They Set a Trap | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 14, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 19.

“They Set a Trap.”

A ROLLER skating-rink is kept by the (not very) Rev. Edward D. Kelsay, of the Seventh Presbyterian Church, New York City, next door to the church of which he is pastor. April 11, a girl was arrested and charged with stealing a pair of skates; and though innocent she was locked up all night. In discharging the poor girl next morning the police justice said to the preacher, “As I understand the prayer it is ‘Lead us not into temptation.’ I do not think that roller skating-rinks carry out the sentiment of that prayer.” That judge certainly had the right of it. But what a pitiful preacher that must be! Are not such as he referred to in Jer. 5:26: “For among my people are found wicked men; they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.” And what of the church that retains such a man? Are those people such as are described in Jer. 5:30, 31? “A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so; and what will ye do in the end thereof?” Certainly there is room there for the exercise of the grace of repentance, as described by Paul: “What carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge!” 2 Cor. 7:11.