“Put the ‘Spiles’ Under.”
By Mrs. J. Lovejoy
THE REVIEW of Sept. 9, 1873, contains an article under the above heading, showing that the revivals in the churches have not produced reformations. The reason is obvious. The profession of the present type of religion is fashionable. It does not require any renunciation of earthly vanity or amusements. It says there is no harm in card playing, or dancing, or billiards, or putting on of gold, or costly apparel. Even the pulpit gives a certain sound in that direction, fulfilling prophecy of the last days, viz., “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost.” Eze. 34: 4. There is no cross to take up, no burden to bear; but we will live as we list, and do as we please; for our preachers tell us “we have nothing to do.” Jesus has done all for us, now we can go on enjoying the world to any extent; for “did not God place us here, and give us these things for this very purpose?” Oh! strong delusion of Satan to turn away the heart from works of righteousness, which God has commanded that we should do. I think the above characteristics of the churches tell the reason plainly why “there is no depth” to the revivals. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” The writer of the article under consideration says something is wrong. I think it is easy to see what it is. God’s word sheds all needed light on all questions of like import; also what will become of their building if repairs are neglected. It will be sunk like a great millstone with mystic Babylon, to which it belongs. “Thus saith the Lord, keep ye judgment, and do justice; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it, that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it.”