The World in the Church.
By Meth. Free Press
It is a sign of weakness when churches publicly resort to worldly expedients in order to sustain congregational life. Charades and private theatricals in church parlors, and similar secular amusements, are poor substitutes for spiritual power. Sociability can be readily promoted, and all legitimate religious ends subserved, by proper agencies. But a serious reaction is sure to follow spurious excitements. The line of separation between the world and the Church is distinctively drawn in the Word of God, and any trespass over this line will bring its penalties. Whatever can promote the divine objects of the Church of Christ is right and good: but it is better to err on the side of known propriety than to venture upon a questionable expediency. The Holy Spirit may be grieved away by the means employed to prosper a church. In these times, particularly, the most urgent need is spiritual life and strength.—Meth. Free Press.