Self-indulgence in Religion’s Garb
Professed Christians engage in feastings and in scenes of amuse-
ment which degrade the religion of Jesus Christ. It is impossible for
those who find pleasure in church socials, festivals, and numerous
gatherings for pleasure, to have ardent love and sacred reverence for
Jesus. His words of warning and instruction have no weight upon
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their minds. Should Christ come into the assembly of those who were
absorbed in their plays and frivolous amusements, would the solemn
melody of His voice be heard in benediction, saying, “Peace be to this
house”? How would the Saviour of the world enjoy these scenes of
gaiety and folly?
Christians and the world unite, one in heart and one in spirit, in
these festal occasions. The Man of sorrows, who was acquainted with
grief, would find no welcome in these places of amusement. The lovers
of pleasure and luxury, the thoughtless and the gay, are collected in
these rooms, and the glitter and tinsel of fashion are seen everywhere.
The ornament of crosses of gold and pearl, which represent a Redeemer
crucified, adorn their persons. But the One whom these highly prized
jewels represent finds no welcome, no room. His presence would be
a restraint upon their mirth and their sensual amusements, and would
remind them of neglected duty, and bring to their remembrance hidden
sins which caused that sorrowful countenance and made those eyes so
sad and tearful.
The presence of Christ would be positively painful in these gath-
erings for pleasure. Surely, none could invite Him there, for His
countenance is marred with sorrows more than the sons of men, be-
cause of these very amusements which put God out of mind and make
the broad road attractive to the sinner. The enchantments of these
exciting scenes pervert reason and destroy reverence for sacred things.
Ministers who profess to be Christ’s representatives frequently take
the lead in these frivolous amusements. “Ye are,” says Christ, “the
light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may
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see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven.”
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