p. 187 | WHAT NEXT? by GEO. S. REICHARD

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 13, 1878

WHAT NEXT?

By GEO. S. REICHARD

As the state of society in the last days is spoken of by the sacred writers as a sign, and as we are commanded to watch as well as pray, do we not well to notice to what extent professors of religion are led by their covetousness and love of pleasures?

More than a year ago it entered into the minds of some of our citizens to have a large cemetery in our midst, and dispense with small graveyards. Certain persons were therefore chosen to buy the land and see that everything was properly done. Four acres of land were bought, and according to contract had to be fenced within a specified time. The ground was surveyed, cut into lots, and offered for sale. Nearly enough money was raised in that way to fence the ground; there was, however, a small sum to be raised yet, which these men thought could be done by having an “oyster supper.” The plan was soon carried out.

This was rather a stunning blow to our moral sensibilities. We could not forbear to exclaim: “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things?” But imagine our utter astonishment, when the announcement was made that still they lacked some money, which they were going to raise by another “oyster supper” and a dance. A dancing party and oyster suppers to raise money to inclose a place to bury the dead! Said a young man, “I know that I am wicked and love dancing, but I am not going to dance for that purpose.” The oysters were eaten, the dance continued all night, even till daylight; yet still they lack some money. What next?

GEO. S. REICHARD.

York Co., Neb.