Take These Things Hence

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 31, 1914

Take These Things Hence

An article in a recent number of the Evangelical contrasts the value in gospel work of music rendered by non-Christian choirs compared with the preaching of the gospel, etc. It declares:—

The custom of taking so much precious time for the making of announcements concerning trivial matters is positively ruinous to worship. The pulpit is not a bulletin board to advertise oyster suppers and catchpenny shows. Take these things hence! Our Father’s house is a house of worship and of prayer. Give room and time for the preaching of the gospel. No music draws like that. No ritual attracts like that. The hope of the world lies here, in the preaching of the everlasting gospel of the Son of God.

We need to guard our own church services that too much time is not devoted to the making of nonessential announcements. Many times nearly half an hour is consumed in the making of announcements concerning various things connected directly or indirectly with the affairs of the church. Of course it is necessary to bring many things pertaining to church affairs before the congregation for their instruction and to secure their cooperation, but we should be careful that questions which have no direct or important bearing on the interests of the church shall not intrude themselves into the services on Sabbath morning.