The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-06-30

We can understand why Paul might
have been ashamed of the Gospel in
Rome. Today the cross has become
gloritied In mems eyes, but then 1t
was only the symbol of shame, and
Paul preached as Savior one who
was crucified between two thieves.
Many of the early Christians were of
lowly station while Rome was the CEN
ter of wealth, culture and power.
Things have changed somewhat,
outwardly, yet we too find abundant
temptations to be ashamed of tho
Gospel.
Why We Are Ashamed.
And now it is time to try to give
the real reason why Paul might have
been ashamed of the Gospel at Rome,
why we may be ashamed of 1t now,
and, on the contrary, why the follow
ers Of new "isms" are not ashamed
Of them. We believe it is because of
the different attitude taken towards
man. The Gospel regards him as lost
and undone, needing q Savior who
redeems him by the death Of the
cross. 1t tells him he must be born
again, becoming a new creation. True,
the Gospel holds before man des-
tiny such as has not entered his heart
TO conceive.
Paul tells, however, why he was not
ashamed. First, the Gospel is q pow.
er. Of this there can be no doubt.
For example, John Lawrence declared
that however much the British gov
emf has done for India, the mis-
ssSonal sas done more; the modern
educational system of India sprang
from Carey and Duff through Macau-
ley. DR.. Edgerton r. Young tells, in
"a fascinating way, how this same Cos
pei wrought changes among the Amer
lean Indians for the far north, trans
forming them from improvident saw
ages into owners Of harvesting ma
chinery and well-built barns and boun-
teous crops.
The Converted Medicine Man.
But, this is not all; it is q power
17uIllO 6uINullOlls IGL UlutIS uO WIFI
all their entertainments what the Cos
pei is doing every day-bringing
peace to bad consciences, cOntentment
to restless hearts, and hope to those
whose outlook into the future is
gloomy. We recall one story told by
Or. Egerton r. Young about an In
dian medicine man. We are per-
suaded by his accounts and those of
David Brainerd that many of these
men were possessed by demons, just
as spiritualistic mediums have their
"controls." Doctor Young visited the
man referred to and consented to eat
with him. In an instant there was a
CLEAN in the Indians eye and he
glanced at the medicine bag hanging
on his tent pole. Doctor Young knew
what the glance meant; the Indian
thought he would now be able to kill
him by some of the powerful poisons
in the medicine bag. Doctor Young
boldly charged him with this murder
Gus intent The Indian covered I'M
der the rebuke, but that was all. Yet,
after some weeks, this same poor
creature was found clothed, in his
right mind and sitting at the feet Of
Jesus. Surely we are not ashamed
of Gospel of power like thisl
Third, this power is for everyone
who believes, Jew or Gentle. The
fact that all races and classes may
enter into the blessing suggest that
the Gospel originates with him who
Is Lord of all. The fact that it is
by faith makes it available to every
son of man. Where is place for shame
with such Gospel as this
What is 1t to Believe?
And now, dear reader what is that
belief. that faith which brings us sal
walton? II does not mean mere belief
IN creed, or anything of that sort.
1t is rather trust in person-and
surely the Savior of sinners is alto
gether trustworthy. Venture, then,
upon him and salvation is yours, for
sswith the heart man believeth unto
Righteousness and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation"