The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-04-04

suggested to D~ Ne}s. w 70 answered:
 Yss. I tharb Gn1 that I am! I know
 tct the outlook for ;he Christian faith was never brighter. There is no place today for pessimism. The church of God is moving on to new triumphs, and her best days are yet to come. The great centenary movement in the Methodism of America is our answer to the whine of the passemist and to the challenge of the world. This is the day of he churchs opportunity, and it is increasing ly the day of her power. With eye un- dimmed, and with unshaken faith in the Son of God. she is prepared today as never before to move on to the con quest of the world
 '.Then you do not believe the statement that the church is out of touch with the worId?" I asked.
 No, The church has never meant as much in the life of the world as it means today" said Dr. Wells. "The church of today is making itself felt in every sphere of life She is planning more wisely than ever before for the conquest of the world. Her real strength is not to be measured by mere numerical growth. There is a leavening influence for right eousness exerted by the church which cannot be tabulated."
 ''You do not think that the church is in danger of being supplanted by the Y. M. C. A. and kindred organizations I queried.
 NO! These are by-products of the church and owe their very life to the leavening influence of the church. Dr. Wells replied While [ am in hearty sympathy with these and all other great organizations having in view the uplift- ing of my fellow men, and while l do not fail to appreciate the greatness Of what they have accomplished, at the same time I trust that they may never forget the mother who gave them birth. The one divinely establised institution in this world for the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the Christian church, and the twentieth century pulpit is the mghtiest throne of power that any man can occupy.
 What do you think of the statement that the preachers talk of narrow doc trines and faith, and vague traditions?' I asked.
 We preachers, most of us, do place an emphasis upon the narrow doctrine that there is none other name under heaven, whereby we may be saved but the name of Jesus;' and we do say that the up- lifted cross is the only hope for the world! We do not think it necessary to leave these narrow doctrines in order to tickle the ears of men, We have no desire to substitute community service for faith in a personal savior.' was Dr.. Wells reply. We believe that the best way to improve the morale of a people is to point them to- the Lord Jesus Christl I do not believe in community service as a substitute for regeneration, but as the expression of our change of heart and loyalty to the Son of God. Tho trouble with this old world is sin. and men need savior who saves from sin. Picture shows and club rooms are a poor substitute for the uplifted cross, poor preparation for the responsibilities of life for death, for judgment. We have no de- sire to leave the church, we seek no substitute for Calvary.
 Then you do not believe that the
 preachers say nothng-and take too long to say it?'" I asked
 This may be true of some. There are failures in the ministry, just as in other walks of life Dr. Wells replied Tt is not true of the great majority of preach- CTS. The preachers whom I have met who have been loyal to Chrust, have preached Jesus and Him crucitied, and their ministry has been fruitful