Vainglorying | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Aug 30, 1883

Vainglorying.

WE have seen flyers scattered around the streets, announcing religious meetings to be conducted by one Ben Hogan, "The Reformed Pugilist and Gambler." We are glad that Mr. Hogan has reformed, and hope that his reformation is sincere; if it be so, we see no earthly objection to his becoming a preacher. But we would suggest an improvement in his methods, namely, to stop advertising himself as a reformed pugilist and gambler. We do not believe in one parading his former wickedness, even in the interest of religion. The cause of God has no need of such clap-trap. Imagine, if you can, the apostle Paul seeking to gain notoriety among the Corinthians by advertising himself as "The Reformed Persecutor," or "The man who assisted in the murder of Stephen." The apostle did at times refer with shame to his career as a persecutor, but he was not proud of it; and when any professing Christian can recall the wickedness of his former life with any other feelings than those of the deepest shame and sorrow, it is good evidence that the grace of God has yet more to do on his heart. It is too bad that Christian people will give their influence to such methods of advertising.