A Prosperous Condition by W. H. Blaisdell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 23, 1872

“A Prosperous Condition.”

By W. H. Blaisdell

The Lewiston Weekly Journal of March 21, gives a description of the annual festival of the Congregational church of Winthrop, Me., which was held on the evening of the 14th.

Among the remarks made by the correspondent who informs the Journal in regard to this church festival are the following:—

“This church was established in 1795, and has now an enrolled membership of one hundred and seventy-five names. There were present on this occasion a large and goodly number of its active members, including the young, the middle-aged, and those of threescore years and ten. There were several persons present who have been members for fifty years, and a still larger number of thirty and forty years’ standing.

“This church is in a prosperous condition under the labors of its efficient and faithful pastor. . . . . A most bountiful antiquarian supper was served at eight of the clock, at which about one hundred plates were laid. The tables were tastefully arranged, and were literally loaded down with the most tempting food. After the most ample justice had been done to this supper, several gentlemen were called upon for toasts. The festival was enlivened by most excellent music, led by the veteran and accomplished music teacher.

“The most amusing scene of the evening was the selection of partners for supper. This being leap year, the ladies were accorded the greatest privilege—not of choosing their partners by ballot, but of drawing a ballot from a hat, upon which was the name of a partner. This made curious work, and created some sport. Old gray-headed men, pillars in the church for half a century, were led to the table by young misses in their teens, the lambs of the flock—while young men in the prime of life were seated beside, and helped by, elderly ladies old enough to be their grandmothers.

“Taken as a whole, this festival was one long to be remembered for its social enjoyment and the general good feeling manifested by the company.”

I wonder if the founders of this church, in 1795, would have considered such a festival an evidence of its prosperous condition; and still later, if these gray-haired men and women, who fifty years ago were the lambs of the flock, were then taught that the fold of Christ could be justified in allowing such transactions within its sacred precincts.

Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27. Did ever Jesus engage in such festivals? We are informed of his tears and prayers, of his anxiety and burden for perishing humanity, but not of his leaving his Father’s business, at any time, to engage in such scenes of pleasure and amusement. Did ever his apostles take part in church festivals? Peter says, “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21. Do we find worldly pleasure and honor while walking in the footsteps of Jesus?

“In thy footsteps traced before us, There we see earth’s scorn and frown; There is suffering ere the glory, There’s a cross before the crown.”

Who that reads 2 Tim. 3:1–6, can but believe that we live in the days mentioned by Paul, when those who have the form of godliness, but deny the power thereof, are “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”

W. H. BLAISDELL.