Article October 10, 1908 Issue

FROM OUR EXCHANGES

with contributions from Benjamin S. Winchester, Edwin Markham

[The Independent.]

Nothing finer has been said or can be said on the subject than this which Mr. Taft has written for a missionary meeting. He admits that there was a time when, "enjoying a smug provincialism," he did not appreciate the importance of mission work, but experience in the Orient taught him better. He writes: "No man can study the movement of modern civilization from an impartial standpoint and not realize that Christianity and the spread of Christianity are the only bases for hope of modern civilization in the growth of popular self-government. The spirit of Christianity is pure democracy. It is the equality of men before God, the equality of men before the law, which is. as I understand it. the most Godlike manifestation that man has been able to make. ... It is my conviction that our nation is just as much charged with the obligation to help the unfortunate people of other countries that are thrust upon us by fate on to their feet, to become a self-governing people, as it is the business of the wealthy and fortunate in a community to help the infirm and the unfortunate of that community." [Rev. Benjamin S. Winchester in The Outlook.]

The minister of to-day must know human life, in all its manifold conditions and with all its variety of disease and sin. He must also know God, and know how to bring to every kind of human need the infinite strength and healing power of the divine Spirit. The seminary which seeks thus to adapt means to end has before it a great opportunity. By the time it is ready for students they will come. Ry the time students are graduated, churches will be begging for such service as they can render. And business men will be glad to invest their money in an institution that is "practical."

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