The Evils of the Cinematograph Shows.—The Spectator in calling attention to a circular issued by the Head masters of the great English Schools, advocating the use of the cinematograph for educational purposes, so that it might be diverted from its present evil courses, makes the following reference:—”In France, Germany, Denmark, and Finland, the same moral evils (as in the United States), flowing from the unregulated use of the moving picture, have been noted. To these must be added the following results of the statistical enquiry, covering the cases of 3,852 pupils of their local Board schools, undertaken by the Stavanger Teachers’ Association. It proved that the biograph theatres had been used as schools of crime, with the result, that a great number of children confined in reformatories or houses of correction, owed their presence there, to the incitements of criminal films. Forty-six primary teachers testified to the cinematograph leading to thieving. Petty theft, indeed, has enormously increased amongst their scholars since the introduction of the cinematograph. To this must be added instances of coarseness, directly referred to moving pictures, calculated to show up the lower instincts.” Neither the Spectator nor the Stavanger Teachers’ Association can, we presume, be charged with excessive puritanic ideas, and their indictment is therefore all the more damaging. A great deal more might be said against these picture palaces, but it is sufficient to notice meantime, that they are a serious menace to the community, and in their patrons is fulfilled the Scripture, “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”
Free Church Induction at Inverness—”Brothers-in-Arms.”—The Rev. John Macleod, M.A., late Professor in the Free Church College, Edinburgh, was induced to the pastorate of the Free North Church, Inverness, on Wednesday, 23rd July. The induction services were largely attended. After these were over, a luncheon was given in the Northern Meeting Rooms. To this repast it would appear that Ministers of the Established and United Free Churches were invited, and several of them were reported as having been present and taken part in the proceedings. An Established Church minister said grace at the beginning, and a United Free Church minister pronounced the benediction at the end, while other representatives of these bodies made speeches in the course of the afternoon, all congratulating the Free North Church on the new pastorate, and extending a welcome to the new minister. Principal McCulloch of the Free Church, who proposed the sentiment of “other denominations,” said that they were “all brothers-in-arms working for the same Master.” At a social meeting given to the children in the evening, the Rev. A. A. Cooper, of the United Free High Church, delivered an address.
Now, what is to be said as to all this friendly co-operation on the part of representatives of the present Free Church with members of these other bodies whose principles and practices they profess to condemn and witness against? Is this the Free Protestant Church of Scotland which made a stand for truth in 1843? We think not. Principal M’Culloch said they were all brothers-in-arms working for the same Master, and yet several, if not all, of the ministers referred to stand for all that is new and unscriptural in doctrine and worship among the Churches of to-day. If Principal M’Culloch and his friends regard themselves as “brothers-in-arms” with such men, they are very inconsistent Free Churchmen indeed, and ought never to have taken up a separate position. People at a distance who know no better, or people near who deliberately shut their eyes to the actual facts of the situation, may regard the present Free Church as a loyal representative of the Church of 1843, but they are sadly mistaken.
“Forewarned is Forearmed”—Warning to Girls.—
The National Vigilance Association (8 Bank Street, Edinburgh, and 12 Dalhousie Street, Glasgow) has issued the following warnings to girls, in leaflet form (6d. per 100):—”Owing to thousands of innocent girls being led into great danger each year through ignorance, we would warn you—1. Never speak to strangers, either men or women, in the street, in shops, in stations, in trains, in lonely country roads, or in places of amusement. 2. Never ask the way of any but officials on duty, such as policemen, railway officials, or postmen. 3. Never loiter or stand about alone in the street, and if accosted by a stranger (whether man or woman) walk towards the nearest policeman. 4. Never consent to accompany a woman home who apparently faints in the street, but call a policeman, and leave the case to him. 5. Never accept a lift offered by a stranger, in a motor, or taxi-cab, or vehicle of any description. 6. Never go to an address given by a stranger, or enter any house, restaurant, or place of amusement on the invitation of a stranger. 7. Never go with a stranger (however dressed) who brings a story of your friends having suffered from accident or being suddenly taken ill, as this is a common device to kidnap girls. 8. Never accept sweets, food, or drink offered by a stranger. 9. Never take a situation away from home, and especially abroad, without first making strict enquiries. 10. Never go to any town, for even one night, without knowing of some safe lodging. 11. Never emigrate without first applying for information and advice to some person whom you can trust, such as your own minister.”
Booklets re Wm. Huntington, S.S.—Messrs. Farncombe & Sons, London, E.C., have sent us two booklets that have been issued in connection with the centenary of Mr. Huntington. The first is “A Condensed Report of the William Huntington
Centenary Services, held on Tuesday, 1st July, 1913, at Grove Chapel, Camberwell, London, S.E.” This Report contains sermons by Messrs. Hazelton and Hallett, and speeches by Messrs. Sinden, Brooke, Beddow, Mortimer, and Atherton, also six letters by Huntington himself. Those who are acquainted with Huntington’s writings may be interested to know what ministers of the Calvinistic school in England to-day (who are few and far between) have to say about the coalheaver who became a powerful minister of the Gospel. Though we may not endorse every single sentence in these addresses, yet they contain much sound matter worthy of perusal. The price is 3d.; postage $\frac{1}{2}$ d. extra.
The second booklet is an “Account of the Life of William Huntington, S.S.,” drawn up chiefly from “his own words,” by Mr. F. J. Farncombe. Here we have a brief compendium of Huntington’s career at the cheap price of one penny; postage, $\frac{1}{2}$ d. extra. The writer narrates at some length Huntington’s remarkable early experiences of conviction of sin and enlightenment in the knowledge of Christ, as also his many trials in providence. To those who have only heard the name of Huntington, this booklet affords an easy means of becoming acquainted with his character and career. It also presents a good form of literature to put into the hands of young people on the Lord’s Day. The numerous striking incidents recorded are fitted to arrest their attention and, by the blessing of God, to abidingly impress their minds. Twelve copies may be had at 1/, post free. Address: 30 Imperial Buildings, London, E.C.
“Exposition of the Seven Seals and Seven Vials.”—We desire to call attention to the fact that the Rev. D. Macfarlane, F.P. Manse, Dingwall, has some hundred copies still in hand of this “Exposition,” and is now willing to dispose of them at the reduced price of 3d. each and 2/6 per dozen, all post free. They may be had from the Author or from the Editor of this Magazine.