45. THE GREATEST OF THE IDOLATRIES 323

believer might know the certainty of those things wherein he has been instructed (Luke i. 4).

The final conclusion of this branch of our inquiry, and which brings us to the bottom of the subject, is that the "Science" of the New Theologies is merely one of the names under which Man worships himself. This is the simple and sufficient explanation of the use which is made of the name "Science" in the new theologies, and in all systems which are working towards the establishment of the religion of Humanism, that last and greatest of all the idolatries of the earth—"the depths of Satan."

EVOLUTION

Here we have the name of another idol, closely related to the foregoing, and to which, but a few years back, all but universal homage was paid by the wise and learned of the earth. The entire universe, including the bodies and souls of men, was confidently affirmed to be the product of Evolution. It was indeed conceded by those who fashioned this particular idol, that their god did not create the original substance out of which the universe was fashioned, and that probably he had been supplied from some "unknowable" source with matter, in a nebulous or undifferentiated condition, wherewith to begin the business of creation; but certainly Evolution (so we were told) fashioned everything, animate and inanimate, into what it is to-day:

and, what is more, Evolution has produced this infinite variety of created things out of a single simple kind of material.

In more recent times there has been a rapidly growing disposition among scientific men to discredit the Darwinian theory of origin of species (which is what many people understand by "Evolution"); but, as the controlling principle of the progressive changes in the affairs of humanity, Evolution holds its supreme place in the thought of the learned and wise of the day.

It is with the religious aspect of Evolution that we have to do, and into this we would thoroughly inquire.

It is no figure of speech to say that this abstraction is exalted in men's minds to the place of Divinity. Not only is Evolution credited with directing the progress of humanity thus far, but it is trusted to carry that progress on to a triumphant conclusion.

In one of the most prominent pulpits of New York

City, it was recently asserted that Evolution is the

Hope of mankind. How different this from the revelation which the Bible gives of "the Hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel" (Col. i. 5)! The

Bible tells also of "the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our

Hope" (1 Tim. i. 1); but the aim of those who have left the old foundations is ever to put something in the place of Christ. This preacher, and others of his school,

"THE NEW INSPIRATION"

bid their congregations look to Evolution, instead of to Christ, for all the improvement and blessing that is to come to man and his world.

It is easy to see where this leads. In the manual of The Religion of Humanity it is asserted that "Socialism is the Evolution of the human race from cannibalism and savagery to fraternalism and philanthropy, from the infamy of the swine to the splendour of God."

In Dr. Broda's article, from which we have quoted, and in which he discusses comprehensively the religious movements now in progress throughout the world, it is distinctly asserted that—

"not all the theories of modern science are of equal significance from the point of view of religious development; indeed, it is pre-eminently only one concept which could arouse the necessary enthusiasm and devotion, and give a basis on which to construct a new moral ideal, THE THEORY OF EVOLUTION. This fundamental doctrine, which entails the belief that progress is the law of being of all that is in nature, including man himself, must be the new inspiration."

This clearly states the place which Evolution is to occupy in the coming religion of Humanism. It is the only concept to which the apostles of Humanism can look to supply the necessary enthusiasm and devotion for religious service. Dr. Broda further says:—

"But more than this, Evolution, in demonstrating the Unity of Nature, also proves the Brotherhood of the World, the solidarity of Creation, and so gives us the foundation for a new moral idea, and lifts us out of the utilitarianism which would make it appear that our best endeavours are only of benefit to what is sectional and transitory."

Surely Evolution is a mighty power if it does all this. He continues:—

"And so the Theory of Evolution gives us a new conception of the universe, a new conception of the aim of life, and provides a new theory of ethics, and is thus eminently fitted for becoming the basis for a new manifestation of the religious spirit."

If again we should ask where Evolution is to be found, and where and how its favours are to be secured, we shall inquire in vain; for this wonder-working "Theory" is but a creation of man's vain imagination, of whose existence or operation in nature, outside of human affairs, no trace has ever been found.

In studying the features of Humanism, the universal religion of the future, one is naturally curious to know by what services and religious exercises its devotees will conduct their worship. With the advent of a religion so grand and magnificent as its prophets describe, and which is worthy to replace all the historic religions of the world, one would expect a corresponding

THE POVERTY OF HUMANISM improvement upon the formularies, sacred writings, and devotional practice of Christianity. It is not to be supposed that the great religion of Humanism, gathering its devotees around the inspiring idea of Evolution, would content itself with a weak dilution and feeble caricature of the words of the discarded Book, from whose thraldom humanity shall have been fully emancipated. Yet this is all that the writer of *The Religion of Humanity* has to offer, as witness the following:—

BENEDICTION

"May the Love of Humanity, which is the highest, purest, most unselfish love that Humankind can know, keep alive in our Souls the Sacred Fire of High Resolve, nourish our Minds upon the Manna of generous and uplifting Thought, and strengthen our Hands to helpful, kindly Service. And may the Blessings of Liberty, Justice and Equity, of Peace, Happiness and Prosperity, of Equality, Co-operation, and Comradeship, be upon us and upon our Children's Children's Children, from this Time forth Forevermore." And this:—

"THE DOXOLOGY OF LOVE"

"Praise Love, who slayeth Hate and Wrong, Praise Him in Word, and Deed and Song;

His Blessing be on Age and Youth,

With Justice, Liberty and Truth.

All Hail the People in their Might!

All Hail the Victory of Right!

The Glory of the Common Good,

Dear Love and Joy of Comradehood!"

Surely this invocation to the string of idols upon whom these poor idolaters call, manifests even less intelligence than was displayed of old by the fervid religionists who cried, "Baal, hear us! Baal, hear us!" or by those who raised the cry at Ephesus, for a space of two hours, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians." Surely we may feel much pity for those who know no purer or higher love than that of Humanity, and whose only vehicles for the expression of their religious worship are the disfigured and scarcely recognizable husks of ancient Christian formularies, from which all the substance has been eliminated. As to the outward forms of the coming new religion, Dr. Broda says: —

"The Christian institution of Sunday has proved itself serviceable, as has the Protestant order of service, with its congregational singing, so well adapted towards creating an atmosphere of brotherhood, enthusiasm, devotion, and piety."

But Dr. Broda does not give a specimen of the hymns which such a gathering would sing in praise of the Theory of Evolution. It is difficult to imagine

THE UNRIGHTEOUS MAMMON them singing, for example, "Praise Evolution from which all blessings flow," even though that would accurately express the creed of the worshippers.

It is just here that the prophets of the coming era show a lack of foresight. When men worship, they must worship a PERSONALITY. The great author of religions, the spirit of Evil, who is back of all these religious activities, has his own plans for the worship of his dupes; and he will assuredly put those plans into operation when the time comes. The sure word of prophecy speaks plainly on this point: "And they worshipped THE DRAGON" (Rev. xiii. 4). "And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the FIRST BEAST whose deadly wound was healed" (ver. 12). MONEY

One more of the numerous gods of our day should be noticed, namely, the unrighteous Mammon; but the notice at this place may be brief, for the reason that the subject has already been touched upon; and, furthermore, the idolatry of covetousness needs not to be specially pointed out, for it is quite flagrant and undisguised. Every candid and competent observer of our times will admit that the pursuit of money is the chief concern of the day, and that money occupies the first place in the regard of the majority of men and women in the centres of the civilization of our time. Money is more and more filling the place of a god in the thoughts and affections of man. The adoring tributes paid to Science, Evolution, Liberty, Peace, Fraternity, etc., are largely sentimental. The devotion paid to Mammon is heartfelt, practical, and intensely real. It carries with it the thoughts, hearts, and energies of its devotees. Into the pursuit of money the Mammon-worshipper throws himself with an intensity of passionate devotion; and in his thoughts about money he sets practically no limits to its powers. God demands the first place in the hearts of His people. To love God with all the heart and soul and mind, is the first and great commandment. Money is, therefore, made a god by all who give it the first place in their affections. It has, moreover, such a power of laying hold of the affections and confidence of men, that the Lord's people need to be searched by the light of His truth to see whether they love Him more than their money, and desire Him more than they covet the money of other people. There is in money a subtle power to steal away from God the confidence of His people. Money is also a god to those who put their trust in it; and many seek it, not for the sake of procuring supplies to meet their bodily needs and desires, but

THE POWERS OF WEALTH for the power and influence it confers upon its possessors.

. Furthermore, money is a god in that it bestows honours, dignities, and rank upon those who serve it best. The aristocracy of to-day is not so much that of rank, or of brains, or of culture, as that of wealth. What separates humanity into distinct classes is the fact of their having or not having money. Small wonder is it then that we see the multitudes zealously and fervently engaged in the service of Mammon, the financial interest taking the foremost place in the affairs of the world, and the nomenclature of money becoming that part of human language which is most in use. There are probably no two substantives that are more frequently used in the conversations of the day than "money" and "business." This idolatry has infected the Lord's people, who have been often seduced to set their hearts upon, and put their trust in, uncertain riches rather than in the living God. When anything is to be done, the first thought often is, not, "Is this the Lord's mind?" (though He will surely supply the need of all His own work) but, "How much money will it take?" In many ways, of which it is not necessary to multiply instances, the thought is expressed that, if only there were enough money, this or that result could be accomplished for God. But the need of the Lord is not for money. His need is rather for willing hearts and fully consecrated lives. It is for the lack of these that His work lags, and the gospel is not carried into "the regions beyond." God is not straitened in His finances, but in the hearts of His people. Oh, that they, who have received His unspeakable gift, might realize that they are debtors "both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise" (Rom. i. 14), and might diligently seek opportunity to discharge that debt by communicating to those, on whose behalf they have received the Gospel in trust, the knowledge of the salvation that is in Christ Jesus! The service of mammon is utterly incompatible with the service of God, for the Lord has said, "Ye cannot serve God and Mammon" (Matt. vi. 24); and none have greater need to understand this than they who justify in their own eyes the pursuit and love of money by the vain thought of using it in the Lord's work. It is to His own people that Christ addresses this warning.

In Luke xvi. 13-15, there is a most pertinent and timely message, in which again the principle is stated, "Ye cannot serve God and Mammon." But the Pharisees, "who were covetous, heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly

AN IMAGE OF GOLD esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God."

The Pharisee was most scrupulous and exact in giving his tithes, and his conduct in this respect would pass in the eyes of men as beyond criticism. But it is not the money, but the heart, that God would possess. There is nothing, in our day at least, that is more highly esteemed among men than money, and this is expressly declared by Christ to be ABOMINATION, that is to say, an IDOL in the sight of God.

Also, it is pertinent to recall that the image which was once set up by the world-ruler, Nebuchadnezzar, for universal worship, was an image of gold. And when again the world-ruler, who is to exercise authority over "all kindreds and tongues and nations," shall set up an image for universal worship (Rev. xiii. 15), it will be an image of gold, in that it will represent the great system which man has organized for the creation of wealth. This is the abomination or idol that maketh desolate, spoken of by Daniel the prophet. Against the worship of this idol there is need just at this time to call out the most urgent and solemn warnings. Religion, in its last stage of utter corruption, enters, as we have seen, into a combination or intimate association with mammon, thus forming the great System or Consolidation with its dual aspect, religious and commercial. This prodigious association is, I doubt not, the culmination of "Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of the Harlots and Abominations of the Earth" (Rev. xvii. 5). In this evil system, the complete union of religion and mammon wherein money-getting is made into a religion of universal scope, we find traffic of every sort, embracing all kinds of commodities from "gold and silver" to "slaves and souls (or lives) of men" (Rev. xviii. 12, 18).

And what we desire chiefly to emphasize is the power, which the vision that men's eyes are now catching, of this magnificent and imposing system, has of deceiving all whose eyes have not been fully opened to recognize that the world, with all its fair appearance, and in spite of its religious garb and its ornaments of philanthropy and altruism, is the enemy of God, a prodigy of deception and falsehood, with nothing but disappointments for those who trust it; and that it is corrupt from top to bottom and from centre to circumference. Nevertheless, many who truly "belong to Christ" are entangled in this system of Antichrist, and are consuming their energies in the futile attempt "to make the world better." So will it be to the end; for the last call of Scripture which God addresses to His people is given to those who are yet, like Lot in Sodom, lingering in Great Babylon on the eve of her overthrow: "Come out of her, MY PEOPLE, that ye be not partaker of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" (Rev. xviii. 4).