The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1915-07-16
TWO NEW CONVICTIONS
Interdependency of Economic and Re-
ligiCus Elements i'm Country Life
School and Conference for Mary
land and I'D. G.. Ministers.

land and Al. N. Ministers.
Is the church fulfilling its func-
tions? Does the Agricultural College
live up to its possibilities? Can we
not develop a happier country life?
Should the ministers be expected to
assume leadership in other than spir-
itual matters2 These and many 9TH
Ct questions will be up for discuss
ion at the Country Life School and
Conference OF Ministers to be held at
the Maryland Agricultural College,
July Goth to August 9Th.
On their part,the ministry have de-
cided that Christ's full message Il a
broader one than that OF saving souls,
and that to preach merely the mes
selfish motive-that of self preserva-
ton Some ministers call that type or
appeal Fire Insurance Religion"
But the new conviction is broader
lit conceives as a duty the bringing of
heaven and earth, maintaining that to
the extent that it succeeds, salvation
in the life to come will take care of
itself. DR.. G.. Walter Fiske, Dean Of
Oberlin Theological Seminary says:
The country church has become
Z
its community, and it may find its
largest aim in the broadest kind Of
sacrificial service. TO do this, the
church must furnish the opportunity
for the public to worship in simpli-
city, sincerity, impressiveness and
truth. Ii must perform the priestly
function of meditating between God
and Man, until the Holy place men
fnnI - hMrr1 nna nrd rnnar nf
Gods presence and 60 away refreshed
and inspired for life's duties Unless
man is pure spirit, the work OF the
church l. more than saving souls. "A
religion which aims merely to save a
mans soul and otherwise neglects
him i superficial and fails to appeal
to a whole mans manhood"
This new conviction insists that the
country minister for instance, should
do more than preach-He Should Be a
Leader, and Inspirer of Development
Towards Making More Ideal the Liv-
ing Conditions of His People. Rev.
Bemies of Pennsylvania says, There
is nothing secular but sin-every-
thing man thinks, conceives or does
Is spiritual All Is a part Of Gods
work and all should be considered
sacred Christ should be made Man
ager in Chief of the lives of men"
This certainly means that duty OF
the minister, tho 1t viii ever include
tine preaching of the gospel according
to the old conception, will yet en-
phasize more than ever. the bringing
OF Heaven and earth, the healing OF
the halt, the lame, and the blind. This
means that in country districts where
social life is sluggish and stagnant,
or where slipshod and ignorant farm
ing exists, the ministers should be
prepared to point out tine way"
And right here is where the second
New Conviction" comes IN BY new"
conviction we mean new" only as
far as general acceptance IL concern
ed
Those who have been improving
farming, developing the Science OF
Agriculture and III every way better
ing the financial conditions OF the
countryman, have come to the real
izatinn of the fact that The Economic
Aim of the Agriculturist Is not
Sufficient One" "a community may
be rich economically speaking, and vet
more pauper i'm the biz things Of
life The heart life of the people
must grow with their developing ma
terial prosperity II wholesome and
happy farm life il to result. That il
what the Church furnishes.
On this account the Agricultural
Colleges of several states are coop
Grating with the ministers to carry
out these convictions, the minister to
prepare himself for more efficient
leadership In his community by be-
coming acquainted with Rural Econo-
mics Rural Sociology and Scientific
Agriculture, and the Agricultural Col
lege by giving him his training.
The Country Life Conference for
Maryland Ministers held at College
Park last August was attended by
one hundred and fifty ministers Of all
denominations and faiths, from all
parts OF the state and District of
Columbia. They unanimously voted
to repeat the Conference and add al
SO a weeks school, to be held preced-
ing the Conference.
Accordingly, the Country Life School
will be held July 26th to August 3rd.
and the Conference August 4th, 9Th
and 9Th.
Bulletins containing complete firm
formation have been sent to all Mary |
land and D- %. ministers Any one
failing TO receive copy may obtain
IT D. writing to 3. III. Darrow, Secre- !
tary ". M- ". "a. College Park, Nd.
P. III. DARROW,