Slang

We would affectionately, but most seriously, warn our younger brethren whose habits are now being formed, against a prevailing flood of slang and frivolous expressions in connection with the things of God. Even in ordinary life and our intercourse with our fellow-men, the use of slang and frivolous expressions places one among the ill-bred and vulgar, offending the refined ear; how much more offensive it is in connection with the holy things of God.

We are bidden to "walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient:but rather giving of thanks" (Eph. 5:2-4). This is of immense importance in the formation of the Christian character; if it is violated by the slangy, frivolous talk so prevailing in our day, the Holy Spirit is grieved, our Christian progress is hindered and our testimony vitiated. Men will not heed our sober talk if they have heard us use foolish talk. Let us live in that holy atmosphere of communion with God which rebukes everything irrelevant to _it. Only a little while and the Lord will be here. Oh, let Him find us a devoted, holy, consistent people, avoiding with jealous care everything in our habits, our speech, our dress, which may grieve the Holy Spirit.

Giving name and address

We would again remind our correspondents who send questions for answers that we must have their full name (not initials) along with their questions; not for publication of course, but to guard as to the integrity of purpose for which this department exists. We have of late destroyed several questions for lack of this. Had the writers given their names and addresses we could and would have answered them privately.

We also beg our correspondents to observe as far as possible the following:Write on paper whose lines have a liberal space between them. Write on one side of the paper only, as legibly as you can, or, which is still better, with a typewriter. See to it that the 'manuscript be as correct as possible in the quotations of scripture, which should be made, not from memory, but from the scripture itself. Endeavor to have orthography, expression, punctuation, paragraphing, etc., as they should be in print. Some, we believe, rely too much on the Editor, placing thus upon him a heavier task than really belongs to him.

We would also request them 'not to send orders or any business matter to the Editor. All orders and remittances should be sent to Loizeaux Brothers, 1 East 13th Street, New York, where they will receive careful and prompt attention. Disregard of these directions causes us unnecessary labor, as well as delay in the forwarding of their orders. We are sure our friends will pardon our mentioning these things, and will observe them when they know it eases our task, for we know their love.

Cheering News
It has been our painful task to re-port from time to time the ravages of " Higher Criticism " among Christians generally and among the clergy especially. We are glad to report, therefore, a notable document recently sent out to the Presbyterian churches, signed by one hundred and one of their leading men. It is entitled, back to fundamentals, and reads as follows:

" The undersigned, ministers and laymen of the Presbyterian Church, appeal to all our churches, ministers, church officers and church courts to unite in action in defense of the fundamentals of our common faith.

In view of the deep unrest in the religious thought of the day, we believe pronounced and persistent emphasis should be placed on the integrity and authority of the Bible as the word of God, the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His vicarious atonement on the cross – the only way of salvation – and His resurrection.

We believe these doctrines should be preached from our pulpits, and that the sessions of our churches should insist that this be done.

We suggest, furthermore, when a church is seeking a minister to be its pastor that it shall not call any man save one who unreservedly and heartily accepts the great fundamentals herein enumerated and taught by our standards.

We have been led to express this belief and to offer these suggestions under the deep conviction that only on such a basis can the church succeed in its mission, and the Gospel of Christ be propagated to His glory and according to His own will. May we not urge you to unite with us in prayer that all our churches, ministers, and officers may feel the supreme importance of this appeal?

" May this be but the beginning of a general Christian uprising against the enemies of the faith and of the eternal welfare of men; for while we know from the inerrant word of God that Christendom is to end in apostasy, it is ever sweet to the Christian heart to see the evil day put off.