Joking Ministers by Bishop Hamline

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 29, 1867

Joking Ministers.

By Bishop Hamline

You speak of wit and humor, of jokes and anecdotes among ministers. Alas! I cannot dwell here. If there be not a speedy end to them, the church is marred if not undone. I can only say, keep away from these joking ministers, or get them converted to God.

Swearing and joking are somewhat different, and the former is reputed more profane; but as to religion, after much experience and observation, I have no doubt that they are equally sure to kill religion out of their souls, make the heart, so far as spiritual graces are concerned, a desert waste. A friend suggests a thought, namely: “When I was young, Methodist ministers were so solemn in all their words and actions, that sinners trembled in their presence. But now the most worldly and wicked can meet some of our preachers and play off their jokes on them, as if sure of being received in the spirit of ‘Hail fellow, well met.’”

Is it not too true? O, my brother, let us die rather than contribute one syllable or glance to perpetuate those practices, which are breaking Zion with breach upon breach, and threaten her with a fearful overthrow! Let us watch and pray, lest we enter into temptation.—Bishop Hamline.