On all sides comments are made on the vice and crime and lawless conditions that have developed so alarmingly of late years throughout this land and the "civilized " world. Newspaper columns daily report cases of daring burglaries, assaults, terrible depravity, murders, suicides, extortions, embezzlements, public offices used for plunder, etc., etc., so that a paper has recently remarked that, "Dishonesty and treachery in business life and important positions leads men in high places to doubt whether there is such a thing as honesty in a large part of the so-called big business of the nation."

It is not our place, however, nor our purpose, to dwell upon the crop of evil deeds that alarm thoughtful men, but to turn to the cause or root from which spring these ominous conditions-"the last days" and "perilous times,"as the apostle calls them and describes them in 2 Tim. 3:1-5. Compare these verses with Rom. i:28-32, and see how the conditions of dark heathenism described in Romans are very nearly repeated in Christendom where the light of truth has shined, but where the outward " form " only is left.

Speaking of the hideous results of ungodliness, Bishop Nicholai of Serbia has rightly said concerning the unspeakable horrors and carnage of the world-war, that it was "the natural child of a wicked, Christless education, of Christless politics, of Christless business, of Christless literature in all Europe."

In the beginning of the world-war, in the agonies of the first two years, both in the trenches and desolated homes, there was a turning to God on the part of many through unprecedented afflictions; but when relief comes, the heart away from God quickly returns to its vices and evil works in a worse condition than before. Various schemes and legislations are suggested to remedy or curb depravities. Will they succeed ? Alas, it is the heart of man that must be changed; and a return to God and His word alone can accomplish this miracle.

The grand jury of Fulton County, Ga., in which is the city of Atlanta, has recently given a testimony worthy of repetition everywhere. After the examination and condemnation of a notoriously evil case, they made the following presentation to the criminal court for the benefit of the people.

"We doubt if morals can be legislated into the people," said the grand jury. "Schools and churches are powerful agencies for the preservation of morals, but the problem must be solved especially in the homes of the people and by the parents themselves. Especially do we appeal to mothers to influence and to direct their sons and daughters to modesty in speech, in conduct, and in dress. Indictments, fines and prisons will not regenerate the people. We ask the people to re-establish in their homes the family altar, and closer home relations between parents and children."

Christian fathers and mothers, do you have the "family altar" firmly established in your home ? Do you, after reading a portion of Scripture, bend your knees before God in real prayer for your household, your labors, and Christ's interests here upon earth, with thankful acknowledgment of His
constant mercies ? If not, you rob God of His due, and yourselves and your children of the blessing which God has attached to this precious privilege and duty. Read what God enjoyed upon His people Israel in Deut. 6, vers. 6, 7, and 12. Shall the Christian do less ? Is not the word of God the light by which we are to walk through this world's darkness ? the armor in which we are to meet the adversary's assaults ? and the sword of the Spirit with which we are to defeat him? (See Eph.6:12-18). The grand jury appealed to mothers concerning their sons and daughters for "modesty in speech, in conduct, and in dress." How weak, alas, even professed Christian mothers are as to this last, yea guilty, in allowing and even providing immodest dress for their daughters, thus tempting the lusts of men, and causing the ruin of a multitude of girls as has been testified to again and again-yet they persist in it ! Will not the holy Lord hold them responsible as contributors to the corruption of mankind ?

The following excerpt from a brother's letter touches upon things felt and deplored by many amongst us:-

"There is a great and painful lack in a large number of our young people now. It has largely come, perhaps, through want of care in receiving them at the Lord's table -receiving without inquiry into the daily life to see if there is the genuine piety which should accompany salvation. Parents are often too fond of having their children at the Lord's table before the piety suited for such a place is seen in their children's lives. Hence they are easily drawn away by worldly attractions, as love for and acquaintance with the word of God is lacking. Secret prayer too-real prayer in communion with God-seems to be little known and enjoyed ; whereas these are the things we ought to see before receiving at the Lord's table. Should they not characterize the people of God, if true fellowship with Him and one another is to be enjoyed? Without them 'fellowship' is an empty name,"

To these true and seasonable words, may we not add that some important feature of ministry seems to have been lacking. In reading the Epistles we cannot but be struck with the directness and plain words u§ed by the Lord's servants in the exhortations that invariably follow the development of truth in doctrines. The truth is applied to the daily life. Love to Christ and His people made them bold in their ministry. They " called things by their names," as we say. Not only did the apostles write to instruct and encourage, but also to warn, and correct misconduct. Personal dealings too characterized their ministry among the saints, "Remember," says our beloved apostle Paul to the Ephesian elders, " that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day, with tears." What devoted-ness to the Lord! what love to the saints! And the apostle Peter, in his care for the sheep and lambs of Christ's flock, how concerned he is about their spiritual state; how effectively he intermingles his exhortations with the presentations of Christ as our example as well as Saviour.

Lord, make us better followers of them!