p. 533 | No Self-Sacrifice by Vexa

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 3, 1885

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 34

No Self-Sacrifice.

By Vexa

THERE is too little hard work, coupled with self-sacrifice, among church-members. This may sound strange, in view of the many wide-awake, active men and women always occupied with some religious matter, but when you allude to it their almost invariable answer is, “I love to do it.” “Was it interesting?” This is the first question asked of the sermon, prayer-meeting, or Sunday-school. We hear about “making it interesting for the young,” doing something to interest the children,” till it seems as if there could be no instruction not combined with amusement. Everything hinges on enjoyment, and the yearly round of religious pleasures cumulates in a visit to Chautauqua, or some other picnic ground. Because our ancestors had none of these modern comforts, we think our condition is much better than theirs; but, alas, we fail to see the fearful inroads Satan is making! I read in a religious paper, that a certain clergyman has received a pastoral call, and the only item worthy of mention in connection with it is this: “He receives $3,000 salary and four weeks’ vacation.” Nothing said concerning Satan’s majority in that parish and the prospect of defeating him. All is about the clergyman’s benefits. But is enjoyment the chief end of a Christian life? Are the days of our warfare accomplished?—Vexa, in the Congregationalist.