1901
The Rev. Cyrus T. Brady says in his book of missionary reminiscences: "I was once preaching about missions, urging the congregation to make some sacrifice for the missionary cause and indicating to them several methods by which they could follow my advice. Among other things I suggested that they refrain from purchasing any book which they very much desired and donate the money to me instead for my missionary work. I happened to have perpetrated a book myself.
"You will therefore understand my feelings when, a very bright woman in the congregation came up to me and handed me $1 with the remark, 'I had intended to buy your book and read it, Mr. Brady, but I have concluded to follow your advice and give you the money for missions instead.'
"I accepted the situation gracefully and told her I would lend her my own copy of the book to read. She smiled and thanked me, and as she did so I voiced my thought in this way, 'But after all Mrs. R., there does not seem to be any sacrifice on your part in this transaction, for you have the happy consciousness of having given the money for missions and yet have the book as well.'
" 'No sacrifice?' she replied. 'Why, have to read the book!' "
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Monday, April 7, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
The Bible – The Best Selling Book
1900
In this year of census taking it is natural that statistics of all kinds should possess a peculiar interest. Among other things, people are always desirous of knowing what books are meeting with the greatest sales at any given time. There are always half a dozen, more or less, popular books which for the time being are most prominent in the public eye. It is not surprising to have one of these run into editions of hundreds of thousands.
Inquiry in the book department of one of the biggest retail stores, however, reveals a somewhat surprising condition, for while there have been 6,000 copies of a popular work of fiction sold within a given time there had been between 16,000 and 18,000 Bibles disposed of during the same period. According to the manager of this department the case is by no means exceptional. In fact if statistics were to be gathered later in the season a disparity in the favor of the Bible and religious books would be much larger.
There are other books which bear reprint year after year, notably those of Dickens, Scott, Shakespeare and other immortal authors, but no book has ever been written which bears constant reprinting in so many forms and during so many seasons as the Word of God, which today probably possesses a stronger hold upon the human race than it has ever had before.
—The Ram's Horn, Nov. 17, 1900, p. 6.
In this year of census taking it is natural that statistics of all kinds should possess a peculiar interest. Among other things, people are always desirous of knowing what books are meeting with the greatest sales at any given time. There are always half a dozen, more or less, popular books which for the time being are most prominent in the public eye. It is not surprising to have one of these run into editions of hundreds of thousands.
Inquiry in the book department of one of the biggest retail stores, however, reveals a somewhat surprising condition, for while there have been 6,000 copies of a popular work of fiction sold within a given time there had been between 16,000 and 18,000 Bibles disposed of during the same period. According to the manager of this department the case is by no means exceptional. In fact if statistics were to be gathered later in the season a disparity in the favor of the Bible and religious books would be much larger.
There are other books which bear reprint year after year, notably those of Dickens, Scott, Shakespeare and other immortal authors, but no book has ever been written which bears constant reprinting in so many forms and during so many seasons as the Word of God, which today probably possesses a stronger hold upon the human race than it has ever had before.
—The Ram's Horn, Nov. 17, 1900, p. 6.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
'Bookless Religion' Menace Told Pastoral Conference
1920
BERKELEY, California, Nov. 17. — A bookless religion may develop from the higher criticism of the Bible unless men and women of the present day rise from an alleged state of illiteracy, was the prediction this morning of a prominent divine speaking at the second day session of an Interdenominational Pastoral conference held at the First Congregational church under the auspices of the Pacific School of Religion.
New religious cults were characterized as the dogma of illiterates by Professor C. A. Johnston Ross of Union Theological Seminary, New York, while a modern Bible to fit twentieth century needs was urged by Rev. W. T. Bentley, pastor of the First Christian church of San Francisco.
"We may come to the time when we shall see a bookless religion," was the statement of Dr. Ross. "Religion was not always organized around a book. Abraham never owned a Bible and never went to a prayer meeting. Religion may be organized about the philosophy of life." Dr. Ross scored ridiculers of the Bible, declaring that when men were unable to make translations which suited their whims that they immediately turned scoffers. He said: "The present criticism of the Bible is but part of the indifference to history as a whole. Because the Bible speaks a language that is necessarily antique, does not mean that it has lost its value. If the state of education were higher in the country today a more truthful interpretation could be made."
"The prophecy of the present day that the church will lose the Bible is not an amazing thing," said Dr. Bentley. "Many people have lost it already. The re-orientation of the Bible to fit present needs is necessary."
Prayer in the present day seems to be regarded as a "kind of pious exercise," Rev. James M. Campbell, D. D., 80-year-old preacher and author of Manhattan Beach., Cal., told the ministers assembled at the opening session of the conference yesterday afternoon.
Ministers, he said, were to be included among those who said their prayers in this fashion. The man who gave an outward appearance of a "holy life," but who "inwardly" was undeserving of respect was scored by the gray-haired minister, whose book, "The Indwelling Christ," and other volumes are well known in religious lay circles.
"The things one thinks are far more important than the things one does," he said in speaking on the subject, "The Inner Life of the Minister." "Being is greater than doing."
"Examine thyself, not others. As ministers you think first of others, but turn your attention to yourselves for a change. Hold yourselves to strict account; scrutinize your every action. Every preacher has a battle to fight — the battle between the spirit and the flesh. Prayer is a necessity, but in this age prayer has come to be a pious exercise instead of what it really is."
—Oakland Tribune, Oakland, CA, Nov. 17, 1920, p. 2.
BERKELEY, California, Nov. 17. — A bookless religion may develop from the higher criticism of the Bible unless men and women of the present day rise from an alleged state of illiteracy, was the prediction this morning of a prominent divine speaking at the second day session of an Interdenominational Pastoral conference held at the First Congregational church under the auspices of the Pacific School of Religion.
New religious cults were characterized as the dogma of illiterates by Professor C. A. Johnston Ross of Union Theological Seminary, New York, while a modern Bible to fit twentieth century needs was urged by Rev. W. T. Bentley, pastor of the First Christian church of San Francisco.
"We may come to the time when we shall see a bookless religion," was the statement of Dr. Ross. "Religion was not always organized around a book. Abraham never owned a Bible and never went to a prayer meeting. Religion may be organized about the philosophy of life." Dr. Ross scored ridiculers of the Bible, declaring that when men were unable to make translations which suited their whims that they immediately turned scoffers. He said: "The present criticism of the Bible is but part of the indifference to history as a whole. Because the Bible speaks a language that is necessarily antique, does not mean that it has lost its value. If the state of education were higher in the country today a more truthful interpretation could be made."
"The prophecy of the present day that the church will lose the Bible is not an amazing thing," said Dr. Bentley. "Many people have lost it already. The re-orientation of the Bible to fit present needs is necessary."
Prayer in the present day seems to be regarded as a "kind of pious exercise," Rev. James M. Campbell, D. D., 80-year-old preacher and author of Manhattan Beach., Cal., told the ministers assembled at the opening session of the conference yesterday afternoon.
Ministers, he said, were to be included among those who said their prayers in this fashion. The man who gave an outward appearance of a "holy life," but who "inwardly" was undeserving of respect was scored by the gray-haired minister, whose book, "The Indwelling Christ," and other volumes are well known in religious lay circles.
"The things one thinks are far more important than the things one does," he said in speaking on the subject, "The Inner Life of the Minister." "Being is greater than doing."
"Examine thyself, not others. As ministers you think first of others, but turn your attention to yourselves for a change. Hold yourselves to strict account; scrutinize your every action. Every preacher has a battle to fight — the battle between the spirit and the flesh. Prayer is a necessity, but in this age prayer has come to be a pious exercise instead of what it really is."
—Oakland Tribune, Oakland, CA, Nov. 17, 1920, p. 2.
Friday, May 18, 2007
The Healing Art — A Discussion of Faith, Divine Healing
1903
The Occult in the Healing Art:
A Discussion of Faith, or Divine Healing, and Cognate Questions.
The following is a synopsis of a paper read before the Medical Society, convened at Shelby, Ohio, December 22, 1899, by Rev. John V. Potts:
The most complicated of all the sciences is that of The Healing Art. It comprehends all the forces of physical nature, enters the domain of the mind and concerns itself with the spiritual forces of the universe. It has been known in all historic ages and among all peoples, but has made the most marvelous advances among civilized nations in the last century. The deepest research and the most comprehensive, cultured and practical minds have been given to the development of the science of medicine. It has impelled the most earnest study of physical nature in its normal and in its abnormal states. Diseases are being traced to their sources as never before. The laboratory of nature is being assiduously opened and compelled to yield its curative elements for the help of man and beast. The hidden recesses of forest, field, rock, ocean and air are searched with the most scrutinizing care, in order that they may pay tribute to the life, longevity and happiness of man.
But in no historic age has charlatanism, quackery, deceit, fraud and imposition been so rampant as in this century. Empiricism is found in every school of medicine. The pretenders to medical skill are flooding the country with patent nostrums of the most infamous character. Conscienceless greed with the most acute use of chemistry is adulterating food, drink and medicines by wholesale and retail. If any one doubts this let him read the report of the dairy and food commissioner of Ohio. The same conditions prevail all over the United States. But the most dangerous of all these frauds now sweeping over the country is the occult delusion of "Faith Healing," "Divine Healing," healing by prayer, faith and the laying on of the hands, clairvoyance, magnetism, etc. It is the more dangerous because it appeals to the cupidity of man and to the religious element in his nature as well as the overmastering desire in every one to enjoy the blessing of good health. This artful deception has entered the pulpit and men in the garb of the sacred calling boldly and defiantly assert that the practice of medicine is a fraud, a denial of Divine power, that medicines should be thrown to the dogs and that drugs, doctors and devils are not only an alliteration in expression, but that they are equally from the same Satanic source.
The time was when the medical profession and the ministry looked on this movement with indifference, or viewed it with a quizzical eye. But with Mrs. Eddy, Dr. Dowie, Schlatter and a host of minor lights with their literature in the field, it has become too serious a question to be disposed of in that nonchalant manner.
The more serious inquiry is, how to successfully meet the issue? We have in this paper, a review or abstract of a recent work in manuscript, read with approval before the Medical Association of Crawford County, O., over one year ago, and by them thought worthy of publication. It seeks to thoroughly dispose of a whole brood of errors in a new medico-theological way, upon a scientific basis. The central point of attack and amplification are original and the monograph is full of statements, logically argued to a convincing conclusion. The author is a scientific theocrat and seems to have made a wide study of the subject from all points of view.
He states, for illustration, that all healing in its ultimatum is divine in its nature and character, but that the means to the end intervene. He makes concessions, but they only open the way for him to sweep away the foundations of the sophist on the so-called Divine Healing. Take the following paragraph: "There are five things necessary to Faith Healing. These are: 1. Knowledge. 2 Faith. 3. Obedience. 4. Humane remedial agents and agencies. 5. Occult contact, in order to the influx of life." Then he essays to amplify, illustrate and establish these points beyond successful controversy.
Two views of faith exist. One is that faith is the assent of the mind to a dogmatic statement. The other is that faith is the conviction of the mind arising from the presentation of the truth in such manner and in such measure as to gain the rational and willing assent of the human understanding. Our author asserts and demonstrates the latter view.
He disposes of the miracles of Christ after this fashion: "No Christian is disposed to deny the miracles of the Master. But it is manifest that He used remedial agents in every instance. In ignorance He taught the truth; in despair He imparted hope; in hunger He gave food; in paralysis He restored the wasted physical power; in blindness He removed the physical obstruction, and restored the optic nerve, and made the eye physically whole. For the deaf ear He removed the physical defect. The palsied limb was restored whole like as the other. He brought back the physical life to those He raised from the dead. He did not practice a pretense. To some He said, Go wash." This was hydropathy. For another, He made clay of earth and spittle. With this salve He anointed the eyes of the blind man. This was terrapathy. The woman touched the hem of His garment. Virtue or medicine went out of Him. This was magnetism. He had divine powers. All curative elements were at His command. He used them as they were needed. To mental diseases He applied mental remedies, to spiritual ailments He applied spiritual remedies, and to physical disorders He applied physical remedies.
God is consistent with Himself. He made nothing to ignore it. Everything in its own order and after its kind. James says, "Anoint with oil and pray." Both are enjoined. "Oil" is a synonym for "the proper remedy" in any given case. "Oil" here means medicine. Timothy was to take "a little wine for the stomach's sake." Luke was a physician and his calling was never interdicted.
Beyond the Pentecost and Paul, no evidence exists that miraculous powers were even perpetuated. He who would speak with tongues must study the languages. Those gifted in this direction become proficient in the mastery of language. Those who would understand theology must "study to show themselves approved of God," must "give attendance to reading," must "search the scriptures." Those who would have abundance of food must sow and cultivate and reap and garner, and not depend upon miraculous dispensations for food. Those who would have water must smite the earth with the spade, mattock and drill, or put the vessels in the rain to catch the falling showers, or find the rivers or the springs.
Those who would avoid disease must obey the mental, moral and physical laws; and the sick who would recover must use the means, the medicines, the appliances, the elements, be they mental, physical or spiritual, lying in the line of true faith healing.
The miracles simply foretoken the wonderful developments of scientific discovery and the unobstructed contact and intercommunion with the occult sphere. What Christ did by His mandate we must do by mastering and conforming to the forces of nature. What He did by His fiat in calling the curative elements from earth, air, water, animal, chemical and vegetable nature we must do in the laboratory and in true medical practice.
The object of the brochure is to carry conviction to the masses and save them from all these delusions; and to show that agriculture, commerce, law, medicine, pedagogics and theology are alike divine callings. These all have their commercial side, which should be subordinated, not to selfishness and greed of gain, but to the promotion of the best interests of the human races. The work is in short chapters, forcible and epigrammatic in style.
[The author is soliciting funds in this county to assist in the publication of this work. Prices: $1.50 and $1.00.]
—Bedford Gazette, Bedford, Pennsylvania, Feb. 6, 1903, p. 2.
The Occult in the Healing Art:
A Discussion of Faith, or Divine Healing, and Cognate Questions.
The following is a synopsis of a paper read before the Medical Society, convened at Shelby, Ohio, December 22, 1899, by Rev. John V. Potts:
The most complicated of all the sciences is that of The Healing Art. It comprehends all the forces of physical nature, enters the domain of the mind and concerns itself with the spiritual forces of the universe. It has been known in all historic ages and among all peoples, but has made the most marvelous advances among civilized nations in the last century. The deepest research and the most comprehensive, cultured and practical minds have been given to the development of the science of medicine. It has impelled the most earnest study of physical nature in its normal and in its abnormal states. Diseases are being traced to their sources as never before. The laboratory of nature is being assiduously opened and compelled to yield its curative elements for the help of man and beast. The hidden recesses of forest, field, rock, ocean and air are searched with the most scrutinizing care, in order that they may pay tribute to the life, longevity and happiness of man.
But in no historic age has charlatanism, quackery, deceit, fraud and imposition been so rampant as in this century. Empiricism is found in every school of medicine. The pretenders to medical skill are flooding the country with patent nostrums of the most infamous character. Conscienceless greed with the most acute use of chemistry is adulterating food, drink and medicines by wholesale and retail. If any one doubts this let him read the report of the dairy and food commissioner of Ohio. The same conditions prevail all over the United States. But the most dangerous of all these frauds now sweeping over the country is the occult delusion of "Faith Healing," "Divine Healing," healing by prayer, faith and the laying on of the hands, clairvoyance, magnetism, etc. It is the more dangerous because it appeals to the cupidity of man and to the religious element in his nature as well as the overmastering desire in every one to enjoy the blessing of good health. This artful deception has entered the pulpit and men in the garb of the sacred calling boldly and defiantly assert that the practice of medicine is a fraud, a denial of Divine power, that medicines should be thrown to the dogs and that drugs, doctors and devils are not only an alliteration in expression, but that they are equally from the same Satanic source.
The time was when the medical profession and the ministry looked on this movement with indifference, or viewed it with a quizzical eye. But with Mrs. Eddy, Dr. Dowie, Schlatter and a host of minor lights with their literature in the field, it has become too serious a question to be disposed of in that nonchalant manner.
The more serious inquiry is, how to successfully meet the issue? We have in this paper, a review or abstract of a recent work in manuscript, read with approval before the Medical Association of Crawford County, O., over one year ago, and by them thought worthy of publication. It seeks to thoroughly dispose of a whole brood of errors in a new medico-theological way, upon a scientific basis. The central point of attack and amplification are original and the monograph is full of statements, logically argued to a convincing conclusion. The author is a scientific theocrat and seems to have made a wide study of the subject from all points of view.
He states, for illustration, that all healing in its ultimatum is divine in its nature and character, but that the means to the end intervene. He makes concessions, but they only open the way for him to sweep away the foundations of the sophist on the so-called Divine Healing. Take the following paragraph: "There are five things necessary to Faith Healing. These are: 1. Knowledge. 2 Faith. 3. Obedience. 4. Humane remedial agents and agencies. 5. Occult contact, in order to the influx of life." Then he essays to amplify, illustrate and establish these points beyond successful controversy.
Two views of faith exist. One is that faith is the assent of the mind to a dogmatic statement. The other is that faith is the conviction of the mind arising from the presentation of the truth in such manner and in such measure as to gain the rational and willing assent of the human understanding. Our author asserts and demonstrates the latter view.
He disposes of the miracles of Christ after this fashion: "No Christian is disposed to deny the miracles of the Master. But it is manifest that He used remedial agents in every instance. In ignorance He taught the truth; in despair He imparted hope; in hunger He gave food; in paralysis He restored the wasted physical power; in blindness He removed the physical obstruction, and restored the optic nerve, and made the eye physically whole. For the deaf ear He removed the physical defect. The palsied limb was restored whole like as the other. He brought back the physical life to those He raised from the dead. He did not practice a pretense. To some He said, Go wash." This was hydropathy. For another, He made clay of earth and spittle. With this salve He anointed the eyes of the blind man. This was terrapathy. The woman touched the hem of His garment. Virtue or medicine went out of Him. This was magnetism. He had divine powers. All curative elements were at His command. He used them as they were needed. To mental diseases He applied mental remedies, to spiritual ailments He applied spiritual remedies, and to physical disorders He applied physical remedies.
God is consistent with Himself. He made nothing to ignore it. Everything in its own order and after its kind. James says, "Anoint with oil and pray." Both are enjoined. "Oil" is a synonym for "the proper remedy" in any given case. "Oil" here means medicine. Timothy was to take "a little wine for the stomach's sake." Luke was a physician and his calling was never interdicted.
Beyond the Pentecost and Paul, no evidence exists that miraculous powers were even perpetuated. He who would speak with tongues must study the languages. Those gifted in this direction become proficient in the mastery of language. Those who would understand theology must "study to show themselves approved of God," must "give attendance to reading," must "search the scriptures." Those who would have abundance of food must sow and cultivate and reap and garner, and not depend upon miraculous dispensations for food. Those who would have water must smite the earth with the spade, mattock and drill, or put the vessels in the rain to catch the falling showers, or find the rivers or the springs.
Those who would avoid disease must obey the mental, moral and physical laws; and the sick who would recover must use the means, the medicines, the appliances, the elements, be they mental, physical or spiritual, lying in the line of true faith healing.
The miracles simply foretoken the wonderful developments of scientific discovery and the unobstructed contact and intercommunion with the occult sphere. What Christ did by His mandate we must do by mastering and conforming to the forces of nature. What He did by His fiat in calling the curative elements from earth, air, water, animal, chemical and vegetable nature we must do in the laboratory and in true medical practice.
The object of the brochure is to carry conviction to the masses and save them from all these delusions; and to show that agriculture, commerce, law, medicine, pedagogics and theology are alike divine callings. These all have their commercial side, which should be subordinated, not to selfishness and greed of gain, but to the promotion of the best interests of the human races. The work is in short chapters, forcible and epigrammatic in style.
[The author is soliciting funds in this county to assist in the publication of this work. Prices: $1.50 and $1.00.]
—Bedford Gazette, Bedford, Pennsylvania, Feb. 6, 1903, p. 2.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Pastor Authors Charming Book: "The Little Wicket Gate"
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 1912
Rev. E. H. Smith of Oshkosh Author New Book Entitled, "The Little Wicket Gate."
One of the worthwhile offerings in the book line at this holiday season is a dainty little booklet entitled "The Little Wicket Gate," the work of Rev. Edward H. Smith, pastor of the First Congregational church of Oshkosh.
The little wicket gate, as Mr. Smith calls in his preface, was the entrance to the city, on the hill top in Christian's vision of the Celestial City, barring the way to the Celestial City. "But," says Mr. Smith, "it appears before all who would pass to any form of excellence. Success is always at the top of a mountain, and whoever would attain it must pass along narrow paths, must work his way through many difficulties and discouragements."
The Little Wicket Gate is a series of guide stones for those who would attain the excellence of a worthy life. It is a collection of short talks on various subjects — The Will for the Deed, How Habits Grow, The Two Sides of Things, Courage for the New Year, A Good Motto, Tactfulness, The Beauty of Kindness, True Patriotism, The Finishing Touch, being among the topics included.
While primarily intended for young people, the book will be read by young and old with delight and profit. So wholesome and timely are the subjects treated, so fluent and eloquent is the language used that the little booklet would be a welcome visitor to any home and is doubtless destined to become the helpful companion of many trying moments.
The book has been given a most attractive dress, and is throughout a most valuable addition to the holiday book shop.
—The Daily Commonwealth, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, December 19, 1912, page 5.
Note: Check abebooks.com and of course eBay if you're interested in this book. I've seen it listed, a few copies, before.
Rev. E. H. Smith of Oshkosh Author New Book Entitled, "The Little Wicket Gate."
One of the worthwhile offerings in the book line at this holiday season is a dainty little booklet entitled "The Little Wicket Gate," the work of Rev. Edward H. Smith, pastor of the First Congregational church of Oshkosh.
The little wicket gate, as Mr. Smith calls in his preface, was the entrance to the city, on the hill top in Christian's vision of the Celestial City, barring the way to the Celestial City. "But," says Mr. Smith, "it appears before all who would pass to any form of excellence. Success is always at the top of a mountain, and whoever would attain it must pass along narrow paths, must work his way through many difficulties and discouragements."
The Little Wicket Gate is a series of guide stones for those who would attain the excellence of a worthy life. It is a collection of short talks on various subjects — The Will for the Deed, How Habits Grow, The Two Sides of Things, Courage for the New Year, A Good Motto, Tactfulness, The Beauty of Kindness, True Patriotism, The Finishing Touch, being among the topics included.
While primarily intended for young people, the book will be read by young and old with delight and profit. So wholesome and timely are the subjects treated, so fluent and eloquent is the language used that the little booklet would be a welcome visitor to any home and is doubtless destined to become the helpful companion of many trying moments.
The book has been given a most attractive dress, and is throughout a most valuable addition to the holiday book shop.
—The Daily Commonwealth, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, December 19, 1912, page 5.
Note: Check abebooks.com and of course eBay if you're interested in this book. I've seen it listed, a few copies, before.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Pastor to Refute H.G. Wells' Arguments on Christianity
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 1921
PASTOR WILL REFUTE ARGUMENTS OF WELLS
Those who attend the meeting for men under the auspices of the Men's class of the First Presbyterian church, to be held in the chapel of the church Sunday at 10 a. m., are assured an unusually interesting session in the fact that the Rev. Dr. E. R. Burkhalter will discuss that chapter in H. G. Wells' book "The Outlines of History" which has to do with the beginning of Christianity.
Mr. Wells' book has attained a big circulation in this country in the last year and has been widely discussed. In the chapter referred to, Mr. Wells apparently undermines some of the cherished and accepted beliefs of Christianity. He says, "The miraculous circumstances of the birth of Jesus, the great star that brought wise men from the east to worship at the manger cradle, the massacre of the male infant children in the region of Bethlehem by Herod, as a consequence of these portents * * * * * * rob the gospels of much of the strength and power which they possess."
Mr. Wells says that there is no evidence that the apostles of Jesus ever heard of the Trinity and he says that Jesus taught the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath and that it is difficult to find any claims on the part of Jesus that He was divine.
Dr. Burkhalter has made a study of this matter and he is going to discuss the chapter with the men of the city. Dr. Burkhalter has given a life-time of study to the origin and development of Christianity. He is able to present these matters in an interesting way and as a result of the widespread interest taken in Mr. Wells' doctrines and more especially in Dr. Burkhalter's point of view, arrangements are being made for a large attendance. Letters have been sent to all the business men's clubs of the city, asking them to attend.
-The Evening Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, June 4, 1921, page 16.
Note: Those asterisks are like that in the original article. That might have been equivalent to an ellipse, dot dot dot, today.
PASTOR WILL REFUTE ARGUMENTS OF WELLS
Those who attend the meeting for men under the auspices of the Men's class of the First Presbyterian church, to be held in the chapel of the church Sunday at 10 a. m., are assured an unusually interesting session in the fact that the Rev. Dr. E. R. Burkhalter will discuss that chapter in H. G. Wells' book "The Outlines of History" which has to do with the beginning of Christianity.
Mr. Wells' book has attained a big circulation in this country in the last year and has been widely discussed. In the chapter referred to, Mr. Wells apparently undermines some of the cherished and accepted beliefs of Christianity. He says, "The miraculous circumstances of the birth of Jesus, the great star that brought wise men from the east to worship at the manger cradle, the massacre of the male infant children in the region of Bethlehem by Herod, as a consequence of these portents * * * * * * rob the gospels of much of the strength and power which they possess."
Mr. Wells says that there is no evidence that the apostles of Jesus ever heard of the Trinity and he says that Jesus taught the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath and that it is difficult to find any claims on the part of Jesus that He was divine.
Dr. Burkhalter has made a study of this matter and he is going to discuss the chapter with the men of the city. Dr. Burkhalter has given a life-time of study to the origin and development of Christianity. He is able to present these matters in an interesting way and as a result of the widespread interest taken in Mr. Wells' doctrines and more especially in Dr. Burkhalter's point of view, arrangements are being made for a large attendance. Letters have been sent to all the business men's clubs of the city, asking them to attend.
-The Evening Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, June 4, 1921, page 16.
Note: Those asterisks are like that in the original article. That might have been equivalent to an ellipse, dot dot dot, today.
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