Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 300, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 December 1910 — The Church—Its Danger and Security [ARTICLE]

The Church—Its Danger and Security

By REV. W. G. CURRY

TEXT—Awake, awake, put on thy strength: O Zion.—lsaiah LIT. L Jehovah spoke this when Jqdaism had fallen into great weakness. Enemies beset on every side. The church has often had its times of moral weakness. Deliverance always came. The slumbering giant not only awoke but exerted himself. A deep slumber prevailed when Christ came. Great systems of idolatry prevailed. The true God was nigh forgotten. The Saviour gathered a little band around him and sent them forth. With matchless strength they attacked the the powers and Satan’s kingdom wag shaken. Another crisis came —papal corruption. Pure Christianity slept beneath gaudy trappings of Catholicism, movements for freedom were watched, and dungeons were filled with those who dared look up. "Awake awake!” was sounded. Martin Luther arose to restore spirituality. Since then the truth has been gainlhg power. When we consider the facilities we have, the outlook la How hopeful. There is another side. I. The church is threatened with danger. < 1. Danger from peculiar activity and excitability of the times in which we live—entirely ap earnest age. New discoveries, new forces appearing. Law of change is everywhere. Wonderful schemes claim public attention. * Science, art are ever presenting new questions. Our minds and hands are full; never was there more activity. It is not an unfortunate condition. We would not lock the wheels of progress, and remand the age back to the darkness of the past In the midst of the excitement we are in danger of infection, unless there be a corresponding earnestness in Christian character. Our danger is Inability te control these forces. We are too much controlled by them. We are being permeated by the spirit of the world, Instead of permeating it with our spirit We must show a religion full of life and energy—not a cold, sleepy religion. 2. The tendency to Innovation. We believe all essentials are, clearly revealed in the Scriptures. Yet we think more light and improved methods may be emlpoyed. But from Germany comes a spirit that would say our foundations. It has found its way into our theological schools, and is poisoning the minds of the rising ministry. They tell jus that reason and not faith must be the guide. They have discovered the Bible is an antiquated book, and the gospel too cold. They would take away the Bible as a perfect rule of faith and practise, she danger lies in having our minds alienated from the simplicity of the gospel, and a desire to seek the novelties. We need now more than ever before to cry for the old paths. 3. In danger from the Increasing boldness and energy of the enemies oi Christianity. We are no longer attacked by a few, but the ranks are strong and the Infidelity declares its truths to be the only truths. It has never displayed so much determination. It is widespread and is with men in dally walks; is in politics, taints legislation, and has taken hold upon the public press. The world is flooded with its literature. Vast multitudes listen to infidelity’s modem apostle. in the light of all these facts have we not cause for alarm? Are we In a condition to successfully contend with these forces? The church is not putting forth her strength. She has had smooth sailing a long tipe, and sleeps. 11. What are the elements of strength. 1. Sound doctrine. In these days of laxness and insidiousness we need to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. The doctrines of depravity, atonement and salvation by grace must be emphasized. Let this be done, and infidelity will not affect the religion of personal experience. 2. Spiritual life. We need a high-er-toned spirituality, a religion that enters into all our social and business relations, giving color and shape to the daily life. ' « How shall this strength, which God calls on us to exert, be put on? It is not physical, but spiritual strength that we need. It must be put on upon our knees.