"The Wily Pastor"

The New York Tribune in its issue of February 20th, publishes the following :

RUSSELL'S CASH REFUSED

From " The Continent."

Pastor Russell has had a great many bumps in his career, but he has seldom, if ever, been jolted worse in public prestige than by the simultaneous cancellation of his advertising contracts by the two chief morning dailies of Chicago, "The Tribune" and " The Herald." The former openly apologized to its readers for having ever published the pastor's sermons even for cash. As a reason for rejecting further Russellite "copy," "The Tribune" cited not the pastor's religious teaching at all, but his shady business record, including his connection with the United States Investment Company and with " miracle wheat." These financial matters, and Russell's domestic relations, too, " The Tribune " exposed in a series of articles beginning-Tuesday, February 2, and running through that week. It would be a useful thing, if citizens in other cities where Russell is so lavishly buying space for sermons in the daily press, should call attention of the publishers to " The Tribune's" good example, and ask them to consider the grounds on which that paper decided not to abet any longer the wily "pastor's" game.

The Scripture states that "some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after" (i Tim. 5:24). The reason for this providential difference is probably that, in the first case, their sins being exposed to men's eyes it is for a warning to others, and to so discredit their perpetrators before men as to take from them their power to deceive the simple. In the other case, where "they follow after,"-1:e., are made manifest at the final judgment-it is the time "when God shall judge the secrets of men" (Rom. 2:16); when He will "render to every man according to his deeds" (Rom. 2:6).

The Writers of Poetry

Perhaps we owe it to our friends who send us pieces of poetry for publication, to tell them that while we are quite able to heartily enjoy a piece of genuine poetry, we have always felt our inability to edit that class of writing. Under that consciousness we did the best we could while waiting for the help of some one better able for that work. While in Scotland a few years ago we met a Christian lady gifted in those lines, who kindly accepted the task as a service to the Lord. The understanding was that the poetry would be sent to her; that what she did not deem suitable for publication she would destroy; from what she judged suitable she could remove, according to her ability, what defects there might be, while disturbing as little as possible the thought of the original.

An editor cannot please everybody (and should not seek to please anybody); yet we hope our friends concerned will be satisfied with the result.

A Good Testimony
We received lately a paper put out by the 'North Baptist Church," of Wilmington, Del., bearing a good and firm Christian testimony against the blasphemous utterances of " W. R. McNutt, Pastor of the Prospect Hill Church of Moore, Pa., and Moderator of the Delaware Baptist Union Association." His utterances in the opening sermon before the Association are too blasphemous to be repeated here, yet the church, over which he is pastor (rather, the wolf in sheep's clothing) when called upon to deal with him, was already so leavened by his infidelity that it justified him! Against this the North Baptist Church of Wilmington, Del., gives a clear and faithful testimony, appealing not to mere sectarian tenets, but to the word of God. Then, following this, it further obeys the word of God in withdrawing from fellowship which shields, and therefore identified itself with such iniquity. " Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity" is God's command (2 Tit. 2:19). Once evil has built itself a nest among the people of God, the only-divine remedy is departing from it. To remand linked with it is but to insure our own downfall.

More Folly

While writing the above, another proof of the rising apostasy comes to our hand Its title page professes to be a "Syllabus of a Course of eight Bible Studies; the Origin and Significance of the Bible ; Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, Baltimore; M. H. Lichliter, Minister."

Turning over the page for the details concerning these " Bible Studies " one finds they consist of the usual catalogue of " Higher Criticism's " apostasy. The class will be treated to an investigation into the origin of the Bible. Every one who, according to these men of "science," has had a hand in getting it up, will be duly credited- except God, oi course. As He is practically left out of Creation it would be unnatural He should be given much room in Revelation.

The class will be told about two kinds of writer in the Bible:one the Elohistic, the other the Jehovistic. As God bears the names of both Elohim and Jehovah, it seems impossible to these men of science that one of His secretaries should be able to use both names. That is, the historian of a public man could not call him Judge as he speaks of him in court, and then suddenly name him as a father when he views him at home among his children! Thus Moses who calls God " Elohim" in the first chapter of Genesis could not have written chapter 2 when God (in relationship with a completed Creation) adds " Jehovah" to His former name!! But these scientific men are so wise that they can learn nothing.

The class will also be told about "the two Isaiah’s." As at chapter 40 the subject changes somewhat, the same writer of course could not have written the first 39 chapters. The original editors of the Book were stupid men indeed for such an oversight! Wisdom will surely die with these 20th Century teachers! Hats off to them, please! The class will also be instructed with regard to Daniel, and the date of his book pushed way onward, for how could a man have written such accurate descriptions and details of things which happened long after the date ascribed to him ? These men of "science" have well-nigh reached the devil's promise to man, "Ye shall be as God " (Gen. 3:4, 5). They cannot therefore conceive that God should tell us about the future, since no one knows with certainty. Come down, therefore, Daniel, and own that thou art but a historian, and not a prophet of the Most High.

One wonders if such men can possibly have any honesty, for, if learned as they profess to be, they must know the full, complete answers to their theories which have been published and which they cannot refute. Yet they go on repeating the same stale twaddle as if nothing had been said. By Solomon it was written:"Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him" (Prov. 27:22).

Mr. Lichliter, however, makes the gracious announcement that, in spite of the Bible being made up of "oral traditions, legends, myths, folk-lore, wonder stories," compiled by some clever editors, then revised by more clever ones, the New Testament at least " will probably remain unchanged! "

But try it, gentlemen-try to change that blessed Book-and then face the storm when it comes upon you! Thank God, there are yet thousands upon thousands who have heard a voice more than human in that Book which no more needs the commendation of human authorities (Jewish or Christian) than the sun needs the help of a candle. Perhaps some poor needy sinner reads in Isaiah, "He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him ; and with His stripes we are healed," and the voice in Isaiah comes to him as the sweet voice of salvation-the pardoning voice of God. Another hears Him say, through Luke:"Thy sins are forgiven, … thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace," and he goes in peace treasuring in his bosom his divine clearance. Ah, "critics," rearrange that holy Book, -and even Balaam's ass will-rise up to rebuke your folly. Your "science "and time were better spent in remodeling the heavens, assigning to each star and planet a more reasonable and suitable place according to your imagination.

One mourns for Christ's poor sheep under such guides. But is there not in them too the guilt of being willing to have it so ?

Readings on 1 John

Owing to constant journeyings of late, our brother Grain's serial article on i John could not be sent for this issue.