GOD AND MAMMON by G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA · Sep 6, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 36.

GOD AND MAMMON.

By G.

A CORRESPONDENT residing at Ocean Park, Los Angeles County, Cal., notes preparations for a great revival effort at that place, where there are many pleasure-seekers and consequently much worldliness during the summer season. The peculiar feature of this religious revival movement is that a conspicuous figure in the services is a minister who is carrying on a rather questionable business for a "revivalist." He is conducting a stereopticon advertising business, and one of the advertisements thrown upon his screen nightly is an invitation to visit a certain German beer garden. The special inducement is that "every lady receives a printed photograph." In the advertisement the place is called "The Roof Garden," and thereby the people—the strangers, especially—are expected to be beguiled.

But this "revivalist," we are told, also advertises the theatrical performances which are of the variety character common at pleasure resorts. He also advertises various brands of cigars, and almost anything that will pay the price. Sundays this minister finds employment in the city, substituting for stated pastors. He is also an enthusiastic advocate of temperance.

A revival under the ministration of such servants of mammon may succeed in drawing a crowd and more money, but the result as to souls saved in the kingdom of God is very questionable. It is a sign of the times, however. With such a tendency increasing on every hand, even the professed ministry yoking the sacred calling with questionable schemes for making money, it is a pertinent question, "When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8.

Appearances certainly indicate that it will be a "little flock" of whom it will be said, "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." "Many are called, but few chosen." It would be well for those who would mingle the works of darkness with the proclamation of the Gospel to be admonished by the Lord's words, "Ye can not serve God and mammon." G.