The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1915-08-19

1- people think very
t(RASI0R RUSSEllO little about the
word of God.
Years ago It was quite customary
that the Bible should have a prom
inent place in the colleges; for near
ly every college was under the con-
troll of some denomination. This gave
them a sectarian bias. however; and
they were not entirely free TO study
Truth But now the larger part of
those graduated are total unbelieverS
in the Bible as the inspired Word
of God. Many are ministers, who Sc
lect their texts from it and who retain
a certain respect for it. as for an old
friend of their parents. But if closely
cross-examined. probably ninety-hve
of every hundred would say. Il do not
believe the Bible 10 be Gods Word"
The speaker emphasized the point
that the colleges and the ministers have
left the Bible. although the preachers
select their texts from it just as they
might on other occasions quote from
Shakespeare. But as for any belief in
such inspiration as the Bible teaches
that holy men of old spake as they
were moved by the Holy Spirit" not
understanding what they said-tt Is
doubtful. he said, if even five per cent.
of the ministers believe the Bible to
be Gods Word. With teachers and
preachers in this condition of unbelief.
it is no wonder that religion is at a
discount with the people. Jesus said.
when the Son of Man cometh, shall
He find faith upon the earthE' The
audience were witnesses that our LORD
has not found much faith.-Luke 1873;
2 Peter 81: 3:3-5.
1.-THE Wise Shall Understand"
Then the speaker contrasted the
worlds unbelief and ignorance of God
with the increasing light coming to
Gods people From Daniel l2:l-4 he
showed that we have before US today
unmistakable evidences that we have
reached the Time of the End. Many
are running to and fro in automobiles,
electric trans. steam railroads. etc.
knowledge is increasing everywhere.
But the deep things of Gods Word are
hidden from the wise and prudent. and
are revealed unto babes-thOse not too
worldly-wise, who accept the Bible as
Gods Word and are guided by 1t.
In this connection the Pastor explain
ed the parable of the Ten Virgins. Mat
thew 25:1-13J This parable pictures
conditions in the Church of Christ at
the end of the Gospel Age. In the
Time of the End the cry went forth.
THE Bridegroom cometh.' All justi-
fed believers made ready to meet Him.
But He tarried: and all the virgins
slumbered and slept. not knowing what
to make of the delay. Again the cry
went forth. Behold the Bridegroom"
He Is here Again all the virgins
awakened. The wise virgins trimmed
their Lamps. saw the Truth. and were
ready to follow the Bridegroom into
the marriage.-Psalm l19:lO5.
But the foolish virgins had no oil,
no light The oil represents the Holy
Spirit and the enlightenment coming
therefrom. The foolish virgins go to
buy when they give time for tnvesti-
gation-time taken from business.
pleasure and worldly affairs. Those
who do not find time for study do not
wish to have the light. Although true
Christians. they will not pay the price.
Whoever is rejoicing in the light or
Present Truth will testify that it has
cost him something of worldly inhu-
ence. time. attention and thought.
The Church Called, Not Compelled.
God is not seeking to deceive people
nor to force them into the Kingdom.
During this Gospel Age He has merely
sent forth His Message TO gather out
those who wish to respond-no force.
no compulsion. merely His Word.
sActs I5.13-1SI We heard the call: our
hearts responded. and we came back
into harmony with God. His Word
Informed us that He had made all ar
rangements for covering our sins,
through the death of our Lord Jesus
Christ; and that He was willing to re-
ceive us into His family and make US
His heirs. joint-heirs with Jesus.
Gods Word is Truth-not truth on
every subject. but on the most impor-
tant ones. The most important truth
is that which God purposes to teach all
His intelligent creatures-that obedi-
ence to Him is the best education. All
other learning will prove vaueless. per-
haps Injurious unless associated with
obedience to God The majority OF
protested Christians are under the de-
lusions of the present evil world. They
are outside. like the remainder of man.
kind But the true Christian has that
which is satisfactory. Therefore he Is
contented 10 let God shape his affairs.