The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1915-08-17

III A/DA
l know a man who today is mlser-
able in min and estate, chiefly be-
cause he has what may be called an
Athenian mentality. His chief con-
cern is to know and accept the latest
new thing. All his life he has fit
ted like a butterfly from one creed
flower to another. He is 'Open-mind-
ed" as a terra-cotta pipe is open
he retains nothing. Apparently. his
capacity for conviction has been
atrophied. Long ago he sprned the
faith of his fathers as marrow, n
"old-fashioned.' He reads the latest
books on religion and sociology, and
takes up or sympathetically considers
the most modern Of religious fads.
Obviously he is "broad'-and as thin
as he is broad. He does not know
what he believes. His mine is as hos
pitable to the superstition Of the Pat
agonian as to the religion of the his
toric church. Intellectually, if SO dig
nified a word may be used in connec-
ton with him, he is as miserable a
mortal as can be found in a ear
travels. Inevitably, since las a man
thinketh in his heart, SO is he" his
character and abilities are tinged with
the same uncertainty as his mind. He
is unable to hold any position long.
There is no tenacity or force to any
Of his views or qualities. Commercial
ly and socially, he lacks the saving
salt of conviction. That man is an
extreme type of the results of lack of
In intelligent religious faith. He is
a modern automobile without engine
or steering wheel.
Many persons we'll remember how
Mr.. Moody used to say, Il prayed for
faith, but faith did not come. But
when l turned to my Bible and began
to {,r4y - oSf ~ o w. - MI n
basis of sound belief is the Bible. No
need in all the whole sphere Of relig-
ion is greater than that people should
seriously turn to a careful reading Of
the word of God. Most of the relig-
ious vagaries and speculations which
befog our time would disappear if
there were more thorough-going BIZ
BILE reading.
Believe your beliefs and doubt your
dOubts' is sound philosophy, as we'll
as practical wisdom.
All great doors are great believers,
Before there is the deed there must
be the vision. Unbelief builds nothing.
Out Of enthusiasm and conviction
come all the creations that enrich the
world.
Puzzled over current theological
: SpcCuIdllOLS, yOuIlS people ASK WHO'LL
they may consult for sure guidance
The instant answer is, DR.. Paul. OF
Tarsus. A careful reading of the best
modern version Of the letters Of this
. greatest of all thinkers will do more
to clarity ones religious thinking
S and to nullify the anti-Christian spiri'
e of the day, than any other procedure
Nobody can Saturate himself with
I Pauls writings without giving frs
place to the crucified, risen and ever
living Christ. The next time some
e body asks you to read the latest skep
teal novel Or essay, read first Paul
letter to the Romans or to the Ephe
slams.
An experience Of personal and vita
religion is more Illuminating thar
n whole library Of theological text
y books.
h The law of evidence is at the basi
a Of all Jurisprudence. The testimon
Of sincere witnesses is determinative
n So we cannot refuse to credit tn
lie good confession of faith Ia by GU
le mothers and fathers, and a long lin
OF saints before them, without dom
violence to the principle which a
courts have accepted. throughout tn
ar entire course Of civilization. Histor
'e will not down. The noisy mounting
m Of unlettered infidels cannot alter tn
OF fact that countless men and wome
e. have testified, even at the stake thu
N the gospel Of Jesus Christ is good t
Or live by and to die by; that it brine
peace and JOY beyond all that tn
a. world can offer. No other truth in a
ne the realm of human KNOWLEDGE
better established by creditable wit
ed nesses than the reality and power an
ct blessing of the Christian religion.
en-
O. A humble mind arrives at the rea
c. ity of religion more readily than
or spirit of pride.
e.
IS knowledge through service is or
of the principles Of religious philos,
ny ply. III any man will do
shall know" It vas to his active di
clples, the men engaged in servit