The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1907-10-09

ClrlSC are the e&elnpllucaIlou u
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 well
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. II
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 un-
der other than the ensign OF h
Cross.
But how shall we be fit to in
spige, to educate, in Short. to save!
How may we effect the transforma-
ton of the world? How may we
make actual the majestic vision OF
"the salvation of the world in this gen
Grafton? We can accomplish 1t only
by being inspired, educated, saved
ourselves. Till we are these the work
will remain unfinished. Till we are
consecrated after this fashion the Ia
Dor cannot be completed. For how
can an uninspired church enthuse?
Can the blind lead the blind? How
can an ignorant church educate any
one 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
pel to every creature?" 1t can not
be done by any save a church that ID
itself inspired, that is itself versed
in 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
auspicious signs, the times were nev-
er reader. We are told tina In
China, by way Of example, Dr.. Roo-
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 efortinthe
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 move
in the van of the effort. to lift the
world toward God If she will. Her
position Is exalted. Her call Is d.
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 Hv-
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 aid
the world. Blessed with our vision
we shall be cravens If we do not
bear the flag of Jesus high aloft and
ahead. Neither head-strong nor
heart weary" but, in the words OF
DIR. STRIKER, of Hamilton College, "as
m~ediators 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.