The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-01-05

tualIy there, or may grorp his facts in
q mistaken manner, and deduct cons
illusions that are unwarranted. The
interpreter of Scripture may misunder-
stand the record he takes to do with,
and from the infallible word OF GOD
NAV deduct meanings and draw IN
ferences which are as fallible as his
own ignorance and prejudice But in
neither case is the record TO De
blamed.
1.-The greatest mistake of all is when
men seek in the one record for what
can only be found In the other; when
they go to the Bible for science, or
rely upon nature for a full knowledge
of Gods purposes; when they either
on the one hand refuse to listen TO the
affirmationS of nature because they
seem to disagree with what is found in
the Bible, or when, on the other hand.
they are content with the teaching OF
nature, as if nature could tell US all
we need to know about ourselves.
about the world, and about God. The
proper attitude toward the two rec
ords has been defined by one Gle
conte) who has himself keenly studied
both, who is at once professor OF
geology and an eminent Christian
apologist If the question, he says,
be a question in physical science, If the
subject be one which is clearly re-
vealed in nature, then, without hes1-
tation, I would follow the teachings
of nature, even though some SCRIPTURE
al illusions to natural phenomena by
our traditional Interpretation may
seem to teach differently. And L be-
lieve honor the author of both books
by so doing. But if the question be
question of moral and spiritual truth
and the teachings of Scripture are
clear and unmistakable, then l follow
the divine text book of moral and spir-
ltual truth in spite of some dim init
nations in external nature, and in my
own intuitions which seem to point to
a different conclusion. And 1 think
honor the Author of both books by so
doing
COR, to use the words of a still ADLER
writer (Quarry): There is princi-
pie frequently insisted on, scarcely de-
MED by any yet recognized with Suff1-
eient clearness by few of the advo-
Gates of revelation. which. if fully and
practically recognized, would have
saved themselves much perpleMty and
and the cause they have at
heart the disgrace with which it has
been covered by the futile attempts
hat have been made through provi-
;ional and shifting interpretations to
reconcile the Mosaic Genesis with the
rapidly advancing strides of physical
science. The principle referred to is
his: Matters which are discoverable
oy human reason, and the means of in
which God has put within
he reach of mans faculties, are not
he proper subjects of divine revela-
ion, and matters which do not con-
,ern morals, or bear on mans spiritual
citations toward God, are not within
he province Of revealed religion. "
At the Threshold of the Year.
rerse Comments on the Uniform
Prayer-meeting Topic of the Young
Peoples Societies for January 6,
beginning with God and Continu-
ing with Him. Gen. III; John
1:1-14; 15:4-7.
BY WILLIAM T. ELLIS.
This may be a great year. 1t is
'raught with manifest possibilities to
zach of us. What treasures of growth
ind service and obedience we may
gain in the new year, If we will! The
hat the humblest of us can do in. a
7ear's time; the growth in character
md the advance in Christlikene ss--
what a throng of opportunities await
Isl Unquestionably, this may be for
everyone of us the greatest year that
has ever been. Now, how can we make
t so? What shall we do to get the ut.
ermost out of this year? Simply let
t be Gods year. Accept Him as Lord
md Guide. Yield to His direction.
humble determination and eonsecra-
ion, mot 1, but Christ
" N
Every year is a fresh beginning,
Every morn is the world made
new; r- -. "a et. n
Ye who are weary. of sorrow and
Here is a beautiful hope for you,
A hope for me and a, hope for YOU"
With God as Guide, the hardest
A new year-that is what we seek.
Fhe old year has been a disappoint-
nent. It's pages bear too many of the
,iots of self. A black streak of sin
md failure have blurred its lines. We
re glad to turn from the old year.
But this is to be a new year-new in
is victories, new in its accomplish
neEts, new in its obedience, new in it's
holiness. new in its surrender to our
Tuide and Master, Jesus Christ. His
presence makes all things new.
Gods plans for us in the new year
re greater than our ambitions for
ourselves. 1t will be the best year if
We let it be His year.
Some of us are afraid of Gods lead
ng. We think that he would lead us to
he mission field or to the sacrifice of
ur present joys. We dread giving up
ur own wills. Somehow we fail to
ealize that Gods ways, are ways of
and that all His paths are
eace. The will of God for US means
more of joy and life than we can even
imagine for ourselves. He would lead |
s into green pastures and beside still |
waters of which in our blindness we
ever dreamed Gods will for US does
ot mean sacrifice, except the sacrifice |
f hurtful things, and it does mean |
oy and peace and largest life. There |
! no reason to dread Gods leader |
hip. Gods angel keeps company
With all who would do Gods will. He
5 the guide of willing feet.