to India has been spent. His words to the believers there will cheer on the believers here in making up this fund for providing specially needed facilities. Of the need, he says:— Because of poor facilities the work in India has been hampered. Living in unsuitable houses, with unsanitary conditions about them, has broken down the health of many workers in India, and some of them have lost their lives. How many times we have bowed before God as workers, asking him for means to answer some of the urgent calls which seemed so necessary for the permanence of our work! The money which is now coming to India from the $300,000 Fund is surely an answer to these requests. Our hearts well up in continuous gratitude to God and to our brethren and sisters in America for this evidence of answered prayer.

Now, as to what India's share has already done for south India:—

At Tinnevelli a church and school building combined has just been completed. A photograph sent us gives the appearance of a structure suitable for both school and church purposes. When Brother and Sister James first went to Tinnevelli, they lived in the center of the native town. Mud houses were about them on every side. In this location, with frequent cases of cholera and many other diseases prevalent, it seems like a miracle that their lives were spared. But thank God, now, through the liberality of our brethren and sisters in America, there is a comfortable bungalow at Tinnevelli, with a church and school building combined, and considerable material on hand with which to build a small dispensary.

CHURCH AND SCHOOL BUILDING, RECENTLY ERECTED IN TINNEVELLI DISTRICT

Of Burma's benefits, Elder Shaw says:—

In Meiktila, northern Burma, we are expecting to put up a dwelling-house for Brother and Sister Thurber. They are now living between two and three miles from Brother Thurber's school, in an undesirable house. We are glad to say that funds are in hand with which to put up the building.

In eastern Bengal, where we have scattered Sabbath-keepers all about the delta of the Ganges,—in visiting whom Elder Little lost his life,—there has been great need of a proper boat, on which the workers could live while on tour from village to village. Now Elder Shaw says:—

The long-desired house-boat for which our brethren in Bengal have been urging can now be purchased. Money for the same is in the bank. A purchase was just about effected two or three months ago, but at the last was dropped. Brother French and other members of the Bengal committee are now in search of another boat. At Gopalgunje a house and church formerly owned by Brother Mookerjee has been taken over by the mission. Brother and Sister Watson have already taken possession, and find themselves much better located for the work than at Barisal. Continuing, this article gives a review of further blessings the fund is bringing:—

At Karmatar [west Bengal], where the work has been going forward for a number of years, plans are now in hand to put up a mission house of our own. Thirteen bigghas of land have been granted to us; the well is being dug; a fence is being constructed; and a house will soon be built. Through the kindness of the Agricultural Gardens at Calcutta, one hundred trees, including shrubs, have been donated. These, if properly cared for, in a few years will be a great blessing to the Karmatar Mission. The workers hope to have a suitable dwelling-house built by the end of the present year, when their lease expires.

What joy and rejoicing this monument of progress would have been to Brethren Robinson and Brown, who now quietly sleep in the little cemetery at Karmatar.

From Deosa, Garhwal [north], we get the good word from Brother Burgess that the schoolhouse is nearly finished. The Garhwal school now has a small dwelling-house, two small dormitories, and a school building. These buildings will be a blessing in the conducting of the work among the Garhwal people. They have been built in the most careful and economical way, and will remain as an evidence that God hears and answers prayer.

From Najibabad [north central] we get a request asking us to come and look at land with the idea of putting up a mission house for the mission at that place. Less than a year ago Sister O'Conner, who was carrying on a school and living in the very heart of the city, was stricken with plague, and had not God answered prayer, would have died. We have grave fears for our workers at Najibabad, unless we get a building of our own out of the congested part of the city in a healthful place.

The Watchman Press [Lucknow] is enlarging its work, and feels very much the need of suitable quarters. It is marvelous how Brother Perrin and his workers have been able to do the work they have in the low, hot, close, and dusty building in which they have been working the last two hot seasons. Never can we make the Watchman Press what it should be until we have suitable quarters

of our own. Brother Perrin is now making careful inquiry for land, and we believe it is going to be possible to have something of our own, and that we shall have money from the $300,000 Fund for this purpose.

As I look over the work in India, the difficulties with which we have been confronted, and the progress which is now being made by the workers in the different languages, and the openings for advance moves, my heart wells up in continuous gratitude unto God. If ever the Lord went before his people in any land, he is going before the gospel in India.

Several workers have esteemed it a privilege to contribute to the $300,000 Fund. As I read of what our brethren and sisters are doing across the water, I feel that we should show our gratitude by sending home our testimony of praise and thanksgiving to God, and deny ourselves as much as possible for the advancement of the work, and contribute as largely as we feel able to the $300,000 Fund.

Such words as these, we know, will bring joy to the hearts of all who have been making gifts to this fund.

W. A. S.

The Catholic Convention at Columbus

By C. M. S.

The tenth annual convention of the American Federation of Catholic Societies was held at Columbus, Ohio, from the twentieth to the twenty-third of August. It was one of the most spectacular conventions yet held, and was considered by its members to have been one of the most successful.

The federation now claims a membership of nearly three million, and practically every State and Territory in the Union is represented on its muster-roll. The advantage to the church and her interests in possessing such a strong organization of voters was quickly apparent to the astute politicians of the Vatican; and at each convention of the federation the Pope is present to give his blessing in the person of his special representative in America, Mgr. Diomede Falconio.

On Sunday, August 20, the convention was opened by a great parade, gaudy with banners and the trappings of war. The governor of the State and the mayor of the city contributed the influence of their presence to the success of the gathering. Two reviewing stands were erected, one for the prelates of the church, and the other for the State and city officials and lesser clerical lights. The latter was built upon the front of the capitol grounds. Not only were the municipal and State officials brought into the program, but representatives of two denominations other than the Catholic added their influence to the attainment of the federation’s purposes. While the parade was in progress, the beautiful chimes of Trinity Episcopal Church intoned sacred melodies, and at one of the public meetings following, the pastor of the First Congregational Church of Columbus had a place on the platform among the Roman priests and bishops.

The city was in gala attire. Fluttering flags and draped bunting were in evidence everywhere. The flag which was most generally used in these decorations was the federation’s official flag, having in its center the escutcheon of the United States, and stamped upon that escutcheon the cross of the Catholic Church, while a palm branch stretched the length of the flag from top to bottom. There were printed on this flag the words, “In union is strength.”

PARADE OF AMERICAN FEDERATION OF CATHOLIC SOCIETIES AT COLUMBUS, OHIO, SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

This banner, in its peculiar make-up, was emblematic of Rome’s purpose to “make America Catholic.” The cross stamped upon the flag or escutcheon indicates that she proposes one day to rule this nation in her own interests through the power of the hierarchy, and the union of her many secret societies will be the force through which she will bring it about. Companies of riflemen in her Sunday parades ought to furnish a strong hint as to one of the means she might not hesitate to use to accomplish that purpose.

Bishop McFaul, of Trenton, N. J., in giving, in a public address, a brief history of the organization and a statement of its purposes, extended to Protestant denominations an invitation to unite in the effort to accomplish results which Catholics and non-Catholics both desire to see accomplished. He said they were now ready to join with their separated brethren for the solving of all great national problems; and Bishop Canevin, of Pittsburg, Pa., declared that one of the great problems to be solved was the securing of a day of rest and worship for all the people of the country, and that day of rest and worship he plainly indicated must be Sunday.

Here, then, is an organization of nearly three million voters committed to that undertaking, which, when accomplished, will make the nation stand sponsor for an institution of the Catholic Church, a rival of the Sabbath of Jehovah. Will Protestantism assist in bringing the scheme to a successful culmination? Organized Protestantism, as represented by the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, has already committed itself to that undertaking. And that organization claims to represent between seventeen and eighteen millions of adherents. With these organizations, the National Reform Association, the International Reform Bureau, the American Federation of Labor, the Lord’s Day Alliance, the W. C. T. U., the civic leagues, and the young people’s societies of the various denominations all working to that end, there is no human power in the country that can successfully oppose the accomplishment of their united object. When God sees fit to permit it, they have the power to bring it to pass. It seems certain to those watching the development of these movements that the time can not be far distant when this nation will, through its organic law, honor and exalt the sabbath of the Roman Church, the sun-festival of the ancient world, the rival of the Sabbath of “the Lord thy God.” The conflict between truth and error is fast reaching its culmination. May we stand true to the right.

C. M. S.

Walk in the Light

By F. M. W.

“Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” The Jews to whom these words were primarily addressed, failed to heed this admonition of the Saviour. They walked in the paths of their own choosing, and walking thus, they were led to mistake the light of human wisdom for the light of God. Their end was utter darkness. From being conservators of God’s truth through the ages, and a nation of whom the great Light-bearer was born into the world, they became separated from God, and others were raised up to do the work which they might have accomplished.

The lesson is for us to-day equally with them. God has bestowed upon us as a people great light. He has given to us a knowledge of the times in which we live. The unfolding page of prophecy is open to our understanding. Precious principles of truth shine forth from the Sacred Word. The second coming of Christ, the perpetuity and obligation of God’s eternal law, the nature and destiny of man, the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ in behalf of the human family, the sanctuary and the closing scenes in that sanctuary as represented in the investigative judgment, the principles of religious liberty, revealing the attitude which should be taken toward the proposed union of church and state, the perpetuity and manifestation in the remnant church of spiritual gifts, the Scriptural method of supporting the gospel ministry, the principles of Christian temperance and healthful living,—this great system of truth forms a sure foundation on which we may safely rest.

In theory we believe it all, and rest on it securely, but beyond this in importance is the question whether we live and exemplify these principles of truth in our lives; in other words, Are we walking in the light which God has given us as individuals and as a denomination? Does the hope of Christ’s soon coming stir our hearts as it did twenty years ago? Does the returning of the weekly Sabbath bring to us joy and blessing in our experience? Do we find in the ministry of Christ our Saviour, constant satisfaction, joy in the forgiveness of sins and in divine acceptance? Are we cherishing in a practical way in our homes the principles of Christian temperance, showing our thankfulness for the light which God has given us as a people?

The way we can answer these and other questions which might be raised with reference to our attitude toward the truth we profess to believe, really determines after all, our real spiritual standing. Our lives are demonstrating to our fellows, and to the universe of God, whether or not we really believe the Lord is coming. By our business transactions, by our dress, by the furnishing of our homes, by the food placed upon our tables from day to day, by our beneficences, by our plain, ordinary, every-day life we are either demonstrating the genuineness of our faith or giving the lie to our profession. Which are we doing?

Let us sit down alone with God, and consider if we who read these lines are individually walking in the light God has given us. Are we true to our profession as believers in the near coming of the Lord? are we walking in the light of God blamelessly? are we doing every day the best we know? Is the earnest purpose of our lives to walk in every ray of light which God has let fall upon our pathway?

Without this settled purpose, without a complete surrender of our ways to God, and an acceptance of his ways, we can never gain perfection through his grace. We may confess the sin of a moment, the impulsive word, the hasty judgment, but how can we stand before God with divided hearts, or with unsettled purposes? how can we lift up our heads in prayer when our own hearts rise to condemn us, and we are conscious of willing and persistent wrong-doing?

O, let us turn to him with full purpose of heart! Let us take the blessed light which he has given us, and cherish it in every detail: doing this, and living from day to day in all good conscience, we can plead his promises with an assurance which will know no denial. Walking in the light, we shall not be left in darkness. F. M. W.

Atlantic Union Conference

By W. T. Knox

Statement of the $300,000 Fund

Oct. 1, 1911

Atlantic Union Conference

Central New England ........................$ 3227.88 Greater New York .......................... 3154.65 Maine ..................................... 377.11 New York .................................. 1784.58 Northern New England ..................... 1050.53 Southern New England ..................... 509.29 Western New York ........................ 1363.15 Total .................................... 11467.19

Canadian Union Conference

Maritime ................................ 284.62 Ontario ................................. 1658.68 Quebec ................................... 546.10 Newfoundland ............................ .... Total .................................... 2489.40

Central Union Conference

Colorado ................................. 720.53 East Kansas .............................. 1875.54 Nebraska ................................ 8898.88 North Missouri .......................... 773.32 Southern Missouri ........................ 435.94 Western Colorado ......................... 699.81 West Kansas .............................. 730.89 Wyoming ................................ 1209.29 St. Louis Mission ........................ 77.00 Total .................................... 15421.20

Columbia Union Conference

Chesapeake ............................... $ 774.99 District of Columbia ..................... 1259.47 Eastern Pennsylvania ..................... 1728.51 New Jersey ............................... 1758.45 Ohio ..................................... 3674.71 Virginia ................................ 403.35 West Pennsylvania ........................ 812.76 West Virginia ............................ 410.00 Total .................................... 10822.24

Lake Union Conference

East Michigan ............................ 4382.72 Indiana .................................. 3652.24 Northern Illinois ........................ 2033.71 North Michigan ........................... 667.07 Southern Illinois ........................ 1372.48 West Michigan ............................ 4788.85 Wisconsin ................................ 2163.47 Total .................................... 19060.54

Northern Union Conference

Iowa .................................... 5435.57 Minnesota ................................. 4286.94 North Dakota ............................. 2069.13 South Dakota ............................. 1534.83 Total .................................... 13326.47

North Pacific Union Conference

Montana ................................ 1569.15 Southern Idaho ........................... 1809.60 Southern Oregon .......................... 924.65 Upper Columbia ........................... 3201.36 Western Oregon ........................... 3338.23 Western Washington ....................... 3406.64 Alaska ................................... 2.15 Total .................................... 14251.78

Pacific Union Conference

Arizona ................................ 675.36 California ............................... 5667.70 Southern California ...................... 6337.22 Utah ..................................... 130.30 Central California ........................ 1008.10 North California-Nevada .................. 1393.97 Total .................................... 15212.65

Southeastern Union Conference

Cumberland .............................. 1519.30 Florida ................................ 1803.90 Georgia .................................. 676.77 North Carolina ........................... 502.69 South Carolina ........................... 333.54 Total .................................... 4836.20

Southern Union Conference

Alabama ................................ 180.81 Kentucky ................................. 234.00 Louisiana ................................ 214.75 Mississippi .............................. 337.03 Tennessee River .......................... 472.22 Southern Union Mission ................... 5.00 Total .................................... 1443.81

Southwestern Union Conference

Arkansas ................................. 201.31 New Mexico ............................... 163.14 North Texas .............................. 668.37 Oklahoma ................................ 2005.14 South Texas .............................. 189.86 West Texas ............................... 128.60 Total .................................... 3356.42

Western Canadian Union Conference

Alberta ................................ 627.20 British Columbia .......................... 666.98 Manitoba ................................ 705.10 Saskatchewan ............................. 973.50 Total .................................... 2972.78

Miscellaneous ........................... 4933.69

Grand total ............................. $119,594.37

W. T. Knox, Treasurer.

There Is No Difference

The Word of God clearly teaches “that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted of him.” No position that man can occupy, be it that of a king on his throne or the highest prelate of the church, gives him any preeminence over the humblest man on earth, in access to God. The Christian religion knows no class or caste distinction. Man-made religions, however, are built upon this very principle. Some are held to be the special favorites of God; they stand as his special representatives. America, in its issue of August 19, thus speaks of the present Pope, Pius X:—

This we do know, that the number of the sovereign pontiff’s days, by reason of his office, are in God’s hands in a very special way. Far less than ours, than those of any temporal ruler, are they determinable by the natural happenings of daily life. We may say even that in a certain sense many high things for him in God’s providence are more absolutely decreed, because his office of God’s vicegerent joins him more closely to God than any other human creature existing on earth.

There is unmistakable satisfaction to every child of God, however humble his parentage or lowly his situation, to know that when he kneels before his Creator and Redeemer, he has direct and immediate access to the throne of the Infinite. His intercession need not go through priest or prelate. As though Christ died for him, and him only, he can present his petitions before the throne of grace. This is the beauty and the sweetness of the individual relationship existing between God and each one of his children.

Is World Peace in Sight

MANY peace promoters would have us believe this. We would indeed that it were so, but the stern facts of greater war preparations and increased naval armaments on every side, banish the hope. In replying to this question the Christian Advocate of August 3 says:—

If world peace is in sight, which we hope is the case, the chief sign is that the governments of the earth are continually making preparations for defense. On July 1 of this year what is called “the era of compulsory service” was inaugurated in Australia. One hundred five thousand boys of from fourteen to eighteen years of age have been brought by this law under the immediate discipline of a training that requires at least four whole-day and twelve half-day parades and twenty-four night drills annually. Next year 30,000 youths of eighteen will enter the ranks of the national militia. In each succeeding year similar batches will follow; thus in seven years, allowing for wastage, the citizen army will number 120,000 trained men. The same day saw the inauguration of the compulsory naval force. The total required enrolment is 3,700. There are two sections of the force: an adult reserve and a cadet reserve, the ages of the latter ranging from fourteen to eighteen years.

The reign of peace will never be ushered in through national disarmament or peace treaties. Sin and crime will abound more and more. The pent-up passions of men will find expression in strife, warfare, and commotion. Peace to this old earth will come only through the reign of the Prince of Peace at the last great day. This only is the hope of the church of God. Joel 3:9-16.

Note and Comment

Increase of Crime

The Scriptures of truth declare that evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse even unto the time of the end. This prediction is being fulfilled on every side. We need only to admit the testimony of our own senses. According to the Nation of March 2, 1911, the English Home Office, with its highly organized system, speaks, in its blue book on criminal statistics for 1909, of “the steady increase of crime during the last ten years.”

When an authority like this makes such a statement, the Nation believes “that it is safe to say that that increase is a demonstrated fact.” According to the English blue book, the increase of crime “is largely due to a general relaxation in public sentiment with regard to it.”

The world is coming to regard crime with greater tolerance than formerly. This no doubt is due to the liberal views and teachings regarding questions of morality, which are in evidence on every side at the present time. When ministers of the gospel preach that the law of ten commandments has been abrogated, that the Scriptures of truth can no longer be accepted as the revealed will of God to man, that some of the fundamental doctrines of the Christian religion which have been sacredly regarded in the past, are no longer worthy of credence, what may be expected of the effect upon the public? The inevitable tendency is the lowering of the standard in every community, and in a greater prevalence of crime we reap the fruits of this seed sowing.

The World's Peace a Dream

REFERRING to a recent speech of the German chancellor in which he states that “disarmament is a dream, an insoluble problem, as long as men are men,” the Christian Workers Magazine for July inquires, “Can any one find a flaw in this statement?”

Admitting, that the statement is correct, the magazine charges that the fault is not with Christianity, even though it has operated in the world for twenty centuries, but that the failure is because “fallen man is a failure, who has corrupted it beyond recognition.” Answering the query as to whether it shall always be so, the magazine continues:—

He is coming whose fan is in His hand, and who will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner, but burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Peace is good, but there is something better than peace, and something that must precede it; namely, truth and righteousness. To God we look for this, and not to man. We will do what we can to legitimately promote peace, but we shall not expect men and nations, but God, to accomplish it. It is not until he judges among the nations and rebukes many peoples that they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning-hooks. Then they shall not learn war any more, for men shall have ceased to be “men,” and have become children of God.

The Spirit of Compromise

The spirit of compromise is the spirit of the world, the spirit of popular acclaim, the spirit of the multitude. Aaron made a golden calf because he feared the people. Scores of others have departed from the path of rectitude for the same reason. He who keeps before him the fear of God will not be governed by this evil principle.

Commenting upon the noble stand taken by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in refusing to worship the golden image, the Western Recorder of August 31 says:—

To him who has not the fear of man before his face, but who fears only God, it is a matter of preeminent concern whether God will approve or disapprove his conduct, and a matter of minor measure whether men, even though they be kings, shall think well or ill of it. What stupendous and self-destroying folly it is to fear man, who at his worst can do no more than destroy the body, and not to fear God, who can destroy both body and soul in hell! Better a thousand times to be hurled into a fiery furnace with the favor of God and a good conscience than to live with the flatteries of kings in the comforts of a palace.

Not what is popular, but what is right, is the correct governing principle of life. “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.” Majorities are seldom right. There are more heathen than Christians, more Catholics than Protestants, . . . and more effusionists than immersionists. Numbers are no standard by which to measure right or wrong. “Neither the rectitude of a course nor the truth of an opinion is to be decided by the law of a greater number.” It is the “wide gate” and “broad way” through which the “many” go to destruction.

We may not be tested in our experience in the same way as these three young men, but in every-day Christian living we have the privilege of demonstrating the same noble stand in our relation to truth and error. Let us keep free from the spirit of compromise in our experience.

Continue reading: Camp-Meeting in Chosen