The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1934-06-25


am man and nothing concerning me is foreign
to me-" and yet in that very play Chremes, Ia
Their reproaches his wife for not killing their little
daughter.
Inhumanity in general characterized the stand
ards of the ancient nations. Philanthropy was
scarcely known among them, and the hostility Of
one nation to all others counted natural and
worthy attitude Slavery was universal and un-
questioned The direst poverty existed along with
the most extravaganza opulence, with never
thought for the relief of the needy by the hands
of the wealthy.
Undoubtedly, in thel light of these improved
standards we must say that the world is far bet
ter than ever before The codes of the nations are
marked bv the progress of Christian truth ami
morality.
But, we must admit also that there have been
noriods Of great moral depression and disorder
Such periods hav earisen when the standards OF
morality were high.
We are i'm the midst of such period now.
There has been since the World war distinct and
conspicuous slump in the morals of our own peo-
na and in the morals of other nations. That fear
fnI conflict seems to have had the EJECT of relaxing
plinciples and enfeebng conscience.
There are crimes quite prevalent today that
ing. for example, is matter of daily occurrence
HIGHWAY robbery also, prevails throughout the
land, although it was supposed that highway roo
berry had disappeared with the passing Of the Old
stage coach days.
Gambling and RIGHTEOUSNESS are more common
among us than they were decade ago; and these
vices are particularly prevalent among the young
people of the land.
Crime of every sort is rampant in every section
from one ocean to the other.
Conditions not dissmilar to these bad things are
prevalent throughout Christendom, and, of course,
the heather nations are living amid conditions OF
deeper defilement.
The present is period Of moral eclipse Dark
ness prevails. even darkness that can be felt. IN
view of these things We cannot say that the world
is growing better 1t is in a state of moral declen-
sion although the standards which it profeSsedlY
accepts are high.
It is not profitable to inquire whether the world
is growing better or worse The thing upon which
attention should be fixed is to correct the evil coli
ditions now existing and restore the moral purity
which has been lost.
We Lossess a force quite equal to the reforma-
ton of public manners and the restoration CT
spiritual life. Ancient nations without the Chris
tian religion, never were able to reform thenl-
selves. Once demoralized, they went from bad to
worse, and wrought their own destruction.
But our country has the Bible with its heavenly
teachings and all it's renovating power The Chris
tan forces. therefore can call our people back
from the low levels of life upon which they arr
living and lift them to the higher ranges of reIi-
zion. This should be the object at which all good
people should aim.
We have no other force equal to the needs Of
the hour This nation must be a Christian nation
or a demoralized nation and in the end dead
nation Religion is it's chief hope, and should be
Lifts main concern and that means of course, the
revival of the Christian religion
Eccentric cults may arise and flourish for sea-
son. but they have no power equal to the puritica-
ton of the people. They attract transient atten-
ton but they wither away when they cease to be
interesting as novelties We cannot depend upon
them: for they have no life in themselves and,
hence, cannot impart the high living which is
CURED by the needs of the times.
| The churches themselves must return 10 the
simplicity in Christ which characterized IA
TIERS and which must be the hope of our posterity
Rationalism, which explains away the great vital
things of the divine revelation do nothing but
increase the decentralization and disorder now prev
alent.
If the world in which we live is to grow better
it must advance along the lines Of evangelical
Christianity and the simplicity of goodness.
Some are fond of saying that we must adapt
Christianity to our times; but this is worse than
foolish notion. Our times must be lifted up by
Christianity. Christianity must not be lowered TO
the level of the kind of life which falls short of
the will of God and INDUCES in all sorts of vices
and sins.
/ The Christian religion is a revelation, and not
a discovery of reason. Being a revelation from
God, it is not subject to amendment by men, nor
is it subject to the changes of time. It's Lord is
revealed to be 1.-The same yesterday today, and
forever" and the religion which He has given to
the children of men must share His immutabilty
1t is word from the skies and not an echo from
the times.
All the great revivals of religion have come
when the world had grown dark, and these vista
lions of grace called a darkened world back to
the light of the knowledge of the glory of Jesus
| Christ.
|