Article January 20, 1912 Issue

FROM OUR EXCHANGES

with contributions from Thomas Phillips, Andrew Gillies

[Rev. Thomas Phillips, D.D., in British Congregationalist.]

We are in the midst of a great social movement, and in some respects it compares unfavorably with the evangelical revival of the days of John Wesley. The great leader sought to make the people holy; we seek to make them comfortable. By giving them holiness he to some extent gave them comfort; but if we endeavor to give them comfort without holiness, we shall end by giving them neither. I do not say that the social movement has no kind of conscience behind it, or that there is not an imperative need for improving the conditions of our national life. All I say is that if we put all the emphasis on high wages and short hours and happy homes, and ignore the necessity for a regenerated character, we shall end by giving the people nothing at all, and their last state will be worse than the first. Our appeal to young men and women is this: Your first business is to be true and loyal to the highest and the best, clean and straight, holy and stainless. If you are that, and all that, then comfort and happiness will take care of themselves. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

[Congregationalist and Christian World.]

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