The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1917-06-21


We can understand why Paul might
have been ashamed of the Gospel in
Rome. Today the cross has become
glorified in mems eyes, but then II
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 the
Gospel. Scientific circles often ridi-
cule its teaching as to mans origin,
condition and destiny. The working
man finds it takes courage to tell his
companions Of his conversion and
school boys will jibe their fellow who
dares to kneel at his bedside TO pray.
Frances Ridley Havergal tells Of at
tending social gathering one eve
ming where she was invited to sing.
She selected sweet hymn about
Jesus and sang it, and as we read Of
1t, we feel ii was not easy to do. that.
Why We Are Ashamed.
And nov it is time to try to give
the real r, ason why Paul might have
been asian cd of the Gospel at Rome,
why we ma be ashamed of it now,
and, on the utrary, why the follow
ers of new a.. So are not ashamed
of them. We beVyve II Is because of
the different atislhe taken towards
man. The Gospel regards him as lost
and undOne, needing Savior who
redeems him by the death Of the
cross. II tells him he must be born
again, becoming n new creation. True,
the Gospel holds before man des-
tiny such as has not entered his heart
to conceive, but only sovereign grace
can award this destiny. False relig-
ions, on the other hand, repeat Sa-
tan's lie, "Ye shall be as gods" and as
sure man he is abundantly able Of
himself to reach the heights. The
natural heart loves such flattery, but
resents the attitude of the Gospel,
while we, in our turn, are ashamed
Of II.
Paul tells, however, why he was not
ashamed. First, the Gospel is pow
er. OF this there can be no doubt.
For example, John Lawrence declared
that however much the British gov
ernment has done for India, the mis-
sionary has done more; the modern
educational system of India sprang
from Carey and Duff through Macau-
ley. DR.. Edgerton II. Young tells, in
fascinating way, how this same Cos
pei wrought changes among the Amer
lean Indians for the far north, trans
forming them from improvident say
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 power
"unto salvation" Let others do with
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
DIR. Egerton II. 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 un-
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 this
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 1t Is
by faith makes it available to every
son of man. Where is place for shame
with such q Gospel as this!
Ashamed of Jesus! Sooner far
Let evening blush TO own star;
He sheds the beams of light divine
On this benighted soul of mine.
Ashamed of Jesus! that dear Friend
On whom my hopes OF heaven depend.
No; when blush be this my shame
That | no more revere his name.
What Is Il to Believer
And now, dear reader, what Is that
belief, that faith which brings us sal
yation? It does not mean mere belief
In creed, or anything Of that sort.
It Is rather trust in person-and
surely the Savior Of sinners Is alto
gether trustworthy. Venture, then,
upon him and salvation is yours, for
with the heart man believeth unto
righteousness and with the mouth
confession is mnde INTO salvation"