UNHOLY METHODS by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 30, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 18.

UNHOLY METHODS.

By Editor

There is nothing that shows more clearly the deterioration in religion, the sapping of spiritual life, than the methods and means used by the churches to raise money for church purposes, among which are not a very high class of theatricals, various enterprises involving the principles of gambling, grab-bags, fishing ponds, various “teas,” etc., etc. Among the latest which has come to our notice is a “Poverty Social.” We will not mention the town or state; for it will do no good to those not knowing, and those who are acquainted with the circumstances will recognize the thing if we do not tell them. We have not space for the entire circular. It was “for the benefit of the M. E. Sabbath school.” The invitation and rules are thus printed, verbatim et literatim:—

Cum in your rags. Cum in your tags, otherwise you will be fined the usual sum.

Five cents will let you in if you have no box.

Be ye fat or be ye thin, all are welcome.

Now consider yourselves ax't fur a gud time.

RULS AND REGULASHUNS.

1. All must wear close suitable fur the soci'l.

2. Eny lady what cums must ware a kaliker gown, and aprun or sumthing ekally apropriate.

3. No gent with biled shirt an dood kollar will be aloud to enter unless he pays a fin of 5 cents.

Then follows a list of the articles the wearing of which results in a fine of from one to five cents, and closes with:—

Evry ladi what kums pleas bring substantil Grub Fer Two in a Box.

Poor spelling is not wit. “Poverty socils” are not Christian. It is right enough to appeal to men for money, but let it come freely, and let them feel that they are giving to God and humanity, instead of selfishly buying fun, in which the church will not condemn them, and in which it can not save them.

“And fair and festival—frolics untold— Were held in the place of prayer.”

The word of God declared of those living in the last days, “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof,” that they were “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God,” and enjoined, “From such turn away.” See 2 Tim. 3:1-5.