DECADENCE OF RELIGION

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 7, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 39.

DECADENCE OF RELIGION.

THERE are two sure indexes of the condition of religious life in a church, namely, the prayer-meeting and the family altar. It has been known by nearly all, that, judged by the former, the spirit of devotion in the great religious denominations was at low ebb. It has also been observed by a few, now becoming known to all through recent and wide discussion, that the practise of family prayer is rare indeed, except in ministers' families and among a few old-fashioned professors. Among many expressions in this line are the following:—

"A number of prominent clergymen have expressed their convictions that family worship is on the decline. The reasons generally given are the hurry of our modern life and the way in which secularism presses us upon every side. The perusal of the morning paper might be abridged with profit, and the family started aright for the day. When the flame is allowed to die on the family altar, need we wonder that the home lacks the spiritual tone and unity of Christian interest which we have a right to expect?"—North and West (Presbyterian), Minneapolis.

"The custom of gathering, at morning or evening, to hear the head of the family read the Bible and lead in prayer is the exception, not the rule, in the Christian homes of the United States. It is still observed in some parts of New England and in those sections of the west where New England traditions still persist, and of course is usual in ministers' families and not unknown in other homes all over the country. But it is not common in most communities. Reasons are easy to find. City people nowadays live so far from their work that early trains or street-cars must be 'caught' immediately after breakfast, and the toilers return only in time for a late dinner. The evenings are full with other things. It is probably true that fifteen minutes could be spared either at the beginning or the end of the day, but all the rush and hurry of the time are against it. The old custom was pleasant, and formed a spiritual bond for the family which nothing else can quite replace. If it is really true that it can not be reinstated, some partial substitute is greatly to be desired, if only an hour on Sunday afternoon or evening, or something more than a mere formal grace before meals. It is surely not right that children should never hear their parents speak upon religious topics except in church."—The Standard (Baptist), Chicago.

"If no reformation takes place in this particular, it will not require the gift of miraculous foresight to predict the gradual decline of the church herself, and the loss of many souls through backsliding. We appeal to our ministers and people everywhere to fan the fires to a new flame on the family altar. Give this matter earnest attention. Let every father of a Christian family pray daily in the presence of his children. Let him pray affectionately, tenderly, fervently. Let him gather his family about him to hear him read God's holy Word. Let there be a revival of family religion, an intensifying of family devotion, a reinstatement of the family altar, with all its sacred associations. The neglect of this means of grace is in some cases a positive crime. We plead for a reformation on this matter."—The Evangelical Messenger, Cleveland, O.

It will be seen that the fact of the decline of family prayer is admitted by all. The reasons stated are outwardly and generally admitted correct; but the evil results from the life within, as well as from the pressure without. Religion is not to that home a reality, a blessing, where family prayer is neglected. Nor can there be a substitute for it. A paltry hour or half hour a week will have but little effect on lives crammed so full of the world for the remainder of the week that time can not be often taken for seeking God. The hurry and worry and bustle and work of the age, with its multitudinous duties and temptations render family prayer all the more necessary. But when it is admitted that family worship of God can not be revived, it will easily be seen that the devil will furnish the substitute. That substitute is even now called for in the demand that the public schools shall give, through what will generally be unconverted teachers, religious instruction. We see the fulfilment of our Lord's words, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Matt. 24:12. But State law will never revive it. The only sure basis of revival is faith in God and heart conversion.