CARD CONVERTS | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 26, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 33.

CARD CONVERTS.

THE following from the Free Methodist (Chicago) is illustrative of how many of the converts of the present day are gathered and counted:—

"We are having in this part of the country some great 'card' revivals. The converts are 'card' converts, and their religion is a 'card' religion. Near the close of the service, the evangelist passes cards through the congregation to all who will take them. The unconverted are asked to sign their names and hand them to the minister, or put them in the contribution on the following evening. That is all. Those who sign are called converted. One of these cards, now being used by Rev. C. H. Yatman, in Youngstown, Ohio, contains the following pledge:—

"I will, by the grace of God, from this day, live a true and earnest Christian life; trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, and run the race to the end. Sign:—"

"On the card some appropriate Scripture texts are printed, and some references are given. Much of the preaching is good and very instructive, and no doubt some are truly saved; but with the great majority it is merely a religion of good resolutions. Jesus did not say 'ye must sign a card,' but 'ye must be born again;' and if the people were converted the cards would not be necessary. O Lord, deliver us from such shams, and give us the genuine."