Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-11-06
Vital Christianity


un Aer pi,S heleSed God and !, was Imputed
tue FRIEND of God.--Janes 2:23
by }. A. Eubank
Despite some disheartcning features con
hcctcd with the religious efforts of the pres
Ont age there arc many Indications which
point to the conclusion that the world is get
ing ready for the acceptance OF tho vital
truths Of Christianity. True there yet re-
mains much TO be done by those who. like
Abraham have believed God, and who. secure
III HIS friendship. arc the real ite of the ir-
reS!stlDle movement which is steadily bring
ms all the nations OF the earth into the
knowledge of the truth The hlndering iniiu-
e"ccs which, for various reasons have. con-
hected themselves with the great evangeizng
movement. having form OF Goodness, but
prhFihG The power thereof invoking instead
the law OF force. will I'm time he sloughed off,
ana then the dawn of the era of universal
righteousness will lie upon the whole world
sooner than IL thinks.
IL VIII not come however, until men learn
10 believe God, and to believe that He is a
God of love and not of vengeance Then will
'hey realize the funess of the lncanng con-
veyed in the saying. lie was called the Friend
VI i'oo And faithful men and women by
thcir ministrations driving this thought
nome TO the people OF every land with tre-
mendous force
There perhaps has never lived an intelligent
human being who did not crave a friend In
the coinpanionShip of faithful friends there is
inspiration To noble deeds. No man ever had
ir1ehd ana trusted him. and not be-
trayed in that trust that was not made be,ter
ny 'he molly relationship Think how much
richer the world is for the friendship of David
ana Jonathan: of Damon and Pythias IL
lfienuship between human beings inspires such
mobility of character. then think what It means
10 the individual. to the world at large, for
even few men to be called the Friends of
COD 1t Is In this friendship with tho Ruler of
the Universe that the world Is being mad.
ready Scr what has been termed the millr.i-
lie
throughout the world who. walking daily with
God as did Enoch, and serving humanity
where service Is needed, are revealing here at
home, abroad and everywhere the true nature OF
the Father and bringing Him into the lives
OF the people as vital force for their con-
sciouS uplifting
1t IS in coming into the knowledge that God
IS really anu truly tho Friend OF every human
being. that He is more truly our Friend than
the best earthly friend we have. that He is
with as in all we 90 and In all we try To do
that is right. that the world Is cet,lnl: ready
to accept it's rich Inheritance prepared for II
from the beginning. '@
10" easy is it. then, for each individual to
help on the great movement for the Spl!rting
OF The nations. Only believe God. and He Will
come into your life ana you will enjoy sweet
communion with "A Friend who Will steadily
lead YOU onward and upward until you viii
ana yourself walking. rs did Enoch. in heaven
without having icf; tho Garth. It is in thus
walking hand in hand with cod that tho
whole world Will conc know Him as you
know Him.. and TO rejoice i'm HIN as you re-
joke in Him.
Returning travellers from foreign lands ;tn
us. OF the great things which Car!st!anity has
already done fer the nations which have Ions;
been in darkness. These nations are hcs!nuin,;
To grasp tho true spirit of Christianity and
they may We; beat our so-called Christian ma
items To the ultimate Of real fellowship with
the Father. we are too much given to sup
porting form Or C;rdlincSs, hut of which we
deny tie power thereof In the service Of
hose who have gone forth 10 foreign shores
their hearts burning with zeal TO reveal the
Fhts.er in His true likeness, these people re-
ceNea o great np'if,. THESE faithful ones went
there. coinbI.irs W Lilo themselves tho :xkson-
tal quirl flea ions Of teacher. physician. nurSc
ana friend 20 the needy. and 1t Is In the scrv-
ice they have rendered in these various cai;.ci-
Ties that these natives have come to know God
nc s.
The vi;alizing Of The Christianity OF our own
land must com" about through similar service
TO our needy.
God speed Tho day when the chri<,ianity of
TO work. @
"F%thor e A, u, every age.
Jehovah, Jovc, or Lord!
What blessings Thy frec bounty gives
For God IL paid when man receives:
To enjoy is To obey.
'Toach me To- feel nnother's woe
,,,T9 nd ds INC Guilt, I scei
That mercy show to
one chorus ie, ali BENZ; raise:
Al natures incense ris"!'
Haa1th Queries hv Dr. Rvadv