The Penn's Grove record., 1907-08-23

Christ are the exemplifcation OF
modern advance. And they are. But
they ought to be more. Unfortunate
ly the church is associated in the
heather mind with the vices as we'll
as with the virtues of latter-day civil
ization. We as a church at home,
blessed beyond computation by the
grace of God, owe it to the heather
over all the world to be such an edu-
cational and inspirational force that
they shall see God in US and the
salvation of the nations in the beauty
Of our religious self-expression. If
we have an obligation laid upon US
to inspire, TO enthuse, to lead up and
on and out the Christian hosts of
God, we have at least an equal COM
mission to do as much for those be-
nighted souls who worship God I'M
der other than the ensign of the
Cross.
But how shall we be fit to in
spire, to educate, in short, to save?
How may we effect the TRANSFORMER
ton of the world? How may we
make actual the majestic vision Of
the salvation of the world in this geL.
Grafton? We can accomplish it only
by being inspired, educated, saved
ourselves. Till we are these the work
will remain unfinished. Till we are
consecrated after this fashion the la
Dor cannot be completed. Tor how
can an uninspired church enthuse?
Can the blind lead the blind? How
can an ignorant church educate any
n in the knowledge of the deeper
truths of the Kingdom of Almighty
God? How can a people who have
not experienced the joys Of a sure
salvation declare the glory of God
to the heather and declare "the Cos
pei to every %creature?" 1t can not
be done by any save a church that is
itself inspired, that is itself versed
n the eternal mysteries of the truth
of God, that has had the spirit of
life breathed of God into its soul.
By such a church it can be done.
For the world is ready to receive
the truth of the simple gospel Of
Christ. N spite of many very in
suspicious signs, the times were new
er reader. We are told that in
China, by way of example, DR.. Rob-
ert Morrison labored from 1907 to
1884 to secure in the end but two
converts to the faith of Jesus Christ.
In 1910 there was but one Christian
as the result of missionary effortinthe
midst of a multitude in China. To-
day there are 10000 Chinese Chris
tians. Of these $4,000 have come to
| Christ since 1900. The great awak-
enings in Wales and in India, in Ko-
rea and in America, in every quarter
of the globe, prove that the world is
ready to be inspired, ready to be led,
ready to receive the truth.
The church in America may
in the van of the effort to lift the
world toward God if she will. Her
position is exalted. Her call is di-
vine. Shall we lift or shall we leave
the world? Christ or paganism?
Which?
Only Christianity can elevate hui
mainly to the level of the best. Only
the Church of Christ can transform
the heather. The church of the lfv-
ing God in America may, if she will,
enthuse and regenerate and educate
the world. For in Christ alone is
found that catholic universal mes
sage that meets the necessities of all
the world. Blessed with our vision
we shall be ravens if we do not
bear the flag of Jesus high aloft and
ahead. Neither head-strong o
heart weary" but, in the words of
DR.. Stryker, of Hamilton College, as
mediators and contributors to the
only time we shall ever have to do
with" let us declare His glory
among the heathen," let us preach
the gospel to every creature" let US
enthuse, inspire educate mankind.
Let us be alive in Christ.