Chapter 41—Popular Methods of Appeal
We see the churches of our day encouraging feasting, gluttony, and
dissipation, by the suppers, fairs, dances, and festivals gotten up for
the purpose of gathering means into the church treasury. Here is a
method invented by carnal minds to secure means without sacrificing.
Such an example makes an impression upon the minds of youth.
They notice that lotteries and fairs and games are sanctioned by the
church, and they think there is something fascinating in this way of
obtaining means. A youth is surrounded by temptations. He enters
the bowling alley, the gambling saloon, to see the sport. He sees the
money taken by the one who wins. This looks enticing. It seems an
easier way of obtaining money than by earnest work, which requires
persevering energy and strict economy. He imagines there can be no
harm in this; for similar games have been resorted to in order to obtain
means for the benefit of the church. Then why should he not help
himself in this way?
He has a little means, which he ventures to invest, thinking it may
bring in quite a sum. Whether he gains or loses, he is in the downward
road to ruin. But it was the example of the church that led him into the
false path.
Lame and Diseased Offerings
Let us stand clear of all these church corruptions, dissipations, and
festivals, which have a demoralizing influence upon young and old.
We have no right to throw over them the cloak of sanctity because
the means is to be used for church purposes. Such offerings are lame
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and diseased, and bear the curse of God. They are the price of souls.
The pulpit may defend festivals, dancing, lotteries, fairs, and luxurious
feasts, to obtain means for church purposes; but let us participate in
none of these things; for if we do, God’s displeasure will be upon us.
We do not propose to appeal to the lust of the appetite or resort to
carnal amusements as an inducement to Christ’s professed followers
to give of the means which God has entrusted to them. If they do not
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