Church Amusements by F.

Signs Publishing Co. · Melbourne, Victoria · Jun 14, 1920

FromAustraliasian Signs of the Times, Vol. 35, No. 24.

Church Amusements

By F.

A CABLE from Chicago, dated March 15 reads thus:— “Methodist ministers are tugging at the leash provided by paragraph 280 of the general laws of the Church which deals with ‘imprudent acts.’ At a meeting of 150 pastors today there was not a dissenting vote when a resolution passed asking that paragraph 280 be abolished.”

The Church rule with which these clerics are in such open quarrel forbids ordained ministers of the Methodist Church attending theatres, partaking of alcoholic liquors, and indulging in card playing, gambling, and dancing. During the meeting at least one dozen ministers expressed their opinions, which were all to the same effect and which the San Francisco Chronicle of March 16, 1920, summarised thus:—

This law does not help the Church. On the contrary it keeps away persons who otherwise might belong to the Church. Ministers are human and appreciate the enjoyment derived from theatres—and other things.

Surely we are living in a time when the solemn admonition given by the Apostle Paul to Titus should be carefully studied by all—including those ministers of the gospel who are seeking out after “the world, the flesh, and the devil.” Said the apostle:—

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and selfish lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11-13.

The world today is looking for leaders, which are needed nowhere so much as in the world of spiritual things; but how can we expect the world to become righteous when the teachers of the flock refuse to “live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world”? This clamouring for permission to be of the world as well as in the world is but another indication of the nearness of the end. It is indeed a sign of the times. F.