LETTERS reaching us from all parts of the world tend to show that the times we are living in are of surpassing interest.
They are not, however, without their dangers, which in the long run, if the Lord delays His return, may not be without serious results.
We therefore earnestly invite our readers to watch and pray, and above all to cleave closely to the inspired Word of God. We cannot safely depart from the Word, however desirable the end to be accomplished.
Revival in India
The revival movement in the Khasia Hills still continues, and meetings of a remarkable character are being held, similar to those of the Welsh Revival. Many backsliders have been restored; not a few of the heathen have pressed faith in Christ; and the hearts of those laboring for long amidst many discouragements have been cheered and filled with praise. The power of Satan is a very real and terrible factor in connection with the work in heathen lands, as all readers of the life of Pastor Hsi are aware. It is the privilege of all Christians to pray that these remarkable movements may be given a right direction by a close adherence to the Word of God on the part of His people.
Clerical Intolerance
Here in England the spirit of persecution and intolerance is busily at work, as any one may have seen who walked down Paternoster Row a few weeks ago. The Bishop of London’s bailiff was in possession of J. A. Kensit’s book store, and the whole of the stock was carted away to the extent of 23,000 to pay the costs of the recent appeal in connection with the ordinations at St. Paul’s of some members of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, an advanced Romanising society. Whatever may be thought of Kensit’s methods, it is evident that they are considerably injurious to the Romeward party or such violent efforts would not need to be made to stamp it out.
Let every effort be put forth to spread the simple gospel and impart plain Bible teaching to old and young, for the days seem fast ap preaching when an organized ecclesiastical attack will be made upon all such work.
Open-Air Preaching
A correspondent asks what we think of open-air work. Open-air preaching in the villages and towns is an admirable method of reaching the people. But no form of work needs greater wisdom and tact. It is easy to speak inside a hall compared to out of doors. Then, too, the poor open-air preacher is often left to go forth alone with little sympathy from fellow-Christians. It is always well to get a band of several interested in this special work who will pray together about it, and go out together, each taking a little share. A few words spoken by several is more suitable than a long address by one. Get a good stand, not too close to noisy traffic, but where people congregate or are constantly passing.
Preach the Word—be instant in prayer—grieve not the Spirit, for He is the only power for service, and if we grieve Him we lose our power.
Morals of the Theatre
The sermon preached by the Bishop of London to “an over-flowing congregation of actors and actresses” makes one realize the awful blindness that has taken possession of the leaders of Christendom. “‘I play to Jesus Christ,’ should be the motto taken by every member of the profession,” said the Bishop. “... I know many young actors and actresses who go to holy communion on Sunday morning before leaving for the journey to the next town... Whenever a young man returns from a theater cheered by hearty laughter and good healthy fun, then the kingdom of heaven is advanced in our midst.” Comment is needless. A correspondent remarks, “The theater is Satan’s church, and the world’s place of worship.”
ED.