The Tercentenary of the Kirk of Shotts Revival.
Three hundred years ago on the 21st June a revival took place at the Kirk of Shotts under the preaching of John Livingstone, at the time a probationer, which was signally the work of God’s Holy Spirit. The story of how John Livingstone was asked to preach, his deep soul travail ere he preached his sermon, his reluctance to face the duties before him has often been told. We have seen the exact spot pointed out where the young preacher turned back to deliver his message which was to have such blessed results. It is said that over 500 were added to the Church on that occasion. It was a day of the right hand of the Son of Man. So profound was the impression made by it on the religious people of Scotland that Monday ever afterwards was set apart on Communion seasons as a day of Thanksgiving. This goodly custom, as our readers know, is still observed in the Highlands on Communion occasions.
Oberammergau Passion Play.
In these days of drift one may almost look for anything but we must say it did surprise us to see in “Life and Work,” the Church of Scotland organ, a descriptive article of this play. That such an article should find a place in a Presbyterian organ is almost incredible and we waited in the fond hope that it would call forth vigorous protests from the Church but we are not aware that it did. How Protestants can patronise such a play where the dread scenes of Gethesemane and Calvary are enacted is beyond our comprehension. Rome is getting her work done for her in quarters where other things might be expected.
The L.M.S. and Skye Sabbath Excursions.
The L.M.S. seem determined to break down as far as they can any trace of Sabbatarianism lingering in Skye if they can manage it. They are a powerful wealthy corporation but they should never forget that there are more potent forces at work in the world than wealth and if the daring efforts of this Company will awaken these forces they may discover that they are faced with a situation which neither they nor others will be able to control.
Lord’s Day Society Report.
One of the Annual Reports to reach us is the interesting record of the Lord’s Day Observance Society entitled “Our Year Book.” The book, which is well printed and contains a number of illustrations, is something more than an Annual Report; it is a vade mecum of facts and figures for lovers of the Lord’s Day. Instance after instance is given illustrating how the Society’s workers have been instrumental, under God, in stopping much Sabbath desecration such as “Sunday” Cabarets, “Sunday” Motor Races, “Sunday” Prize Fights, and so on. “Our Year Book” is commended to the notice of our readers, and may be obtained for sixpence post free from the Lord’s Day Observance Society, 22 Red Lion Square, London, W.C.1.
Scotland Disgraced.
The “Glasgow Rangers,” a representative “Scottish Football Team,” has been touring Canada and U.S.A. It is reported in the press, that in some cities, they held matches on Sabbath. On 22nd June they played in New York, before a gathering of 12,000 people. Lovers of the Lord’s Day, at home and abroad, must feel grieved at such flagrant disregard of the Day that commemorates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a disgrace to Scotland that such took place and to U.S.A. that it was permitted. Though hand join in hand the wicked will not go unpunished.—W. G.
The Bible in New York Schools.
The law permits the reading of the Bible, without comment by teachers, in New York Schools. The “Free Thinkers,” have employed well-known lawyers to take up this in the Supreme Court with a view to banishing the Bible entirely from the Schools.
It is doubtful if they will succeed in their efforts. The book needed, above all others, in schools and homes is the Bible. “It is a lamp unto the feet and a light unto the path.”—W. G.
Canada and Sabbath Newspapers.
The Lord’s Day Act of Canada makes the sale of Sabbath newspapers illegal. It punishes the employer and the employed who break this law.—W. G.