Church Review/Vol. 3/No. 25

VOL3NO25P09

THE CHURCH REVIEW. <br><br> Epworth League Dep't. <br> FIRST M. E. <br> June 16th-"The Discipline of Affliction." <br> We cannot understand those who look upon the Book of Job as a dry, unprofitable study. Taken from a literary standpoint alone it is a production worthy of the most profound study of the greatest minds. It is related of Thomas Carlysle that, happening to call on a friend at the hour of family devotions he was requested to read the scripture lesson. Turning casually to the first chapter of Job he began to read, and became so absorbed in the beauty and sublimity of the story that, regardless of the proprieties of the occasion, he read the entire book through without a stop. <br> This magnificent dramatic poem has been translated and arranged in its original form by several noted Hebrew scholars- notably Dr. Francis Moulton, late of Oxford College, now professor of English literature in the Chicago University. It was the writer's privilege to hear Prof. Moulton render this translation a few years ago. We never listened to a rendition of any Shakespearian drama with such intense interest and pleasure. But aside from its literary value, the Book of Job is replete with the most practical lessons for daily living. The topic before us today is certainly one of this kind. What is the design of affliction? What place does it fill in the divine economy of human discipline? How can it be reconciled with the divine goodness - especially when visited upon the innocent? These are questions so often pressed upon us, and many times the cry goes up from bleeding hearts, through bitter tears and impenetrable clouds and sorrow, "My God why hast Thou forsaken me?" It is doubtless best for us that we cannot know the "why?". Had Job known just the design of providence-had he known Satan's challenge "doth Job fear God for naught?" and God's answer, "Behold he is in thy hand, only save his life," then the trial of Job's faith and patience would have been a mere farce, and the world would never have had this monument of human faith and divine faithfulness. God's tried and bewildered children would not have inherited, as they do, the rich legacy of comfort handed down the ages from this transaction. <br> How deeply Job voices the universal cry of humanity for a mediator between God and man - someone, both human and divine, who could plead his cause in the court of Heaven. Such an one have we in our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ the Righteous. <br> "When He giveth quietness, who then can give trouble?" How utterly impotent all human plan and effort when it runs counter to the divine plan. "What is there that can harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good." <br> We recommend all Leaguers to obtain a copy of Dr. Moulton's translation of Job. It can be secured, we think, by correspondence either with Dr. Moulton or Professor M. S. Terry Evanston, Ills. <br> Salt Lake City. <br><br> Iliff League Notes. <br> Were you one of the 100 present at our grand organization of the "Salt Lake City Epworth League Union" Friday evening June 7th 1895? If not you missed a great treat. The Iliff League choir, 14 strong, did themselves proud and received a hearty encore. W. N. Grant represents the Iliff on the executive committee of five. Chairman Ritchie was the right man in the right place. The officers selected could not be beaten. President Eaton, Vice President Carter and Ellis Jayne Secretary-Treasurer will please accept our congratulations. The universal verdict at the "break-up," at 10 p. m. was, "What a splendid time we have had and what a grand thing this Union will be for us, just what we want to get acquainted any way. The doxology never seemed more fitting than it did that eve. to express our feeling in as few words as possible. Now let us go to work with a united effort.["] <br> Are you doing all you can towards providing entertainment for our visiting territorial delegates, who will commence to arrive tomorrow ready for Tuesday morning's session? Our League is expected to see that everyone is properly cared for. <br> Subject for tonight, "The Discipline of Suffering," Job 34:29-32, Miss Minnie Holt leader. <br> Are you all ready for the sunrise prayer meeting, 5:45 the first thing on the program for our League convention Wednesday morning? <br> Salt Lake City. <br><br> The program for the coming League convention will be found on page 16. The report of the Salt Lake League union will also be found on another page. <br> Salt Lake City. <br><br> How to Secure New Members. <br> 1. A desire to secure new members. While a chapter is young the need of increase is apparent, to everyone, but as it grows older and more prosperous there is danger of losing sight of this important object, and, instead, devoting our energies to preparing fine literary and social entertainments, and in building up the Christian character of those already inside. We should not forget our motto, and should ever have in our minds the necessity of reaching out after the young people and drawing them inside the influence of our societies.-Epworth Herald. <br><br>