Article February 21, 1901 Issue

Religious Items

The Universalit Leader says editorially: "Why should we not pay for our religion as one of the necessities of our life? Why should the church be looked upon as an object of charity and the minister as one to whom we are doing a favor? We do not make the grocer and the coal dealer feel that they exist only through our generosity; we pay for what we get and hold the dealer in the highest respect. We do not resent it when his monthly statement comes. Why should we not place the church on the same high business level? Why not pay for our religious culture, just as frankly and freely as we pay for an education and for our food? When will the people who want their church to stand well in the community cease telling about what they give to the minister and speak of what they pay, and are glad to pay, for their religion?"

Rev. Geo. R. Wood says in the (Baptist) Standard: "Most Christians desire to be strong. They covet strength to overcome their own difficulties and long for power to influence others. In their desire for power they frequently overlook many simple and practical sources of strength. One of these simple but must efficient, sources of strength is suggested in Nehemiah, 8:10, in which Ezra, the scribe, declares to Israel that 'The joy of the Lord is your strength.' Then joy of the Lord is your strength.' Then let the world know it. Let the Christian speak of the joy that comes from being a holier, healthier, happier, more peaceful and hopeful man, instead of always telling of his burdens, trials, and failures."

The Congregationalist says: "The Orthodox, or Established Church in Russia is, relatively to other churches, fully as predominant as was the Established Church in England one hundred years ago. It is even more insistent in controlling educational and social life and in giving superior privileges to its members. Yet of the 130,000,000 people in Russia no less than 12,000,000 assert their independence of the ecclesiastical control of the Greek Church, while they hold faith in Christ and worship in various religious organizations. Some of those removed to Siberia in order that they might enjoy greater religious freedom than in Russia proper."

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