The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-08-13

to build UP. We frankly admit that
the work Of destruction may be neces-
sary; but Christian thinkers and
preachers cannot delight in it. they
cannot even justify 1t, unless they are
also able to rebuild
1.-THE true agnosticism," says the New
York observer (Pres,), lis not the de-
NAL of knowledge, but the denial of
pride. 1t does not begin as does the
other agnosticism with declaring, 1--WE
cannot know the Creator. and we will
not if we cant but it seeks honestly
and conscientiously to divest itself of
all preconceptions and conceits and
vanities which would tend to create out
OF haze of human speculation some
misty shape of an unreal wrath deity,
in place of well-defined, illuminating
vision of the true God. The true ag-
nostic is he who resolves: i will put
from me every prejudice, every fash
ion, every false light, every siren spec
ulation, all motions of intellectual con-
ceit that would prevent my securing a
true apprehension, If not entire compre-
hension of the Mighty One who built
the heavens and lights them with the
stars The true agnosticism, therefore,
is transitional to a deeper and higher
knowledge. 1t clears the ground Of
human rubbish not in order that in the
empty space an altar may be reared
to an unknown God. an unlisted deity,
but that. where the clearing out has
been made, the solid temple of an as
Sured Christian faith may rise. The
" o agnosticisms have bNn bsttling
one with the other all through the
course If history t is difference be-
tween false and a genuine humility,
between a specious humbleness that
wells a secret pride unbending to the
rule of God, and a true self-abnegation
which freely owns that it's only know
ledge of God must come from God Him.
SELF
THE individual will is not the true
guide to the highest issues of life" says
the Christian Register (Unit.) of Bos-
ton. 1T is cratic, opinionated, self
seeking concerned for itself alone. This
attitude does not bring the individual
into right relations with the social orr
der, but makes him a Protestant
against the results it brings to pass
1t puts the central motive of life into
the wishes and interests of the indi-
vidual, and causes him to measure all
things by his personal desires. So long
as we make the individual the standard
of ur moral conduct and of cur social
aims, our life will be unsatisfactory
We shall be disseminated with ourselves
and fretful against the world that fails
to give us all that we long to possess
The self-centered life is always a mar
row and impoverished life. In no way
can the worlds moral and social forces
be made to revolve around the indi-
vidual. He who seeks this result is des-
tined to disappointment and failure.
True power comes to the individual, not
when he seeks it's source in himself, but
when he is willing to attach his own
destiny to what is universal. 1t is not
our personal good that abides, but the
good that belongs to all men. Real
spiritual strength is secured when we
identify ourselves with mankind, and
seek only that which comes to all. 1t is
the sef-seeking that brings fret, worry.
heartache, discomfort and disappoint-
ment When we identify ourselves with
the common good, find in that hope and
satisfaction, we are sustained by it;
and it makes our aims large and
noble"