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Augustine; the learning of Jerome, and the energy of Ambrose, were committed to its defense; it was the text for the sub tle eye and analytic thought o f Aquinas; it was the pillar of Luther’s soul, toiling- for man; it was shapen into intellectual proportions and systematic symmetry by the iron logic o f Calvin l i t inspired the beautiful humility o f Fenelon; fostered the devotion and self-sacrifice of Oberlin; flowed lilce molten metal into the rigid forms of Edwards’ intellect, and kindled the deep and steady rapture of Wesley’s heart All the great enterprises o f Chris tian history have been born from the in fluence, immediate or remote, which the vicarious theory of redemption has ex ercised upon the mind and heart of hu manity.” Preaching Christ crucified we shall find it will be— (1) A Convincer of sin, as seen on the Day o f Pentecost. (Acts 2 :36, 37). (2) A Bringer o f Blessing, as evi denced in the lame man and Peter’s words (Acts 3:13-19). (3) A Means o f Forgiveness, as Peter emphatically states (Acts 5:29-31). (4) A Procurer of Joy, as witnessed in the result of the Eunuch’s faith (Acts 8 : 29-39). (5 ) An Obtainer o f the Spirit, as was made known to Cornelius and those in his house (Acts 10:39-44). ( 6 ) A Mediumwf Justification, as Paul declared at Antioch (Acts 13 :38, 39). (7) An Importer o f Responsibility, as the Apostle intimates to the elders at Ephesus, when He charges them to care for Christ’s purchased possession (Acts 20:28). Christ crucified is the greatest theme in the universe, for it proclaims the greatest work ever performed by the greatest Per son, and securing the greatest ends pos sible. W e all agree that personal experience of Christ is an indispensable prerequisite for missionary work, and a most effective help in carrying it on. To offer a Christ known only by report, a Saviour whose healing touch has not been felt, a Master whose commands are not the sole law o f life, a Companion whose presence is not a constant joy and strength, is to labor in vain. The preaching may be most elo quent, the methods o f work most excellent, the zeal most commendable ; but the living force that goes forth to create new life is not there. That old and obsolescent ex pression, “vital piety,” remains the best statement of the fundamental qualification of a missionary. H e' must have direct, constant and close contact with the Lord in whose name he offers the Gospel. Vital Piety William Bancroft Hill, in Missionary Review o f the World, says a word to mis sionaries which all Christians should take to heart.
given to me a thorn in the flesh, the mes senger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” The twice- used word “lest” indicates plainly the pre cautionary nature o f the infirmity; it was “given” lest he should be exalted above measure; it was a precaution against a possible peril—the peril, in Paul’s case, of spiritual pride. Who can say that infir mities and sickness are never “given” for this purpose now? Let us note, in passing, that, although the apostle calls his thorn “the messenger of Satan,” he yet speaks o f it as being “given” ; doubtless, he so speaks because he well knows that Satan is powerless to reach the Lord’s people without the Lord’s permission (see Job 1:8-12; 2:3-7). That which comes to us through the permissive will o f God may well be said to be “given,” even thoughjfrom another view point it may be regarded as “the mes senger o f Satan.” Thus we see that, not for correction only, but for prevention also, sickness and weakness may be permitted to enter the life of a believer. Many are the examples of wonderful patience, o f calm and long-continued and, even cheerful endurance, tojj be found among sick saints. And it is evident ¡from the numerous New Testament references to patient endurance, that the Lord de lights to see that virtue displayed by His people. But this patience, which the Lord prizes so highly, is developed by ‘trial; and we cannot doubt that there are many trials, sickness included/ which have for their object the development o f a God pleasing, God-honoring patience in His tried people’.,. There is a “needs be” for every “heaviness)” for every “trial,” and our gracious God has ever in mind the “afterwards” and the precious fruit which could never be produced in thé lives, of His children without such trials (Rom. 5 : 3; 1 Pet. 1:6, 7; Heb. 12:11). Christ Crucified, the Preacher’s Theme B y D r . F. E. M arsh “ W e preach Christ crucified” (1 Cor. 1 :23) W ILL you listen to the concessions of a Unitarian on the great truth King, a Unitarian, said: “The doctrine of the vicarious atonement is embodied by the holiest memories, as it has been con secrated by the loftiest talent o f Chris tendom. It fired the fierce eloquence of Tertullian in the early Church, and gushed in honeyed period's from the lips o f Chry sostom; it enlisted the life-long zeal o f Athanasius to keep it pure; the sublimity of it fired every power, and commanded all the resources o f the mighty soul of
and the thought o f each worker has proved to be immortal .”— The Brooklyn Eagle. I , I “ ‘I am going to paint the house, said a big can of paint, waiting, already mixed, in the work-room. ‘N o ; I am going to paint it!’ the paint brush asserted, brist ling with indignation. ‘You are, are you?’ sneered the ladder lying against the wall. ‘How far would either o f you go without me?’ Just then the painter, who over heard these self-confident remarks, ven tured to put in a word. ‘Perhaps I’d bet ter take a holiday,’ said he quietly. ‘I wonder if the house would be painted by the time I got back?* Even the most effi cient of us is only a tool in the hands of the Infinite Worker .”—Sunday Compan- ° “There are many things which God does in which we have no part. God paints the clouds and the golden sunsets; He keeps the stars in their orbits; He sends showers and sunshine; He paints the roses and the lilies, and scents them with their sweetness. But there are other things which are just as great and beauti ful in which He permits us to be co-work ers. He gives us the opportunity through service to put the tints of immortal beauty on human souls. What an honor to be a co-worker with Jesus Christ in the transforming o f lives, 'the dispelling of darkness, misery, and sin; the bringing of light, happiness, and righteousness to hu man souls.. It is. not .what our life is in wealth, culture, and attainment, but what our life is in service to others, that is the test of greatness.”—/ . 5. Kendall. Endeavor is a good thing; Christian Endeavor is better ; for that draws Christ into the work and with Christ we can do all things. “W e may plant a tree, but we cannot make it grow. God : must see to that.. But in planting the tree we work with Him, for without us it would not be planted. God needs us. ’— J. L. Woodsy^ Wordsworth wrote about Milton s blindness: “‘And when a damp Fell round the path of Milton, in his hand ■The thing became a trumpet, whence he blew )( Soul-animating strains, alas, too few. Precaution Against Perils B y H arold F. C ole P HYSICAL infirmities and illnesses are sometimes permitted for the preven tion o f possible spiritual faults; Paul’s “thorn in the flesh,” of which we read in 2 Cor. 12:7, is a case in point. It was for the prevention o f that which, if unhinder ed, would have been disastrous—it was a precaution against a peril. The precise nature of the “thorn” does not matter (most probably it was some form of oph thalmia, but if it was stammering, as some “healing” teachers think, the case is not altered), for we know that it was “ in the flesh” and that he speaks o f it as an “in firmity.” The apostle clearly states the reason for his “thorn.” He says: “Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was
o f Christ’s atonement? Thomas Starr
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