“OPEN AIR MEETINGS”—AT—ELDRIDGE PARK,
By J. H. W.
Sunday Afternoon, June 29, 1873. Updegraff’s full Brass Band will be in Attendance Cars on the Erie Railway will leave Water St. Crossing at 3.30 P. M., stopping at Depot and Washington Avenue Crossing, and will run every thirty minutes to the Lake, up to 5 P. M., and returning, will leave the Lake as soon as services are over, and will run every thirty minutes up to 7.30 P. M. Fare each way, 5 cents. Round trip, 10 cents.” There can be no doubt of this notice accomplishing the object of modern preaching—gathering a crowd, and producing a temporary sensation. But who of all the curiosity seekers will go home from their Sunday trip more deeply impressed with the sinfulness of their own hearts, and the vanity of earthly things? How many will mistake the excitement of the day and occasion for religious interest? The Judgment day will rend the veil from this sensational and pleasure-loving piety, to the consternation of many deceived ones. It is no pleasure to notice the declension of piety in the churches around us. But it is a duty to mark the fulfillment of prophecy, and to heed its warnings. The Saviour said, “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” We are in danger from these surrounding influences. “Evil communications corrupt good manners.” It is natural to conform to custom; it is crossing to break away from the ways and influence of our neighbors, especially if their influence is that of professed Christianity. Let us, while beholding these things, heed the divine admonition, “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.” 2 Pet. 3:17. J. H. W.