p. 784 | Freak Evangelism by J. O. C.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Dec 23, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 49.

Freak Evangelism

By J. O. C.

UNDER date of December 2 there appeared in a Los Angeles daily an account of a certain evangelist in Canada who, becoming chagrined that his audience did not readily respond to what he considered a most powerful sermon on “Hell,” said, “There are more people going to hell in Ontario than anywhere else, and you can all go to hell.” The report goes on to state that the evangelist(?) “then grabbed up his hat and left the church, his startled audience following.”

This may not be a fair sample of the depths to which reputed evangelists often descend in order to move people as they desire, but the evidence is becoming more and more convincing that many engaged in this calling have lost their bearings, or are sadly ignorant of gospel methods for reclaiming the lost. This is a great pity, too, for the people’s sake, who have been taught to regard such as genuine workers for God; because unless they become enlightened on the point, in due time they drift toward infidelity through abiding disgust.

Divine instruction clearly sets forth that the gospel minister should be gentle toward all men, and especially patient toward those who resist the call of God to their souls. The sweet singer of Israel declared that the gentleness of God was that which made him great—that is, gave him enlarged powers. Then let no one be deceived regarding the distorted performances of men calling themselves evangelists. J. O. C.