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PREACHING FROM THE “ADVANCED THEOLOGY PULPIT”

[In the top left quarter of this page there is an illustration of a “LIBERAL MINISTER” preaching from the “ADVANCED THEOLOGY PULPIT” with the following list of teachings printed on a scroll to the left:]

TAUGHT IN MANY SERMONS TO-DAY

“ALL RELIGIONS ARE GOOD.”

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“IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE WHAT CHURCH YOU BELONG TO, OR WHAT YOU BELIEVE AS LONG AS YOU LIVE UP TO ITS TEACHINGS.”

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“THE THEATRE IS AN UPLIFTING INSTITUTION. (EXCEPT ON SUNDAYS)”

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“THEATRE GOING, CARD PLAYING NOVEL READING, DANCING ETC. ARE NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.”

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“DARWIN, SPENCER AND HUXLEY WERE PROPHETS NO LESS THAN MOSES.”

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“IF THE BIBLE DISAGREES WITH “SCIENCE” DISCARD THE BIBLE.”

[end of illustration]

ALAS, TOO TRUE!!

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Whilst we deplore and condemn the prostitution of the ministry of the Gospel, and the apparent dishonesty of so many “ambassadors for Christ” falsely so-called, nevertheless, we are not without sympathy for the perverts. They have reached their present position gradually. First deceived by the “doctrines of devils,” re immortality in torment, they gradually lost all faith in all creeds and in the Bible. But they needed bread and butter, and concluded that all the world is deluded and that they, as well as others, may serve to the world the delusions they desire.

Perhaps they even convince themselves that they can serve others better by promulgating error than preaching truth. Gradually their moral sense becomes benumbed until they practice deceit with a feeling that it is noble and ennobling.

How all who discern the Truth, the beauty of the Divine Word, should rejoice therein and handle it carefully, lest they lose the priceless jewel! Soon its value will be seen as never before—the day shall declare it.

With malice toward none and charity for all, let us, whose eyes of understanding are opened to the light of the Morning, be faithful to the Truth, whether men hear or forbear to hear.

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— April 1, 1909 —