Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-10-30
REFORM USELESS
IF NOT SPIRITUAL,
DECLARES LANCE
Sunday School Convention
Hears Stirring Appeals for
Emphasis of Religious Ele-
ment in Uplift Movements.

The need OF communal efficiency was
the burden OF the message delivered by
DR. Frank w Lange, general secretary
OF the Philadelphia School OF the Bible.
at tho 2-d annual convention of the Phil
adeIphia County Sunday School Associa-
ton in the Messiah Lutheran Church 18th
ana jefferson streets this afternoon
The efficiency Of community is more
'ndh ils material prosperity, its edu-
'atlonal advantages, Its good government
or ths leisure or physical comfort of its
people" said Doctor Lange. Real COM
muntty efficiency is real community
righteousness as God secs it, and where
II exists the physical and mental adj
VontaEcs viii not be absent. for God says.
seek We first the Kingdom OF God and
Ills righteousness, and all these things
shal be added hut these material and
mental advantages without righteousness
can only end In failure.
Social regeneration of our commune
ties that is not based on the principles
and power Of the Word OF God Is a
dream. And tho hope Of political or COM
nercial bettcrmcnt aside from the teach
ings Of the Bible is selt-deception, and
nothing more.
ITO expect human efficiency in individ-
ual or community until the question OF
sin Is settled, is to expect impussibilities
The bible is the only book that shows
up sin ms ii is, and with It reveals the
sin-bearcr-the Lamb of God that talk
eth away the sin OF the world
ITO turn to any other source Is to
'fursak" the fountains of living water
ana to hew out cisterns, broken cisterns
that can hold no water Tho efficient
community work of any band of workers
no N oil ,l.t-
facts"
The session opened this afternoon with
a devotional service, which was followed
by a short business session. including
the hearing of reports Of various COM
mttees.
In an address on THE Need OF spir
ituaI Enrichment Through Bible Study"
the Rev. Dr. John Allen Blair. pastor
of the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church
Sth and Chestnut streets, appealed for
q wider Interpretation and study of the
Bible than the mere recital of facts or
the seeking OF justification for certain
religious dogmas.
"Truc Bible study is not n memorlzing
of the hooks, or naming the tribes OF
Israel or any mere learning of Scriptural
tacts. said Mr.. Blair Nor Is IL n
dealing with Isolated texts or passages.
as II all were OF equal weight Least of
all is 1t a searching OF Gods word for
material wherewith to bolster up pecu
liar religious notions.
True Bible study treats the Scriptures
as whole, revelation OF Gods deaf
ings with the soul OF man struggling
through darkness to light. To know that
history Is to know Gods heart and mans
possibilities and learn the way of life
eternal.
Through its wonderful biographies. as
through its lofty truth. the Bible en-
rlChes all OF us. Whether you take coun-
sci with Moses Isaiah or with Jesus
Himself, such vital contacts transform
You from glory to glory. When you truly
STUDY the Bible you walk with God. YOU
feel the impulse of centuries OF aspira
ton, YOU dwell with reality, you nre
atmosphered in divinity: II must folIo,s
mat your immortal spirit becomes alive
with holy power"
An interesting and Illuminating address
on BID" study as a Training Ground
FOR Church Efficiency was delivered nv
the Rev Charles A. Oliver. superintendent
pt teachers training Of the PENNSYLVANIA
state sabbath school Association.
The convention will adjourn tonight
after devotional service followed by
an address by the Rev. George C. Dewey
IN SUNDAY EvanEclistic Campaigns"
Doctor Dewey Is the newly elected secre-
iary of the Philadelphia County Sabbath
School Association.
John ". Walton, a prominent religious
worker. presided at today's session and
r!l preside tonight.