Students’ International Christian Movement.
A large gathering of students, representative of this Movement, met for some days in Glasgow during the past month. About 3000 were present from many parts of the world. Lord Grey opened the gathering with an address, and several Bishops of the Church of England, as well as other speakers of popular note, delivered lectures and discourses. We cannot say that we regard the Movement with any favour. It is altogether on broad lines. Some also affirm, not without grounds, that it is a Rome-ward movement. As an indication of the kind of Christianity that marked its leaders and others, there were special trains arranged for the taking away of a large number of the students on the Lord’s Day—the last day of the gathering. Comment on such a mockery of the Christian religion is needless.
The late Rev. Dr. Whyte.
This well-known minister of the United Free Church passed away at Hampstead, London, on 6th January, in his 84th year. He was a native of Kirriemuir, and was born in humble circumstances. He became colleague and successor to the late Rev. R. S. Candlish, D.D., of Free St. George’s, Edinburgh, in 1870, and, after Dr. Candlish’s death, he continued as minister until his retiral some years ago. He was for some time Principal of the New College, Edinburgh. Dr. Whyte was an admirer of Dr. Thomas Goodwin and other Puritan divines, but he had a great latitude of charity for individuals of very different views. He frequently quoted passages from Dr. Newman and other characters of the Roman Catholic Church in a way that earnest Protestants often lost all patience with him, and could not believe that he was sincere when he praised the Puritans. In fairness, however, it must be stated that in his own sermons, which were characterised by an impressive delivery, he frequently showed such an uncommon sense of “the plague” of his own heart and such an appreciation of God’s forgiving mercy in “Christ and him crucified” that he seemed a deeply exercised Christian. Some of his people did not relish his scathing exposures of human depravity. His various mental attitudes, however, constituted a great problem. One thing, which the present writer is sure of, is that if Dr. Whyte’s soul is saved, as he trusts it is, much of his work is burnt up. Dr. Whyte could proclaim with great force and impressiveness forgiveness to penitent sinners through the blood of Christ, but we need in the present age not only men who will preach Gospel truth, but who will be faithful witnesses against error in all its forms. Such were the Prophets, Apostles, and Reformers.
The State of China.
We regret to learn that China is at present in a dreadful state. Civil war, famine, and pestilence are rife almost everywhere. There has been no rain in many parts of it since 1919. The Chinese are a most interesting people, and we long for the day when God will send forth His Word with power among them. “O Lord, how long?” May He strengthen His own sent servants among the missionaries, and hasten the time when glory shall dwell in that great land! The prayers of the Lord’s people at home should earnestly ascend on behalf of missionaries and people.