p. 117 | ICHABOD by Frank Hope

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 24, 1887

ICHABOD.

By Frank Hope

THE ways and means employed by popular churches to make their services attractive are reaching a point that is almost incredible. It would seem that more iniquity is carried on under the garb of Christianity than is perpetrated by the most point-blank infidels. The prophet Jeremiah states this fact in speaking of professors of religion in the last days; says he, “They are waxen fat, they shine; yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked.” In the professed Christian world of to-day there exists an almost unquenchable thirst for excitement, a desire for something new. Up to the present time this craving has been in a measure appeased by such eccentricities as the preaching of reformed drunkards, etc., while an extra inducement to spirituality has been occasionally offered in the shape of an evangelical pugilist or a converted cowboy.

It could, however, be said of these preachers that they made a pretense of preaching the Bible, but now in many places the Bible is altogether discarded. The thirst for novelty demands a greater stimulant, and the Bible is now foreign to many a popular sermon. It is not uncommon for ministers to give for a sermon such topics as, “A Tour in Italy” or an account of some foreign country, or, perhaps, some other entertainment. For example, the writer on three different occasions visited one of these popular and fashionable churches, once at the weekly prayer-meeting and twice on the regular Sunday evening service. The first time a Bulgarian, in full Oriental costume, gave an interesting, and in some parts laughable account of the customs and manners of his people. The next evening service consisted partly of some reminiscences given by a converted Jew and his wife from Joppa (both dressed in a most fantastic garb); the rest of the entertainment being made up of recitations by a well-drilled choir, to which the congregation listened with a listless, dilettant air, but who well appreciated the evening’s service, for on leaving, one of them was heard to remark that it “was as good as a circus”—which in fact it was. The third time, the services were conducted by a Chinaman—en costume, of course. With these facts in view the criticism of Paul can be appreciated. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, . . . lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away.”

It is also to be noticed that the means the churches employ to raise money are now as varied as the style of preaching. Church fairs, charity balls, etc., have to some extent become stale and “out of style.” So the church have to make bolder and more strenuous efforts. A short time ago, a paper carnival was given in San Francisco, when an investment of about $25,000 was made to raise $6,500. But as the Christians had a most enjoyable time of dancing and revelry, it was counted as a success. The Roman Catholics of Cincinnati have originated a new plan, which presumably will be taken up by other churches. This plan is to place a theatrical company on the road. This is ahead of anything that has been done yet in this country, but in Paris the climax is reached in the shape of a “charity bull-fight.” This can only be regarded as a startling fulfillment of prophecy in regard to men being “fierce,” as shown in 2 Tim. 3:1-5, but even knowing this, it is almost incredible that such a murderously cruel means should be taken to raise money for professedly charitable purposes. For all this the ministers are responsible, and there is only one remedy. The law of God must be preached. But many ministers dare not do this; they have pampered the taste and tickled the ears of the people to such an extent that they are now at their mercy. The people demand smooth things, and the preachers have to meet the demand; and although the most flamboyant wickedness is practiced in the very church, too often the minister dare not rebuke it, lest some old libertine should throw up his pew.

These are the churches that are expecting the millennium; these are they who wish Christ to be their king. How long will a long-suffering God endure such mockery. “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered.”

FRANK HOPE.