CONFORMING TO THE LOWER.

I asked the secretary of a well-known Christian organization why it was they were changing their button from a good sized, conspicuous to a much smaller one, and he said, "Well, you know such and such an organization uses small buttons, and the boys think people will take our button for theirs when it is smaller because, they look so much alike." That is the great trouble in the world today. Too many are compromising their Christian life and trying to bring it down on a level with worldly things instead of having the worldly things come up to a higher level with them.

Protest Against Hanging

Iowa, 1909

During the recent trial of the negro Junkin, in Centerville, for a capital crime committed in Ottumwa, a sensation was created by the publication of an appeal to the Christian sentiment of the people to prevent the hanging of the accused person.

This appeal was on high grounds — the thought that the taking of human life is not a proper function of government and is in violation of the command to not kill. The appeal was signed by William R. Benkert, as chairman of the executive committee of the United Christian party.

There was much criticism of Mr. Benkert for this action, but it was entirely consistent with the principles advocated openly and courageously by the organization of which he is the head. That party has a platform which is not at all original and doesn't claim to be a new thing. In fact, the party might be open to the charge of plagiarism, for the platform entire consists of the Ten Commandments.

The United Christian party appears not to have attracted national attention, but that has not prevented the party going ahead and holding national conventions, maintaining an executive committee and engaging in the distribution of literature, Mr. Benkert is a resident of Davenport.

The last national conference of the party was held in the famous Watch Tower on Rock Island in May, when plans were laid for organizing the various states and this was left largely to Mr. Benkert. He has the very great advantage that his wife, Mrs. Katherine Benkert, is secretary of the committee, so that there is not to be any friction in the workings of the organization. In fact, he is quite ready to concede to the secretary leadership in the good work and to accord to her more of the credit for that which has been accomplished than he takes to himself.

—Humeston New Era, Humeston, Iowa, Aug. 4, 1909.

Watch!

1874

There is no period in a Christian's life without peril of sin. A wily foe attends his steps, watching with sleepless vigilance for opportunities which may be made occasions for his fall. The only security for the child of God, therefore, throughout his entire pilgrimage, is in unrelaxing watchfulness. As the citadel is only secure against surprise and capture, when faithful sentinels, with pauseless step, pursue their steady tread along its walls and before its gates, so, the soul, the temple of the Holy Ghost, is alone impregnable against the Prince of Darkness when all its powers, clad in Gospel mail, guard every avenue, with incessant vigilance, against the entrance of evil.

But there are seasons of peculiar jeopardy, when unusual perils beset the Christian, and so insidiously, as to threaten his safety with more than ordinary promise of success. We are passing through such a season now, and there is need of the note of warning which we sound from the head of this article. We have seen and heard enough already to satisfy us that without great caution, the Adversary will gather rich spoils from the present "panic." The scarcity of money will be a strong temptation to many to disregard the sacred obligations by which they are bound to support the cause of God in its various departments. The pressure is so great, the future so threatening, the necessity for retrenchment so imperious, and "withholding more than is meet" so much more consonant with natural inclination, than the self-denial which enhances the gifts we lay upon God's altar, that, without weariness, many good people will be seduced into the sin of "robbing God" who would shrink from wilfully bringing upon their souls so grievous a crime. This is the supreme peril of the times; let Christian people guard against it. Be sure that you are personally cramped by the prevalent stringency, before you make it a plea for withholding your dues from the Church or the claims of charity.

If really straightened, see to it that personal gratification is postponed to the claims of Him whose steward you are. It is right to be provident, but it is safe to give when the cause of God presents its claims, so long as there is anything with which to respond to its demands. The widow of Sarepta passed a "crisis" incomparably more trying than any we experience or are ever likely to encounter; and passed it safely, by dividing her scanty store with the prophet of the Lord. There is infinitely greater danger of damaging your soul by treacherous dealing with duty, than there is of impoverishing yourself by excessive contributions to the Lord's treasury. "Take heed then, and beware of covetuousness," which has a powerful ally in the present monetary stress. There is blessing or disaster for us in these trying times, according as we use them. Let us watch against the evils they threaten, and enrich our experience with all the spiritual benefits they are capable of yielding.

Christ's Second Coming – Working in The Meantime

1895

In every age since the advent of Christ, he has had numerous followers who were expecting his instant coming. When his immediate disciples saw him rise majestically in the clouds they heard the assurance that in like manner he would appear again. This promise they quite naturally applied to themselves, and in the apostolic age it was the common belief that the Lord would soon appear.

But as time wore on it became apparent that the purpose of Christ's first coming was not to bring the world from darkness to light by a magic process, but it was to reveal the Father's love and so inaugurate the dispensation of the Holy Spirit under whose guidance and influence human life would be transformed as fast as it could be brought subject to the gospel's power.

That Christ is sure to come is as certain as his sacred promise is true, but we doubt the utility or the propriety of laying extraordinary emphasis upon this part of our Christian hope. The time and manner of his coming are matters which he has preferred to leave us in ignorance, and we can see no advantage in prying into the counsels of heaven respecting the divine intentions regarding this planet.

As our artist well shows in the cartoon of this week, the call of the Master is to the opportunity that is present, immediate and around us. Our aim should be to watch, not that he may find us waiting, but that he may find us working. — Ram's Horn.

Annie Besant Announces Second Coming of Christ

1911

TIME AT HAND, SHE SAYS

Annie Besant Announces Second Coming of Christ

London, May 15.—Annie Besant, who is here from India, announces the impending reincarnation of Christ.

"Everything tends to show that the time is at hand," said she, "for the arrival of the great world teacher. Physical and social changes throughout the world tell that the age of militarism is closing and that fraternity is to be the watchword. The future Anglo-American peace treaty is one sign but the world's peace is unachievable politically. It will result in a vast spiritual movement, unifying all warring creeds. This will be the task of the coming teacher prefigured in the Christian dogma as the second coming of Christ. It is not far distant. Then a new age will open."

—Indiana Evening Gazette, Indiana, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1911, page 3.



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Easter: Immortality Brought to Light

Sikeston, Missouri, 1950

Easter Message at The Christian Church

"Immortality Brought to Light" will be the topic for the Easter message which the Rev. R. M. Talbert, pastor of the Christian church, will deliver at the worship service at his church on Easter morning, beginning at 10:45.

For the evening worship service. at 7:30, the Rev. Talbert will use as his topic, "The Voice of Jesus."

Sunday school service, with Hugh Stewart as superintendent, will be held at 9:45 a.m. and Christian Endeavor service will begin at 6:30 p.m.

At 2:45 Easter afternoon an Easter egg hunt for children will be held at the Edgar Crouthers farm north of Sikeston unless the weather is bad, in which case the egg hunt will be held at the church.


Revival to Begin At Baptist Mission

A revival will begin Easter Sunday at the Baptist Mission church located on the corner of Kentucky and Missouri Avenues, McCord addition. Evangelist A. B. Harris of Adamsville, Tenn., will be in charge. The services will begin at 7:30 o'clock each evening and continue through April 23. Everyone is welcome at these services.

Old-fashioned gospel singing will be held at each service, led by Ralph Lingle. Rev. Howard Ray is the pastor of the church.

Announcements for Sunday are: Sunday School at 9:45 a.m., with Ralph Lingle as superintendent.

Morning worship at 10:45. Topic of the pastor's sermon will be "The Conquest of the Grave."

At the Sunday evening service the pastor's sermon topic will be "The Vision of a Redeemed World."

--The Sikeston Herald, Sikeston, Missouri, April 6, 1950, page 6.

Comment: These are all excellent sermon titles, big, spiritual concepts. "Immortality Brought to Light" obviously had something to do with 2 Tim. 1:10, "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." "The Voice of Jesus," maybe Jesus with Mary Magdalene, John 20. As for those by Evangelist Harris, the first is definitely an Easter sermon. The second, "The Vision of a Redeemed World" might be evangelistic, but sounds like it'd have a very broad focus.