Article February 20, 1902 Issue

Religious Items

with contributions from Amory H. Bradford, J. M. Payson, Martha A. Bortle, Beecher, Emerson

The message of the Book.—It cannot have escaped those who have studied it that the Bible deals with universalities. Jesus had little, if anything, to say to classes. The New Testament is not a book of rules, but of principles. Principles apply alike to all. They become individualized only in the experiences of those whom they reach. If a minister, or lawyer, or doctor finds anything peculiarly fitted to him it is not because it was addressed to him alone, but because of the universal quality of the message. That is one of the most significant things about our Scriptures. The mother reads the Bible, and it seems to have been specially intended for her; the laborer reads it, and finds in it a definite message to him; the professional man opens its pages, and they seem to be a communication intended for no other; and yet the words are identically the same. They lend themselves to various conditions, and their inspiration goes to all alike. Professor Harnack, in his recent work entitled "What is Christianity?" says: "As a gospel is has only one aim—the finding of the living God, the finding of Him by every individual as his God, and as the source of strength and joy and peace." That gospel is to be realized by millions in many lands and various times. As the sun sends its ray to every quarter of the compass and yet the rays all proceed from a common source, so the gospel is one, while men in their conditions and limitaions are many. The difference is due to individualities rather than to divers inspirations.

Amory H. Bradford, In The Examiner.

Not only is Christ to increase in the world's appreciation but in his influence also. It is said by some that this "Christ of to-day," as Dr. Gordon would say it, is not much of a Saviour. Perhaps not according to the old idea of salvation. He is a pool shield to place between us and the penalty of our sins. But suppose we say we do not need him for such a purpose, but rather to help in making us better. Then is he mighty to save. We talk about how much Christ has made the world better. Has it been the Christ of dogma who has made the world better, or the Christ of the Gospels who went about doing good? Is not this the fact? Not all the mass of opinions about Christ have ever completely hidden him. He has been a sun so bright that no cloud of superstition has ever entirely eclipsed him. And it has been this sun of righteousness, this Son of love, that has warmed and quickened the hearts of men into newness of life. And as Christ is divested more and more of men's opinions about him and stands out simply as a beautiful revelation of divine love and life, he will more and more inspire and help men.

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