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T H E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
May 1926
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parents and for the Lord, and by their example pro voke others to do their best to have better homes in their houses. THE OVERLOOKED OUTLOOK It must be that the great majority of citizens in these United States are not informed, or else are indif ferent to the conditions existing in our public schools concerning the matter of religious education. We are living in a luxurious age,—a selfish, sensual age. It is a fast age—not anchored to any deep rooted principles of right living. It is a mad age, From youth to old age there is a marked indifference to sober thinking and a manifest tendency to “ hilarious hik ing” along life ’s pathway. We are the most prosperous nation in the world and the most presumptuous. The nation is mirrored in the walk and talk of a half-dressed, bare-headed school girl promenading the principal street of a great city, with a haughty mien which says, “ Look at me! We have had our “ growing pains,” as a nation, but have grown painfully indifferent to our early training. Where are we bound fo r ! The light has gone out in the light house, the keeper has gone to sleep, and both wind and wave are bearing us on to the rocks. There is a whistle of warning from the life-buoy, but, alas, it is so insignificant! What care w e ! Are we not big and bulky, rich and rising! Then “ down with the pes simist” and let us be jolly and joyful and believe for the best! But—what are the facts! Look, for a moment, at these figures. There are 27,000,000 American children and youth under twenty-five years of age who are not enrolled in any Sunday School and do not receive any systematic religious instruction whatever. That means that nearly seventy per cent of our youth are without any definite religious influence but are subject to every possible snare of Satan. . . . Other countries demand religious education, t 'aise systems are careful to see that their children shall be indoctrinated while young. The Roman Catholic chil dren in this country are not forgotten by their parents, but are compelled to learn the doctrines of their church and to follow in the footsteps of their fathers. What can be done! Well, let us wake up. We are not ignorant of the prophecies of the Word and we need not be hoodwinked. We must do our best, and do what our Great Commander has ordered us to d o : Be instant in season and out of season.” “ Sow beside all waters.” Let us remember that the Word of God is quick and powerful” and give it out, using every means possible to reach the young people with tne Gospel. They make the best possible Defenders of the Word of God” when they once yield to its teaching. Get hold of them. Indoctrinate them. Teach them. Rally them as a band of Gospel defenders. Save what you can, while you can. Tomorrow may be too late. . Don’t pay attention to the critics who may call y HOMELESS HOUSES There is no single word in the English language of greater import than the word 1 home ’ ’ ! There is, perhaps, no other word that has a larger place in the hearts of thousands yet living. It is an old-fashioned word that stirs the memory and sets the heart throb bing in the breasts of many of the older generation. Home! With a real father and a real mother, real brothers and sisters! Homes with familiar family ties! Homes with a Bible and prayers and songs of praise! Homes where hearts were knit in the closest fellowship and burdens were shared! There was a oneness of interest between young and old, and when separation came for a season, the thoughts of absent ones lingered, and there was a tug at the heart and a deep longing for the fellowship that only a real home can inspire. “ Home, home; Street, sweet home; () Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home, was the beloved song. Now we have houses but few homes, It is a wonder ful age for houses; wonderful improvements in style and finish. Even the little cottages are gems of con venience and comfort, and .we are glad that it is so. Glad that the mother has some time for rest and recrea tion, glad that the father can return at night to the dwelling place, be it humble or pretentious; and glad for the children that they can have so many privileges which were unknown to an earlier generation. But—are there many homes—real homes! You can hear the jazz over the radio. You may hear the shuf fle of the feet or the shuffle of the cards but not often the melody of sacred song nor the wonderful stories of the Word of God, nor heart-searching prayers for God’s guidance and blessing. Pity the homeless children who, during those years when their young hearts longed for the touch of a sainted father or mother, for loving words of counsel and admonition against companionships which would undermine their faith in the cross of Christ, were deprived of them. * Who is to blame for this “ homeless house condi tion! Is it the age in which we live! World condi tions! No doubt these have their in flu en c en t is not the fault largely with the fathers and mothers! Cod has placed the responsibility upon them and so has the law of the land. . . „ _ , Marriage is a sacred institution, ordained o f Cod, sanctioned and commended by our Lord Jesus Christ, and is fraught with tremendous obligations and conse quences. The present day influence of the school and the world and sometimes of the church is not condu cive to the strengthening of sacred home ties. Our hearts are sad over conditions because we know the tide is on and we cannot change it; but parents who have hearts of love for their children can do much—if they will—to change the house into a real home, and by so doing stimulate the love of the children for their
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