For observe what confession of weakness our Protestant churches are unconciously putting forth on every hand.
Note the dependence which is placed on artistic music, on expensive edifices, on culture and eloquence in the pulpit; on literary and social entertainments for drawing in the people, and on fairs and festivals for paying expenses.
Hear the reports that come in at any annual convention of churches, of the new organs and frescoings and furnishings, and of the - not saints' festivals - but strawberry festivals and the large results therefrom accruing.
And all this from churches that count themselves to be the body of Christ and the habitation of God through the Spirit!
Is not this an infinite descent from the primitive records of power and success - the Lord "conforming the word with signs following" (Mark 16:20, and the preaching which was "not with enticing words of man's wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinthians 2:4)?
- A.J. Gordon
Note the dependence which is placed on artistic music, on expensive edifices, on culture and eloquence in the pulpit; on literary and social entertainments for drawing in the people, and on fairs and festivals for paying expenses.
Hear the reports that come in at any annual convention of churches, of the new organs and frescoings and furnishings, and of the - not saints' festivals - but strawberry festivals and the large results therefrom accruing.
And all this from churches that count themselves to be the body of Christ and the habitation of God through the Spirit!
Is not this an infinite descent from the primitive records of power and success - the Lord "conforming the word with signs following" (Mark 16:20, and the preaching which was "not with enticing words of man's wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinthians 2:4)?
- A.J. Gordon
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