In the religious prints we see a general complaint of coldness and destitution of the Spirit and Revival influence. But if we look at the sure word of prophecy, we find it was to be so in the last days. Jesus, in his list of signs of the end of the world, says: “And because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold.” Matt. xxiv : 12.
And the Apostle Paul in his nineteen characteristics of the last days, gives the following: “Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having the form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” 2 Tim. 3: 4, 5.
With these striking predictions we have only to look around to behold one of the most striking fulfillments of prophecy ever known. Indeed it is so evident that few will deny the facts, as applied to the popular religionists of the present day. Dr. Stone of San Francisco, who is called the Beecher of the Pacific coast, as reported in the New York Observer, says: “The newspaper is more feared to-day in Congressional halls and the high places of corruption and villainy, than the laws and courts, the sting of conscience and Divine wrath.” This is only another form of saying that exposure is what men dread more than the moral consequences of their crimes. The evidences are too patent to be questioned that not only public men, but multitudes of others, have no fear of God or of eternal perdition before their eyes. The moral sense seems to be sadly wanting in the public mind, and the dread sanctions of religion to be less and less powerful to restrain men. Our hope for the reformation of society, and even for the preservation of the good that remains, is in the gospel and in the Spirit of God. We need a revival of pure and undefiled religion, throughout our land and throughout the world. ‘Thy kingdom come,’ must be the earnest prayer of all who look or hope for the betterment of society.”
The religious lotteries and gambling so generally persisted in by most of the fashionable churches, after it has been condemned by Governors of States and many others in high standing, is unmistakable proof that they are indeed, “lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.” Every worldly device to attract the crowds and obtain money is resorted to, so all kinds of schemes and theatricals are planned, and it seems they are regarded as a grand success. The following, clipped from the San Francisco Daily Call, is a specimen:
PRESBYTERIAN FESTIVAL.
“The large Music Hall was crowded full last evening by our citizens, to witness the peculiar programme offered by the managers of the festival. The singing by the ladies and gentlemen was very fine, and the music by the San Jose Silver Band of a high order. The farce was one of the most comical affairs that has ever been attempted in San Jose. The text was the Mother Goose rhymes, each verse being represented by some of the ladies or gentlemen, with appropriate and picturesque costumes. In the character of the “Old Woman that Lived in the Shoe,” there was a little shaver dressed to resemble the “white-hat philosopher,” with a copy of the Tribune under his arm, and his letter of acceptance in his hand. This character was received with great applause, as the personation was good.”
Prof. Finney, of Oberlin College, testifies as follows.
“Spiritual apathy is almost all-pervading and is fearfully deep; so the religious press of the whole land testifies. It comes to our ears and our eyes, also through the religious prints, that extensively church members are becoming devotees of fashion—join hands with the ungodly in parties of pleasure, in dancing, in festivals, etc. But we need not expand this painful subject. Suffice it that the evidence thickens and rolls heavily upon us to show that the churches are becoming sadly degenerated. They have gone very far from the Lord and he has withdrawn himself from them.”
And this is only a specimen of many that might be cited from men in high standing; but the fact is so patent to all that we need not give more evidence. Too well do we all know there has been a moral fall, and that pride, fashion, love of money, and pleasure are the rule and not the exception in most of the churches of the day. What shall we say then? Are we not in the perils of the last days? And is not the end near? Is it not time to wake out of sleep and discern the signs of the times?
Let all take warning and watch and prepare and be ready, for in such an hour as men think not of it the Son of man cometh. There is too much at stake to be indifferent. Eternal life is to be gained or lost, and a short probation now will decide the question with us forever. To be ready we must take heed of the warnings given of the dangers and duties of the present time. The prophecies and signs are fulfilled before our eyes, and the warning is given that all may be without excuse. The sword is coming. Be wise and escape. M. E. CORNELL.